Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14,362, John Browning, R.I.

SERVICE
R.I.
Browning John Susannah
NUMBER
W. 14,362.
CONTENTS
2

27028 Rhode Island
John Browning of Warwicks in the State of Rhode Island who was a En't in the Company commanded by Captain Parker of the Reg't commanded by Col. Cook in the R.I. Militia line for 23 months Private " Sergeant
Inscribed on the Roll of R.I. Militia at the rate of $1 - Dollars 67 - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of Nov 1833 and sent Hon. A.P. Pierce House of Representatives
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 $204.19 Semi-ant. allowance ending Mar 34 40.83
$245.02
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by H.H. Atkinson Clerk, Book C Vol. 2a Page 126
pay depend. let to agent written to W. Updike 8-1835 let Pen Agal Nov 22 1836 G.A. Brayton

26.977
John Browning
Sergt 1 st M th
Comp 23
The claimant must testify each particular time of action since when & where they were performed & the names of all the officers, particularly the Field Officers under whom he served
A. M. M.
Hon. L. D. Pease
152 27180 1760 832
HR 7662 580 8169
Geo A. Mayton Esq.
Warwick 816 1/2 163 34 R 4083 20419

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
No 51833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Brown
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1775 1 Private Capt Taylor 79   " 1 " "   & some alternate months until the end of the year   1776 some alternate months until the end of Sept. except the months of June & July.   Sept " 3 Capt Barker Col Cook   Jany 1777 1   " 1 & some alternate months until the last July 1778   July 1778 1 Capt Cole Capt Albro   Sept " 1 " & some alternate months until the enemy evacuated N. J.   1779 Oct perform a variety of service until the close of the war  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
G. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[j] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

John Browning
John Browning

I Frederick Hamilton of Warwick in the County of Kent depose and say that I was acquainted with John Browning the within applicant at the commencement of the revolutionary war that he enlisted in September 1776 into Capt James Parker's company in Col John Cooke's regiment and served at Newport at the fort or Battery Point until the British took possession when the troops retreated to Providence where their term of three months expired that this deponent was with said Browning during said term of three months that they were then discharged verbally without pay or provisions that said Browning served in Rhode Island in Sullivan's expedition in August 1778 in James Mowatt's company where this deponent saw him and that they were both in the battle then fought and this deponent further says that he has been ever since an acquaintance with the said Browning and has no doubt that he did the duty which he the said Browning has in his declar- ation stated
Frederick Hamilton
74 Memo for Court of Common Pleas August Term A.D. 1832 Given to in open court the seventh day of the Term Witness John Brown, Clerk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that
Frederic Hamilton who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in the Deportation and that
who also signed the same, are residents in the Town of Warwick in our S o County and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, JOHN BROWN, Clerk of said Court of Common Pleas, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Browning for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this twelfth day of September in the year 1832
John Brown

as a substitute for his said father and for himself when drafted; alternately until the enemy evacuated the Island of Rhode Island.
That after the evacuation in October 1779 he served occasion- ally in the militia in said South Kingstown, and many times within between that time and the close of the war That he served wherever his said father was drafted or called upon he served in his stead except during the time of his said enlistment
and this affiant verily believes that he served in the whole during the war of the revolution at the least four years
That he never received any written discharge and he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an- nuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state
John Brown

of September 1776 he enlisted in the State service of the State of Rhode Island in a company the officers of which were James Parker Capt John Marcheseur 1 st Lieut Stephen Whitman 2 nd Lieut Jonathan Mayson ensign in the regiment commanded by Col John Cooke for the term of three months and served at Newport at the fort on Goat Island until the enemy took possession of Newport when they retreated across the Island to Tiverton where his term of service expired. about the last of December 1776 that he arrived at home in January 1777 and returned to the Militia service. That about the 15 th of January of that year he went as a substitute for his said father and served one month in said North Kingston upon the shores and to guard them. That immediate- ly on the expiration of said month he served as a draughted soldier one month and so continued serving alternately as a substitute for his said father and for himself when draughted, until the about the last of September of that year during said time he served under Capt John Cole that about the last of September until about the last of July 1778. That during said time he served alternately under Capt John Cole and Lieut James Albro
That about the last of July he marched to East Greenwich and there went by water to Tiverton thence to the Island of Rhode Island and served in Sullivan's expedition one month and ten days under James Albro then a Captain was in the advance guard of the right wing of the army was in the battle which took place on the retreat of the army & was wounded in said battle in the finger by a musket ball
That in the early part of September of that year he again served in said North Kingston under Lieut James El Dredge and Capt James Albro alternately and served

Oct 2 on this 29 day of August - 1882 personally appeared in open court before the justices of the Court of Common Pleas with me and for the county of Kent now sitting John Browning a resident of Warwick in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island & aged seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to law soth or his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1882
That he was in North Kingstown on the 22 nd day of June A 1758 and resided there till about the year 1812 except about one year that he resided in South Kingstown and about the year 1812 removed to the town of Warwick where he has ever since resided and now resides he does not know that his age is any where recorded. That in the year 1775 in his seventeenth year and in the summer of that year his father Isaac Browning was draughted and he the said John served as a substitute for his said father under Capt William Taylor one month in North Kingstown guarding the Western shore shore of Narragansett Bay protecting the inhabitants and their stock and property that on the expiration of said period he was himself draughted and served one month under said Taylor and so continued constantly in the service until the end of that year under said Capt Taylor alternately serving as a substitute for his said father and for himself when draughted. That during said times he was sometimes stationed in North Kingstown and sometimes in South Kingstown at a place called Boston Neck and sometimes farther North that in the year 1776 he still continued in the service under Capt John Cole as a substitute for his said father and was continually on duty during said year up to the about last of September of that year except the months of June and July during which months he was permitted to remain at home to attend to the business of his father's farm that about the last

Gardiner
I Elizabeth Browning of North Kingston, in the County of Washington, do hereby certify and say that I am now seventy years of age as much as seventy years of Age. I am the Sister of John Browning who now resides in Warrington, in the County of Kent. I am younger than he. In the Revolutionary War, we both lived in our Father's Family in and North Kingston. And I know that my Brother John Browning served as a Soldier, in the Revolutionary War, and whilst the Enemy were at Newport, I was then about twelve or thirteen years of Age, and I know that he was absent from home, during the three years, the Enemy were at Newport, or great part of the time, nearly all the time. The British were defeated, as I understand and everyone had to leave, when their turn came. I saw other Brothers besides him, who went and served as Soldiers. He always went when his turn came, I cannot say how often it was, but quite often and several times, I heard in the Family, that he went in my Father's room, when Father's turn came to leave.
Witness: Stephen G. Shearman { Elizabeth he Browning Justice of the Peace { Mark
I Stephen Browning of North Kingston, in the County of Washington, do hereby certify and say that I am now eighty years of Age. During the Revolutionary War, I know John Browning who now resides in Warrington, in the County of Kent, but during the Revolutionary War, he lived in the Town of North Kingston, near where his Father's house was John Browning. I know that Brother John Browning served as a Soldier in the War, under General William Howe. I do not know where he was during the War, but I know that he was in the service of the British Army near the end of the War, during the time, the Enemy were at Newport, I have no doubt that he served as a Soldier for years at least. I have no doubt that he was in the service of the British Army in the

New Hampshire - I never heard of Mr. Isaac  Isaac Browning being in or knowing  knowing the son  son of the  the late John Browning and in his stead are unsubstituted  unsubstituted for him.
Stephen Congdon
Isaac Browning of North Kingston, in the County of Washington, an elderly man, do hereby certify that I am sixty eight years of age & shall be sixty nine next Spring. I am the Brother of John Browning, who now lives in Haverhill in the County of Kent. In the time of the Revolutionary War, whilst the enemy were at Newport, I was quite young, eight or ten years of age and a member of the said John Browning being away from home, a great part of the time, and as I then understood, doing duty in the militia on the islands. I heard much talk about the family. My Father never went himself, but my Brother John went in his room, after his tour round, and as I then understood & have often since heard them very concerned. I know that my Father gave him a horse for riding in his stead. He always cared for my Father & himself except once or twice, when my Brother Daniel now deceased went and cared for him - Witness my hand & seal this 15th day of October 1856 - Isaac Browning
Washington ss - In North Kingston -
October 15 th 1856 - Personally appeared before me the Subscribed, a Justice of the Peace, for said North Kingston, the Elizabeth Goodwin, Stephen Congdon and Isaac Browning, whose names are subscribed to the above & annexed Deposition, and who after being by me duly examined, continued & sworn gave the said Deposition. And further certify that the said Elizabeth Goodwin, Stephen Congdon & Isaac Browning are well known to me, and that their characters for truth & veracity are good - Sylvester G. Shearman Justice of the Peace

Rhode Island - 2359
Susannah Browning widow of John Browning, dec'd who died on the 27 th Feb'y 1828 of liver w ch in the State of R Island who was a P er S er g t in the Comp ny commanded by Captain Parker of the Reg t commanded by Cook in the R Island line for 2 years R.I.
Inscribed on the Roll of R Island at the rate of 88 Dollars 66 - Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March , 1838.
28 Feb'y
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 nd day of Oct r 38 and sent bond claimants Warwick, R. I.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept r $ 200.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 40.00
$ 240.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by R. Bussell Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 - Page 82

3727.
Susannah Prudden now of John
R. I a
act 4 July '36.
married in '19
admd 23 mo pri. 1 - derg.
$8186
deduct. died 27. Feby 1838. plex: Commenced on 28. Feby 1838.
claimant
Warwick
R. I a

State of Rhode Island County of Kent } ss
On the Thirteenth day of August A.D. 1838 personally appeared in open court before the Court of Probate of the Town of Warwick in said County. Susanna Browning a resident of Warwick in the County and State aforesaid aged Seventy six years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Con- gress passed July 4 th 1836. That she is the widow of John Browning who was a private and sergeant in the war of the revolution. That during the war of the revolution he resided in North Kingston in said State that he enter- ed the service of the United States in the year 1775 in the militia of said North Kingston and served therein during the greater part of the time under Capt. William Gaylin in Col. Brown's regiment until September 1776 when he enlisted in Capt. Packard's company in Col. Cooke's regi- ment and served therein three months at Newport & Tiverton That from the month of January 1777 here until the termination of the war of the revolution he served again in the militia of said Town of North Kingston at different places and under the following officers at different times viz Capt. Gaylin, Col. L. Albro, Col. Brown & Dyer and served in the whole more than two years all which said services are more particularly set forth in the declaration made by the said John Brown- ing in the month of August A.D. 1832 and the accompanying papers now on file in the War Department whereon a pension certificate was granted him N o 27028 and dated on the Thirteenth day of December 1833 to which papers she now refers for the particulars of said service & proof

She further declares that she was married to the said John Browning on the Twenty second day of July in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy Nine that he has since the aforesaid John Browning died on the Twenty seventh day of February in the year Eighteen hundred and Eighty Eight and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof sheets annexed per Susannah X Browning mark Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written in open court Witness Geo A Proctor Probate Clerk
We Stephen Browning and George W Gardner both residents in Warwick in the County of Kent do hereby declare that we were well acquainted with John Browning who was a pensioner of the United States and with Susanna Browning the applicant above named that the said John Browning died in said Warwick on the 27 th day of February A D 1838 that the said Susanna Browning is the widow of the said John Browning deceased and has not been married since the death of the said John Browning Stephen Browning
Sworn to and subscribed in open court Witness Geo A Proctor Probate Clerk Great Yarmouth

And the said board do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter that the said John Browning was a soldier of the revolution and served as is stated in the foregoing declaration that the above named applicant Susanna Browning was married to the said John Browning on the Twenty second day of July A D 1779. that the said John Browning died at said Warwick on the Twenty seventh day of February A D 1838 and that the said Susanna Brown- ing has not been married since the death of the said John Browning. And the said board do further certify that the said Susanna Browning and Stephen Browning and George W. Gardner who have signed the foregoing certificate are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I George A. Brayton clerk of the board of Probate of the said Town of Warwick do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said board in the matter of the application of Susanna Browning for a pension.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office the Thirteenth day of August in the year Eighteen hundred and Thirty Eight.
Geo A. Brayton Probate Clerk.

These may certify all Persons whom it may concern that John Browning and — Susanna Willcox both of North Kingston was Lawfully married July y e 22 nd Day A D 1779 by me James Wightman Eld r

L. W. B. W. 14362.
This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
November 3rd, 1897.
Madam:-
Replying to your request for information concerning John Browning, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that he made an application for pension on August 29th, 1832, at which time he was 74 years of age and residing at Warwick, Rhode Island, and his pension was allowed for two years' actual service as a private and sergeant in the Rhode Island troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Parker and Col. Cook. He enlisted at North Kingston, Rhode Island.
His widow, Susannah, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Mrs. Louise D. Carter,
43 Eagle Street,
Utica, New York.

Statement of service of John Browning

J L Edwards Esq
Warwick Dec 3 1883
Sir
I herewith transmit a statement of the revenue of John Browning as it will appear from the enclosed papers
Very Respectfully your ob d Servt Geo A Brayton

Statement of M service of John Browning
   Period J.R.D. Rank Officers age & place of birth when he entered service Proofs     1775 1 Private Capt Taylor 74 Frasburgh 2 living witnesses   " 1 " Col Brown Scottish   " 1 " St Col Pierce Kingstown   " 1 "   1776 1 " Capt Taylor   " 1 " St Col   " 1 " Col Brown   " 1 " St Col Pierce   " 1 "   Sept 3 " Capt Parker Col Cooke   1778 5 " Capt Taylor St Col Col Dyer St Col Legun   Jun May 1777 May 1778 12 " Capt Col St Congdon   1778 Jun 1 " Capt Mbro. Col Dyer   July 1 " " "   Aug 1 Capt " "   Sept 1 Private Capt Mbro "   Jun Sept 1778 " Capt Mbro   to Oct 1779 11 " St Eluned   1779 & 1780 1.20 " Capt Mbro St Eluned  

John Browning R.I.D. act of June - when last paid? J.M.C.
Sept 29. 38.
Pt. 27 Feb 1838
OH

Warwick R I Aug 17 1888
Sir I herewith enclose the application of Susanne Browning widow of John Browning late of Warwick in the State deceased which I beg may be examined as early as may be consistently with the business of the department. She is anxious as may well be supposed for as early decision all the evidence of service is on file in your department with the application of her late husband and can require I think but little time in the examination on granting the certificate it may be directed to me at this place
Very respectfully your obed serv
* X Geo H Mayhew
Hon J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
x not legible x G.H.M.

Washington Is - The State of Rhode Island &c - Your Clerk there, of the Town of North Kingstown -
I Nicholas M Spink, Town Clerk of the Town of North Kingstown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, do hereby certify that Cynthia J Sleeper,
before whom the annexed Deposition, now tendered unto her, is a true copy of the same, for said North Kingstown legally chosen by the General Assembly of this State, and duly commissioned by the Governor thereof, for a Commission bearing date the fourth day of May in the year 1856 - And that he is duly engaged to said Commission and in all respects legally qualified to act in said capacity. And that the signature hereunto annexed, purporting to be his signature, is his proper signature, in his own hand writing, known to me at least. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 18th day of October in the year 1856 -
Nich. M. Spink Town Clerk _____ Probate Clerk

Hon the J L Edwards
Commission of Pension Washington City D.C.

Warwick R I Oct 26 th 1836
I herewith forward to you the depositions of Elizabeth Browning Isaac Browning and Stephen Congdon in sup- port of the claim of John Browning for a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. A pension was granted him upon his declaration made in 1832 now on file in the department. This was afterwards stopped on the ground as I understand that he could not have served as much as is stated in his declaration. It will seen from these depositions that Mr Browning served whenever he was drafted. and that in addition to this he served as a substitute for his father Isaac Browning whenever his father was drafted and that his father afterwards rewarded him a part with a house. These facts are fully established by the deposition of Elizabeth Gardner and Isaac Browning members of the family and so far fully sustain the declaration and it will also be seen by the deposition of Stephen Congdon who was during the war a neighbor of Mr Browning that from what he saw of Browning's service and from what he heard at the time he has no doubt that he served as a soldier two years at least and though he has lived in the same neighborhood ever since he never heard it doubted by any one. It appears too from these depositions that he was absent from home nearly all the time

while the enemy were at Newport. This was from Dec r 1776 to Oct 1778, and if he was absent the greater part of the time he would as stated by Congdon have served two years within that period But Perry served (as it proved by the affidavits filed with his declaration) three months as an enlisted soldier at Newport previous to the arrival of the British Troops and he also served after the evacuation by the enemy as did all the militia more or less Can it be doubted that he served two years in the whole? If reputation were sufficient Congdon says he never heard it doubted that he served two years no man in the neighborhood doubted it
The objection then of any remains must be that although he served as I believe much more than two years he is to be deprived of the benefits of that service because he may have supposed and believed (as undoubtedly he did believe) that he served many months beside
For many successive months he must have served first for himself and then as a substitute for his father - at other periods he would have been perhaps on duty but two months out of three - and even in that way he could not have fill his father's place without serving more than two years
It is now impossible for him to state more particularly his service his mind having been much impaired by disease
It seems to me however that the department will be from all the evidence now produced be entirely satisfied that he served as a soldier at least two years during the war of the revolution and is entitled to a pension for that service and that he will be reinstated upon the Pension Roll
I remain Your Ob t Serv t Geo A. Bragdon

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations County of Kent ss.
I Silas Weaver Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court in the county aforesaid being a court of Record do hereby certify that Charles Brayton is a justice of the Supreme Judicial of said State of Rhode Island and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to all his official acts and that his signature above is his genuine signature in his own hand-wr- iting
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at East Greenwich on this second day of December one Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty three
Silas Weaver Clerk.

State of Rhode Island &c County of Kent ss
On this Thirtieth day of November A 1833 personally appeared before me Charles Brayton one of the justices of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State of Rhode Island John Browning as applicant for a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 and being first duly sworn deposes and says that at the time he entered the service of the United States he resided in North Kingstown that he entered the service in the month of September 1775 as a substitute for his father Isaac Browning who was draughted and served as such one month That in Oct 1775 he was draughted and served one month That in Nov 1775 he served one month as a substitute for his father
That in December 1775 he was draughted and served one month That all the preceding services were performed in Capt Taylor's Company in Col Robert Brown's regiment Lt Col George Pierce and in North Kingstown at a place called Boston Neck That in January 1776 he served one month as a substitute for his father who was draughted
That in February 1776 he served one month being himself draughted That in March 1776 he served one month as a substitute for his father who was again draughted
That in April 1776 he was draughted and served one month That in May 1776 he served one month as a substitute for his father
That all said service in the year 1776 was in the company aforesaid under Capt Taylor according to the best of his recollection three of said months & two of said months under Lt Col Pierce the Lieut of said company in the regiment under Col Brown & Lt Col Pierce That all said service was performed on said Boston Neck in North Kingstown

That in Sept 1776 he enlisted in Capt Parkers company in Col Cooks regiment & served three months as stated in his declaration
That in January 1777 he served one month in said North Kingstown as a substitute for his father in Capt Taylor company in Col Byers regiment at Col Legun.
That he served from that time till the month of May 1777 & including said  July 1778 in said North Kingstown in said company two months under Capt Taylor & two months under Lieut Cole being draughted two of said months and served the other two months as a substitute for his father That all said service in the year 1777 was performed at said Boston Neck and near to a place called the North Ferry and in Col Byers regiment
That from the month of May 1777 to the month of May 1778 he served in the same company under Capt Cole & Lt Congdon in the regiment under Col Byers at said Boston Neck That he was draughted for six of said months and for the remaining six months he served as a substitute for his father That Capt Cole generally commanded said company but that at several times said company was commanded by Lt Congdon
That in June 1778 he served as a substitute for his father one month under Capt Albro in Col Byers regiment at said Boston Neck
That in July 1778 he was draughted and marched to Rhode Island as stated in his declaration and served one month in Sullivan's expedition under Capt Albro in Col Byers regiment
That immediately on the expiration of said last service his father was draughted for one month and he now recollects he served as a substitute for him Twenty days next following in said expedition and on Rhode Island and at Newport & the residue of said month at said Boston Neck and served as commanding officer of said

company in the place of St James Eldred who was absent from sickness. That it was during this last service that the retreat took place and that he was wounded as stated in his declaration.
That in Sept 1778 he was draughted and served one month at said Boston Neck under Capt Albro in Col Dyer's regiment & was stationed at the North Ferry.
That he served from that time, eleven months to the month of October 1779 when the British evacuated Rhode Island, in Capt Albro company in Col Dyer's regiment. That he served as a draughted soldier five of said month in said time and six months as a substitute for his father and that he served four of said month under St Eldred in the absence of Capt Albro and the remainder under said Albro.
That he does not recollect to have served much after that time except upon alarms but that he well remembers that he was called out upon alarms at many different times in the years 1779 & 1780. I served from one to five days at a time I served in the whole not less than fifty days in that way under Capt Albro & St Eldred.
That he well remembers that he always served out his father's draughts as well as his own and that he was continually in service from the time he first served in 1775 until the enemy evacuated Rhode Island with the exception of two months in 1776 and one month in 1778 in May.
That during all his service aforesaid he was not engaged in any casual pursuit but in actual military duty. That he at all times served as a private except for one month when he served in the place of St Eldred as herein before.

State & acted as commanding officer of the company and the most he when he served as sergeant at Boston Neck and quartered at what was then called the "Sheffield house".
that he quartered at the following places on Boston Neck to wit at the Sheffield house at the house of Beryo Gardner at the house of John Congdon and at what was then called "The Portway House".
that during all said service he was not engaged in any civil amount but in actual military duty under the officers herein before mentioned
that he recollects that one time during his service at Boston Neck that they were called to march to Point Judith to take a British vessel and that they took from her a great quantity of property & that she was finally set on fire by the British tars
that at another time he marched to East Greenwich on an alarm that the British were landing at Warwick Neck at the time the enemy burnt the dwellings on the Island of Penderer
that at another time he went with the company onto the Island of Conanicut to drive off the British who had landed there the night before but they had retreated before the company came up with them
John Brownson
Subscribed and sworn to by the said John Brownson before me This 30 th day of November A 1833
Charles Mayton Judge of the Supreme Judicial Court

James Reynolds of Charleston, in the County of Washington, aged Seventy six years, and engaged according to Law, gives the following Deposition — viz.
That he the Deponent was with John Browning at the same time Soldiers in a Company of Militia under the command of Capt. William Taylor, in the time of the Revolutionary War — and that said John Browning did duty for himself and his father —
That the Deponent was with said John Browning, on Rhode Island at the time of Sullivan's expedition — and under the command of Capt. James Albro.
That the Deponent was in the service with said Browning (in all) between two and three years — a part of which time, they were under the command of Capt. John Cole — James Reynolds
Washington D.C. At South Berwyn, on the 3 rd day of Sept. 1832.
Then appeared the aforesaid James Reynolds, and after being carefully examined, cautioned and affirmed to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, gave the aforesaid Deposition, which was by me in his presence reduced to writing, and by him subscribed in my presence.
Taken at the request of John Browning to be used before the Court of Common Pleas, to be held at East Greenwich, within and for the County of Kent on the Monday in February next, on the application of said John Browning for a Pension under the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
Beryl Hull Just. Pleas

Washington Sc. At South Kingston June 7 th 1833,
I hereby Certify (in addition to the within Certif- icatory so signed on the 3 rd day of Septem r . 1832) that James Reynolds (the within Deponent) is well known to me, and that he sustains a good character for truth, and that his Deposition is entitled to Credit -
Benj t Hull Just e Peace
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington Sc. } Clerk's Office Court Common Pleas.
I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Court Common Pleas do hereby certify that Benjamin Hull Esq, whose signature in his own proper hand writing is hereto prefixed was on the third day of September 1832 and now is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of South Kingston in the County of Washington legally chosen by the General Assembly. Commissioned by the Governor and otherwise qualified as the Law requires that full faith & credit ought to be given to his
Attestat
in the United States of America
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the Court aforesaid this seventh day of June 1833
Sam l Helme Clerk
Am fees 25 cents
Deposition James Reynolds

Polyprey Austin of North Kingston in the County of Washington, of  Lawful aged seventy  Eighty one years and engaged according to Law, gives the following Deposition, viz
That the Deponent was with John Browning at the same time Soldier in a Company of Militia under the command of Capt. William Taylor, in the time of the Revolutionary War — That said John Browning did duty for himself and his father — That the Deponent was with the said John Browning, on Rhode Island, at the time of Sullivan's expedition — under the command of Capt. James Albro. — That the Deponent was in the service with said Browning (in all) about four years — a part of which time, that they were under the command of Capt. John Cole & Capt. James Parker — Solemnly Affixed
Washington Sc. At South Kingston, on the 3 rd day of Sept. 1832.
Then appeared the aforesaid Polyprey Austin, and after being carefully examined cautioned and affirmed to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth gave the aforesaid Deposition, which was by him in his presence reduced to writing, and by him subscribed in my presence —
Taken at the request of John Browning to be used before the Court of Common Pleas to be holden at East Greenwich within and for the County of Kent on the Monday in February next, on the application of said John Browning, for a Pension, under the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. —
Benj a Hull Justo. Deans

Washington Se. N o 3 South Kingston June 7 th 1833,
I hereby Certify (in addition to the within Certificate by me signed on the 3 rd day of Septem r . 1832) that Polypus Austin (the within Deposition) is well known to me, and that he sustains a good Character for truth, and that his Deposition is entitled to credit —
Benj t Hull Just. Peace
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Washington Se d Clerk's Office Court of Common Pleas.
I, Samuel Helme Clerk of the Court Aforesaid do hereby Certify that Benjamin Hull Esq t whose Signature in his own proper hand Writing is hereto prefixed was on the third day of September A.D. 1832 and now is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of South Kingston in the County of Washington Legally chosen by the General Assembly Commissionsed by the Governor and otherwise qualified as the Law requires that full faith and credit Ought to be given to Attestation throughout the United States of America.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Affixed the Seal of the Court Aforesaid this Seventh day of June in the Year 1833
Sam l Helme Clerk
(en/pas 28 cents)
Washington Polypus Austin

Polypay Austin of South Kingston in the County of Washington, of  being  now  Eighty one years  aged  aged  engaged  engaged according to Law, gives the following Deposition, viz
That the Deponent was with John Browning at the same time Soldier in a Company of Militia under the Command of Capt. William Taylor, in the time of the Revolutionary War — That said John Browning did duty for himself and his father — That the Deponent was with the said John Browning, on Rhode Island, at the time of Sullivan's expedition — under the Command of Capt. James Albro. — That the Deponent was in the service with said Browning (in all) about four years — a part of which time, that they were under the Command of Capt. John Cole & Capt. James Parker — Solomon Hester
Washington Sc. At South Kingston, on the 3 rd day of Sept. 1832.
Then appeared the aforesaid Polypay Austin, and after being carefully examined cautioned and affirmed to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth gave the foregoing Deposition, which was by me in his presence reduced to Writing, and by him subscribed in my presence —
Taken at the request of John Browning to be used before the Court of Common Pleas to be holden at East Greenwich within and for the County of Kent on the Monday in February next, on the application of said John Browning, for a Pension, under the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 —
Benj a Hull Justo. Dean

John Browning Warwick R.I. 26.977
George A. Brayton 2 Warwick R.R.

State of Rhode Island &c County of Kent &c
On this 10 th day of June A 1833 personally appeared in open court before the Court of Probate of the town of Warwick in said county John Browning the aforementioned declarant and being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following additional declaration that he can from old age and loss of consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the following periods in the following grades for three years and six months as a private I served as a private and for one month then I served as a lieutenant but without any commission JOHN BROWNING
Subscribed and Sworn to in open court
June 10 th A 1833
Witness Charles Mayhew Probate Clerk
And we Thomas Manchester a minister of the gospel residing in West Greenwich but late a resident in said Warwick and Seth Burke residing in said Warwick hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Browning who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Thos Manchester
Seth Burke
Subscribed and Sworn to in open court June 10 th 1833
Witness Charles Mayhew Probate Clerk

And the said Court of Probate do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the said Court further certifies that it appears to them that there is no clergyman residing in the neighbourhood of the said applicant that Thomas Manchester who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in New Greenwich in the State that he was lately and for a long time a resident in said War- wick and now has the pastoral care of a church therein that Seth Burke who has also signed the same is a resident in said Warwick and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit I Charles Mayton Clerk of the said Court of Probate of the State of Warwick do hereby certify that the foregoing cer- tifies the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Browning for a pension
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this tenth day of June in the year 1883
Charles Mayton Probate Clerk

Carter
Rev WIDOW, &c.
Nov. 3/97 Mrs. Louise D. Ulrica, N.Y. Norman M. Isham Advised rel. to maiden name widow, Oct. 29/1929 Mrs.
File No. 14362
Sarahannah Browning
Widow of
John Browning
Sergt Rev War
Act: July 4th 36
Index:—Vol. a , Page 84
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Utica Oct 23 1897
To Hon J. H. Clay Evans Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
Will you kindly inform me whether or not you have any record of one John Browning having been a soldier, from the State of Rhode Island, in the war of the Revolution . If so will you state the com- pany & regiment that he belonged to & the date of his enlistment and discharge from that service, & whether or not he was a pensioner.
By so doing you will greatly oblige
Yours Very Truly (Mrs) Louise D. Carter.
43 Eagle St Utica N.Y.

NORMAN M. ISHAM, ARCHITECT, WICKFORD, R. I.
United States Pension Bureau, Washington, D.C.
August 31, 1929
Gentlemen:
In the list of Revolutionary Pensioners of 1840 occurs the name of Susanna Browning , widow of John.
In the list of 1835 is John Browning Kent Co., R.I. pension began 1831.
I shall be greatly obliged to you if you will kindly give me the maiden name of the said Susanna Browning, if it is to be found in your records.
Yours very truly
Norman M. Isham.

Rev. & 1812 War Section
He C.S. Am
October 29, 1929
Mr. Norman M. Isham Wickford Rhode Island
Dear Sir:
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 14362, it appears that John Browning and Susanna Willcox, both of North Kingston, Rhode Island, were married July 22, 1779.
In 1832 John Browning was living in Warwick, Kent County, Rhode Island.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner