Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16,869, Robert Brownell, Mass. R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass. R.I.
Brownell, Robert Judith
W 16,869
CONTENTS

New-York R 4626
Hisintia
Judith Brownell widow of Robert Brownell who died on the 29th March, 1832, of Madison in the State of New-York who was a Pri. in the Comp. commanded by Captain Map of the Regt. commanded by _____ in the Revolution for 6 Mo. 23 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 22 Dollars 54 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st 29th day of March, 1832.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of November, 1848, and sent at G. Merrell
Arrears to the 4th of Vernon Semi-annual allowance ending Oneida Co. N. York
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd
Recorded by Th. Runkin Clerk, Book Vol. 1. Page 108

6916 Judith Brownell Widow of Robert Brownell N
Norton G. Merrill ad 4 May 1836 Vernon Oneida Co.
Married 1776 N.Y. Joint Instead ad, 29 March 32
Adm 6 mo 23 days in- $2254 per annum Mar 29 March 1832
N.G. Merrill Vernon Oneida Co.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
February 3. 1847.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Robert Brownell, is borne upon a Pay Roll of 13 Men raised by order of Court of June 8 to serve in Rhode Island, and by order of Court of June 22, doing duty at Dartmouth as a private from August 1 to November 21 1779. 3 Months and 21 days.
3 M
Upon a Pay Roll of Capt George Clag Hornes Company, in Col Miel Mitchell's regt from the County of Bristol, as a private from July 31 to October 31 1780, including allowance of day for travel. 3 Months and 2 days.
3 2 6-23
The preceding is all the evidence of service of any one of the name shown by the

Military records in this Office.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Perry,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Robert Brownell
Judith Brownell
his widow, 91 years old Stockbridge Madison of Vermont Domicile Co. N.Y.
2669

Signed also in presence of Samuel Porter

Marriage certificate of Robert Brownell To Judith Tabor

I James Sprout Clerk of the courts in Bristol County in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts do testify and say that there is in my office a record of Marriages solemnized by Samuel West Minister from February 17 th 1774 to February 11. 1787 - Among the number is the following viz - "Robert Brannell to Judah Gaver both of Dartmouth were married December twenty second Seventeen hundred Seventy six" - That it is a true copy of the record so far as relates to said Marriage, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows " Dec r 22 d 1776 "
J. Sprout
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Bristol County ss. January 29. 1847 Subscribed and sworn to by James Sprout aforementioned. Before me J. Massett Just. of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
ss. I, James Sprout, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Richard Barnett, Esq., whose signature is affixed to the foregoing Certificate, is a Justice of the Peace, in said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and

affixed the seal of said Court, at Tarrenton this twenty ninth day of January, in the year Eighteen hundred & forty seven,
Col. Groves

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 16869
Judith Brownell
Widow of
Robert Brownell
Priv. Rev. War
Act: July 4, 1836
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 89
[Arrangement of 1870.]

V
M 69 16
Judith Brownell Ms
M. J. Merrill Apr 23/87 N. G. Merrill July 31/47 del. to same Sept 17/47 " " " Nov. 10 '47 del. to Pitts Dec 29. 47
act 4 July 1836

Reported
New-York 32627
Robert Brownell dec. late of Madison Co. in the State of New-York who was a Private in the Comp. commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt. commanded by _____ in the Revolution for 6. Mo. 23 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany. at the rate of 22 Dollars 54 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831, and ending 29th March, 1832.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of Nov. 1848, and sent to N.Y. Merrill Esq.
Arrears to the 4th of March, Pensional allowance ending Oneida Co. Payable to his D. V. widow Judith Brownell.
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Th. D. Smith, Clerk, Book E 2 Vol. 4 Page 8.

N 37.633
Robert Brumlee die d . NY.
act 7 June 1832
Adm 6 mo 23 days
$2254 frac
from 4 March 1831 to 21 March 1832 - the amt of his death payable to his widow Judith Brumlee, under the 2 nd Section of act 4 July 1836
Stanton & Merrill
Vernon
Onciaw Co NY

by Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th June 1832
State of New York County of Madison ss:
On this 24th day of April 1848
personally appeared before me Judith Brownell widow of Robert Brownell deceased, a resident of the town of Stockbridge in the County of State aforesaid aged Ninety three years and upward, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oaths and in the name of her husband the said Robert Brownell deceased make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That her husband the said Robert Brownell deceased was an inhabitant of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts. That he entered the service of the United States at several different periods. At one time in the year 1779. & served three months twenty one days and again in the year 1781. When he served three months two days. That the names of his officers were Capt. George Claghorn and Col. Abiel Mitchell and that for the proof more fully of the commencement and termination of each service she refers the Commission of Pensions to the certificate of the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts now on file in her own case under the act of Congress of the 4th July 1836.
In the name of Robert Brownell deceased she hereby relinquishes ever claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present and she declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any Agency in any State Sworn to and subscribed the day/year aforesaid
Her Judith Brownell mark
JAMES W. NAYE Judge of Madison County Clerk
Signed in presence of Daniel Brewer

Clerk's Office Madison County ss:
I A. Scott Sloan Clerk of said County do hereby certify that James W. Nye whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Declaration under oath, before whom it was taken and also whose name is subscribed to the within Certificate, was at the date thereof Judge of Mad- ison County Courts - and that I am well ac- quainted with his hand writing and verily believe the signatures of said Judge to the foregoing Declaration & Certificate are genuine
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said County this 26 th day of April 1848
A. Scott Sloan Clerk In Wm A Holmes Deputy (Clerk absent)

I hereby certify that from an Examination of the case it appears that the said Robert Bromell died on the 29 th day of March 1832 and that the said Judith Bromell is his widow
And I further declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter that the above named Robert Bromell was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as stated in the above declaration.
James W Nye Judge of Middlesex County Courts
The above proceedings were held at the residence of the applicant as she would be unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity
James W Nye Judge of Middlesex County Courts
60

Affidavit of Identity
of the said Court House the 15 th day of March 1847. Robert H. Allen Clerk

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 4 th July 1836 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows and Orphans."
State of New York County of Madison ss:
On this 10 th day of March 1847 personally appeared before the undersigned a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County Judith Brownell a resident of the town of Stockbridge in the County and State aforesaid aged Ninety one 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 Congress passed July 4 th 1836 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows," That she is the widow of Robert Brownell late of Stockbridge in the County of Madison & State of New York deceased. That her late husband Robert Brownell aforesaid was an inhabitant of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol & State of Massachusetts and that during the Revolutionary war said Robert performed several Terms of Military duty in the army, part in the Rhode Island and part in the Massachusetts Troops all the particulars of which she cannot now remember, thro. lapse of time & loss of memory. She distinctly remembers that said Robert always affirmed that when the Revolutionary war first broke out he was then learning the Trade of a Carpenter in the town of Providence Rhode Island and that he enlisted for Eight Months (in Captain Thayers or Talbotts Company) and marched away with the said Company

to Boston or vicinity where he was stationed during the Battle of Bunker Hill - after said eight months had expired said Robert still continued to serve some time longer at the request of his Captain but was finally discharged from the service and returned to Dartmouth now New Bedford where he was married to this declarant by Rev. Samuel West, after which said Robert was again called into the service of his country and performed several terms of Military duty at Dartmouth & Rhode Island For the particulars of which and its duration she refers to the accompanying certificate of the Secretary of State of Massachusetts. She further declares that her late husband Robert Brownell aforesaid was a member of the Society of Friends and that he could not be prevailed upon to take the requisite oath to enable him to obtain a pension although often urged to do so, having conscientious scruples about the propriety of taking an oath.
She further declares that she was married to the said Robert Brownell on the 22 nd day of December in the year Seventeen hundred seventy six; That her husband the aforesaid Robert Brownell died on the 29 th day of March Eighteen hundred & thirty two that she was married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four; at the time above stated.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written, before me
Judith his Brownell mark Signed in presence of Samuel Porter J. Brown
Friend Barron Judge of Madison County Court

I certify that this declaration was not made in open Court that the declarant by reason of her advanced age and bodily infirmity would be unable to attend any Court of Record to be held in the said County of Madison
Frederick Barnard Judge of Madison County Courts
State of New York Madison County Clerks Office
ss I A Scott Sloan Clerk of said County and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County hereby certify that Friend Barnard Esq before whom the fore- going declaration was subscribed & sworn & who signed the the foregoing certificate was on the day of the date thereof a Judge of Madison
County Courts duly Commissioned and qualified. That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and verily believe that his signature in the three several places to the foregoing declaration & certificate is genuine. In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court & County this 15 th day of March 1847
A Scott Sloan Clerk

State of New York Madison County ss:
On this 26 th day of February 1847 personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for said county Deliverance Brewer of the town of Stockbridge in said county who being duly sworn deponeth and says that he was acquainted with the late Robert Brownell of said town of Stockbridge who was a revolutionary soldier that the said Robert died the 29 th day of March 1832 and that he is also well acquainted with Judith Brownell of said town the widow of the said Robert Brownell and that the said Robert Brownell was the husband of the said Judith Brownell and that they lived together as husband and wife to the time of the said Robert's death Sworn & subscribed to This 26 th day of February 1847 Ira Symon Justice of the peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with Deliverance Brewer the above affiant and that he is a man of truth and full and implicit confidence can be reposed in his statements and I verily believe the same to be true Ira Symon Justice of the peace

State of New York Madison County Clerks Office } ss I A Scott Sloan clerk of said County. and clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County hereby certify that Ira Lyman Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit was subscribed and sworn & who signed the foregoing certificate was on the day of the date thereof a justice of the Peace in and for said County duly elected and qualified. That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the said affidavit and also to the said certificate is genuine. In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court & County this 15 th day of March 1847.
A Scott Sloan Clerk
Affidavit of Identity

March 3 rd 1847
South Barree,
Aug 4. 1836.
J L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pension Washington D.C.

Vernon Oneida Co. N.Y. March 18. 1847
Dear Sir
Enclosed are papers containing proof to establish the pension claim of Widow Judith Brownell on account of the Revolutionary services of her late husband Robert Brownell
Respectfully Yours -
Norton G Merrell
J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston July 3 d 1847.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Pardons Fater was a justice of the Peace for the County of Bristol,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol June 24, 1847.
Then personally appeared Salmon Faber, Esq., and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit, by him subscribed, before me. Pardon Faber Justice of the Peace
I, also, hereby certify that the said Salmon Faber is a person of immovable property. Pardon Faber Justice of the Peace

I, Sabes Tabor a resident of Fairhaven in the county of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy three years. Being sworn do on oath testify, and say, that I was formerly well acquainted with Robert Brownell of this place, then called Dartmouth. Said Robert Brownell married Judith Tabor, daughter of Peter Tabor, a neighbor of myself & late Martha family. The marriage took place at an early period.
Soon after the revolutionary war was over, said Robert Brownell moved to the state of New York, where it is reported he died some thirteen or fourteen years since, I do not know the precise time.
Said Judith Brownell occasionally visited her friends in this vicinity since their removal to New York, as above stated. I was young in the time of the Revolutionary War, and therefore I have no distinct recollection of said Robert's serv- -ing as a soldier, therein.
I never knew of but one person by the name of Robert Brownell in the time of the Revolutionary War, and that one is the person above named.

Judith Brownell Widow of Robert (Reay) NY
File 16869

Vernon Oliver to M.P. July 12/47
Dear Sir
Enclosed is Supplementary Evidence in the case of Mrs Judith Brownell widow of the late Robert Brownell a Revolutionary Soldier
I think it will be found sufficient to prove identity of persons & that Robert Brownell mentioned in the Secretary's certificate is the identical husband of the applicant
As to the requirements contained in your letter of the 23 rd April last Mr. Edwards will on reflection see that they cannot be complied with at this late day -
You observe in your letter that so important a part as that of the order for her husband's service at a distant post being countermanded & of his having been stationed at home could hardly have escaped the recollection of Mrs Brownell
It is found almost impossible to set forth in application for evidence of service accurately and fully the particulars of the husband's services, owing rather to an impaired mind or never having been familiar with the particulars of their service. Mrs. Brownell is 92 years old, very infirm too & with a mind very much impaired - I would respectfully ask what particular detail of Revolutionary services can be expected from a woman of this age and under these circumstances?
In consideration of these facts I hope due allowance may be made & that no technical objections may be taken for want of conformity in the Secretary's certificate of Mr. Brownell's services & the widow's application
The Secretary of Massachusetts Certifies as appears from the Books that Robert Brownell done duty at Dartmouth as a private & then again in Col. Mitchell's Regt. from the Co. of Bristol as a private Mrs. Brownell alleges that her husband was an inhabitant of Bristol Co. (Now New Bedford.)

Joby Joby Esq of Falmouth Co. Bristol in his affidavit accompanying this says he was well acquainted with Robert Brownell of this place then called Dartmouth said Robert Brownell married Judith Joby. These different names mean the same. The Record of Marriage too says that Robert Brownell & the applicant Judith Joby were both of Dartmouth . Mr. Joby also declares that he never knew of but one person by the name of Robert Brownell in the time of the Revolutionary war and that one is the person above named .
A man of Mr. Joby's intelligence & extensive acquaint- -ance with the names of men in his section of country would not be likely to be mistaken on this point.
The evidence originates, locates, makes Robert Brownell an inhabitant of Dartmouth . The Secretary Certificate of service shows that Robert Brownell of this place performed said service and Joby Joby Esq. swears that he never knew any other Robert Brownell in the time of the Revolution.
With these facts & circumstances before him I doubt not the Commission will find the preponderance of evidence so decidedly in favor of the application as to feel justified in granting the Claim.
Respectfully yours &c.
N. G. Merrell
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Vernon Oneida Co. N.Y. Oct. 20 1844
Dear Sir
I have rec d your of the 17 th ult. informing me that the evidence in the case of Judith Brownell widow of Robert Brownell is satisfactory to establish the husband's services for six months twenty three days but before she can receive a Certificate authorizing her to draw the amount due from the 4 th March 1831. to the date of her husband's death she must file an application for the same under the act of June 7 th 1832
I have never had a similar case, am not familiar with the manner the application should be drawn & am not able to obtain a form of one here. If you have ability to do so I wish you would send me one
Yours Respectfully
N. G. Merrell
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Vernon Oneida Co. N.Y. Dec. 20 1837
Dear Sir Yours of the 10. ult. relative to the case of Judith Brownell was rec d in due time together with the printed sheet containing the necessary instruc- -tions for asserting the claim of Robert Brownell de d under the act of 7 th July 1832.
Immediately on the reception of said instructions I drew the application of the widow for the arrearage of pension but finding her unable to appear in Court means were taken to procure the attendance of the Judge of the Court at her residence. The time was fixed but he failed in his appointment, owing undoubtedly to the bad state of the roads and the distance he would be obliged to travel. Several efforts have been made to procure the attendance of the Judge at her house but as yet unsuccessful.
Under these circumstances I have considered it proper to ask the Commission of Pensions to issue a Certificate to her under the act of 4 th July 1836 commencing from the day of Robert Brownell's death and as soon as the application for arrearages can be authenticated I will forward it to the Department.
Very Respectfully, Yours &c.
Norton G. Merrell
H. L. Edwards Esq.

In the matter of Judith Broomell Claimant

Vernon Maria Co. N.Y. Augt 23 1847
Dear Sir
In reply to yours of the 31 st ult. relating to the case of Isabella Brownell Simms which I have confused with Charles N Morton Esq (a custom House Officer) from Tiverton Bristol County, who was personally acquainted with the following named Pensioners, who resided within the bounds of the original town of Dartmouth & whom it is believed served under capt. George Blaghorn viz.
 Joseph Bennett of Fairhaven. Act 7 th June 1832  Jobez Hathaway of New Bedford Do Do ✓  Henry Perkins of Fairhaven " " ✓  Lewis Gifford of Dartmouth " " ✓  Nathan West of Dartmouth " " ✓  Stoton Booth of New Bedford " " ✓  Brownell Armsbury of New Bedford " "  Wesson Beden (not known) Act 18 th March 1818  Charles Stutson of New Bedford Act 7 th June 1832 
You will bear in mind that the original town of Dartmouth embraced the now towns of Fairhaven, New Bedford, Dartmouth & Westport
In your communication of the 31 st ult. you say, "If it can be shewn that capt. Blaghorn commanded men from Dartmouth & it would be sufficient to establish this tour". Permit me to refer you to the pension papers on your files of the individuals above named & I presume all doubts will be removed in the case of Isabella Brownell and her pension be granted at once
Please give it your immediate attention
Yours very Respectfully &
Norton G. Merrell
J. L. Coles and Esq.

Juach Brownell M a of Robert

Vernon Oneida Co. N.Y. April 29 1848
Dear Sir
In compliance with the Department's forward the enclosed declaration of Judith Brownell in the case of her husband Robert Brownell against mole the act of 7 th June 1832
The proof of her husband's services in her own right having been already passed upon as sufficient I hope the certificate will be granted with as little delay as possible
Very Respectfully Yours &c
Norton G. Merrell "
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Vernon Oneida Co. N.Y. June 13 1848
Dear Sir
In April last I forwarded to the Pension office the Declaration of Judith Brownell in the case of her husband deceased under the act of 7th June 1832.
Allow me to enquire if it has reached the Department and if so what disposition has been made of it
In her own case under the 2 column act the evidence as to marriage & services of her husband has already been formally passed upon as will be seen on copying the paper.
Very Respectfully Yours &c
Norton G. Merrell
J. L. Edwards Esq

Mr.
Aug 23, 48
Brownsville,
Portia G. Morely
Washington D.C.
Agreed Mr Aug 19. 1848

Vernon Mills Co. N.Y. Aug 16, 1848
Sir
I have the honor to reply to the declaration of Judith Brownell which was forwarded to the Department last April. The declaration was in the case of her husband under the Act of 7th June 1832.
The proof of marriage & service has been admitted as satisfactory.
Mrs Brownell is exceedingly anxious to receive her Certificate if entitled to one.
The importance of the old lady's friends in this matter are really troublesome to me and I trust the case will be disposed of without further delay than is necessary.
Yours Very Respectfully
Norton G. Merrell
J. L. Edwards Esq

Free Official Business
J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Vernon Mr Aug 19. 1848
Aug 23, 48 Barnes,
John F. Shively

Aug 26, 48, Judith Brownell
J. W. Jenkins
4636, 36th
Comptroller of Finance Washington D.C.
for
J. W. Jenkins

me
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Anne
4636, 36th
J. M. Jenkins
Aug 26, 48, J. M. Jenkins

Vernon New York Aug 21. 1848
Dear Sir,
I am desired by the grandson of Judith Brownell to write you for information in relation to the pension to his grand mother applied for by N. G. Merrill as her attorney some 12 months since. His grandmother has received nothing and the different accounts she and her friends have received from Mr Merrill have excited their suspicion that all was not right. It is for this reason I write you to know if a pension has been awarded to her as the widow of Robert Brownell; if so the sum allowed whether any and what payments have been made on the same and to whom?—
Very Respectfully Yours & Philip Jennings
Comm ee of Pensions Washington