Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1318, Joseph Brown, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Brown, Joseph
R. 1318
CONTENTS
Rev. Sterling Worcester Mass. aged about 96 yrs. in 1829

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester ss. I, Charles G. Prentiss, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that the paper herewith annexed contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Brown, made by his wife, Mary Brown, for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fifteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and forty nine.
Chas. G. Prentiss, Register
19 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the act of • of Congress passed June 7 th 1832,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County ss
On this fifteenth day of May one thousand eight hundred and forty nine personally appeared before me Thos. Kinnicutt Judge of the Court of the Court of Probate in and for said County, in open Court now sitting in Lancaster in said County, Mary Brown a resident of Ster- ling in said County aged seventy one years the wife of Joseph Brown of said Sterling who being duly sworn doth on her oath make the following declaration, for and in behalf of her Husband the said Joseph Brown, In order that he may obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. Gran- ting Pensions to certain Soldiers who served in the war of the Revolution, That he was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution and served as she trusts and believes from her best recollection of what he has formally said about his services, as set forth in the certificate of the Secretary of said Commonwealth, which is annexed by said Secretary, to a former declaration by her made before Silas Thurston Esquire which will accompany this declaration.

she further says that she called her husband the said Joseph, in her former declaration ninety six years old, but that she now finds by the certificate of said Secretary, that he was thirty years of age at the time he was out his last tour in 1780, which would now make him ninety nine years old. She further says that he, neither before nor since they were married ever told her his exact age, but that she is confident he is older than he ever pretended to her that he was, and that she has no doubt that his true age is ninety nine years, (and one reason why she believes that to be his true age, is, that about seven years ago one of her neighbors, Mr Jacob Pratt who she believes was a Pensioner told her, that her husband had told him his age and that he, her husband, was some more than two years the oldest, That said Pratt died four years ago last November aged as they called him ninety three years, which would now make her husband ninety nine years of age, she further says she makes this decla- ration for him and in his behalf, for the reason that he is wholly unable to make a declaration himself or make any correct statement about his services, that he is insane (and has been more or less so for about four years, that his mental

Frances has been in some degree debilitated for about seven years last past, at which time he had a shock of the Apoplexy. She further says that the reason why her husband did not make application for his pension before is that he did not understand how to proceed, he frequently told of making trial, but said his discharges were burnt at his sister's in Chesterfield New Hampshire at the time the House that she resided in was burnt, where he made his home some time previous to his coming to Sterling. That he knew of no person living that he could prove his services by, he frequently told of going down where he resided when he went out into the service and make trial to get some proof, but always neglected it, until he was unable to do any business, for the reason as he always said he had not money to spare to defray his expenses, she further says her husband always told her he originated from Danvers Mass and resided there & in Rawley at the times he went into the service. Mary Bacon
Sworn to and Subscribed the day & year before written before me —
Thos Kimball Judge of Probate

We Silas Thurston and John G. Thurston, both of Lancaster in the County of Worcester, do hereby certify that we reside within about two Miles of Joseph Brown, named in the foregoing declaration, signed by his wife Mary Brown that we are and are well acquainted with said Joseph Brown, and we believe him to be about one hundred years of age. That he is reputed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution - and we concur in that opinion.
Silas Thurston John G. Thurston
Declaration of Mary Brown for her husband
Worcester J. May 15. th 1849. Then personally appeared the above named Silas Thurston & John G. Thurston & made oath that the above certificate by them subscribed is true, and I hereby further certify that said Silas Thurston & John G. Thurston are persons of truth, & that their statement is entitled to credit -
That Statement Judge of Probate

Henry Brown Affidavit

I Henry Brown of Sterling in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged forty years. I do hereby certify that I am Son of Joseph Brown & Mary Brown of Said Sterling, my Father the Said Joseph Brown has been Insane by turns for about four years last past, I further say that he has been unable to do much business ever since he had a Shock of the Apoplexy which was about seven years ago. I further say I have often heard my father say he was in the Revolutionary War and have often heard him speak of what took place at different places where he was stationed at the time he was out in the service I do not remember much that he said about his Officers, but I remember one officer that I have heard him speak of by the name of Peabody. he always told me he originated from the town of Danvers Mass, I do not know my father's exact age, I have heard my father and a neighbor of ours by the name of Joel Pratt an old man, & I think a Pensioner, talk about their age and I never learnt by their conversation my father's exact age, but Mr Pratt said my father was two years or about that, older than he was, Mr Pratt died four years ago last November and they called him at the time of his death ninety three years old, I well remember that about twelve years ago I was in the town of Brighton with my father with some cattle, and he

there fell in company with a man that he was acquainted with, and my father and he got into conversation about my fathers age, my father told him some thing about his age, but what I did not understand, but I heard the man tell him that he was older then he called himself. For some reason, and what I do not know, my father never would tell his exact age, he always told me he originated from Danvers Mass. I say that my fathers mental faculties have been more or less debilitated ever since he had the turn of Apoplexy. I do not know my fathers exact height but I am five feet six inches and I think he was some inches taller then myself. my father frequently used to tell of getting his pension, but said his discharges were burnt and he knew of no way to prove his services he frequently told of going to the place where he resided when he went into the service in order to try and prove his services, but always neglected it until he was unable to do any business. I further say if I remember right my father was attacked with the Apoplexy about seven years ago. as before stated. I further say that my Mother Mary Brown who makes a declaration for and in behalf of my father the said Joseph Brown, as she always told me, was a native of said Sterling.
His Henry F Brown Mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester County ss
May 15 th 1869 subscribed and sworn to the day and year above written.
Before me
Silas Thurston Justice of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston May 19 th 1849
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Silas Thurston was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester
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.
W m L. S. Fols. Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I further say that I am well acquainted with the before named Henry Brown and he is a person of truth and veracity
May 15. 1849
Silas Thurston

I Mary Harrington of Bray in the county of Dutch- ine and State of Newhampshire aged thirty two years Dispose and say that I am daughter of Joseph Brown of Sterling in the county of Worcester and common- wealth of Massachusetts. I further say my father the said Joseph Brown has been more or less insane for six or seven years last past and for about five years past he has been so insane that he has not been capable of doing any kind of business. I further say he always said he was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution and if I am not mistaken he always said he was out three different tours he always said he originated from the town of Danvers Massachusetts and went out one or more tours from that place if I remember right. I will remember hearing him say he was living in the town of Rowley when he went out his last tour and went from that place. I further say he frequently spoke of making trial to get his Pension and said he was as justly intitled to pension as others that did draw, but said he did not know how to prove his services as his discharges were burnt in Chesterfield Newh- ampshire at the time the house was burnt where his sister lived, but he was frequently saying he was going down where he resided when he went into the service to try and find some proof of his services and at one time when he went to Brighton with some cattle said he should go before he came home but on his return said he did

not go for he was so unwell that he came directly home, and he kept neglecting it until he lost his reason and since that he has not been capable of doing any business. I frequently used to hear my father talk about his being in the service and of what took place when he was out, but do not at this time remember the particulars. I further say that I never knew my father's exact age, as he never would tell his exact age, my Mother Mary Brown always told me that father was much older when they were married than she expected. I further say that I think my father is not far from one hundred years old. I further say that my father has not been able to perform any labor for about seven years, and for about three years past has been confined to the house the most part of the time and the whole time for two or more years. I further say that my father is wholly destitute of property and has to depend upon the charity of his connections for his living.
Nancy Harrington
State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County
ss March 26 - 1850
Subscribed and sworn to the day and year above written.
Before me Brown Nurse justice of the peace. I further certify that I have known the above named Nancy Harrington for about three years and I believe her to be a person of truth and veracity.
Brown Nurse

The State of New-Hampshire Cheshire County ss.
I Leonard Risio. Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature of said State, for said county, do hereby certify that Brown Starre is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified according to law, that his commission was dated on the nineteenth day of May A.D. 1848 and will expire on the nineteenth day of May A.D. 1853 and that his signatures hereon written are in my belief genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this twenty eighth day of March A.D. 1850.
Leonard Risio. Clerk

N 37.682
Joseph Brown
Map
act 7 June 1832

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
March 31 st 1849.
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 Joseph Brown is borne upon a Pay Roll of Capt David Goodwin's Company in Col Cogswell's Regt, as a private from November 9 1778, 1 month and 24 days.
Upon a Pay Roll of Capt Benjamin Peabody's Company in Col Jacob Gerrish's Regt as a private from October 14 to November 22 1779, including allowance of 11 days to return home 1 month and 19 days. This roll is dated "Middleton February 7 1780".
Upon a Pay Roll of the 6 months men of the town of Rowley as a private from July 25 to December 15 1780, including allowance of 12 days to return home, 3 months and 3 days.
Also upon a Descriptive List of the 6 months men in 1780, as a private of Rowley age 30 years. 5 feet 9 inches high.
[Handwritten signature]

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.
M. H. Calhoun
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Whereas I Mary Brown of Sterling in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Aged seventy one years, being the wife of Joseph Brown of said Sterling aged ninety six years, whose mental faculties are so debilitated that he is unable to make any statement about his services in the war of the Revolution, do in his behalf and for him make the following statement in order that him the said Joseph Brown may obtain from the Secretary of said Commonwealth the proof of his services in the war of the Revolution in order that he may obtain a pension under the act of Congress of June 7-1832. That he was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution in the Massachusetts Militia and served as I trust and believe from what I remember hearing him say and from the best information I can get otherwise about nine months in all (viz), about two months under Capt Goodwin in Coln Gage's Regt, about two months under Capt Benja Peabody and I think Coln Gage, but will not be sure as to the Coln, and about five months from the Town of Peachy Mts in the year 1779 or 1780, but I cannot give the names of his officers the last tour. I frequently heard him speak of being -

stationed at Hudson & Albany & other places on the Hudson River when he was out.
Therefore know all men by these presents that I the said Mary Brown do hereby constitute & appoint Jacob Walos my true and lawful attorney for me, & in my name to obtain from the Secretary of said Comm as well with the proof of my said Husbands services in order that he may obtain a Pension as before stated.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 22 nd day of March A.D. 1849.
Mary Brown
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester County ss.
I hereby certify that the above named Mary Brown personally appeared and made the foregoing statement and signed and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her free act & deed the day & year above written.
Before me
Silas Thurston, Justice of the Peace
3710

1318
RECEIVED
P. O. Joseph V Brown
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: List of suspended claims printed in 1852, shows cause
Re-enlisted: of suspension as follows:
There being more than one Joseph Brown on the rolls, some further proof of identity is requisite.
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

No 37182 Joseph Brown Map
Scottish Isles 16 th Sept r 1849. to same 13 th Aug t 1850
1818
at 7 m h B r
287544

I Silas Thurston of Lancaster in the county of Worcester and commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Fifty six years Depose and say that I am well acquainted with Joseph Brown of Sterling in said county & commonwealth of Massachusetts and have been acquainted with him for more than thirty years last passed. I never knew said Jos. Brown's exact age, but I think he is about one hundred years old. He is now Insane and has been for a number of years last past. I further say I have often heard the said Jos. Brown say he was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution. I further say, I have no doubt from what I have heard said Brown say that he was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution. I further say I always understood and have heard said Joseph Brown often say that he (said Joseph Brown) originated from the Town of Danvers, Massachusetts, and resided there or in that vicinity when he went into the service. I have frequently, previous to his being insane, heard said Brown speak about making trial to get his Pension.
Silas Thurston
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Worcester ss December 25. 1849.
County } Personally appeared Silas Thurston, and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement by him subscribed, before me
John G. Thurston, Justice of the Peace

I John G. Thurston, within named, have known Giles Thurston, Esq. within named, for fifty years past. We are not related to each other, but were both born in the Town of Lancaster and have always resided here. His statement is entitled to full credit and belief.
John G. Thurston
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } Worcester County } ss.
I, Charles W. Hartshorn, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the County and State aforesaid do certify that John G. Thurston on the twenty fifth day of December A.D. 1859. was and now is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature within written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this eighteenth day of February A.D. 1860.
Chas. W. Hartshorn Clerk

I, Eliab Breck of Sterling in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Aged Eighty one years Depose and say, that I have resided in said Sterling forty years. I have been acquainted with Joseph Brown of said Sterling forty one years I live about fifty rods from said Joseph Brown. I have often heard said Joseph say he was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, I heard him make the above statement long before he became insane I think he has been insane in some measure about four years, I have often heard him say he intended or meant to make trial to get his Pension, I have often heard him say he originated from the town of Danvers in Massachusetts. Joseph Brown above named has been so insane and debilitated that he has been confined to his House and unable to transact any kind of business for the last four years. (Feb 11 th 1850) Eliab Breck
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } Worcester County Feb 11 th 1850 }
Personally appeared Eliab Breck above named and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement by him subscribed before me
Silas Thurston. Justice of the
I further certify that the above — known Peace, named Eliab Breck is a person well to me and is a person of truth and veracity. Silas Thurston.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County ss.
I Charles M. Hartshorn Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the County and State aforesaid do certify that Silas Thurston on the eleventh day of February A. D. 1850 was and now is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature within written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this eighteenth day of February A. D. 1850.
Charles M. Hartshorn Clerk

Hon J. L. Edwards Comr of Pensions Washington (D. C.)

Paper Mill village R. H. April 1-1850
Hon J L Edwards Com r of Pensions. Sir,
In answer to yours of the 10 th of September last in the case of Joseph Brown of Sterling Mass for a Pension under the act of June 7 th 1832, I which I forward you the certificate of the Register of Probate for the County of Worcester Mass, showing the name of the Guardian of Joseph Brown. Also I send you two affidavits one of Eliab Brick & one of Silas Thurston of Lancaster showing Joseph Brown always told he was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution. Also I send you the affidavit of his Daughter Mary Harrington of Troy R. H. showing that her Father the said Joseph Brown always told he was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution, and she very distinctly remembers that he always told he was out two or three tours and that he went out his last tour from the Town of Rowley Mass, where he was then living and Mary Brown wife of said Joseph Brown at the time she made her first Declaration by which she obtained the proof of her husbands services from the County of Mass, set forth very much the same that her daughter the said Mary Harrington has sworn to now it is impossible to believe that she and her Mother

are both mistaken as to what they heard the old Gentleman say about his services when he could had no interest in misrepresenting and while in a perfect sore mind and had a perfect resolution all about it, from the most I can learn of the old Gentleman I think he was a man who was always telling what he was going to do but always neglected it, as to my own views of the case I must say that I am satisfied it is a just one if any case I ever had was just, for the reason, the wife Mary Brower when I first saw her set forth all she said she could recollect hearing her husband say about being in the service and where he resided the different times he was out, and you will find by the affidavit of the Daughter Nancy Harrington that she agrees almost exactly with her Mother as to what her father formally said about his services, now I must say taking the whole case together that you must be satisfied that it is a just one, and that it is legally made out, and I am confident on a close examination of all the papers in the case you will so decide, and allow the old Gentleman for all the services which he has as I think shown you he rendered, you will take this case up as soon as possible and make return to me at Paper Mill College S.D.
Yours with due respect. Jacob Wales

Paper Mill Village, N. H. May 24-1849 Hon J. L. Edwards Comt of Pensions
Sir Enclosed is the Declaration of Joseph Brown for a Pension under the act of 1832 made by his wife Mary Brown, for the reason that her husband is debilitated and Insane, as set forth by her. I think you will be satisfied with the reason she gives why her husband did not apply for his Pension before, I was in Sterling some over five years ago at the time I assisted the Widow Bailey in getting her Pension, and Mrs Brown sent to me to call on her as her husband was intitled to a Pension and assist her in getting it, but my business was such at that time that I could not call, but sent her word that I should probably call in a short time, but I then resided about thirty miles from her, in the town of Fitzwilliam N. H. and my business afterwards never called me that way, and in about two two years I moved to Atstead Paper Mill Village where I now reside, which carried me still about thirty miles further from her, and I concluded I should do nothing about it but last March my business called me to Sterling and by the house where they resid, I called and Mrs Brown told me what she remembred hearing her husband say about his services and I made a Declaration for her of what she stated which I sent to the Secretary of War as you will see by her certificate. I therefore trust the case is made out to your entire satisfaction, and if so, you will if consistent with your rules, issue the

certificate, to him Joseph Brown, payable to his wife Mary Brown, as that will save a guardian being appointed which would subject the family to some expense & trouble. They are in very destitute circumstances not having any property for a guardian to take charge of, except the Pension, and it is very doubtful whether the old Gentleman lives while an order of notice could be published and a guardian appointed, as he has been confined to his bed for a long time and at times does not know his own family, and lately he has not taken but very little food. I trust you will act on this as soon as possible and make return to me at Paper Mill Village N. H. Yours truly.
Jacob Wales
Washington City
Hon. J. L. Edwards. Commissioner of Pensions

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
WORCESTER, ss. Probate Office.
I, Charles G. Sweetser Register of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Worcester aforesaid, hereby certify, that at a Court of Probate holden at Worcester in and for said County, on the fifth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty , Susan P. Brown of Sterling in said County, was
duly appointed Guardian to Joseph Brown of said Sterling, an insane person,
and became bound, according to law, for the faithful discharge of said trust.
I also certify, that it appears by the records and files in said office, that said appointment remains in full force, in no wise revoked, reversed or annulled.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court, at Worcester, the fifth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty  fifty .
Chas. G. Sweetser

Hon J L Edwards Comr of Pensions Washington D C

Paper Mill Village 8 th Augt 5 th 1850
Hon James L. Edwards Comr of Pensions
Sir about a year ago last May I forwarded you the application of Joseph Brown of Sterling Mass made by his wife Mary Brown for a Pension under the act of 1832, and after a number of Months I recd your answer requiring some further proof on account of his not making application sooner which proof I obtained last March or April and forwarded to you, and as I have not recd any answer since, I concluded to address you again & request you to take up the case as soon as possible, This I do as Mary Brown the wife of Joseph Brown is very anxious about about it, and requests me to get the case answered as soon as possible, as they are very destitute of the means of supporting him he being deranged & wholly confined to his room, she says she says she has strave to get along thus far, expecting to get what was justly his due from Government & by that means be able to keep off the town, I think an at thorough examination of the papers in the case you will be satisfied that it is a just case & legally made out, the trifles which he is intitled to will be a great relief at the present time Yours truly Jacob Wales

Jacob Wats Esq) 10 th Sept 1829

Pension Office Septm 10 th 1849
Sir,
The papers in the case of Joseph Brown have been examined and filed upon the act of 7 June 1832.
Before any examination of this Claim can be made; the requisition requiring in cases where from mental disability the Claimant is unable to make a declaration that the Court shall appoint a Guardian or Committee to assert the Claim, must be complied with.
Satisfactory proof showing clearly that Applicant belonged and resided in Rowley in 1780, and is required, and it should be made clearly to appear by the records of Massachusetts that the soldiers of Col Cogswell and Col Ginnings Regiments, whose names are omitted by the Secretary of War, that Commonwealth belonged to Rowley. Some evidence of the age of Brown and also that he was recognized as a Revolutionary Soldier by his neighbors and acquaintances should be adduced. The failure to present assert his claim until this late date raises a strong presumption against its validity, clear and satisfactory proof of his
Heat Master Eng Paper Mill Wallus

Pension Office
August 13 th 1858
Sir,
The additional evidence in the case of Joseph Brown does not remove the objections to the admission of his claim,
It appears from the statements of the several witnesses now presented, that Joseph Brown during the Revolutionary war belonged to the Town of Danvers, and further that he has been insane ever about four years. The Certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts shows service for 5 mo 30 days credited to Joseph Brown of Rowley, in 1780, also 1 mo 19 days to a soldier by that name from Middletown, and a term of 1 mo 24 days under Capt Rowley, the term from to which he belonged was from, but it does not appear that any one of these terms were rendered by Joseph Brown of Danvers. And the fact of his now Brown is now insane and also not affording sufficient reason for his failure to apply for the benefits of the act of 7 June 1832, for the

15 years whereby after the passage of that law before his thing became impaired -
There are a number of Joseph Brown's in Service from Massachusetts, and Clear and Satisfactory proof identifies an aspirant for under the act of June 1832 in the any one of them is necessary to authorizing a private consideration of his Claim, Further proof is required in this case to justify its allowance
Jacob Wales 13 Augt 1850
Jacob Wales Esq. Pawtucket Village R.I.