Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 19564, John Brant, R. I.

SERVICE
R.I.
Brant, John
NUMBER
S 19564
CONTENTS
carded

31.7/48.
Massachusetts.
John Brant,
of Haverhill in the State of Massachusetts who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Weiss of the Regt. commanded by Col. Richardson in the Col. of Artillery line for 12, mos.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of March 1840, and sent to and received by the Pension Agents.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1840 $ 360.00 Semi-annual allowance ending Sept. 1840 20.00
$ 380.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm. G. Kaulzinger Clerk Book E Vol. 2 Page 44

35,038
John Brant.
Mass-
alt 7. June 3
Capt Wells. Col. Richmond R. I. State Troops.
adm d 12 mo fri 40 $
Hon. Nathan F. Dixon, Senate W.S.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 State of Massachusetts County of Hampden ss.
On this first day of October 1839 personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Probate within and for the County of Hampden, now sitting, John Brant a resident of Montgomery in the County of Hampden, and State of Massachusetts, aged eighty three 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 act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832:
That he entered the service of the United States under the fol- lowing named Officers; and served as herein stated.
That he was born January 8 th 1756 in Westerly County of Washin- gton and State of Rhode-Island as he has always been informed and believes and has the same recorded in his Bible; he lived in Westerly at the time of his enlistment after which he went to Westfield County of Hampden and State of Massachusetts where he married, and moved to the adjoining town of Mont- gomery in said County where he has ever since lived. And the applicant fur- ther states, that in the latter part of December 1775 or the first part of Jan- uary 1776 he enlisted at said Westerly as a private soldier for one year in Capt. Thomas Wells' Company of State Troops Poley Bony Scout. and John Pease Ensq. and Col. Richmond's Regiment and was ordered to the Island of Connecticut in Narragansett Bay where the Company was stationed until the Spring following, they were then ordered to Newport on the Island of Rhode-Island and to Courlandz Ferry in said Island at which two places the Regiment was stationed until the fall of the year, at which time he believes in September, when they were ordered to go in whale Boats to Long Island in the State of New-York, the weather obliged them to put into New Haven where they remained a short time; they then crossed the Sound to a place called Hony Brook where after a small skirmish, and the loss of one man they succe- ded in capturing eight or nine Schooners and Sloops which were employed in carrying wood to the Enemy in New York, and a number of Prisoners with which they crossed the Sound to New Haven: they were next ordered to New-

See London, where declarant served the remainder of his time of enlistment and was discharged, but had no written discharge. Declarant further says that he lives in a remote and obscure part of his County, that he has had no means of early information relative to the different Laws of Congress providing Pensions for Revolutionary Soldiers; but that when he was informed of the provision of the act of June 7 th 1832 (under which he now claims) as soon as he could procure the necessary means, he made a journey to Rhode Island in the winter of 1834-5 (most of which he performed on foot) to obtain the requisite proof of his service, but owing to his advanced age and the fatigue of the journey, he was taken sick and confined a number of weeks, which occasioned the expenditure of all his money, and he was compelled to return to his home without accomplishing any part of his business and took no further measures until last summer when he made another journey to Rhode Island and employed Mr. Knight his agent, to assist him in preparing his business.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present; and declares that his name is not on the pension-rolls of agency of any State. John W  Lee  Wart  Wart Shown to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
We David Wright a clergyman, residing in the County of Hance, and our Parkers residing in said County, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Brant, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be right there years of age; that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhoods where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution; and that we concur in that opinion.
David Wright, Green Park
Shown and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
before Oliver B Morris Judge of probate court

1 1 1 John Brant, of Montgomery, County of Hamden and State of Massachusetts, being first duly examined, cautioned and sworn, deposeth and saith, that he is now eighty four years old last January; that on the first day of October 1839 he, this deponent, made a Declaration of his services in the Revolutionary War, before the Hon. Court of Probate for said County of Hamden, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832: Deponent now further states in addition to his former declaration; that he is the Son of John Brant formerly of Westerly, County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, and his mother's maiden name was Mary Brant, that he was born in said Westerly January 8 th 1756 as he has always been informed and believes; that when he was eight or nine years old, his mother died, and he was placed by his Father (who was a labourer) in the family of Capt William Greene of said Westerly, who was a farmer, as an apprentice or servant, in whose family, he lived till he was in his twentieth year; he then enlisted in the military service of the United States, in latter part of Dec r 1775, or first of January 1776, as a private soldier, in a Company of State Troops, commanded by Capt Thomas Wells, Lieut. Deleg Berry, Ensign John Pearce, in Col William Richmond's Regiment, and marched to the Island of Conanicut in Narragansett Bay, where the Company arrived soon after the enemy had burned a number of buildings on said Island, where the Company were stationed, according to deponent's best recollection until the month of March following, they were then ordered across the Ferry, and were stationed in the Town of New Port on the Island of Rhode Island, they were not ordered to Howland's Ferry on the east side of said Island, where the Troops were stationed, and employed in building a Fort and Barracks until the month of September following, as deponent believes; they were then ordered to Long Island in the State of New York, and the Troops were embarked in whale Boats, and went up Long Island Sound, but meeting boisterous weather, they were compelled to put into New Haven in the State of Connecticut, where they remained

encampment several days, the Troops then crossed Long Island Sound, and were landed on the Island at a place called Stony Brook, where they had a smart skirmish with a detachment of the Enemy, whom they defeated, and we had one man killed; there were in the harbor, at the time a number of coasting vessels which were employed in carrying Wood and other supplies to the Enemy, in New York; we captured eight or nine of them and their crews amounting to seventy or eighty men, the enemy were reinforced and we were compelled to abandon the Island, but succeeded in bringing off the Vessels and prisoners, with which we crossed the Long Island Sound to New Haven, where we remained a short time, and then were ordered to New London in the State of Connecticut, where we were stationed until our term of enlistment expired, and were honorably discharged, but had no written discharge that this deponent remembers. During the foregoing period of service, this deponent was in a mess of six men, whom he well remembers (viz) Henry G. Champlin, James Crops, Arnold Cunnib, Samuel Champlin, Adam Cramall and himself, all of whom he is informed are since dead except Arnold Cunnib.
Deponent further says, that when he was sixteen years old, he was enrolled in the second Company of Militia in service Westerly, under command of Capt Simon Gavit in Col Joseph Noyes' Regiment, that he was drafted from said Company for several terms of service of one and two months each, which he performed, at Severton, New Port, Point Judith, and elsewhere on the Narragansett shore, but owing to the length of time that has elapsed, and the loss of memory consequent from age, deponent cannot now state the precise periods at which said service was performed, nor does he now know of persons living who served with him to prove the same. Deponent further says, that about the close of the Revolutionary War, he went to Westfield in the State of Massachusetts, then in the County of Hampshire, now County of Hamilton, and hired himself to Mr. Abneracket of said town as a laborer on his farm, with whom he continued, to labour three years, he then married Hannah Burworth

of Montgomery in said County, and lived on a Trince Farm for three years afterwards, when he purchased a lot of wild Land in said town of Montgomery, where he moved his Family, and has ever since lived, and brought up a family of thirteen Children. Deponent further says that his residence, is in a remote part of his Town; that he has never taken any active part in public affairs, that he had no knowledge of any Laws granting Pensions for Revolutionary services, until a few years past, and when informed that he was entitled for his services, it was difficult to obtain the necessary proof, in consequence of his age and infirmities, and of the distance his witnesses lived from him, and that he has never taken any other measures to obtain his claim than heretofore stated until the present. Deponent further says, that at the time he entered the service as before stated, he was enlisted by Isaac Biven, a recruiting officer; that he joined his Company with a number of others on the Island of Connecticut; that the Regiment was commanded by Col William Richmond Giddon. His Col was David Col, and deponent believes Col Henry Braback had the chief command on Rhode Island a part of the time deponent was stationed there. For further proof he refers to the annexed testimony.
John his  Brant mark
State of Massachusetts
County of Hampden ss Montgomery March 21 st 1840 Personally appeared John Brant who gave and subscribed the preceding deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
I also certify that said John Brant is well known to me that he is a person of veracity and that the preceding deposition by him given is entitled to full credit.
Oren Parks, Justice of the Peace.

Rasuel Brant the son of John Brant and Hannah Brant his wife was born in Montgomery February 7 th 1783 Mary Brant born May 24 th 1785 Charlotte Brant. October 29 th 1787 Joshua Brant April 8 th 1790 Hannah Brant and Rebecca Brant born April 8 th 1792 Nelly Brant Born April 8 th 1794 Betsey Brant . . August 2 d 1796 Palmina Brant . . March 31 st 1797 John Brant . . February 2 d 1802 Melvin Brant . . May 2 d 1804 Tracy Brant . . July 4 th 1807 Linus Brant . . June 8 th 1810 Clerks office. Town of Montgomery March 24 th 1840 I certify the foregoing is a true extract from the Records of said town of the ages of the children of John Brant and Hannah Brant his wife Attest Oren Parks Clerk of said town of Montgomery,

MS.A Gen
October 9, 1926
Breckinridge Jones Miss. Valley Trust Co. St. Louis, Mo.
Sir:
I have to advise you that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 19564 , that JOHN BRANT was born January 8, 1756, in Westerly, Washington County, Rhode Island. He was the son of John and Mary Brant. Mary's maiden name was Bundy and she died when her son, John, was about eight or nine years of age.
While a resident of Westerly, Rhode Island, JOHN BRANT enlisted in December, 1775, or in January, 1776, and served one year as a private in Captain Thomas Wells' Company in Colonel William Richmond's Rhode Island Regiment; he was in a skirmish at Stony Brook where he aided in capturing eight or nine schooners and sloops and their crews of seventy or eighty men who were carrying wood to the enemy in New York. He enlisted in the fall of 1777 and served one month as a private in Captain John Gavet's Company in Colonel Joseph Noyes' Rhode Island Regiment. He also served several other short tours with the Rhode Island troops but no details were given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 1, 1839, at which time he was a resident of Montgomery, Hampden County, Massachusetts.

He married, date not given, Hannah Bosworth of Montgomery, Hampden County, Massachusetts.
John and Hannah Brant had the following children:
Roswell born February 7, 1783. Mary " May 24, 1785. Charlotte " October 29, 1787. Joshua " April 8, 1790. Hannah and Rebeckah " April 8, 1792. Holly " April 8, 1794. Betsey " August 2, 1796. Palma " March 31, 1799. John " February 2, 1802. Melvin " May 2, 1804. Tracy " July 4, 1807. Linus " June 8, 1810.
The above noted is the history of the only John Brant of Massachusetts that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORCAN Acting Commissioner

2 19564 INVALID.
1926. Col. P. Bush to Brookline Mass. Mass
File No. 19564
John Brant
Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 11
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
1160
RECEIVED
John Brant
Consolidated with D.W. Row. File 19564.
ce: _____
ted: _____, 1
harged: _____, 1
lication filed: _____, 1
ges: _____
nlisted: _____
ney: _____

7002
May 12. 1840
R I
7 July 1838
Act 7 June 1838
Thomas J. Edwards Coos County Oregon Washington
Nathan F. Dixon, Senate U. S.

Washington May 11 th 1840-
Hon. James L. Edwards
Sir -
The inclosed cases for pensions, have been forwarded to me by Col Sedidiah W. Knight of Winsted (B. & P.) - and I now take occasion to submit them to your consideration - Allow me Sir - to request the favor of being advised, after examination whether the proofs is satisfactory - With Great Respect Your humble Servt Nathaniel H. Dixon

War Dep Pens. Off Nov 16, 39
Sir
The claim of Jno. Brant under the act of 7 June 32 has been examined & his papers filed in this office. The reasons assigned for not applying under the act of 18 March 1888 & for the delay of his application under that of 7 June '32 are not satisfactory. If it can be shown that he is wealthy or had scruples of independance it might account for his failure to apply under the first act and his indifference under the last - but if that can not be shown the inference is very strong that he was not in the service as alleged & that the witness is mistaken as to his identity - Before a pension can be now granted him under the act of 7 June '32 for continental service in 76, it will be necessary to make a full statement of the particulars of the ser

vice and embody therein the answers to the interrogatories - and to prove the enlistment, service & discharge by two credible witnesses, having a personal knowledge thereof.
Exh R. I. Index
Jed. W. Knight October 15, 1839. O. C.
Jed. W. Knight est. Westerly R. I.

X Mass.
See let. to J. D. & W. Knight, October 15, 1859.
suspended
1160
act 7 June 32

34.913.
John Brant
H. C. T. Maps
Act. J. June '32-

REVOLUTIONARY PENSION CLAIM.
ACT OF June 7. 1832.
John Brant. Map. -
~~~~~ POWER OF ATTORNEY
TO EXAMINE CLAIMS. ~~~~~
CHARLES C. TUCKER, Attorney, Present.

Power of Attorney.
Know all men by these presents: That I
do hereby constitute and appoint CHAS. C. TUCKER, of Washington City, D. C., my true and lawful Agent and Attorney to prosecute the Claim of Samuel Stocking for any amount of Revolutionary Pension or increase of Pension that may be due under the provisions of the Act of March 3rd 1831 or any other Act or Resolution of Congress, and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers and documents in relation to said Claim on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, and to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed: and to do all things that I might or could do, were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney may lawfully do in the premises.
WITNESS my hand and seal this 18th day of February 185 4 .
In presence of Henry White } ss.
A. Stocking
Rebecca Stocking
STATE OF Massachusetts , Hampden COUNTY—ss.
On this eighteenth day of February 185 4 , before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State above mentioned personally appeared A. Stocking & Rebecca Stocking and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be the act and deed for the purpose therein mentioned.
Before me John W. Stebbins Justice of the Peace
STATE OF Massachusetts } ss. Hampden COUNTY.
On this 18th day of February 185 4 , before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Samuel Stocking a resident of said County, and made oath according to the law that he is the identical Samuel Stocking who executed the foregoing power of Attorney, and that he is directly interested in said Claim, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my said Attorney may use in prosecuting said Claim.
A. Stocking
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written.
Rebecca Stocking Before me John W. Stebbins Justice of the Peace
STATE OF Massachusetts COUNTY OF Hampden }
I Geo B Morris Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify that John W. Stebbins Esq., before whom the foregoing affidavit and acknowledgement were made and who has thereunto signed his name, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my official seal this 21st day of February 1854.
Geo B Morris Clerk

Hon. J. P. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Winsted P. I. Oct 7. 1859.
Sir. Herewith I forward the Application of John Brant; shall be glad to have return as soon as convenient
Very Respectfully Ed. W. Knight
Hon. S. P. Edwards.
Commissioner of Pensions

Moses Parks of Montgomery in the County of Hampden and State of Massachusetts being duly cautioned and sworn testifies and says, that he is fiftyfive years old, that he was born and has always lived in said town of Montgomery and that he now resides in the same place where his father lived, and where he was brought up, and within half a mile of the residence of Mr. John Brant of said Montgomery, that he has been acquainted with said Brant from his youth, and with said Brant's family that said Brant has always lived where he now does since deponent's first knowledge of him which is more than fifty years. (Opinion further says that said John Brant, is reputed in his neighbour- hood, to have formerly belonged to the State of Rhode Island, and to have been a soldier in the Revolutionary war, that said Brant is esteemed in his neighbourhood to be a man of strict truth and veracity in which opinion deponent concurs, and further says said Brant has been a member of the congregational Church in said town for many years, and is now a member of said Church in good standing
Moses Parks
State of Massachusetts?
County of Hampden } ss. Montgomery March 21 st 1840 Personally appeared Moses Parks who gave and subscribed the preceding deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same
I also certify that the said Moses Parks is a person of truth and veracity and that his testimony is entitled to credit
Before me Oren Parks & Justice of the Peace

Chester Howland of Montgomery in the County of Hampden and State of Massachusetts being first duly cautioned and sworn testifies and says that he is fifty six years of age that he is well acquainted with Mr John Brant of said Montgomery, and has been so acquainted more than twenty years, and resides in the same neighborhood; that said Brant is reputed to have formerly belonged to the State of Rhode Island, and to have been a Soldier in the Revolutionary war. Deponent further says that said Brant Brant is a member of the same Church with this deponent, and is considered in his neighborhood a man of truth and veracity. Deponent further says that said Brant is the owner of a considerable landed property and is a man of respectable standing in society. Chester Howland
State of Massachusetts
County of Hampden ss. Montgomery March 21 st 1840 Personally appeared Chester Howland who gave and subscribed the preceding deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same — I also certify that the said Chester Howland is a person of truth and veracity and that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Deen Parks Justice of the Peace

Hampden County ss Springfield March 28 1818 I hereby certify that John Brant of the Town of Montgomery in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts was the owner of several tracts of land in the Town of Montgomery purchased by him of the following persons viz
One tract conveyed to him by Zadock Bosworth dated dated AD 1787
One tract conveyed to him by John Balentine " " " 1796
One tract conveyed to him by Abner Sexton " " " 1795
One " " " " " Zephaniah Clark " " " 1800
One " " " " " Abner Rice " " " 1790
One " " " " " David Cross " " " 1797
One " " " " " Daniel Barnett 1802
I do not find that the said John Brant has ever conveyed any of the above tracts of land to any person
William Rice Register of Deeds for the County of Hampden

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
HAMPDEN, ss.
I, JOHN INGERSOLL, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampden, do certify, that General Nathaniel Patten Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Nathaniel Patten and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, at Springfield this twenty first day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty
John Ingersoll Clerk.

John Stanton of South Stonington, County of New London and State of Connecticut, being first duly cautioned and sworn, deposeth and saith, that he is seventy five years of age, and that he well remembers, that some time in the last of the month of Nov- ember or beginning of December 1834, an elderly man calling his name, John Brant of Montgomery in the State of Massachusetts came to his House, and requested that I would board him for a few days until he should be recovered of his fatigue and able to travel, for he said he was much unwell; he stated that he had been to Westerly in the State of Rhode Island to ascertain if any of the persons who served with him in the Revolutionary War, were still living there; that he had seen Samuel Champlin of said Westerly, who served with him, and said Champlin informed him said that Amos Brant, who also served with him, said Brant, was then living in said South Stonington; that he, said Brant, had also seen said Amos Brant, and was then anxious to obtain some person to assist him to prepare his application to the Pension Office for a Pension; but he was then too much unwell to travel at that time. Said John Brant remained at deponent's House about four weeks, and was very much unwell, and confined to the House, principally caused by fatigue and a severe cold.
Deponent further says, that said Brant informed deponent that he was born and brought up in Westerly, R. I. that he has a sister who married Billings Woodruff, who formerly resided in said South Stonington, with whom deponent was well ac- quainted, and knows that said Woodruff's wife was named Brant previous to her marriage, and resided in Westerly aforesaid; said Brant while at deponent's House as aforesaid was very anxious to get home and said he had nearly expended his money, and was fearful that he should not have sufficient to pay his board and carry him home. Deponent further says, that said Brant left deponent's in the fore part of Janu- ary 1835, intending to go on foot to Norwich in Connecticut, and take the stage to Springfield Mass, where he said he had (turn over)

a Daughter, and that he would remit to this deponent the balance due to deponent for his board. Deponent further says, that a short time after said Brant left deponent's house he, deponent, received a Letter, inclosing the balance due deponent from said Brant, & requesting deponent to obtain for said Brant the necessary proof of said Brant's service in the Revolutionary War; and forwarded to said Brant the above Letter bearing date Springfield, Mass. January 14 th 1835. After the receipt of the above said Letter deponent went to see Samuel Champlin, who said he would testify to Brant's service before any proper authority; but deponent being ignorant and unacquainted with such business, never took any further steps in the matter, or heard any thing more of it, until last summer, when the said John Brant came to deponent's, and informed him that he had been to Mr. Simon Cumbbs to get him to go over to Westerly, and give evidence relating to his, said Brant's services, as there was no proper authority any nearer than said Westerly, and Mr. Cumbbs had been to said Westerly for that purpose; further deponent says, that he had no knowledge of said John Brant previous to the fall of 1834, as before stated, but from the subsequent knowledge deponent has had of said Brant, he has not the smallest belief, that the said Brant has intended or practiced the least imposition.
The words "wife", "not" "Brant" interlined before signing,
John Stanton
Washington ss. Westerly January 14 th 1840. Then personally appeared Deacon John Stanton, who gave and subscribed the preceding Deposition, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same. I also certify, that the said Deacon John Stanton is a person of veracity, & that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Col. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

Betty Champlin of Westerly in the County of Washington of lawful age, on oath testified and says, that four or five years ago in the fall or winter, as she well remembers, that her Father Samuel Champlin now deceased, was cutting wood at the door in the afternoon, and that it was cold weather, she saw a man, who was a stranger to her, come up to her said Father, and shake hands with him, and after a few moments conversation between her Father, and the unknown person to her, they both came into the House, and Father said to my Mother who was then living, "This is John Brant, that you have heard me speak of, who served in the Army with me, and he is as much entitled to a pension as I am". Deponent further says that Mr. Brant staid at her Father's House two days, and was quite unwell, owing, as he said, to fatigue, and exposure to the cold weather in his journey from Massachusetts, which he said, he had performed principally on foot, his feet were swollen and chafed, he said caused by his boots being hard and stiff. Deponent's Father and said Brant, had much talk about their service in the war of the Revolution, and of their acquaintance before the war. Mr. Brant left our House, to go as he said, to Mr. Amos Cramb's in North Stonington, who also served in the same company with him & my Father, as they both said. Deponent further says, that some time after said Brant had left her Father's House as stated above; Deacon John Stanton of North Stonington, came to her Father's, and said he had received a letter from Mr. John Brant, who he stated had been sick at his House, and had returned home, (turn over)

desiring, him, said Brant, to obtain evidence of said Brant's services in the Revolutionary War, but there was nothing done in the business, any further to deponent's knowledge at that time, as these circum- stances took place according to deponent's best recollection in the fall or first of Winter 1834, &c. Deponent further says that the said John Brant came to her father's some time last summer, with Col Knight to know if my father recollects serving in the Revolutionary War with said Brant, and deponent's father said he will remember said Brant, and of serving with him, and that some time afterwards my father gave his deposition relating to the same; deponent well knows, that the person who her father testified for is the same person who she first saw at her father's House, as before stated, and has often heard her father in his life, say, that he was well acquainted with said Brant from his youth, and that he served with him one year in Capt Wells' company of State Troops during the Revolutionary War. Deponent further says that she has always resided in the family of her father, Samuel Champlin, until his death; which was on the 24 th , day of Novem- ber 1839, and that her mother, wife of said Samuel died on the 21 st day of October 1835. Further deponent saith not.
Polly Champlin
Washington ss. Westerly January 10 th 1840. Then personally appeared Polly Champlin, who gave and subscribed the foregoing deposition before me, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same according to Law. I further certify that said Polly Champlin is a person of veracity, and that her testimony is entitled to credit,
Seal. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

Amos Gurney of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, being duly confirmed & sworn, deposes & says that he is eighty six years old; that during the Revolutionary War he served one year, as a private soldier, in Capt Thomas Wells company of State Troops, and in Col William Richmond's Regiment, commencing in January 1776 & ending in the January following (viz, in 1777); that John Brant formerly of said Westerly, but now residing in the State of Massachusetts as this deponent is informed and believed, served in the same company & Regiment, during the year as aforesaid & belonged to the same mess with this deponent.
Deponent further says, that after the expiration of the before mentioned service of one year, this deponent did not see the said John Brant again for a number of years; but after the close of the Revolutionary War, deponent saw said Brant several times when he, said Brant, was on visits to his friends in said Westerly, but the precise dates deponent cannot now state; he would however further say, that according to his best recollection, said Brant came to his, deponent's House, some time in the fall or first of winter 1834-5, when this deponent resided in North Stonington in the State of Connecticut, and informed deponent, he was desirous to obtain a Pension for his services in the Revolutionary War, and that he was then endeavoring to find some of the persons living who served with him, and said he had found Mr. Samuel Champlin of Westerly, and learned that said Champlin, and this deponent were the only persons in this region then living, who served with him, said Brant left this deponent with the intention, as he said, of procuring some person to assist him in preparing his business; deponent was afterwards informed that said Brant was taken sick at the House of Deacon John Stanton of North Stonington, and remained there for several weeks; after which deponent heard or saw nothing of said Brant until last summer, when said Brant came to deponent's House in North Stonington, where he then resided, and requested deponent to go to Westerly, aforesaid and testify his knowledge of the services (turn over)

of said Brant in the Revolutionary War, Deponent further says that he well knows said John Brant, and that he is the identical person with whom he served in the year 1776 in the company of Capt. Thomas Wells in Richmond's Regiment as aforesaid, and that he has so known him for more than sixty years past. Deponent also further says that he has resided in the Town of North Stonington several years past, until the month of November last, when he removed to Westerly, County of Washington & State of Rhode Island.
The word "and" in the third line of the opposite page from the bottom initial line before signing
his Arnold Crumb mark
Washington ss. Westerly January 8 th 1840. Then personally appeared Arnold Crumb, who gave and subscribed the foregoing deposition, and made solemn Oath to the truth of the same according to Law. I also certify that the said Arnold Crumb is a person of veracity and that this, his deposition is entitled to credit.
Sec. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

Nathan Bliven of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island being duly cautioned & sworn deposeth & saith, that he is seventy nine years old; that he was formerly well acquainted with John Brant, who was the son of John Brant, of said Westerly, that the said John Brant, the younger lived with Capt William Green of said town from his youth & said Green's residence was about one mile distance from this deponent's father's. This deponent and said John Brant were intimately acquainted during their youth, and until said Brant was about twenty years old; when said Brant as this deponent believes entered the service of the United States as a private soldier, after which time deponent has known nothing of him, for deponent entered the service soon afterwards, and was const- -antly engaged in the land and sea service until peace took place, which prevented his having any further knowledge of said John Brant.
Nathan Bliven
State of Rhode Island } County of Washington } ss Westerly November 24. 1839. Personally appeared Nathan Bliven who gave and subscribed the preceding exposition, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
I also certify that the said Nathan Bliven is a person of veracity, and that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Col. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

Thomas Sisson of Westerly, County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, being duly empanelled and sworn on oath deposeth and saith that he is eighty one years of age, that he was formerly well acquainted with John Brant, who lived lived with Capt William Green of said Westerly from his youth; that this deponent was born and has always lived within half a mile of the residence of said William Green, until the death of said Greene; that said Brant was a few years older than deponent, but said Brant and deponent were boys together and very intimate, they went to the same School, and partook of the same amusements. Deponent further says that during the Revolutionary War said John Brant was a member of Capt John Gavit's company of Militia, and that in the Fall of the year 1777 this deponent & said John Brant, were drafted from P. Gavit's company, for one month's service, that they were marched from said Westerly, deponent believes under command of Lieut Saunders of said company, to Providence in said State of Rhode Island, where they were stationed & served out their time, and were discharged and returned together to said Westerly.
Thomas Sisson
State of Rhode Island
County of Washington ss Westerly Nov 16. 1839. Personally appeared Thomas Sisson who gave and subscribed the preceding deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
I also certify, that the said Thomas Sisson is a person of truth and veracity, and that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Col. N. Knight Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Washington Co. Clerk's Office Court of Com- mon Pleas January 21 st A.D. 1840
I hereby certify that Justitia W. Knight Esq. is one of the Justices of the Peace for the Town of Westport in the County and State aforesaid. Duly com- missioned and qualified by the Acting Governor of this State and that the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his to the Certificate to the deposition of John Henton, Oliver Simmons, Arnold Crumb and Nathan Wilson are genuine in testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of the Court the day and year above written
Matthew Meate Clerk

34.913
I, the undersigned formerly of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Connecticut  Rhode Island now commencing in South Stonington County of New London & State of Connecticut, being duly sworn, depose & say that he is eighty five years of age; that during the Revolutionary War, in the latter part of December 1775 or first of January 1776, he enlisted at said Westerly for one year, as a private soldier, in a company of State Troops commanded by Capt. Thomas Wells, in Col. William Provencher's Regiment, as well remembers that John Brant born of said Westerly, but now resident in the State of Massachusetts, enlisted in said company at the same time with this deponent; that in the same month they were marched to the Island of Connecticut, in Narragansett Bay, where they were stationed several months, then they were ordered to New Port on Rhode Island and were stationed and served there and at Howland's Ferry on said Island, until the fall of that year, when they were ordered to go in whale Boats to Long Island, the Boats were forced by stress of weather into New Haven, where they remained a few days, they then crossed the sound to Long Island, where they captured a number of coasting Vessels employed in carrying stores to the Enemy in New York, & twenty or thirty Prisoners, the Enemy however forced them to retreat, but they saved their prisoners and Prisoners, and with them recrossed the sound to New Haven, they were next ordered to New London, where they served out their term of enlistment and were discharged, but this deponent had no written discharge, nor does he know that any of the Company have. Said John Brant and this deponent enlisted into said company at the same time, served together the period for which they enlisted & were discharged at the same time; further deponent saith not.
The word "Rhode Island" was substituted for Connecticut in the second line of the above deposition by me J. W. Knight Justice of the Peace
his Arnold + Grumb marks

State of Rhode Island County of Washington Ss. Westerly Sept 16. 1839
Personally appeared Arnold Grumb, the within named deponent, who gave and subscribed the preceding deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same according to Law.
I certify that said Arnold Grumb is a person of veracity, & that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Ed. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

I am a native citizen of Westerly in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island, being duly examined & sworn, deponeth & saith, that he is eighty years old; that he was well acquainted with John Brant, formerly of said Westerly, but now as his deponent is informed & believes, a resident of Montgomery in the County of Herklean and State of Massachusetts; that said John Brant and this deponent enlisted for one year, in the month of January 1776 in the Company of State Troops commanded by Capt Thomas Wells, Lieut Philip Hovey, & Ensign John Pearce, in the Regiment commanded by Col William Richmond; that soon after the enlistment of said Brant & this deponent as aforesaid, they were ordered in said Company to the Service of Connecticut in Narragansett Bay, where they were stationed several months, they were afterwards stationed & served at New Port on the Island of Rhode Island, & at Herklean's Ferry on said Island; they were next ordered to go to Long Island in Whale Boats and were landed at a place called Stony Brook on the north side of said Island, where they captured a number of Sloops & Schooners that were employed in carrying wood to the Enemy in New York, and with the Prizes & Prisoners, they went across the Sound to New Haven, & from there to New London where they served out their term of enlistment & were discharged. This deponent and said John Brant enlisted for one year in the Company & Regiment as aforesaid at the same time, served together belonging to the same mess, & were discharged together at the expiration of their term of enlistment, and further deponent saith not. Samuel Champlin
State of Rhode Island
County of Washington Ss. Westerly September 12 th 1839.
Personally appeared the above named deponent, Samuel Champlin, who gave and subscribed the preceding deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same according to Law.
I certify that said Samuel Champlin is a person of veracity & that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Col. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Washington Jt Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas September 27 th AD 1889
I hereby certify that Jeremiah W Knight Esq is one of the Justices of the Peace for the City Town of Westerly in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned by the Action of Governor of this State and in all other respects legally qualified to act as such and that the within and foregoing signature purports to be his to the best of my knowledge the deposition of Arnold Grant and Samuel Chapman are genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of the Court the day and year above written
Washington Clerk

Ex. M.C.S. Div. Rev. & 1812
Wars Section
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., July 20, 19 26
The attached letter is respectfully returned with the information that the data furnished is not sufficient to enable this Bureau to make intelligent answer to the queries therein contained.
Please fill out such of the blank spaces below as the information in your possession will permit, and return to this Bureau.
First name of widow wife was Hannah No. of claim, but she left in 1847
Name of soldier John Brant
soldier at enlistment P. O. address of claimant, Montgomery, Massachusetts and after service
Company do not know Regiment do not know
State where enlisted Mass birth died Jan. 19 1852 Date of enlistment aged 99 years & 11 days!
Date of discharge If unable to furnish company and regiment give names of commanding officers.
do not know So old. on soldier, must have been a person
Return attached letter with reply.
Winfield Scott WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.
Thank you to answer Breckinridge Jones

And the said court do hereby declare their opinions, 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 David Wright who has signed the proceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Warfield in said county of Hampshire and that Owen Pookes who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Montgomery in said county and is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit
I Justice Willard Clerk of the Probate Court of Select for said county of Hampshire do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Brant for a pension in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this first day of October A 1839 Justice Willard Clerk do

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY TRUST COMPANY
BRECKINRIDGE JONES CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
ST. LOUIS
May 28, 1926.
Honorable Commissioner of Pensions, Interior Department, Washington, D. C.
Sir:
Unofficial records that I have show that John Brant (or Brandt) was a Revolutionary soldier from either Massachusetts or Connecticut, and that he died about 1852, aged over 99 years. + 11 days. at Montgomery, Mass. Jan'y 19. 1852
If he was a pensioner of the Revolutionary War will you please send me a certificate giving whatever information the records show concerning him?
Thanking you in advance for your courtesy,
I am,
Very truly yours,
Breckinridge Jones