Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12,284, Joseph Bruce, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Wassie
Bruce, Joseph.
8/2284
CONTENTS

In letter to Mr. English by J. W. Smith, March 25 th 1834 -
18. 820
 Vermont  Joseph Bruce 
of Orange Co in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Parry of the Regt. commanded by Col. Reed. in the (Mass) one line for Genl. for. 2 nd 10 th & 5 th Regt.
Incribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 41 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of Octo 1833 and sent to J. Sherb. Thetford
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept 1833. $104.16 Semi-ant. allowance ending March 31 st 20.83  $125.00 
Revolutionary Claim, } Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book C Vol. 3. Page 54

Joseph Bruce Application & Certificate
18538
P6
Return to be made to Simon Root Rutland County VT.

State of Vermont, } Probate District of Bradford 55. COUNTY OF Orange
On this 26 day of July 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the court of Probate of said District now sitting, being said Joseph Bruce a resident of Thetford in the county of Orange and state of Vermont, aged 73 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, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. to wit, that in the fall of the year 1775 he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. to wit, that in the fall of the year 1775 one Nathaniel Bruce of Marlborough in the State of Massachusetts, enlisted into Capt. Burns Company belonging to a regiment of the Massachusetts line destined for Cambridge near Boston, when he marched in said Company; that in two or three days after he left home his father William Bruce of said Marlborough with whom the applicant then lived, requested him to go to Cambridge when the said Nathaniel was stationed, & take his place as a substitute in the army accordingly as he the said Joseph (applicant) says he went immediately to Cambridge, found the said Nathaniel & took his place as a substitute in said Company & served out the said term of two months at said Cambridge & was permitted to return home & is confident he was in service two months at that time & thinks it must have been about the first of January 1776 as there was snow on the ground - He also declares that in the month of February 1776 about the middle as he thinks, the said Nathaniel enlisted a second time into a company of the same regiment, the name of the Captain & Col. he does not recollect for the term of one month - & that he (the applicant) at the request of the said Nathaniel, father took the said Nathaniel's place in the Company & served out the said month as a substitute for the said Nathaniel; was stationed at said Cambridge, during the time when there was fighting about a week before the British evacuated Boston - there was fighting about a week before the British evacuated Boston - that in the 1777 a day or two after the the at Bennington was made for the militia in Marlborough & the vicinity & he went to taking Col. Bangs' Co. that Capt. Moses' Company of Militia & Col. Reed's regiment marched immediately for Saratoga & that he went with said Company as a private & that he passed through Bennington when the battle was fought & saw the surgeons cutting off the limbs & dressing the wounded & arrived at Saratoga just before Bennington was taken & was there when he was captured & assisted in conducting the prisoners to Reinstein's Hill in Massachusetts, where he was dismissed, having served at least 10 weeks.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency in any State, or (if any,) only on that of the agency in the State of Vermont.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Joseph Bruce
We, Timothy Spalding Clergyman and William Heaton residing in Thetford hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Joseph Bruce who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 73 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Timothy Spalding William Heaton
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Timothy Spalding who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman resident in the town of Thetford and that William Heaton who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same town and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. I, Simon Root Clerk & Agt. of the court of Probate of said District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Joseph Bruce for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 26th day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.
Simon Root Clerk

State of Vermont Probate District of Bennington On this 7 th day of Sept 1833 Personally appeared in the County of Bennington before the Probate Court for said District now sitting - Joseph Bruce of Thetford in the County of Bennington State of Vermont, who made his declaration before this Court for a pension on the 25 th day of July 1832 aged 74 years at this time after being duly sworn, doth on his oath make the following additional declaration - for the same purpose - viz - That by reason of old age & consequent loss of memory & the great lapse of time since the revolution worn he cannot be now positive as to officers circumstances & periods of service than he has been in his declaration - he is still confident that he served not less than three months as a substitute for Nathaniel Bruce - the first two months in Capt Dams company - The last month he does not recollect the names of the officers either of his company or regiment - but he is confident he performed the train - and he is still confi- dent that he served not less than 10 weeks in Capt Morses Company 1 st Regt Neds Regiment - Six months in Capt Dods company 1 st Reg Gorins Regiment as stated in his former decla- ration - Joseph Bruce
In testimony whereof I Simon Root Clerk or Register of said Probate Court have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this 7 th day of Sept 1833 - Simon Root Clk

He also states, that in the Spring of 1778, the exact time he does not recollect, he enlisted for the term of six months, at Marlborough in Massachussetts where he then lived, in Capt Dodge, Company of Middlesex & Col. Gorham's Regiment to go & guard the British prisoners at Winter Hill, that he went & spent said term of six months at Winter Hill & marched with them when they were conducted through Massachussetts to Connecticut in the fall of the year which he thinks was in October following & that he was present when they crossed Connecticut River at Enfield, that he then returned back to Winter Hill & was then discharged after having out the said term of six months making in all at least eleven months service & served as a private the whole time, except when he was at the taking of Burgoyne, when he was a Sergeant. He also states that he has no evidence or the names of no persons who can testify to the same.
The following interrogatories were then put to the applicant by the Court, & answers given by him.
1. Where in what year were you born? Ans. I was born in Bolton in the state of Massachussetts in the year 1759. 2. Have you any record of your age when is it? Ans. I suppose, that I have in Leedsburg in Massachussetts, where my father moved from Bolton when I was about 4 or 5 years old. 3. Where did you live when called into service, where have you lived since the revolutionary war. Where do you now live? Ans. In the Marlborough Massachussetts, when called into service since the war, I have lived in Bolton Mass. Washington N.H. Putney Vt, Acworth N.H. & Chester Vermont where I have lived the last 21 years & do now live. 4. How were you called into service, were drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute? Ans. The two first terms I was a substitute for Nathaniel Bruce the last two I entered the service voluntarily.

State the names of the regular officers who were with the troops when you served; such Continental & militia regiments as you mentioned in the general circumstances of the service — Ans. I recollect Genl. Gates at the taking of Burgayne & Genl. Burgayne delivered his sword to Gates besides this I do not know that I can be more particular than I have been in my declaration I refer to the Rev. Timothy Spalding & William Stanton Esq. of Shetford who will testify as to my character for truth and veracity & their belief of my services as a soldier of the revo- lution —

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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 31 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Joseph Brace
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Fall 1775 2 Private Col. G. Barnes 73 years Is a citizen of   Feb 1776 1 Sub " Woolworth a bridgeport   Aug 1777 2 10 Sgt Capt M'Deer Col. Breed Mrs. {   Spring 1778 6 Private Capt Dease Col. Gerius   2 10 05  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section AWF/eel AWF
July 5, 1929
Mrs. W. H. Bayles 947 Wisconsin Avenue Huron, South Dakota
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.12284 , it appears that Joseph Bruce was born in 1759, in Bolton, Massachusetts.
While residing in Marlborough, Massachusetts, he served in the Massachusetts Troops as follows:
In the fall of 1775, two months as private in Captain Barns' Company; from February, 1776, one month as private, no officers stated; from August, 1777, ten weeks as sergeant in Captain William Morse's Company, Colonel Reed's Regiment, and was at the capture of Burgoyne; from the spring of 1778, six months as private in Captain Dodge's Company, Colonel Gerrish's Regiment.
He stated that he lived in Washington, New Hampshire, Putney, Vermont, Acworth, New Hampshire, and Thetford, Orange County, Vermont, at which place he was residing when he was allowed pension on his application executed

July 26, 1832.
In the fall of 1775, soldier was living with William Bruce, of Marlborough, who had a son, Nathaniel; their relationship to soldier is not stated.
There are no further data as to his family.
Due to the very large number of inquiries similar to yours and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, only two histories are furnished each inquirer.
Respectfully,
EARL D.CHURCH Commissioner.

Rev. and 1812 War Section.
Aug
January 25, 1926
Mrs. L. Howell Davis 36 E. Springfield Ave Chestnut Hill Philadelphia, Pa.
Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 12234, it appears that Joseph Bruce was born in 1759 in Bolton, Massachusetts.
While residing in Marlborough, Massachusetts, he served in the Massachusetts Troops, as follows-
In the fall of 1775, two months as private in Captain Banns' Company.
From February 1776, one month as private as officers stated.
From August 1777, ten weeks as sergeant in Captain William Morse's Company, Colonel Reed's Regiment, and was at the capture of Burgoyne.
From the spring of 1778, six months as private

in Captain Dodge's Company, Colonel Gerrish's Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 26, 1832, while a resident of Thetford, Orange County, Vermont.
In the fall of 1775, soldier was living with William Bruce of Marlborough, who had a son Nathaniel; their relationship to soldier is not stated.
There is no further data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

March 26. '39.
Chelsea Vt. March 20
See
Memorandum
Hon J. L. Edwards Commssn. of Pensions City of Washington D.C.

Hon J. L. Edwards
(Dear Sir
Joseph Bruce of the State of Vermont was inscribed on pension List Oct 5, 1833. for forty one dollars and sixty six cents per annum - under the Law of June 7, 1832 - I was at Burlington a few days since to draw pension and could not obtain the money - for his last six months pay - for the follow- ing reason - the Roll of Pensioners forwarded by the War department to E. S. English, pension agent, shows that the B. Bruce is entitled to $104.16 whereas the Original Pension Certifi- cate of his in my hands grants him a pension of $41.66 - My request is that the Roll at Burlington (Vt) may be corrected, please to address E. S. English on the subject and - have the goodness also to inform me of the correction as I reside sixty miles from Bur- lington
I sent you in December last the necessary Certifi- cates of the Death and the heirs of John Carrim of Vershire Vt (deceased) agreeable to your di- rection but have had no return. Please inform me -
The cases of Daniel Perkins, Elijah Blake, James Sylvan and John Matson of Vermont, were sent to the Department some time since. I have - received as yet no return on them -
Very Resp d Sir Your Ob dt Serv t
Chelsea Vt. March 21, 1834 -
John W. Smith

Nov. 16/95 Asst. to Orlo W. Norlin, Stillman Valley, Ill.
1913. Feb. 13, First to Mrs. L.C. Jef- ferson add. 1926-Jan. 25-First to Mrs. S. Howell Davis add.
1929, July 5, First to Mrs. H. H. Bailes. E.E.O.
See Recd Has claim Abijah Bruce, N. 16872
Revised
12.284 INVALID.
File No. 12, 284
Joseph Bruce 4 Sergt. Rev. War.
Act: June 9th 1832.
Index:—Vol. A , Page 47
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Stillman Valley 6 th Nov 95 Ill
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions Washington DC
Sir
I write for information in regard to Joseph Bruce a revolutionary soldier who received a pension, about 1836 or 37 - I wish to know to what co and regiment he belonged; the date of his death, or cessation of pension and residence, at that time And any other information in regard to him, shown by the records of your office -
Yours very Respectfully, Orlo W Norton
Adrup Stillman Valley Ill

St. Paul Minn
Feb 12 1913
U. S. Pension Dept.
My Great-great-Grandfather Joseph Bruce recieved a pension for his services in the Revolutionary War. I find in the Volume of J. E. Pensions Page 110 Records of Orange County Vermont - An act passed 7 th day June 1832

Joseph Bruce - pri p earnt - annual allowance $41.66 - sums received 124.98 -
Mass Con. Line - Placed on Pucci roll Oct 5-1833 - commencement of pension Mar 4 1831 - age 75-
Our family record gives Joseph Bruce born Aug 19 1757 - died Sept 13 1849 - married Dec 19 1783 to Ruth Lowell of Putney Vt.
I am desirous of knowing just what he did during the Revolutionary War His birth place and the

names of his parents I shall be very grateful to you if you will send me all the information you have concerning him
Yours truly
Mrs L. C. Jefferson
1126 Summit Ave
St Paul
Minn

26 East Springfield Ave. Chestrnut Hill! Philadelphia Pa. December 9 th , 1925
The Pension Bureau. Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
I am very anxious for some family data of Joseph Bruce, who is on your pension list, and should deeply appreciate any information you might give me, and shall gladly send a fee suitable to repay you for your trouble in looking up his record.
His name was Joseph Bruce. He was born in Bolton Massachu- setts August 19 th , 1758, and died

September, 13 th , 1849. I believe when he enlisted in the Revolutionary War, that he resided at Marlborough, Massachusetts. I am very anxious to know the names of his father and mother or whatever data you have on record. Thanking you for your kindness, I am Gratefully,
Yirrine Bruce R. Davis. (Mrs. L. Howell Davis)

Ans Jan. 25, 1926
26 East Springfield Ave. Chestnut Hill. Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 9 th , 1926.
Pension Bureau Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs,
I am very anxious to know something of the Revolutionary record of Joseph (or Jariah) Dyer, and should appreciate very much whatever information you may give me from your records. He married Ruth Lowell in Putney Vermont, and had six children, Joseph, Ruth, Timothy,

Mary, Susan, and David. Can you give me the date of his birth and where he was born? He died in Thetford Vermont. I shall be very grateful if you can send me this information as soon as possible and whatever else you may know of him.
Very Truly Yours Memphis Bruce R. Davis. (Mrs. L. Howard Davis)

S. 12284
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Joseph Bruce a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Fall of 1775- 2 mos. Pvt Barnes - Mass   Feb. 1776 1 mo. Pvt officers not stated -   Aug 1777 10 mos Sgt Wm Morris Reed   Spring 1778 6 mos Pvt Dodge Gerrish  
Battles engaged in, at capture of Burgoyne
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Marlborough Mass.
Date of application for pension, July 26. 1832. His claim was al.
Residence at date of application, Hartford Orange Co. Vt.
Age at date of application, born in Bolton Mass. 1759.
Remarks: In the fall of 1775 soldier was living with William Bruce of Marlborough who had a son Nathaniel. Their relationship to the soldier is not stated. There is no data on file as to his family
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.