Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1354, Daniel Browning, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Browning, Daniel
R. 1354
CONTENTS
Blank lined area for contents entry
Blank lined area for contents entry

State of New York County of Hamilton ss.
On this 28 th day of May 1840, personally appeared before me Jacob Van Curnam one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas &c. in and for said County of Hamilton, Daniel Browning a resident of the town of Northampton in the County of Fulton and State of Ohio aged aged seventy-nine 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, in the State of Connecticut, under the following named officers; and served as more particularly specified below to wit:
That in the early part of the Revolutionary war, he, the said Daniel Browning was a resident of the town of Stonington in the State of Connecticut, and that in the month of January 1777, he enlisted for a term, or length of time three years , in a regiment commanded by Colonel Starr, and served the said three years as a private in said Regiment in a company or companies commanded by Captain Eldridge, Reed, Shumway or Shumway.
That immediately after the expiration of the said three years service, as thus described, he, the said Daniel Browning continued to serve in the same regiment and under the same officers as above described without any regular or formal re-enlistment, (simply by mutual agreement between himself and officers,) for a term of one year more, which terminated in the month of January 1781. That during the said last year's service, which comprised the principal part of the year 1780, he, the said Daniel Browning acted in the capacity of Sergeant; yet, by reason of the lapse of time, intervening between the period of the Revolutionary war and now, he cannot say certain whether he was paid the sum of money allowed a Sergeant, or that of a private; and he further declares that he has carefully examined the annexed certificate of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut, and that the three years service therein stated to have been done by Dan r Browning cannot have reference to any other person than that of himself, the said Daniel Browning, it being the common abbreviation of the name Daniel, and that there was not any other person of his name in said Regiment during said three years; and he further declares that, as it respects the name Browner in the said

Comptroller's Certificate, it must have been a mistake by the person who wrote it, because there was no person of that name in the said Regiment during the said year 1780, and as said Comptroller justly presumes it can have reference to no other person than that of the said Daniel Browning now, and hereby an applicant for a Pension, and the same individual described by said Comptroller as having served three years before. That he hereby claims the proportionate amount of pay as a Sergeant according to the said annexed certificate of the said Comptroller of Connecticut.
And he further declares that he assigns as a reason for not having previously applied for a pension, that he had formed an idea that every applicant for a pension, in order to insure success, was required to produce a certificate or affidavit from one or more of the Officers or privates who served in the same Company with him, which he has not yet been able to do. He further declares that by reason of his advanced age, and bodily weakness he cannot consistently go to Johnstown to attend and make his declaration in open Court in the said County of Fulton, it being a distance of about twenty-three miles, and that his place of residence now is, and has been for the last nine years last past near the north line of the County of Fulton, in the said town of Northampton, and that one of the Judges of the said County of Hamilton resides within a few rods of the south line of said Hamilton County which renders it far more convenient, as both this applicant and the Judge to wit, Jacob Van Arnam reside in one neighbourhood.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension, or annuity except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of any Agency in any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me
Daniel Browning
Jacob Van Arnam
One of the Judges of Hamilton County Courts.
I certify that I have been well acquainted with the above named Daniel Browning for about thirty years last past, and that he uniformly sustains a good moral character, and that the report is current, and believed to be true that he was a Soldier in the Revolutionary Army, and I hereby give it as my opinion the above applicant is entitled to a pension.
Jacob Van Arnam
One of the Judges in and for said County of Hamilton.

June 15. 1840
NY.
P. J. Wagner M. C.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Washington
H. H. H. H. H. H.

John S. Shew
March 22, 1871
O. B.
> 6

Pension Office March 22, 1841
184
Sir The two affidavits in the case of Daniel Browning declared in your letter of the 12 th instants, have been examined The claim and it appears from the rolls of the regiment in which he served deserted on the 31 st January 1781. by that act he forfeited all claim to remuneration for previous service The record According an established rule the record cannot be brought into question by parole evidence - This claim was on a former examination rejected & no no reason can now be perceived for not adhering to that decision
John S. Shaw Esq. Northampton N.Y.

John S. Hingerlund
3 rd Oct 1850

State of New York } ss: County of Rensselaer } ss:
On this Thirtieth day of January 1841 personally appeared before me Perry Warren Juge one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County of Rensselaer, Sarah Brownell and Hannah Wilson who being first duly affirmed according to law doth each one separately depose and say that during the period of the Revolutionary war they were well acquainted with Daniel Browning who enlisted as a private soldier for three years and served faithfully the time for which he enlisted in the Continental Army in said Revolutionary war as these deponents were then informed and verily believe
That at the expiration of said three years without any formal enlistment but by a mutual agreement between the officers of the Regiment and the said Daniel Browning he continued in the service without any direct reference to any definite length of time or to any particular period of time he should serve. That during the said three years and the residue of the time which he served (which was about one year more which he served as a sergeant) he the said Daniel Browning served faithfully to the satisfaction of the officers in command over him as these deponents were then informed and verily believe. That the said Daniel Browning was often home on furlough either by written or by personal consent of his officers. That in the fall season of the year 1780 the Regiment to which the said Daniel Browning belonged was stationed at or near a place called Stony Point on the North river about half way between New York and Albany. That the relatives of the said Daniel Browning at that time resided at a place called The nine Partners in Dutchess County only a few miles from the said Stony Point.
That some time in January 1781 he the said Daniel Browning left the regiment to which he belonged on furlough and informed the officers that he was going to his

relatives at the time parting a short distance and that he would hold himself in readiness to return at any time his services were required He accordingly went and did as he agreed as these deponents were then informed and verily he lives He was not called upon to the knowledge of these deponents although frequently seen by the officer Consequently did not return to the regiment because he was not engaged to serve for any particular period or length of time
And further these deponents on their Affirmations aforesaid say that they have been acquainted with the said Daniel Browning ever since the period of the Revolutionary war and that Daniel Browning of Northampton now an applicant for a pension is the same individual person within described and that they hereby testify upon their affirmations aforesaid that they are disinterested witnesses and they also testify as aforesaid that the said Daniel Browning never deserted from the service at all to their knowledge nor did they ever hear of his deserting from the Army but that he continued to serve faithfully until the time as within described
And the said Sarah Brownell further testifieth and said that she is seventy seven years of age and the said Hannah Wilcox further testifieth and said that she is seventy four years of age
Taken Subscribed and Affirmed before me the day and year first above written
Sarah Brownell Hannah Wilcox Mark
Perry Warren Justice Peace
Witness John Wilcox Jr
And I further certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Deponents Sarah Brownell and Hannah Wilcox who subscribed the above affidavit that they are persons who are entitled to full Credit at all times & places
Perry Warren Justice Peace

STATE OF NEW-YORK, Rensselaer County Clerk's Office, } ss.
I, LELAND CRANDALL, Clerk of the County of Rensselaer, do hereby Certify, that Henry Warner Esq Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the annexed affidavit was, at the time the
the said affidavit bears date one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County: And further, that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of said Justice of the Peace and verily believe the above signature to be genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County, this first day of February . 18 48
Leland Crandall Clerk.

Northampton } — f March 15
Mar 28/84
Miss Sarah Brown Daniel Brown
Jerome J. L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City D. Col.

Northampton, Fulton County, N.Y.
March 12 th 1841
Dear Sir—
Some time ago, (less than two & years,) I prepared the papers for Daniel Browning requisite for him to be placed on the Pension list under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 and forwarded them to the Pension Office. Soon after, I received an answer to the claim that he was marked as a " deserter ".
Here enclosed I send you testimony on that subject which I trust will be carefully and impartially examined and filed with the original claim and the result of your better judgment communicated to me. There can be no doubt but what the Comptroller of Connecticut was mistaken when he said that Daniel Browner was the same as — Browning.
It appears to be no more than a natural consequence that the Sergeant should write the word " deserted " opposite to his name at the time, because the officers higher in command had made the agreement with him to stay in the Army after the time had expired for which he had enlisted.
Now Sir, it appears very evident that he was a good and faithful soldier, and served about one year as a volunteer in the regular Army, or rather by mutual agreement. Then went home on furlough or by consent or agreement and because he did not return, the word " deserted " was written at the end of his name, or his name recorded among the deserters.
His fate, however, is in your hands, yet it does appear on a careful perusal of the original claim, connected with the enclosed papers that it would be no more than an act of justice to place his name on the Pension List.
Your most favorable decision will be most thankfully received.
With sentiments of much respect &c.
John J. Shaw
Hon. J. S. Edwards — Commr. of Pensions

Jan 16. 1843
Mr. John Brown
L Edwards Commission of Pensions Washington D.C.
H. H. Sanford H.A.

Sir
I have received a letter from the friend of Daniel Browning and John Strong , of Hamilton County N.Y. - wishing me to inquire why a pension has not been allowed to the above persons - and wishing to know what further proof (if any) is required to sustain their claims to a pension -
Will you have the goodness to enable me to answer his communication.
I have the honor to be
Your obedt Servt
J Sanford
House of Representatives January 14 th 1843
To J L Edwards Esq

Jan 16. 1843
NY.
John D. King & Browning
John D. King & Browning
Correspondence of John D. King & Browning here -
Hon J Sanford H R

Comptroller's Office Hartford Apr 29 1840
Dear Sir
I have examined all the Pay Rolls remaining in this Office relating to the Revolutionary War (Militia) from 1775 to 1780 Inclusive, for the name of Daniel Browning or Mournel (without success). I find on the Records of the Connecticut Line the name of Danl. Browning in the 5th Connecticut Regt Josiah Starr Col. from Aug 1777 to 1780 as a private and in the same Regiment I find Daniel Browning as a private from Aug 1780 to Aug 1780 7 Mos and from Aug 1780 to Aug 1781 as Sergeant 5 months I presume it is the same Man as the dates continue regularly - however, Two Years is sufficient to obtain free Pension - for all nearly Four Years service) please direct - No charge for Search & Certificate Two Dollars Yours A
Yours Very Respectfully Henry Newman Compt
+ returned June 31, 1781
L. Anibal Goy

35.069 Daniel Browning N.Y.
Act 7. June '32
Deserted
1354
Hon. P. J. Wagner H. Rep!

We, James Harris, and Leonard Aribal, residing in the town of Hope, and Morgan Lewis, and Elias Lobdell residing in the town of Northampton, County of Fulton and State of New York, do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Daniel Browning, who has subscribed and sworn to the annexed or foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be 79 years of age as stated in his declaration; and that we have no hesitation in saying that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier in the army of the Revolution; and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed this 28 th day of May 1840 before me
Leonard Aribal
James Harris
Morgan Lewis
Elias Lobdell
Jacob Van Arnam
One of the Judges in and for Hamilton County Courts.
And I, the aforesaid Jacob Van Arnam Judge as aforesaid, do hereby declare my opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after propounding the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the foregoing applicant to wit: Daniel Browning was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states in his declaration; and I further certify that I have been personally acquainted with the said Daniel Browning for about 30 years last past, and during that period of time it was the uniform opinion of this region of country that he had been a soldier of the Revolutionary Army in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army.
And I further certify that I am well acquainted with the above named James Harris and Leonard Aribal of Hope in the County of Hamilton and State of New York, and also of Morgan Lewis and Elias Lobdell of Northampton, who have signed the preceding certificate, and that they are credible persons; and that their statement is entitled to credit. And that by reason of bodily infirmities he is not able to appear in open Court.
Jacob Van Arnam One of the Judges in and for the County of Hamilton.

State of New York County of Hamilton } ss: Clerks Office —
I Samuel Galt Clerk of the court in and for the County of Hamilton do hereby certify that said Veronum Esqr before whom the foregoing Declaration of Daniel Browning purports to have been sworn also the certificate of credibility and the Certificate of Leonard Ainslee James Harris Elias Seddell and Morgan Lewis was on the day of the date of the same a Judge of the court in and for said County of Hamilton and that his signature thereunto subscribed is genuine I being well acquainted with the said judges hand writing
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 8 th day of June A.D.
1840,
Samuel Galt Clerk

Hon. John Sanford
Jany. 21 st 1843

Sen off Jany 21 st H.3
Sir
In reply to your enquiring I have the honor to inform you that the claim of Daniel Browning has been rejected because it is shewn by the rolls which can not at this date be controverted by parole testimony, that he deserted. It does not appear by the Register of claims that John Sperry has applied from NY under the act of 7. June 3 rd
Hon. John Sanford H.R.

W N. York
Daniel Browning
let. to Hon. P. J. Magnus not found Jan 1840
let. to John S. Shew March 22, 1841.
let to Hon. John Sanford Jan'y 21. '43
" S. S. Hingerland 3 rd Oct 1850
Rejected.
Act June 1832

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
1354.
REJECTED
P. O. Daniel Brown Daniel Brown
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: List of rejected claims printed in 1852, shows cause
Re-enlisted: of rejection as follows: "He was a deserter."
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.