Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 10,456, William Brattle, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Brattle, William Hannah
W 10,456
CONTENTS

6.356
Connecticut. Hannah Brattle dec d widow of William.
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private Serg t & Lieut.
Mass
- Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 26. Dollars 70
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. and ending 9 November 1854.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th day of October 1855 and sent to
D. Burbank Hartford 61
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 175. Vol. 16

State of Connecticut, County of Newford
In this the 25 th day of June A 1855 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Newford in the County of Newford - State of Connec- ticut Julia B Burbank of the town and county of Newford State of Con- necticut aged fifty eight years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath declare and make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the laws of the United States passed
That she is the daughter of William Brattle and Hannah Brattle late of the town of Pittsfield County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and that the said William Brattle served in the war of the American Revolution as follows viz as private in the company commanded by Capt. Master Sergeant in the regiment commanded by Col Benjamin Monds at Ticonderoga from Dec 16 th 1776 to March 22 nd 1777 Also as sergeant in the company commanded by Capt. Peter Porter in the regiment commanded by Col Benjamin Simonds for the period of twenty five days from April 26 th 1777 and seventy one miles traveled also in the company commanded by Capt. Wm Francis in Major Elisha Snydes detachment from July 8 th to August 27 th 1777 - 100 miles traveled as sergeant

whereas Lieutenant in Capt Wm Wells company from October 30 th to November 7 th 1781 and fifty three miles, newel
That the said William Brattle was married to the said Hannah whose maiden name was Hannah Wells at Wethersfield in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut on the 5 th day of February 1793 and that the said William Brattle died at Pittsfield in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 6 th day of November 1826 and the said Hannah Brattle the wife of the said William died at said Pittsfield on the 9 th day of November 1854 and that she remained a widow from the time of the decease of the said William Brattle until her death That there are four children of the said William Brattle and Hannah Brattle now living viz James W Brattle of the town of Malden State of Massachusetts
your Petitioner the being the wife of David Bruback of Hartford Conn Maria Clark the wife of Benedict Clark of Saratoga Springs in the State of New York and Charles Brattle of the town of Pittsfield County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts and that there are not any other children

Mem of the said William & Hannah Brattle all which will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed
Julia B. Burbank
Given to said subscribers on the day and year aforesaid
Henry Perkins, Judge of Probate
State of Connecticut } County of Hartford } June 28 1855 District of Hartford }
At a Court of Probate held within and for the District aforesaid on the day and year aforesaid this court having enquired into the facts stated in the foregoing application find the same to be true
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Probate
Henry Perkins Judge of Probate

1793 Feb 15 William Brattle junior of Pittsfield & Hannah Wells of Wetherfield
I Chauncy Robbins of the town of Wetherfield County of Windford and State of Connecticut of lawful age being duly sworn and sworn before me and say that I am now forty seven years old and up- wards, that I have now in my possession a book kept by the Revd John Marsh whilst he was pastor of the first church and society of Wetherfield in which is registered and recorded the names of the persons who were admitted members of the church of which he was pastor and of the persons baptized and married by him; also the names of the persons who died in the society under his charge. Said book came into my hands as clerk of the Church in Wetherfield
Said book also has the date when either of the above rites was performed prefixed to each. The above and foregoing is a true and exact copy of said record and an extract therefrom and further the deponent saith not
Chauncy Robbins 31
State of Connecticut, County of Windford
Be it remembered that on this the 11 th day of June A.D. 1855 before me the subscriber a Notary Public within & for the County and State aforesaid.

personally appeared the above named Shemacy Robbins and Normand Smith to me personally known and that each made oath to the truth of the contents of the foregoing deposition to him respectively subscribed. I further testify that each of them are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal. Richard Goodman Notary Public

I James Warriner of Pittsfield, in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, depose and say; that I am the present town clerk of said town of Pittsfield, and have the care of the Books of Records of said town; that among the said Books of Records is one which contains the record of births and deaths in many of the families in said town; in conformity to the Statutes of said Commonwealth; and on page 127 of said Book, there is among others, the following Record of which the following is a true copy, viz— Copy of said Record.
"Children of William Brattle & Hannah his wife." } "a child born Oct 18. 1793 & died Oct 20. 1793. James Wells, born June 16. 1795. Julie ————— " Sept 22. 1797 Merrie ————— " Feb 5. 1800. Charles ————— " Jan 30. 1805.
"Mr William Brattle died Nov 6. 1826"
"rec' Mar 6. 1839."
Said Record is in the hand writing of Gen John B Root who was for many years, town clerk of Pittsfield and has every appearance of being a genuine record made at or about said date therein contained of March 6. 1839. I also find on a previous Book of Records of said town among a great number of records of the like kind, the a record of which the following is a true copy—
"William Brattle Jun r & Abigail Fairfield, both of Pittsfield intend marriage together, Oct r 8. 1774."
In Record Book, No 1, on page 36, I find the name "William Brattle", in a list of jurors, reported by the Selectmen, at a meeting "of the freeholders & inhabitants of Pittsfield" held August 18. 1761.
on page 53 of the same book, is the name "William Brattle" purporting to be subscribed by him, as a constable of said Pittsfield, to a return, on a warrant for town meeting, dated Aug

August 24. 1763.
On pages 54, & 55, the name "William Brattle" appears as a Constable of Pittsfield.
On page 57, his name "William Brattle" as constable subscribed to a Return dated "Dec 9. 1763."
The same appears on page 67 of said book.
On page 61 of said book the name of "William Brattle" appears recorded, up as one of the constables chosen at the annual town meeting March 7. 1763.
On pages 63. 64, his name appears his name appears as one of the constables of said town of Pittsfield.
On page 65, is the following record - "3. That Mr Brattle "Set up a malt house lengthways in the street against "his house 18 foot wide to continue as long as the same "produces good malt." -
On page 74, is the following record. "Wm Williams and "Wm Brattle engaged to build the east school house."
On page 203, it appears in the record of the annual town meeting held March 20. 1775, that "Oswald Williams, Esq d "Weller, Wm Brattle jun r ," were elected Horse Reeves for that year. This record is as follows. "18 th Oswald Williams "Esq d Weller, Wm Brattle jun r , he Horse Reeves."
On page 19, of the Book of town Records, No 2, in the record of the annual town meeting of said town held March 23. 1778, is the following record. "18 th  That William Brattle, Esq d Jones & Esq d Hubbard, he Deer Reeves."
On page 46, of said book No 2. of the annual town meeting held March 1. 1779, is the following record. "9 th That. Esq d Moses "Greene jun r , Lieut James Easton, Capt James Noble, Mr William "Brattle jun r , Mr Martin Bagg & Mr Oliver Burt, he Deer "Viewers." also. "10 th " that Mr Enoch Haskins, Mr Joseph "Fairfield, Mr Wm Brattle jun r & Mr Ezra Strong be "Tythingmen" also, on page 48, in the record of the same meeting - "31. That Mr William Brattle jun r be a Committee to inspect the timber growing in the centre forest in this town". On page 68. in the record of the annual town meeting held March 13. 1780, is the following record. "6 th , that William Brattle, Oswald "Williams, Enoch Haskins, & Martin Bagg, be constables."

On pages, 73- 75- 78- 80- 81- 83- 89- 91- of same book No 2, the name "William Brattle" appears subscribed to returns as constables, as dated - April 28. 1780. May 17. 1780. Aug 31. 1780. Oct 9. 1780. Oct 19. 1780. Dec 14. 1780. Jan 22. 1781. March 12. 1781.
On page 91, of same book, is the following in the record of the Annual town meeting held March 12. 1781. "10 th That William Brattle jun r Matthew Wright, John Bricker & Paul Hubbard, be Fence Viewers."
On page 109, is the record of the Annual town meeting held March 18. 1782. The name of "William Brattle jun r ", appears as being appointed, a
Hog Reeve - On the same page 109, the name of "William Brattle jun r " is recorded on a list of persons to serve on juries.
On page 124, of the same book, in the record of a town meeting held Dec 9. 1782, is the following vote. "11 th That a Committee of 5 men be appointed to see that no waste be made of any timber wood remaining on the public lands, and that it consists of Mr John Partridge, Mr Joseph Fairfield, S er Timothy Childs, Capt W m Bricker and Mr William Brattle jun r ."
On page 129, of the same book, the name "William Brattle", is recorded as one of the School Committee chosen March 26. 1783.
On page 128, of the same book, is the following record, "4 th That William Brattle jun r and Stephen Fowler, be Fence Viewers."
On page 174, the name "William Brattle jun r " is recorded in the list of jurors, at a town meeting held May 9. 1785.
On page 175, of the same book, in the record of the same meeting the name, "William Brattle" appears, as one of a Committee on "the union or division of the town."
On page 239, in the record of the town meeting, held April 6. 1789, the name "William Brattle jun r " appears among the persons chosen Hog Reeves for that year -
On page 240. the name "William Brattle jun r " is recorded on the list of jurors, selected by the town April 6. 1789.
On page 252. the name "William Brattle jun r " appears as a collector of taxes -
On page 267, the name "William Brattle jun r " appears among the persons chosen Hog Reeves for the year 1790.
On page 324, the name "William Brattle" appears as a collector April 5. 1792.
On page 339, the name "William Brattle jun r " appears on the list of jurors selected November 2. 1792. -

On page 348, the name "William Brattle" appears as chosen field driver at annual town meeting held March 25. 1793 - and on page 349, as chosen Hog Reeve at same meeting - On page 395, the name "William Brattle" appears as chosen field driver for the year 1795. and also as surveyor of highways for the same year 1795 - On page 425, of said Book, No 2, the name "William Brattle, appears on the list of jurors, selected at the annual town meeting held March 14. 1796 -
The name may be borne in other places on said Records, but having looked through Books No 1, and 2 of the Records of Pittsfield, I saw it in no other place - Since the date 1795, I have not examined - And furthermore The deponent saith not - August 8 th 1855 -
James Warren Town Clerk of Pittsfield
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. August 9 th 1855 -
Berkshire County ss. Then personally appeared James Warren the Town Clerk of Pittsfield in said County, to well known, as a credible person, and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed, this day, in my presence is true, according to his best knowledge and belief -
Before me - Julius Northcote
Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire County ss —
I Charles Brattle of Pittsfield in said County aged fifty years on oath depose and say that I am the son of William Brattle formerly of said Pittsfield deceased by his third and last wife Hannah and have now in my possession the Old family bible of said William. I find entries in said bible in the words and figure, following viz:
"Feb 7 th 1793. William Brattle and Hannah Wells was married"
"Oct 18. was born an infant child and died 20 th ."
"1795. June 16 " James Wells Brattle was born 12 o'clock on Tuesday"
"1797 Sept 22 Julia was born on Friday 4 o'clock afternoon"
"1800 Feb 5 th Maria Brattle was born Wednesday between 8 & 9 o'clock evening"
"1805. January 30 Charles Brattle was born on Sunday 6 th o'clock morning"
I further depose that the foregoing are true copies from the family record in said bible. That said William Brattle died in November 1826. and that his widow said Hannah died November 9. 1834. That the above named James, Julia, Maria and Charles are now living and are the only children of said William by said Hannah his last wife. That I have often heard my father said William relate his service in the War of the Revolution at Ticonderoga Stillwater

and elsewhere - And I further say that there was never any other family by the name of "Brattle" or "Brattles" except our family residing in this County or this vicinity - That I have no interest in the application for a pension on account of said William, deceased, in said war because I have assigned all my interests of any to David Burbank and my sister Fannie his wife - The father of said William Brattle and my grandfather was also named William and it appears by the inscription on his tomb stone in Pittsfield Old burying ground that he died on the 24 th of October 1774 aged 84 years - (Eighty four years,) he never served in the war that I ever heard - My father also had a son William by his first wife who is residing Chas Brattle
Bukshus June 18 th 1855. Then personally appeared Charles Brattle and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed.
Before me
James Colby Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire County ss.
I Naomi Noble of Pittsfield in said County on oath depose and say that I am eighty two years of age and was born and have always lived in said Pittsfield & that I was well acquainted with William Brattle of said Pittsfield deceased who married my sister for his first wife. That I distinctly remember that said William was in the Military Service of the Colony in the War of the Revolution and remember his returning home at one time while in said service sick in company with my father Nathaniel Fairfield who was also engaged in the same service. That I know the children of said William by his third and last wife Hannah are all now living. That James W. Brattle of Macomb Illinois, Julia B. wife of David Burleigh of Hartford Connecticut, Hannah wife of Benedict Clark of Saratoga Springs, New York and Charles Brattle of said Pittsfield. Said William died in the fall of 1826. and his Widow Mrs. Hannah Brattle died in the fall of 1854 - I have never known or heard of any other family of "Brattle" or "Brattle," than the above family - The father of the above named William Brattle was also named William. And said William Brattle my brother in law also had a son William by his first wife who is now living - and further this deponent saith not.
Naomi Noble

and elsewhere - And I further say that at no time was any other family by the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Berkshire County ss -
June 15 1855 - Then personally appeared Naomi Noble and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by her subscribed
Before me James D. Colby Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire County ss.
I Phinehas Allen, of Pittsfield, in the County of Berkshire, depose say on oath & say, that I am seventy-eight years of age; that I have resided in said Pittsfield, since the year eighteen hundred; that I have been the editor & publisher of the Pittsfield Sun, a newspaper printed at said Pittsfield, since the year 1800 - that I was well acquainted with Mr. William Brattle, who lived & died in said Pittsfield; & by reference to the files of said newspaper, I find that he died on the sixth day of November, 1826, aged eighty-two years.
I also knew Mrs. Brattle, the widow of said William, who died in Pittsfield on the ninth of November, 1854. - There was never, to my knowledge, any other family residing in said County of Berkshire by the name of "Brattle", or "Brattles", except the family to which said William Brattle belonged, and no one by the name of William "Brattle", or "Brattles", except the William above named, and a son of said William, by his first wife, who is now living in said Pittsfield.
Dated at Pittsfield, this 2 fourth day of June, A. D. 1855.
Phinehas Allen.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County ss. June 4 th 1855. Then personally appeared Phinehas Allen to me well known as a credible person, and made oath that the above statement by him subscribed is true according to his best knowledge & belief
Before me Julius Rockwell
Justice of the Peace.
He was William's eldest son, served in the War of the Revolution at Ticonderoga & Stillwater

Deposition of William Brattle son of The soldier William Brattle

I William Brattle of Pittsfield, in the County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts, aged Seventy Seven years, depose and say; That I am the son of William Brattle, by his first wife whose maiden name was Abigail Fairfield; and my mother as I have always been told died when I was Three weeks old. My father married for his second wife Lucy Leffingwell; and after her death he married his third wife Hannah Lucas; I think about the year 1793. My father died leaving his third wife his widow; and she died in November 1854. I was not old enough during the revolutionary war to remember my father's services; but I have heard my father, speak a great many times of his serving in the United States army in the Revolutionary war, I think I have heard him speak of Fort Ticonderoga; I recollect of his stating repeatedly about his being in service one winter, and that he and the troops he was with, were much engaged in cutting wood that winter; it is my impression he was cutting wood at or near Crown Point; I remember his relating an anecdote which took place, at one time, when the company he belonged to was returning home, a black snake lay on a log, and several of the company had fired at him, when William Brattle, my father, who was in the rear of the company came up and fired, and the snake fell off the log, and the captain laughed & said "it was Sergeant Brattle's rifle that killed the snake". I recollect my father's stating that there some other matters of detail, but cannot now state very further facts definitely. I think my grandfather died about 1794; I never heard of his being in the revolutionary war, my father was called

William Brattle junior, until my grandfather died. I have always lived in Pittsfield, and usually at the old homestead: and in that part of the town , I know of no man now living in that part of Pittsfield, as old as myself. I never knew of any other family by the name of Brattle in this County of Berkshire, except our family, nor of the name of Brattles. I have always understood that my grandfather William Brattle came from England; and I never have seen any person by the name of Brattle except our family. And furthermore the deponent saith not.
Pittsfield July 20 th 1855.
By William Brattle
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire County ss. July 20 th 1855. Then personally appeared William Brattle, who has subscribed the above deposition in my presence, and who is to me well known as a credible person and entitled to full credit; and declares withal that the above deposition is true.
Before me Julius Rockwell justice of the peace

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 10456
Kenneth Brattle
wid
William Brattle
last known
Act: 31 F 21/18
Index:—Vol. A , Page 95
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1

11.785
Connecticut.
Hannah Brattle, decd.
widow of William who died on the
of _____ in the State of who was a private, Sergeant in the _____ commanded by Captain & Lieut. _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Revolution line for
Inscribed on the Roll of Hartford at the rate of 26. Dollars 70 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th day of October 1855 and sent to
D. Durban Arrears to the 4th of Hartford Semi-annual allowance ending 6p.
Recorded by { Revolutionary Claim, } Book: H Vol. 1 { Act July 7, 1838. } Clerk, Page 24.

Connecticut 9627. Hannah Brattle, dec d . widow of William who was a private Sergeant & Lieut. in the Revolution.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 26. Dollars 70. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of Oct r 1855. and sent to
J. Burdick Hartford Ct.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book: 26 Vol. 1. Page 150.

Connecticut Rev.
Hannah Brattle, ad. ind. of William, who was a pious, devout and kind Miss lady, —
Set Oct July 7, 1838
22 days, per month $10.99 2 mo. 13 d, per d. 12.16 8 d. per d. 3.55 $26.70
Co. March 4, 1836, in Nov. 3, 1854, when she died, 78 years .
Payable to James W. Brattle, Julia Burbank, Maria Clark, Charles Brattle, and children —
J. Burbank, Hartford Conn.

15,321
Hannah Brattle dec'd Widow of William Connecticut
D. Burbank July 6 1855 Edw. Goodman Aug 1 1855 D. Burbank Aug 18 1855 D. Burbank, Sept. 20 1855
July 7 1838

Hannah Brattle W m born - Nov 1838
Cole Hon. Jerome P. Phelps Commissioner of Revenue Newburyport D g

Hannah Brattle William - Con - Aug 1838
Cole Hon. J. Murch Commissioner of Pensions Washington. D.C.

William Brattle
Map - or Con original
Mr. Dole - had the first let allay 1755 -
Cole John S. Marshall Horn of Union Washington D.C.
  3  133333  3     448  146 352      48    73  16 2 / 3      436      348      12,144     30  320      17   

Hannah Brattle
W m bon - Jan 1838
B
Colc
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page, including the name "Hannah Brattle" and other illegible markings.]

Hannah Brattle William law. ms 1838
Cole
J. M. [unclear] Bonds of [unclear] Washington D.C.

Watford Oct 9/55
To J. Minter Esq Comr of Pensions, Sir, the paper
accompanying this is made to order as we understand it - suppose 'tis all right
The official standing of Henry Peckins as Judge of Probate has all he says has been twenty times certified to by our Secretary of State for purposes of this kind, & is therefore deemed unnecessary in this instance - Relieving we have done the needfull to the utmost limit, it only remains for you promptly to do what remains on your part to be done -
I am Sir with great respect Your humble Servt D. Burbank

Wartford Ct. Feb' 14/50 Hon S. Almon, Com'g Gen'l Sir, Sir, With this you will have the dispositions of Samuel M. Jones & Jas L. Harrison who with those heretofore sent you will it is believed embody an account of evidence (on the application of the heirs of Samuel Brattle die d ) that will satisfy the most skeptical & at same time most arous eed guardian of the publick purse
I remain dear Sir very truly Yours
J. S. Durand

1756 821 ----- 1710
Wm Brattle 2 o 1825 Hannah Brattle 2 o 9th Nov 52  Maria 1753
Isaac Brattle 4 o Julia B Brattle 2 o Maria Clark 3 o Charles Brattle 4 o    9900 mi  10,89    73 Sept  12,14    8. Set  352    -----  -----    180  $28.55  

Brief in the case of Hannah Brattle, dead, wid. of William. Hartford County and State of Connecticut.
act
July 7. 1838, v. 7
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.) Original.
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
The marriage of the parties on the 5 th of February, 1793, established by Record evidence. Six months' service as a private, Sergeant and Lieutenant shown by evidence from the Books of the Secretary of Massachusetts - and with which William Brattle, the husband of Hannah, is identified. Her death and the names and number of her now surviving children is established as required by the Regulations.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
D. Gurbank, Hartford, Conn.
Examining Clerk.
Ogle Nels

Wartford
June 26 1855
Hon. Lorin L. Waldo
Dear Sir
With this you will receive the documents intended to support for a  person the claim to a pension in behalf of the children Heirs of the late Mrs Hannah Brattle of Pittsfield Mass. widow of the late William Brattle of said Pittsfield deceased for military service rendered by him in the war of the revolution. I beg leave to remark that the S. affixed to the name you will with some doubt, believe to be an error as appears by the deposition - The name Brattle was formerly known in & about Boston but at this time none are known (for diligent search has been made) in the country save except the three sons of the William for whose services a pension is sought to be obtained. His father came from England the 3 sons of named in the p depositions are the only male descendants of the first named William B. (The Englishman) & only persons of the name known to us to be now living in America - In the hope Sir that our proofs will be found satisfactory to the department & lead to a successful result I subscribe myself Truly & respectfully your Oblt Servt
David Burbank

Pension Office May 18, 1855.
Sir
I herewith return the Record of service of William Brattles and have to inform you that though congress has not settled how many miles travel in the War of the Revolution shall be considered a days service, yet as it is shown that Brattles rendered actual service to the amount of 5 mos. & 28 days and as it is clear that he travelled besides this at least 800 miles, I have concluded to admit the service to be equal to 6 months. — I would remark that this case must be made out clearly. In other words, a declaration must be made describing the service and identifying the soldier of the Certificate with the man in whose right a pension is claimed. It must be shown when he died, whether he left a widow, when he was married to her, when she died and what children were service.
I am, respectfully, Saml. W. Tent.
J. Burbank, Esq., Hartford, Conn.
L. Waldo Commissioner.

Sturminster Newton July 24 1855 Wm L P Maldo Dear Sir
Please find herewith other proof upon the application of the heirs of Mrs William Brattle. I think that this with the former testimony that we have sent you will place this case beyond a doubt. The service is proved.
The marriage of William Brattle & Hannah Wells is proved by a sworn copy of the record of the Rev John North
Naomi Noble who was nine years of age at the period of the last service of Wm Brattle who was the sister of his first wife means that she recollects his service that he married Hannah Wells that her father was in service with him. By Wm Brattle's deposition it appears that his mother & Naomi Noble's sister died in 1788 leaving him an infant about five years younger than Naomi The death of a sister leaving a child 70

near her own age & the absence of her father with Mr Brattle must have made an impression upon her mind at her age that could not be effaced
Normand Smith who went to live in the family in 1782 knew them more than forty years heard Mr Brattle frequently speak of his services in the war then. Which no man ever would have done if they had not taken place
Gov. Henry U. Childs swears that on public celebrations in the town of Pittsfield Mr Brattle came out & was with the other revolutionaries, soldiers as a revolutionary soldier
Mr Charles Brattle's daughter Elizabeth James the niece of Mr Brattle used to say that they knew Mr Brattle very well & to his reputation of having been in the war
I will say that no one was ever in the Revolutionary war in New England but what it was known & he was respected by his neighbors & friends for that act

no one ever pretended to have been in that war who was not but what it was known. Indeed you could hardly have found any one 30 years ago who would have claimed to have pretended that he was in the war if he was not. I merely make these suggestions for your consideration. Mrs. Burch is poor her friends have given her I believe their interest in this of the obloquy it will be help to her & I believe that she is legally entitled to it
Very M y
Yours
Edward Gormley

Concord Sept 14/1855
Wm. L. Miner Esq. Dear Sir,
From the evidence on which we claim to prove that William Brattle Senior came from England to America without the company of any person of his name, that he settled in Middlesex County where he married that he resided with his family about the year 1700 in Pittsfield Mass. - that in 1761 & again in '63 he was elected to civil stations - permitted to build a new House in a certain place, engaged with Rev. Williams to build the "new school house" - From this time onward he claimed that he he so great a property is not so much engaged either in the civil or military departments of service in the times in which he lived - that he was the progenitor of all his descendants as shown in Books here & elsewhere so far as is known - that on the description on his grave stone he was born in 1710 & died in 1794 age 84 years - that 1794 when the new building is erected he was 86 years old, 67 has passed the majority or has taken subject of building - says added to this is the the reason that physical decayed evidently rendered it

impossible, for at the death of peace in 1783 he was so old, that he cannot be supposed to have been to the village (2 miles) to participate in the rejoicing consequent upon that event.
After 1763 the name does not occur as per the records for 12 years, when Mr Brattle junior took it up - he is now for the first time dated to office, so on repeatedly in successive years to 1795, at the time he is sometimes omitted rise in 1775 it does not, considering his age & infirmities presumably the presumption that he was the man
At this time 1778 Mr Brattle is recorded as chosen "Deer Reeve" - was it the father then 68 years of age who 5 years after could not prove age sufficiently near 2 miles to the village to appear with his fellows at the place where office he was at the son, then 33 years old chosen in town meeting to serve as one of the overseers of the poor? - As in '75 so at intervals after - they are put in & out - in '80 - in '83 school committee - in '85 - in '90 hog reeve - in '93 school committee - the father died in '94 an old man and rich - Who will believe that the same person, that in these full the such instances of service was intended? Nobody
and the same authority rendered it

Having shown that Wm Beall sen could not have been the man of the Boston certificate, & except the members of this family there were none of the name to the knowledge of the witnesses, the sergeant was rendered either by Mr Beall who in 1775 is called Junior or his son who in 1780 was "marching in his mother's army" — the last named of the two being as well re- tained as the first — Having us is believed satisfied the "Court" that at least one of the three or last of the three no persons in the war as there was other Beall's sen & Jun Beall's it follows logically essentially that the Wm Beall who was the husband of Hannah Wells was the man — The certifi- cate says that Wm Beall served in Col. Benjamin Simonds regiment, Connecticut service from Dec. 16 — 1776 to March 22 / 1777 — We prove by the Beall deposition that Wm Beall the soldier used to state Wm Beall the husband of the sergeant that he was employed the most of the winter of 1776-1777 as he was not in the service since December this sergeant must have been the one His place of residence in this sergeant was not known, but we find him at at the sergeant in Wm Beall again on the sergeant "as sergeant  Wm Beall "Pittsfield" under the name the very same Col. Simonds

Hon J. Munsell
Dear Sir Having as we
suppose established our claim (as heirs of the late Hannah Brattle, widow of William) it remains to apply for your affirmative decision - The field which was was asked of which we cannot doubt it will will be necessary in order to argue you (the Specimens not missing ) the Boston Berkshire to find that Mr Brattle never was known as private , two sergeant bone as Lieut. Colonel that the Swan was known as sergeant .
Yours respectfully,
William Lloyd Jones Boston July 10, 1800

Disposition of Hon Henry H Child, in case of death of William Pringle

I, Lem H Childs of Pittsfield, in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age depose and say, that I recollect very well Mr William Brattle who formerly resided in said Pittsfield, in the east part of the town; that I practiced as a physician in his family, I could not now state the time of his death, I am informed he died in 1826, which I think probable; I recollect in relation to public patriotic celebrations held in this town - that this was Mr William Brattle was on such occasions for a number of years, called out with the revolutionary soldiers, as one of them, and had his place as a revolutionary soldier, in the procession and on the platforms, on such occasions - I think I have heard him speak of occurrences in the army of the revolution, in which he was engaged, indeed I am quite sure I have heard him talk in that way, but I do not recollect particularly I recollect his being called lieutenant, but I don't know where he obtained that title. This Mr William Brattle's widow, lived till a recent period, and was a member of the First Congregational church to which I belong, and I knew her well as well as her husband before his death. This is the only Brattle family I ever knew, in this county - This William Brattle of whom I have spoken, left a son William Brattle who now lives in this town - and furthermore the deponent saith not.
L. H. Childs

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire County, ss. July 23 d 1855.
Then personally appeared the Hon Henry H Childs, to me well known as a gentleman of the highest respectability, and formerly the Lieutenant Governor of this state, and the Principal Professor in the Medical College in this place, and made oath that the above deposition, which was by him this day submitted in my presence is true according to his best knowledge & being before me Julius Rockwell Justice of the Peace.

Mrs Elirebeth James - deposition - in re of the heirs of William Brattle upon the petition of the heirs of Hannah Brattle

I Elizabeth James of Pittsfield in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, wife of Col Ethan James of said Pittsfield, aged sixty nine years, depose and say that My mother was the sister of Mr William Brattle formerly of said Pittsfield. I recollect My uncle Mr William Brattle. I recollect being at his house before he married his third wife. His third wife was Hannah Wells before she was married to Mr William Brattle, and she survived her husband many years and died last fall, two or three weeks before Thanksgiving, as well as I recollect - I well recollect of hearing My mother, the sister of the said William Brattle, speaking often, a great many times, of her brother William Brattle aforesaid, having been out in the Revolutionary war as a soldier; I have heard her talk of this a great many times; all along during her life, have heard her describe the anxiety of the family about him during his absence, and their fears about sickness, especially the small pox. The name of My grandfather was William Brattle. He came from England - and was the father of My mother, and of My uncle William Brattle of whom I have spoken. I knew My grandfather - I was perhaps ten years old when My grandfather died - he was over 80 years of age when he died -

He was never in the army as far as I know of. He was old and infirm when I knew him. But I distinctly recollect the conversations of my mother about her brother William Brattle being out in the revolutionary war. My said uncle William Brattle left a son William Brattle who is now living in Pittsfield. I never knew any family by the name of Brattle in this county but this family. The William Brattle of whom I have testified died some years ago, I would not have told from my own knowledge what year but I am told he died about the year 1826 which I suppose was the time of his death. And furthermore the deponent saith not.
Elizabeth James
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire County ss. July 23 rd 1855. Then personally appeared Mrs. Elizabeth James, to me well known as a credible person and made oath that the foregoing deposition, which was by her subscribed in my presence this day, is true according to her best knowledge & belief.
Before me Julius Rockwell Justice of the Peace.

alone been attended by any one in his presence knows that he could see the man of whom he speaks of Hartford State of Connecticut. That he was in the by trade that he earned his wife on said night about ten o'clock and to the best of his his recollection that he has descendants in the said place at the time of the said night that he was in need of (I have heard of it in my own house at the time) — William Brattle is the same person who afterwards was married to Brattle Wills of Hartford and was a friend of Brattle after the said marriage, I had no conversation with them during the time of the said night I am certain that Brattle was a skillful workman, good of the chase, game was plenty there at that time as he was one day collecting some some stored as was said, after a long fight he shot a partridge and in a tree, where he says to himself I'll wish all your heads, he did so with his rifle and took the partridge leaving everything just as it was.
I asked Ed Mr. Gurne the one alluded to in Gurne's deposition. He was a near neighbor of the Brattle family residence. From what I know, the facts stated concerning him in said deposition are quite credible to every word. And further the defendant sits out,
Norman Smith
State of Connecticut Hartford County ss.
On this 14 th day of September 1855 Mr. Norman Smith above named a gentleman well known to me to be a credible witness and entitled to full credit, personally appeared before me and made solemn oath to the facts contained in the foregoing deposition by him subscribed in my presence
Forest Waldo Judge of the Superior Court

Hartford, Conn. Sept. 12. 1855
Sir,
Being in Hartford some days ago Mr. Burbank who is interested in the claim of Hannah Brattle for a pension, called upon me in relation to it. He said Mr. Norman Smith of Haver's was one of his witnesses, and he desired me to hear his story. I consented to do so, and Mr. Smith came to my room at the Hotel and detailed the facts within his knowledge with great precision and particularity. I became satisfied that his previous affidavits were not as full as they might be, and needed to be as they should be, and received that he gave another deposition in the case. To day, on my return from Litchfield County, Mr. Smith called upon me again with the accompanying deposition and Mr. Burbank desired me to administer the oaths to Mr. Smith and to make the usual affidavits which I have done. I do not of course desire to express any opinion in the case, but only to say that from my personal knowledge of Mr. Smith, his high reputation as a man, and particularly his "green old age" and his capacity to recollect and narrate events that occurred during the time of which he speaks, full faith and credit may be given to every thing he has said. I know of no man whose evidence I would earnestly prefer. I make these suggestions at the request of Mr. Burbank, because I believe them just, and because he thinks they will be of service to him in establishing what he considers a meritorious claim. —
I remain very respectful,
Yours &c
Soren P. Waldo
South Main St
Con. &c
W. H. King
LL. C.

Harold M. Green's Deposition

I Samuel M Green of Pittsfield, in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged forty seven years, do hereby affirm and say; that I have always lived in said Pittsfield, in the east part of said Pittsfield that I was born about forty rods from the house of the late Mr William Brattle; that my father's name was Calvin Green, that my grandfather's name was Gideon Green, who was the father of said Calvin Green; that my grandfather Gideon Green died about the year 1827; my father died in 1812 - My said grandfather was about ninety three years of age when he died; my grandfather had long lived in said Pittsfield, in the same neighborhood with the said William Brattle; the said William Brattle spoken of above was the father of the present William Brattle and the present Charles Brattle, both of whom are now living in said Pittsfield and of Mrs Brattle the wife of S. Brattle - I recollect of frequently hearing my said grandfather Gideon Green, relate stories of the revolutionary war, in which he was engaged as a soldier; and I distinctly recollect of hearing him speak repeatedly of the said William Brattle, the father of the present William and Charles, as having also been engaged as a soldier in said war of the revolution; and I know that the best wife of the said William Brattle was named Hannah Wells, before her marriage with him; I always knew her well, and that she remained his widow until her death.

last place; I received the said William Brattle, her husband, I knew him as a neighbor, and I know he was the William Brattle of whom my grandmother spoke as being engaged as a soldier in the Revolutionary War - and furthermore the deponent testeth not. This deposition is made and subscribed by me this twenty eighth day of July A. D. 1855.
Samuel M c Gunn
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County ss. July 28 th 1855. Then personally appeared Samuel M c Gunn to me personally well known as a credible person; and made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed in my presence, is true according to his best knowledge and belief.
Before me Julius Rockwell, Justice of the Peace.

State of Connecticut District of Hartford } Probate Office.
I Henry Perkins Judge of the Court of Probate within and for said district of Hartford hereby certify that satisfactory evi- dence has been exhibited to said Court in the deposition of Samuel M Gurn and Lucy E Gurn both of Pittsfield State of Massachu- setts, which are hereto annexed marked A & B. — That Samuel Brattle late of Pittsfield County of Berkshire & State of Massachusetts, dec d died in the month of November 1854, leaving five children surviving, here who are now living viz. James H Brattle of Macomb. State of Illinois about sixty years old.
Julia Burbank of Hartford, State of Connecticut. about fifty eight years old wife of David Burbank.
Nancy Clark of Saratoga Springs, State of New York about fifty five years old, wife of Benedict Clark.
Charles Brattle of Pittsfield State of Massachu- setts about fifty years old.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court of Probate at Hartford this 8 th day of October A D 1855
Henry Perkins Judge of Probate.

(a)
I Samuel M Gunn, of Pittsfield, County of Berkshire, & State of Massachusetts, Farmer, being duly sworn do depose and say, that I am forty seven years of age, and was born in said Town of Pittsfield and has always resided there, - that I was well acquainted with Hannah Brattle, late of said Pittsfield dec d , having always lived near to each other in said Pittsfield say within forty rods of each other. She was the widow of William Brattle of said Pittsfield, dec d , - that she died sometime in the fore part of the month of November 1854. I attended her funeral & saw her buried. She left the following children at her decease who are now all living viz.
James H Brattle of Macomb, State of Illinois about sixty years old.
Julia Brattle of Hartford, State of Connecticut about fifty eight years old now married to David Burback.
Maria Clark of Saratoga, State of New York about fifty five years old, wife of Benedict Clark Charles B Brattle of Pittsfield, State of Massachusetts about fifty years old
Samuel M Gunn
Sworn before me This 8 th day of October 1855
Henry Perkins Judge of Probate.

(B.)
I Lucy E. Gunn of Pittsfield, County of Berkshire, State of Massachusetts, wife of Samuel M. Gunn., being duly sworn do depose and say, that I am thirty nine years of age, that I was well acquainted with Hannah Brattle late of said Pittsfield deceased. I resided within about forty rods of her residence about ten  fourteen years next previous to her decease. She died in the first part of the month of November 1854. I attended her funeral.
I am personally acquainted with three of her children who are now living, viz Julia Burbank of Haverdale State of Connecticut who is about fifty eight years old, wife of David Burbank.
Maria Clark of Saratoga Springs, State of New York about fifty five years of age wife of Benedict Clark.
Charles Brattle of Pittsfield Massachusetts about fifty years old.
I have often heard the family speak of their eldest brother who is said to reside in the State of Illinois. I never saw him.
Lucy E. Gunn
Sworn before me this 8 th day of October 1855.
Henry Perkins Judge of Probate

D Burbank Esq Hartford Conn
Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston,
185
I Hereby Certify, That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of William Brattles is borne on pay roll of Capt. Erastus Seryants Comp. Col. Benj a Simonds Regt. Second Brigade Service, from Dec. 16. 1776 to March 22. 1777, 97 days, as private. Also on pay roll of Capt. Peter Porter's Comp. Col. Benj a Simonds Regt. from April 26. 1777 25 days, and 71 miles travel. as Sergt. from Pittsfield. Also on pay roll of Capt. William Francis Comp. Major Caleb Hydes Detachment marched to Fort Edward from July 8 and dismissed Aug. 26. 1777 1 Month 18 days and 100 miles travel, as Sergt. Also on pay roll of Capt. William Wells Comp. on alarm at Saratoga, from Oct. 30. to Nov. 7. 1781. 8 days and 53 miles travel, as Lieut. from Berkshire Co. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
97 days 25 - 71 miles (Sergt) 48 - 100 " " (Sergt) 8 - 53 " " (Lieut)
Ebenezer Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.
17. 8

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston,
18
Be pleased to file a declaration in this office, agreeably to the accompanying regulations, and search will be made for the revolutionary service of and the result forwarded to your address. Particular attention is called to the second regulation.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

The following REGULATIONS, to be observed in the examination of the Revolutionary Rolls in this office, have been rendered necessary under the rules which are established in the Pension Department at Washington, viz:—
1. Every application requiring search or certificate must be made to the Secretary, in writing, by the claimant, or by some person duly authorized by the claimant; and the signature to the application must be attested by some magistrate.
2. In all cases where the application is made by any person other than the claimant, a power of attorney, attested by a magistrate , authorizing such person to act in the claimant's behalf, must accompany the application.
3. The application must set forth, as fully as the circumstances of the case will allow, the residence and service of the soldier, and the names of the officers under whom he served: and no search will be made until after the filing of such written application.
“Regulations to be observed in the examination of the Massachusetts Revolutionary Papers in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.”
“The application must be made to the Secretary, in writing, by the claimant, or by some person duly authorized by the claimant, by a written power of attorney, attested by a magistrate. The signature of the claimant must in all cases be attested in like manner.
“The application must set forth, as fully as the circumstances of the case will allow, the residence of the soldier, &c., at the time of the service, and the names of the various officers under whom he served, as well as the nature of such service.
“The certificate of the Secretary must show that the search was made, after the filing of such application, by himself, or by one of his Clerks, alone, and must be accompanied by the original application of the claimant or of his attorney, and by a detailed statement, under the signature of the Secretary and the Seal of the State, of the circumstances which satisfied that officer of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.”
The following is an extract from a letter received by the Secretary from J. E. Heath, Esq., Commissioner of Pensions, dated March 19, 1852:—
“I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3d inst., accompanied by a copy of the Regulations now in force in your office in the examination of your Revolutionary Rolls: and, in reply to your questions, have to state that, in my opinion, the said Regulations could not be relaxed in any particular without serious injury to the Government and the rights of individuals justly entitled to the benefits of the Revolutionary Pension Laws. Indeed, even with those guards around your rolls, I am satisfied they are frequently used by unscrupulous individuals to sustain applications not embraced by the laws, and as a means of obtaining exorbitant fees.”

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES,
Made by the children of the  heirs of of the party who rendered the service.
County of Hartford State of Connecticut Town of Hartford May 5 th 1855
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of William Brattle in the war of the Revolution.
He was a native of the Town of Wethersfield in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut
or volunteered He enlisted from the Town of Pittsfield in the County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts in the year 1777 as a private (as is supposed) in the Company commanded by Captain unknown in
Regiment unknown and he served as follows, viz:— the said Brattle is supposed to have been in service at the battle of Bennington
at Saratoga and at the battle of Bemis Heights
He also served at the battle of Saratoga and at the battle of Bemis Heights
* Here describe, as fully as may be, the length of service, the rank, &c., of the claimant, or the capacity in which he served, and all other particulars known.

I am now more fully than above stated.
years old, and my memory does not enable me to state the services
Witness my hand, this A. D. 18
day of
Signed by said in my presence,
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. }

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
BERKSHIRE SS.
I, CHARLES SEDGWICK, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Berkshire, do certify that James D. Colt & Julius Rockwell Esquires whose signatures are  are affixed to the certificates on the papers hereto annexed, was  were , 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 their acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Colt & Rockwell and believe this  are signatures to said certificates to be genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas  Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, this 22nd day of June in that year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.
Charles Sedgwick CLERK.

No 15321
Hannah Boattle oo
Wife of William
Conn.
July 7. 1838.
He died 1826
She died May 7. 1854.
D. Burland
Hartford, Conn.