Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23,137, John Brooks, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Brooks, John
S. 23,137
CONTENTS

New York. 24.797
John Brooks.
Rhondaguaw, in the State of New York, who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Benedict, of the Regiment commanded by Col. Holmes, in the N.Y. militia line for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York, at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of March 1834, and sent to W.H. Labin, Rhondaga Hollow, N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March 34 $240.00 Pension allowance ending 4 Sept 34 40.00 $280.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by El. Brown , Clerk. Book E. Vol. 4, Page 109
Date of Record in Book E. Vol. 4. Page 109

Original Size

State of New York Onondaga County
On this twenty fifth day of September
One Thousand Eight Hundred & thirty two personally appeared in open Court before Daniel Moulton Esq. Chancellor of the Seventh Circuit in the State of New York then held at the Town & County of Onondaga aforesaid John Brooks a resident of the Town of Onondaga in the County of Onondaga State of New York aged Seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
That the said John Brooks a little after what harvest in Seventeen Hundred & ninety five the precise time he cannot now recollect nor has he any means of ascertaining but thinks it must be some time about the middle of August he voluntarily enlisted to go to the north for five months into a Company commanded by one Captain Benedict whose christian name he thinks was Joseph with the expectation of being formed into a Regiment to be commanded by Colonel Holmes the same who some time after went over & joined the British Army in New York that he marched with Captain Benedict's Company rendezvous'd at P'keepsie in said State & went by water to Albany & thence by land to Onondaga & remained there something like a month or more whilst then Colonel Holmes took command of said company & some others & one Little appeared as major that Captain Benedict's Company & some others were marched to St Johns under said Little that the said John was in the size of St Johns & took the place that he then marched to Chamblee & Prairie & thence to Montreal & there remained doing garrison duty until the expiration of the time for which he enlisted about ten or fifteen days of the 1st of March about the first of February after his enlistment when returned to his place of residence & there he first enlisted he has no discharge & cannot recollect whether he ever had a written one that at the time he entered the said service he lived in what was then called Salem in the County of Westchester State of New York that General Montgomery commanded at St Johns & General Moore at Montreal while he remained at said places all or most of the time.
That in Seventeen Hundred & ninety six the said John yet residing at Salem aforesaid again enlisted into a Company commanded by Captain Henson & his christian name he is pretty certain was Henry & the Regiment commanded by Samuel Drake Colonel & one Strong major for the period of nine months according to his best recollection & cannot now recollect whether he had a written discharge or not supposes that he had one & lost it that he has

not any in his possession now. thinks he enlisted some time about the month of April or the first of it & was discharged about the month of December or last of it has no means of knowing with certainty but will remember that he actually served in said Company & Regiment nine months that the said Regiment was constantly employed in the vicinity of New York about Harlem & was marched over into Long Island a few days previous to the battle at St. Marks. That the said John was in the works or intrenchment at Brooklyn Heights on the day of action at Flatbush. That he was with the same at White Plains on the day of the engagement there & in the intrenchment near the action of that some of the time last mentioned. The Regiment to which he belonged was annexed to General Scott's Brigade that after his discharge he returned to Salem after which his place of residence
That early in the Spring of 1775 1776 while living at Salem aforesaid & about the middle of April or after the said John again enlisted into the service into a Company commanded by Captain Glazier  Glazier & whose Christian name he thinks was Henry that one Joseph Benedict was the Lieutenant Colonel & James  Ebenezer Dyer that immediately after he joined his company he was ordered home on business & returned five weeks later on the occasion of the arrival at home intelligence arrived of the landing of the British at New York & Danbury that he went with others to the fight with the British on their retreat after burning Danbury when General Wooster who was mortally wounded was in the rear of him at the time & was afterwards in all the fighting afterwards on the retreat of the British until they arrived near their ships cannot recollect whether he had or had not a written discharge if he had he has told the same but remembers that he served out the whole time for which he enlisted
That in November & December 1776 he again enlisted at Salem aforesaid where he then resided into a Company commanded by Captain Richard Smith  Smith & into a Battalion or Regiment commanded by David Root which he enlisted about the first part of August for three months continued service until about the expiration of said term so in the said Company

cannot now recollect whether he had at that time
do the same at least
That in Seventeen hundred & seventy nine - Seventeen hundred & eighty & eighty one & eighty two he resided at Salem aforesaid he belonged to a Company commanded by one Captain Purdie or Purdy whose Christian name he thinks was David & a Regiment of which one Crane was the Lt. Colonel & one David Steele Major - that he cannot now state with precision at what time he was called out, & for how long at each time but that during said four seasons in the said four years last mentioned he was in active military service. Under the said officers at least one half of the time between the first of May & the first of November in each year & that the said Regiment was all or nearly so raised in the County of West Chester aforesaid, & was employed almost altogether on what was called the line being the dividing ground between the American & British armies - that there being more mostly in said County of Westchester - said constantly patrolling from place to place along said line as well for the protection of the people friendly to the cause of America as their property from the ravages & plunder of the Tories, - that the said John was some time out on service one month at a time & at other times two months & in some cases three months at one time of service - that he with those who served with him were paid in kind - provisions & pay as soldiers when out on duty & remained always ready & prepared to obey the first call - that the said John is now old has been unfortunate, is much broken down in mind & memory as well as body & may not in all things given date & names with precision - but can safely & truly & most solemnly say & declare - that he has been a faithful soldier serving in the defense of his country & in the manner heretofore specified - & in the years Seventeen hundred & seventy nine, eighty eighty one & eighty two at least three months in each year as known before & mentioned - that Seventeen hundred & seventy seven & eighty - his time was spent in the same manner as described to have been in the following subsequent years & on what was called the line. That besides those above mentioned the said John was in several small skirmishes one at Pound ridge - another at a red pond - another at one of the hills - all in the County of Westchester & some minor ones where some men were killed. In addition on both sides - that Jonathan Cooklin of Ansonia aforesaid & Nathan Brown of the County of Erie in the State of Pennsylvania served some part of the above time in the same

Regiment with the said John that the said John had no knowledge of any other person living who was in said Regiment. To the Question propounded by the Court where in what year was he born upon answer that he is now seventy three years three months twenty one days old - born June first Seventeen hundred & fifty nine. To the further question also answered have you any record of his age answers that he has not.
To the third question by the Court Where were you living when called into service where have you since lived since the revolution are War & where do you now live answers that he lived all the time from the commencement of the revolution are war until the peace except when with the Army in the town then called Salem in the said County of Westchester that about seven years after the revolutionary War he moved to Poughkeepsie in the same State & continued to reside there about one year from there removed to Amsterdame in said State & resided there about seven years from there he removed to Onondaga afore said & has continued to reside at the last named place from that time to this day.
To the further question by the Court how was he called into the service answers that he was a volunteer in Eighteen hundred & twenty five twenty six twenty seven & seventy eight & regularly enlisted in the remaining years of Eighteen hundred & twenty nine eighty eighty one & two - he entered the service by draft & by substitution out of the militia. To the further like question, who were the regular officers with the troops where he served such continental & militia regiments as he could recollect answers that when at Brooklyn in Long Island General Putnam commanded that part of the army to which he belonged, that General Glover's Brigade, was on the lines considerably one season & near there with whom the said John also. Colonel Shields Legion was also one other season much in the same region occupied by the Regiment in which the said John belonged in about the lines in Westchester afore said that the service in which the said John was mostly employed was on the ground between the American & British positions & armies & continually on scouts & patrolling hunting down & beating back the Tories & other marauders & spies - with the exception of the tour on Long Island & the retreat to White Plains & at White Plains the Regiments in which he belonged were very much engaged.

or embodied together, but were continued along the said lines in detached parties the better to cover the ground; & afford protection to the persons & property of those friendly to the cause of the Revolution in being well connected with the regular troops. To the question further by the Court whether the said John ever received a discharge from the service answers that she said John cannot recollect whether he ever did receive a written discharge at any time but solemnly declares under his oath that he always faithfully served out the time & terms for which he engaged or undertook for to the last day & in some instances a few days over & that he never deserted the service nor his colors at any time whatever. To last & like enquiry the said John answers that he has no knowledge of any person living who knows of his service in behalf by him except Nathan Brown of the State of Pennsylvania Jonathan Conklin of Onondaga for said further that part of the said last four years the said Truesdell was Lieutenant Colonel & one Nathaniel Delavan Major that the said John cannot now state which of the said four years but believes it was the time last of the said four years that the said John was never a pensionary & he relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Given this 25 Sept. 1832
John Brooks his mark
Daniel M'Cluskey Circuit Judge Vice Chancellor
I Silas Field I Amasa Chapman a resident of the town and County of Onondaga being duly sworn do certify that I am well acquainted with John Brooks and have known him for upwards of twenty years and I believe him to be of the age of seventy three and further that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Revolutionary Soldier and I concur in that opinion

And further that he is a man of truth and veracity and is the same person who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration
Sworn to also read this 2 nd Day of Sept r 1834
Anasa Chapman Silas Field
Daniel Mosely Circuit Judge
And the said board do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories pre- scribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a re- volutionary soldier and served as he states And the board further certify that it appears to them that Anasa Chapman who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in the town of Pounds Gap and that Silas Field who has also signed the same is a resident in the said town and that both are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Daniel Mosely Vice Chancellor

State of New York
Onondaga County ss. Jonathan Conklin of the Town & County of Onondaga & State of New York being duly sworn says that before & during & for some time after the Revolutionary War this deponent resided in what was then called Salem in the County of Westchester & State of New York. that he was well acquainted during said time with John Brooks of the same place, that the said Jonathan was also a soldier in the same Regiment with the said John & knows him to have served as a soldier in fourteen Seventeen hundred & seventy six - seventy seven & seventy eight in the manner which the said John in his application to the Government annexed and which the said Jonathan has seen & read has stated & that the said Jonathan also served at the same time & in the same Regiment & one part  in part the same company that the said Jonathan knows that the said Brooks who has made the application herunto annexed is the same person who served as therein mentioned - that in Seventeen hundred & seventy six he first knew said Brooks on the retreat of the American Army from New York after the battle at Flatbush & that the said John remained in the same Regiment commanded by Col. Drake until this deponent was discharged as stated in this deponent's application for a pension & that the said John did belong to Drake Regiment in said last mentioned year - & further that the company to which this deponent belonged did not join the Regiment to which it belonged until a little before the action at Flatbush.
Subscribed & Sworn to this 26 Day of Sept r . 1832 in Open Court
Jonathan Conklin
Daniel Moseley Concurred Judge Vice Chancellor

State of New York Onondaga County ss. Nathan Brown of the Town of Fair when in the County of Erie & State of Pennsylvania being duly sworn says that he is well acquainted with John Brooks of the Town & County of Onondaga State aforesaid that the deponent & said Brooks both resided in the County of Westchester in said State during the War between America & Great Britain commonly called the Revolution ary War - that the deponent resided about one & a half miles from said Brooks - that he well recollects that the said Brooks went into the service as a soldier in the summer of Seventeen hundred & seventy five & seventy six in the American Army but how long in each year this deponent cannot now specify but most or all of the season of said years that this deponent entered into the service as a soldier therein in the State Troops of the State of New York in the summer of all of each year of the years Sixteen Seventeen & Eighteen seventy five Seventy eight & seventy nine & Eighty & Eighty one & Eighty two - that this deponent well knew the said John during the time this deponent was in the said service & well recollects that the said John also ser- ved in the same Regiment with this deponent & in each of the said years - that this deponent has seen & read the application & oath of the said Brooks herewith annexed & that the facts therein stated by him so far as it respects his services from Seventeen hundred & seventy five to Seventeen hundred & Eighty two both years inclusive are just & true - that this deponent verily believes that the facts therein stated in respect to the said John's services in Seventeen hundred & seventy five & seventy six this deponent verily believes to be true & further that this deponent removed to the County of Onondaga aforesaid about February Eighteen hundred & seventy one & continued to reside in said County about
1 T ... some company known one

twelve years & that the said Brooks resides in said County during said twelve years & within about ten miles from the defendant Subscribed & sworn in William Brooks open Court this 26 Day of Sept r 1832
Daniel Mosely Circuit Judge & Vice Chancellor
And the said Court doth further certify that Jonathan Conklin & Nathan Brown who have signed the before written affidavit is a resident of Onondaga and is a person of credit and that his statement is entitled to full credit and further that Nathan Brown who has signed the other affidavit was formerly a resident of the town & County of Onondaga and that his statement is entitled to like credit
Daniel Mosely Circuit Judge W. Chancellor

Daniel T. Worsley Deputy Clerk of the Court of Chancery of the Seventh Circuit for the State of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Brooks for a pension
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and seal of office this 2 nd day of Septem- ber, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Daniel T. Worsley Deputy Clerk

Page 11- State of New York
Onondaga County ss. John Brooks of the Town & County of Onondaga & State of New York being duly sworn sees that in addition to his declaration & affidavit herunto annexed made in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Con- gress passed June 7 th 1832 the military services of this deponent in said declaration & affidavit mentioned as also herein after mentioned & enumerated were all done & performed as a private soldier in the State Troops of the State of New York raised and embodied by the authority of the said State during the War commonly called the Revolutionary War between America & Great Britain & that for & during the time in which the said services were performed this deponent was not employed in any civil pursuit, nor in any business or transaction other than the military duty & services therein & herein mentioned that the time for which this deponent enlisted in the year seventeen hundred & seventy seven & which he actually served as in his declaration & affidavit annexed it is stated he did entirely was Eight Months & the time not mentioned of service was omitted in said declaration & affidavit by mis- take.
And this deponent further saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his military services in the years Seventeen Hundred & seventy nine - & Seventeen Hun- dred & eighty - eighty one & eighty two but according to best of his recollection he served not less than three months in each of the said last mentioned four years - between the months of May & November in each year - respectively as a private that this deponent did serve in the manner aforesaid Sworn in open Court John F. Brooks this Thirty First Dec r 1833 Daniel Mosely Dee Chancellor.
company commanded by Captain Gacket also of said levies & a part of said time the said company on which he

Onondaga County, ss. I, Gideon Guley of the Town & County of Onon- daga & State of New York being duly on oath say that he is now in Sixty nine years of age that he was born in the County of Westchester in the said State of New York at a place called South-Salem that this deponent resided at said place until he was Twenty Twenty years of age that he was acquaint- ed with John Brooks then of the same place but now of Onon- daga in the County of Onondaga & State aforesaid & who is now an applicant for a pension that this deponent upon entering the Revolutionary War lived lived within five miles of said Brooks & knew him well by sight but cannot say that he was acquainted there being considerable disparity of ages - that in December A.D. 1780 & about the middle of the month of July this deponent & also the said Brooks enlisted as private soldiers into a Company commanded by Captain Benjamin Stephens - of which one Van Nest was first Lieutenant some Rogers Second Lieutenant & were called new levies & raised by the authority of the State of New York & employed on the lines as was called or on the ground between the British Army & the part of the said State not occupied by the British in & about the said County of Westchester that this deponent & the said John embodied with the rest of the said company immediately & according to the terms or next day thereafter continued to serve in said company for three months next thereafter - that the said company was constantly employed during said three months in scouting & patrolling between the west line of Connecticut State & the North River in the State of New York & pressing & beating back the Tories & other marauders & enemies of the Country & in protecting the inhabitants living in said County of Westchester - that during said three months the Regi- ment to which the said Company belonged were never assembled or brought together & cannot now recollect who commanded the same - that the said company acted a part of said time the said company was attached to a company commanded by Captain Sackett also of said levies & a part of said time the said Company to which she

said John & this deponent belonged were attached to the Legion commanded by Colonel Sheldon - that this deponent served out the said three months & about a little before his discharge but exceeding three weeks this deponent with two others were detached from mount guard at a store house some distance from the then station of said company & was discharged on said duty without returning to said company - that this deponent always understood & firmly believes that the said John did serve out the said three weeks & complete the said term of his enlistment - that this deponent from his residence in the vicinity of the said John that if he had deserted he should have known or heard of it - that this deponent has often heard & believes that the said John was an enlisted Soldier in Seventeen Hundred & seventy five six seven eight & nine & recollects well that in Seventeen hun- dred & seventy six it was reported & believed that the said John & his brother Michael both enlisted into the army & were about to join the army that the said John by a careless discharge by a loose gun & off a glance of the ball the latter entered the leg of the said John & disabled him from service at that time - that this deponent is well acquainted with the said John & has lived within two miles of him in Onondaga aforesaid for twenty eight years & that the said John is reported to be a man of truth & verac- ity - that said John is old & his mind & memory much impaired & fails very much in recollecting & relating details of things past - that this deponent well recollects of being present when a number of enlisted soldiers were mustered at one Captain Benedict's house & in the County of Westchester aforesaid & into a company commanded by the same Benedict - for the purpose of joining the American army & he also recollects that the said John was one of the said company & saw him mustered with the arms & equipments into the same Subscribed to wit:
in open Court this
21 Dec. 1833 Daniel D. Sleele
Gedeone Sleele

147 page
Onondaga County ss Jonathan Conklin of Onondaga in the County of Onondaga & State of New York being duly sworn says that he is the same person who has made oath to the names in the affidavit of Jonathan Conklin herunto annexed - that the said John Brooks in said affidavit mentioned who was then present at the making said affidavit & who is now present dis- severs in the year Eighteen Hundred & twenty seven in the man- ner mentioned in his application for a pension & herunto annexed & also mentioned in the said Jonathan's affidavit also herunto annexed. That the said John Brooks did serve in the year Eighteen Hundred & twenty seven in Captain Glensons Company & in the same service & in the manner which the said John hath in his application & declaration & with his affidavit herunto annexed hath set forth - That the time for which the said John did enlist & serve as aforesaid during said year was Eight months - then
Subscribed & sworn This 31 Decr. 1833 in open Court Daniel Ellsberg V. Chas. Miller
Jonathan Conklin
... says that he had one & last ... that he had

Conversing with William ... being only seven days old ... he prepared the report ... that part of his application ... in ... during the time for which ... his declaration ... a time period ... eight months ... which the same was for eight ... months ... that the same was paid for the eight ... months, that the time period ... was taken out ... as this ... was paid in by the Clerk ... it was ... in ... the ... by the ... in the ... Department
William ... John ... Dec 1832
William ... John ...

State of New York Chancery also office of the Chancellor.
I Stephen A. Goodwin Clerk of the Court of Chancery for the Seventh Circuit of said State do certify that the foregoing Con- tains the Original Proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of John Brooks for a Re-hearing.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the Seal of the said Court this Thirty first day of December 1833.
S. A. Goodwin. Clerk
or not supposed that he had one & lost it that he has

13,703-
John Brooks
Onondaga County
New York
Admitted
Private 2 years
W. H. Sabin. Agent Onondaga Wollen-p. 1891

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
May 17 188 3
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 subjunct notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew 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 John Brooks, Onondaga county, N.Y.
   Period when the service was rendered Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Vols. 1776. + 5. Private Capt. Benedict Genl. Montgomery Siege of In 1775 from 73 Living Witness   " 1776. 9. " " Proferson Genl. Scott Retreat Albany to   " 1777. " " Saurin Genl. Brant the British Sicundew   " 1778. 3. " " Sacket Lt. Col. Benedict from Dan go: Thence   Drafts 1779. " " Pundy Col. Thomas bury, and to St John.   " 1780. " " Lt. Col. Brant several then to Chan   " 1781. " " " skirmishes. Clear Sepia   " 1782. " " " ire & Mon   " treac.  
On roll of Capt Pundy
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 day 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 so, 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 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 (i) 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.

September 9, 1937
John Brooks S. 23137 BA-J/AWF
Miss Mary C. Warner Guy's Mills Pennsylvania
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Brooks, a pensioner from Onondaga County, New York.
The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 23137, based upon the military service of John Brooks in the War of the Revolution.
John Brooks was born June 4, 1759, place not stated, nor were the names of his parents given.
While a resident of Salem, Westchester County, New York, John Brooks volunteered about the middle of August, 1775, served as a private in Captain Joseph Benedict's company, Colonel Holmes' New York regiment, was in the siege of St. Johns, Canada, from there went to Montreal, length of service five months and fifteen days. He enlisted sometime in April, 1776, served nine months in Captain Henry Slasson's company, Colonel Drake's New York regiment, and was in the retreat from New York. He enlisted in the spring of 1777, served in Captain Henry Slasson's company, Colonel Joseph Benedict's New York regiment, was in the battle of Danbury, length of this service not definitely stated. He enlisted sometime in August, 1778, served three months in Captain Richard Sacket's company, Colonel Thomas Thomas' New York regiment. He served as minute man in 1779, 1780, 1781, and 1782, three months each year in Captain David

Pardee's company, Colonel Crane's New York regiment, guarding the inhabitants from the incursions of the Tories, and was in several skirmishes, one at Pound Ridge, one at "Crum Pond", and one at Tuckahoe, all in Westchester County, New York.
John Brooks continued to live in Salem, New York, about seven years after the Revolution, when he moved to Ballston, New York, lived one year, then to Amsterdam, New York, lived about seven years, and thence to Onondaga, Onondaga County, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 25, 1832, then a resident of Onondaga, New York.
The papers on file in this claim contain no reference to wife or children of the soldier, John Brooks. His brother, Michael Brooks, was referred to as living during the Revolution.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., and furnish the following data:
John Brooks Certificate # 24797 Issued March 7, 1834 Rate $80.00 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832 New York Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Guy's Mills, Pa.
August 21, 1937
Revolutionary Section, Bureau of Pensions, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Will you be so kind as to send me an information about John Brooks, aged 74 years, who in 1831 applied for a pension from Onondaga County, New York. I think he was a member of the New York Continentals.
Thanking you,
Very truly yours,
(Miss) Mary C. Warner

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
M.B.C.
Inv. 23,137.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., July 3, 1897.
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
Sir:
Replying to your request for information concerning John Brooks, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that he made an application for pension on September 25, 1832, at which time he was seventy-three years of age and residing in Onondaga Co., New York, and his pension was allowed for two years actual service as a private in the New York troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Benedict and Col. Holmes. He enlisted at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Very respectfully,
Rev. Salem Westcheek T. C. May -
Commissioner.
Mr. A. S. Hubbard,
1170 Market St.,
San Francisco, Cal.

OLD WAR & NA JUN 23 1897 FILE
PENSION JUN 22 1897 OFFICE

San Francisco Cal. June 12 th 1893
13
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions Veteran Dept. Washington D.C. Sir.
Will you please furnish me with facts concerning John Brooks , a revolution- ary soldier of New York , as appears on the files of your office in his applica- tion for a pension. The pension being allowed for wounds received
Respectfully, A. S. Harkness
1170 Market St San Francisco Cal.
California Society { Sons of the American Revolution

Cal.
Revolution
23 137 INVALID.
F
File No. 23/137
John Brooks His Rev. Ward
Act: June 7 th 89 th
Index: — Vol. 2 , Page 58
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Born 1759
July 3/97 C. S. Hubbard 1150 Market St. San Francisco
1937. Sept. 9. link to Mrs Mary C. Warner

Tabular View of the services of John Brock.
   character of Service year render ed in Rank in service Num ber of Months served Name & rank of company officers Name & rank of Field & Genl Offi. served under Battles Skirmishes engaged in Country marched through     Volunteer. 1775 private 5 Capt Benedict Col. Holmes, Genl Siege of Johns Albany, Troy, & Coeymans the P'vnce, Montreal Johns Chambers   " 1775 do 10 Capt. Stevens Montgomery & Wooster   " 1776 do 9 Capt. Harrison Brig. Genl. Gage Genl. Putnam Harlem, High Bridge Brooklyn, White- Plains, New Line   " 1777 do 8 Capt. Harrison Brig. Benedict Dunbar's Creek on retreat British   " 1778 do 3 Capt. Galt Col. Thomas & Col. Hobbs or Kelley Skirmishes at Poundridge   " 1779 do Capt. Purdie Col. Thomas & Col. Cram. Maj. Bruns Crumponds Suckeyhoe   " 1780 do do do all in Valcour   " 1781 do do do Westchester   " 1782 do do Br. Genl. S. Smith Maj. Delevans the like in all things County NYork see p. 83. N. 3.  
Disposition and character as a soldier
(See also in War Dept. Cont. - Reports to Genl. the American & Provincial Armies & etc. vicinity of Fort Ticonderoga & etc.)
MS. For questions by the Court see p. 85. & 82 in off. of Chapman & Folsom p. 685 do reputation as a soldier & also truth & veracity in Chapman & Folsom off. p.

Soldiers Pension Town & County York Application No 13703
Evidence of services with references to the evidence & explanation - No. 10 a pencil marks in margin of the papers represents the page referred to etc. No. also a pencil marks in do, the passage referred to in declaration or affidavits etc.
73 own off p 1 No 1 - Brown's off p 8 No 1 & 2 G. July p 12. No 2 & 13 p. No 2 p 4 also G. July's off 13 page No 3 own off p 1 & 2 & p 2 No 1 - Conklin off p 7 No 3 - Brown's off p 8. No 2 G. July 13 p. No 2 own off p 2 No 2 - Conklin p 7 No 2 - Brown's off p 7 p 7 No 3 supplemental off p Conklin's page 14 - Brown's off page 11 - G. July 15/page own off p 2 No 3 - Conklin p 7 No 2 - Brown's p 8 No 2 & 3 - own off p 3 No 1 & p 1. No 2 - Brown's p 8 No 2
the like in all things - see G. July's affm page 12 No 1 & page 13 No 2 own off p 3 No 1 & p 5 No 1
the like in all things
5. No 2 G. July's page 13 - No 4 -

I have again humbly forwarded the papers in relation to Mr. Brooks application for a pension The testimony is more or less scattered through many papers & not so methodic as might have been - had a little more time been afforded in the first instance. As I have taken it upon me to forward a tabular view of the evidence in his case - prepared by myself
Respectfully
Your fr W. D. Sabin
As please direct some at this place when ever you give notice of your routes in the premises -
State of New York Onondaga Co. N.Y. July 24 1822.