Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,754, Artemas Brookins, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Brookins, Artemas Lois
NUMBER
W. 20, 754
B.L. 698-100
CONTENTS

Certification sent to the pensioner. 21 July 1820
New York Rolls.
981
Artemas Brookins, Private, Massachusetts line 77 to 83
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 17 th of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th of June 1818, and sent to the Hon. R. Diker, New York.
Arrears to 4th of Sept r 1818.
Served 1818-1819
4 months 18/30 $36.80
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818 }
Col Vasey
Continued
New York, New York

1902.
New York Albany
Lois Brookins
widow of Artemas Brookins
who was a Private
in the Mass line
for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of Sept. 1843 and sent to
H. R. Maggatt Oxford N. Y.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1. Page 100 101.

N. 2 Artemas Brookins 1 st Mass. ts Regt.
claim

29.117 f.c. p 29.117-
To all Persons to whom these Presents shall come,
KNOW YE, That I Artemas Brookins of New York County of New York & State of New York , Wood Inspector in the Service of the United States of America, for and in Consideration of the Sum of Fifty Dollars to me in Hand paid, at and before the Ensealing and Delivery of these Presents, by
John Coates of Boston County of Norfolk , State of Massachusetts , Broker
have sold, remised, released, quit-claimed, transferred, assigned, and conveyed, and by these Presents do sell, remise, release, quit-claim, transfer, assign, and convey to the said John Coates his Heirs and Assigns forever, all the Right, Title, Interest, Claim, and Demand, which I now have, and all Right, Title, Interest, Claim, and Demand, which I, my Heirs, Executors, or Administrators, at any time hereafter may have to all the Land which I am entitled to, and to all the Land which I, or either of them, may at any Time hereafter be entitled to, from the Congress of the United States of America, for my Services as a said in the Army of the United States of America, for and during the War with Great-Britain, and to every Part and Parcel thereof: And I the said Artemas Brookins do, for myself, my Heirs, Executors, Administrators, and Assigns, hereby covenant and agree to and with the said John Coates his Heirs and Assigns, that I the said Artemas Brookins my Heirs, Executors, Administrators, or Assigns, shall and will, at any Time or Times hereafter, at the Request, Cost and Charges of the said John Coates his Heirs or Assigns, do, make, seal and execute, or cause or procure to be done, made, sealed and executed, all and every such reasonable Act and Acts, Thing and Things, Conveyance and Conveyances, Assurance and Assurances in the Law whatsoever, for the perfect granting, conveying, remising, releasing, transferring and assigning, all and singular the Right, Title, Claim and Demand, which I the said Artemas Brookins have, or which I the said Artemas Brookins my Heirs, Executors or Administrators, may, at any Time hereafter, have, of, in, and to the Land aforesaid; and of, in, and to every Part and Parcel thereof, unto the said John Coates his Heirs and Assigns, to the only proper Use and Behoof of the said John Coates
his Heirs and Assigns forever, as by his or their Counsel, learned in the Law, shall be reasonably advised or devised or required. And I the said Artemas Brookins do hereby appoint the said John Coates my true and lawful Attorney irrevocably, to ask, demand, solicit, and obtain in my Name, or otherwise, but for the sole Use and Behoof of the said John Coates his Heirs, and Assigns, forever, from the United States, a Grant or Grants, Warrant or Warrants, Patent or Patents, for the Land aforesaid; hereby ratifying and confirming all and whatsoever my said Attorney may do respecting the same. And I the said Artemas Brookins for myself, my Heirs, Executors and Administrators, do covenant, promise and grant to and with the said John Coates his Heirs, Executors, Administrators, and Assigns, that I will not revoke or annul the Power of Authority herein contained, or do any Act which shall impede the said John Coates in soliciting or obtaining a Grant or Grants, Warrant or Warrants, Patent or Patents, for the Land aforesaid.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this Twenty ninth Day of January in the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and Eighteen
Signed, sealed and delivered in the Presence of us,
Artemas Brookins James L. Graham Thos Martin
ss. STATE OF
Personally appeared the above-mentioned acknowledged the above to be his free Act and Deed.
Reference,

State of New York, ss. Be it known that on the 29 th day of January A D 1810 before me came Attorney  Brookins Nathan B. Gresham a Public Notary for the State of New York duly Commissioned and sworn came Attorney  Brookins proved to me satisfaction to be the same person described in and who executed the within power of Attorney by the death of Thomas Marten to me known who swore before me that he is such person and he acknowledged that he did execute the same for the uses and purposes therein mentioned -
The said Attorney  Brookins being by me duly sworn made solemn oath that he enlisted in the first Massachusetts Regiment commanded by Col. Vose in the Month of January A D 1775 to serve for the term of one year in the Revolutionary War and that he served in the American Army until the close of said War and that he was Honorably discharged from the service in the Month of June A D 1783 by General George Washington and that he lost his Certificate of discharge on or about the year A D 1795 - In Witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed my Seal of Office the day and year above written
Nathan B. Gresham
Notary Public

Artemas Brookins
Soldier
1 st Mass. Regt.
Correct —O—

State of New-York, ss.
Printed by E. CONRAD, Frankfort-street.
To the Hon. Richard Riker
Recorder of the City of New-York, and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, called the Mayor's Court of the City of New-York, which is a Court of Record of the State of New-York.
The Declaration under Oath of Artemas Brookins
formerly a Soldier
engaged in the Service of the United States
during the Revolutionary War, now a Citizen of the United States and resident of the City and County of New-York, respectfully sheweth,
THAT the said Artemas Brookins , enlisted a Soldier sometime in the Month of January 1777 for and during the war in Captain Moses Ashley in the first Massachusetts Regiment under the Continental Establishment commanded by Col. Joseph Vose, and actually continued in the same Regiment in different companies serving against the common Enemy untill Peace in the year 1783 and was honored with the badge of merit for six years faithful Service but I had my discharge stolen from me with other things in the year about 1793. I was at the taking of General Burgoyne at Saratoga 19 th of Sept. received a musket wound in 1777. I was also at the taking of Lord Cornwallis in the year 1781 I was also in an action at Rhode Island under Col. Sprout from Massachusetts I am now about 59 years of Age
And the declaration further sheweth, that the said Artemas Brookins is now a citizen of the United States, resides in the city of New-York, and is, by reason of his reduced circumstances in life, in need of assistance from his country for support
Therefore the said Artemas Brookins conceives himself entitled to the benefit of the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," approved 18th March, 1818, and requests your Honor will examine into the truth of the matter aforesaid, certify and transmit

the testimony in the case, and the proceedings had thereon, to the Honorable the Secretary of the Department of War, to the end that such relief may be had in the premises, as is by law in such case made and provided. And in support of the facts above set forth, the said Artemas Brookins — refers to Daniel Wheeler — who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war —
City and County of New-York, ss. Artemas Brookins of the City and County of New-York, being duly sworn, saith, that the matters by him set forth in the foregoing Declaration, are in all respects just and true.
Sworn before me this 16 th 17 th } day of April — 1818, }
Artemas Brookins
P.P. Root Recorder of the City of New York
City and County of New-York, ss.
Daniel Wheeler
of the City of New York aforesaid — being sworn, saith, that he was well acquainted with the applicant who was a soldier in the Col d Force & Reg t of Massachusetts that I was in the Revolutionary service nearly all the war and I knew the said Artemas Brookins from the year 1779 to the end of the war in 1783 and know he was in the Standing Army
Sworn before me this 16 th 17 th } day of April — 1818 }
Daniel Wheeler
P.P. Root —

City and State of NEW-YORK, ss.
BE IT REMEMBERED , That on this Seventh day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen before me Richard Riker Recorder of the City of New-York, and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, called the Mayor's Court of the City of New-York, which is a Court of Record, personally appeared the aforesaid Artemas Brookins
who being by me duly sworn to the truth of the facts stated in the foregoing Declaration and from the testimony of Leijot Wheeler who was well acquainted with the applicant for a number of years
WHEREUPON I being satisfied that the said Artemas Brookins did serve in the Service of the United States under the Continental Establishment in the Revolutionary War, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months and longer, to wit: for the term and the manner stated in the Declaration of the said applicant; and that the said applicant is fairly and justly entitled to the benefit of the Act aforesaid. THEREFORE I DO HEREBY CERTIFY and transmit the testimony in the case, and the proceedings had thereon, as before set forth, to the Honorable the Secretary of the Department of War.
GIVEN under my Hand and Seal of the said Court, in the City of NEW-YORK, this Twentieth day of April in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen
R Riker

Thomas Brooking esq.
Can
1877 J

NEW-YORK MAYOR'S COURT.
IN the Court of Common Pleas, called the Mayor's Court of the City of New-York, held at the City-Hall, in and for the said City, before the Judges of the same Court, of June term, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty
PRESENT the Honorable Peter Augustus Jay Recorder of said city
City of New-York, ss. Be it Remembered , That on the first day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty personally appeared in the Court of Common Pleas, called the Mayor's Court of the city of New-York, in open court, the said court being a court of record for the city and county of New-York, according to the charter of the said city and the laws of the state of New-York, Artemas Brookens aged sixty one years, resident in said city who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the revolutionary war as follows: That on or about the first day of January 1777 he was enlisted as a private in the first Regiment of the Massachusetts line and in the first company of said Regiment commanded by Moses Ashley to serve for the war. That he faithfully served in said company - in the light infantry belonging to said Regiment, and also in the fourth company of said Regiment, commanded by John Williams to the end of the revolutionary war and was honorably discharged from the said fourth company of the said first Regiment on the ninth day of June 1783 at New Windsor Cantonment in the state of New-York. That in the year 1808 the house in which he then lived was burnt and his said discharge was then also burnt or lost. That he was at the Taking of General Burgoyne while in said Ashley's company - was at the Battle of Monmouth - was at Sullivan's Expedition at Rhode Island and was in the said light Infantry at the taking of Lord Cornwallis and was also in sundry other Battles and Skirmishes of like consequence.
and that his original declaration is dated the twentieth day of April one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen and that his pension certificate is No. 981

AND I do solemnly Swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled, "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen: and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed, to wit:
Real Estate None. Personal Estate
Bedding and wearing apparel none but what is necessary - other personal Estate Viz 3 pots & kettles and a hide in use of the value of about $ 1.50 one lot of brookery glass and Earthen ware in use 2.00 Set of Spoons knives and forks two tubs and two pails 1.50 One Table one chest, one trunk and small looking glass 1.37 \frac{1}{2} Having utensils & sundry other small articles worth about 1.37 \frac{1}{2} Total amount of his effects excepting as above $7.75
That he followed the Business of a Ship Carpenter until the year 1808. That since that time he has been so affected with the Rheumatism that he could not work at that Business - that during the winter last past he was so affected with that complaint that he was confined to his room for about three months. That since his inability to labour he has employed himself when able in measuring fire wood brought into said city for Sale. That his family consists of his wife fifty eight years of age and two daughters one Eighteen and the other fifteen years of age. That his wife has been affected for more than seven years with a cancer in her breast and is now unable to put on her own clothes. That his daughters are not able to do more than support themselves. That he pays or agrees to pay about fifty Dollars a year for house Rent - that he now owes for Rent more than fifty Dollars and that he owes sundry other debts contracted for Doctors

attendance and other necessary Expenses amounting to more than two hundred Dollars and that his Earnings for several years past fall considerably short of his unavoidable Expenses. That his wife's name is Susannah, That of his oldest Daughter Clarinda and that of the youngest Daughter Sally Artemus Brookin.
Given in open Court this 1 st day of July 1820 Benj m Ferris Clk
I, Benjamin Ferris Clerk of the city and county of New-York, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, called the Mayor's Court of the city of New-York, Do hereby certify, That the foregoing deposition and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said Court: and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is Not exceeding twenty Dollars
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, this fifth day of July 1820
Benj m Ferris Clk

John Brinkley Jan 29 1797 John Brinkley Feb 1797 John Brinkley March 1797 Newbern

1916
Richard D. Webb
1817-1899
The Property of the Brooklyn Public Library December 27, 1920
1920

John Brookins being duly sworn says that that he resides in the town of Norrie Chenango County & State of New York, that he is the fourth child of Artemus & Louis Brookins, and is the eldest child now living. there was Eight Children born of Artemus Brookins & Louis Brookins in all. Deponent was born in May 1790. Does not remember of the ever being any family Record. Says, that his father, Artemus Brookins has been dead about 17 years. This deponent further says, that Louis Brookins, has remained the widow of Artemus Brookins ever since his death. & knows that his father was a Revolutionary Pensioner. This deponent further says - that all the children of Artemus & Louis Brookins were Born at Separate Births
Subscribed & sworn September 13. 1841 Before me —
John Brookins
James M c D. Carr Justice of the Peace
State of New York
Chenango County ss. John Brookins, being duly sworn, adds say in addition to the above, that the annexed leaf deponent took from his bible which deponent bought in 1822, that deponent the same day he purchased the said bible thereon wrote the day of his birth as "May the 10th 1790". that about one month after said purchase, he discovered that he had made a mistake of one year in entering the time of his birth and

alleged said 1790 to 1799, which was the time of his birth as he understood from his mother, and as he believes true.
This deponent further saith that his said father was a pensioner under the act of 1818 and died as he has been informed and believes true on the 9th day of April 1824 in the city and County of New York.
John Brookins
Sworn to Sept 22d 1841
Before me, and I certify that said John Brookins is a credible person Alvan D. Perkins Commissioner of Deeds

State of New York
Chenango County ss On this 16th day of September 1848. personally appeared before the Circuit Court for the 6th Circuit of the State of New York, held at Norwich in said County of Chenango, Lois Brookins, a resident of Norwich in said County of Chenango and State of New York, aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 1833. That she is the widow of Tatemus Brookins who was a Soldier of the Revolution and a pensioner under the act of 1818 for the particulars of his Service she would refer to the papers on which he was pensioned. She further declares that she was married to the said Tatemus Brookins in May (day forgot) in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty four and her said husband Tatemus Brookins died (day & year forgot) about seventeen years and six months since in the City of New York. That her name was Lois Johnson before marriage, and that before and after marriage deponent and her husband lived in Stockbridge in Massachusetts, that they went from said Stockbridge to Spencertown now Hillsdale in the County of Columbia and State of New York and were there married as aforesaid by one Smith whom she thinks a clergyman of the Presbyterian Church of said Spencertown, and that she has not since married, but now remains a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on } the day and year above written, in open Court
Alfred Phelan Clerk
Lois Brookins

State of New York Chenango County } ss
Frederick J. Brookins of Norwich in said County of Chenango, being sworn says that he is thirty nine years of age and is the son of Artemas Brookins and Lois Brookins and that the said Lois has lived with deponent several years past and that said Lois has not married since the death of her said husband. That deponent has always understood in the family of said Artemas and Lois and believes true that said Artemas and Lois were married in Spencertown now Hillsdale in Columbia County in said State of New York in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty four and that there is no family record of said marriage and that deponent has caused a search for evidence of said marriage in the town clerks office in said Hillsdale and as he has been informed by said Clerk and believes true there is no evidence of said marriage in said town clerks office
Sworn to October 22. 1841 before me, and I certify that said Frederick J. Brookins is a credible person
A. McCay Clerk of Chenango County
Frederick J. Brookins

State of New York Chenango County
No 8062
I Alfred Purdy Clerk of Said County of Chenango and of the Circuit Court within mentioned, hereby certify that Lois Brooks made the within declaration in open Court as within mentioned and that Frederick J. Brooks made the within affidavit before me, as within mentioned, that Alvan S. Perkins is a Commissioner of deeds and James M. D. Carr a Justice of the peace as within mentioned and that the signatures within purporting to be the signatures of said Alvan S. Perkins and James M. D. Carr are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereto affixed my hand and the Seal of said Clerk and County October 22 nd 1841.
Alfred Purdy Clerk by Nelson R. Rootford Dep. Clerk.

Reg
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 20754
Lois Brookins
Wid of
Artemas Brookins
Prin Rev War
Act Murch. 3 rd 1/43
Index: Vol. 14 , Page 95
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Lois Brookins N.Y.
act 7. July 38
adm?
2 yrs pri
80 $
No dismission
A. R. Mygatt Oxford 7/39

✓ 65 26 Albany New York Mrs. Perkins widow of Artemas Perkins
who was a pensioner under the Act of - and who died on the about the year 1824 of Seneca Co. in the State of New York who was a Private in the Comp. commanded by Captain  of the  commanded by  in the  line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany N.Y. at the rate of 80 Dollars  Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of June 1842 & sent to M c R. Mygale Oxford New York
Arrears to the 4th of March 1842 $ 400.00 Semi-annual allowance ending
$ 400.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by N. H. Adair Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 20 Page 70

N o 698
Artemas Brookins private 1 st Massachusetts Line —
Warrant issued to John Coats, assignee, in right of the above mentioned Artemas Brookins -ing, under date of the 2 nd Oct r . 1878, and dilled to John Davidson substitute of Michael Kourn atty for John Coats —
The Power of atty: from John Coats, to Kourn, & from him to Davidson, are in file N o 697 with the papers of William Tuttle.

Oxford Chenango County N. York, Oct. 23. '41
Henry R Mygatt's letter enclosing Declaration and proof for Lois Brookins widow of Artemas for a pension. See a pensioned under act 1818.
Norwich, Chenango County N. York, September 1841,
Declaration of Lois Brookins widow of Artemas for a pension under act July 7. 1838, together with depositions of her two sons John Brookins & Frederic J Brookins respecting their births and the date of marriage of their mother, also of the leaf from the Bible and statement of alteration of the entry from 1791 to 1798.
Oxford, Chenango County New York, Jan'y 5. 1842 Letter of Henry R Mygatt in relation to appeal from decision of Pension Office on claim of Mrs Lois Brookins widow of Artemas for a pension under Act July 7. 1838 & enclosing her appeal to the Hon J. C. Spencer Sec. War
State N. York, Broome County 31. Augt 1841 Deposition of Stephen Stoddard in relation to his acquaintance with Artemas Brookins and his marriage with Lois Johnson viz "about time of the close of the revolutionary war" also, Sep. 1841. Deposition of Orange Stoddard in relation to the same. also, 21. Augt. 1841. Deposition of Edward Johnson brother of Lois Johnson and in relation to her marriage with Artemas Brookins and births of children before '1794'
Oxford, Chenango Co. N.Y. Dec. 15. 1841
Letter of Henry R Mygatt in relation to the case of Lois Brookins enclosing affidavit in relation to record &c. comments upon the statements & affidavits of Stephen and Orange Stoddard & Edward Johnson in relation to her marriage and the "repute" of it - also refers to the Laws of New York and the Attorney General's letter (of 1839) applicable &c.
State N. York, Chenango County Decr 11. 1841.
Deposition of Frederic J Brookins in addition to his former affidavit in relation to application of his mother Lois Brookins for a pension, that from repute her marriage with Artemas took place in 1784, and that there is record of marriage or births or baptisms other than the one furnished.

State of New-York.
CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK, ss.
I, BENJAMIN FERRIS , Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said City and County,
Do hereby certify, That Richard Riker, Esq. before whom the annexed Affidavits were made, and who hath subscribed his name to the Certificate also hereto annexed, was on the day when the said Affidavits were made and the said Certificate signed, Recorder of the City of New-York and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, called the Mayor's Court of the City of New-York, and duly commissioned and sworn. And further, that the said Court is a Court of Record of the State of New- York, and that the signature of R. RIKER subscribed to the said Certificate. is the proper hand writing of the said Richard Riker.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, this twentyfour day of April —181 5
Benj Ferris Clerk

W.R. Artemus Brooks New York notification sent to him (pensioner) 21 July 1820 No 981 11 June 1820
J. G. Bachman Jury of the Court of Claims Washington

New York 12 July 1820
Sir
Enclosed is an extract from the minutes of the Mayors Court of the city of New York containing the proceedings of the said court under the act of the 18 th March 1818 and the act supplementary thereto passed 1 st May 1820. You will please to direct any communication to me at the city of New York and to the care of James McKean of said city at no 6 Frankfort St.
Artemas Knapp

8062.
Lois Brooks -
NY
act 7 July '38
I am of opinion that the marriage of the affiant with Athanas Brooks prior to 1794 is abundantly established according to the laws of N. York in relation to the matrimonial con- tract, and would be conclusive in this State in an action of dower.
I therefore think her entitled to a counterclaim.
June 13. 1842.
J. C. Spencer
H. R. Mygale Esq Oxford Chenango Co NY -

State of New York Broome County ss
On this 31 st day of August 1841 came before me Stephen Stoddard and being duly sworn deposes and says that he is as he believes in the seventy second year of his age and is now a resident of the town of Union in said County but formerly resided in the county of Stockbridge in the county of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts where this deponent became acquainted with Artemas Brookins in some of the last years of the war of the Revolution and knows that said Brookins was absent from his home and that this deponent always understood that he was gone to serve as a soldier in the army of the revolution - that when said Brookins went away from home as before mentioned he went with those who were said to have served in the war of the revolution and also returned about the same time that they did to his home - And this deponent further saith that said Brookins became acquainted with Louis Johnson a cousin of this deponent and as this deponent believes married her about the time that the war of the Revolution closed although deponent did not see them married they were reported to have been at that time and this deponent knows that they lived together as husband and wife and had one or more children and that she was called by his name and as this deponent believes is now known by the name of widow Brookins
Stephen Stoddard
Subscribed and sworn before me the day and year above written. John C. Curtis Justice of the Peace
Broome County ss. I do hereby certify that I am acquainted with the above deponent Stephen Stoddard - that he is a member of the Congregational Church in the town of Union - is a man of unimpeached veracity and has so perfectly retained his powers and faculties of mind that the utmost confidence can be placed in any thing to which he would testify
John C. Curtis Justice of the Peace

State of New York Broome County
Personally appeared before me this 1 st day of Sept 1841 Orange Stoddard and being duly sworn says that he is now fifty nine years old - that he is now an inhabitant of the town of Basher County & State aforesaid that he formerly lived in the town of Stockbridge - County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts - and that he then and there became acquainted with Artemas Brookins and Lois Johnson - And this deponent distinctly remembers from common report and the appearance of things that a negotiation of marriage was then going on between the said Artemas Brookins and Lois Johnson and that in due course of time the said parties parties went to Lake State and were married - This deponent further says that he saw them in a day or two after their return from Lake State at the house of Edward Johnson father of the said Lois Johnson then living in the said town of Stockbridge - that the said parties were then recognised by each other and by common report as husband and wife - and this deponent further says that he was acquainted with the said parties for several years after their reported marriage - that they had children under their care which were recognised by themselves and common report as their own legitimate offspring and which this deponent sincerely believes to be true - And this deponent further says that he believes the said Artemas Brookins is now dead and that his widow Lois Brookins has not been married since the death of her husband - This deponent also knows from common report that the said Artemas Brookins was a soldier in the revolution - And further saith not
Orange Stoddard
Sworn & subscribed before me the 1 st day of Sept 1841
J. P. Osborn Justice

Broom County Pa
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Orange Stoddard the above informant and know him to be a man whose character for man truth and veracity and moral integrity is beyond suspicion - He is also a consistent member of the Congregational Church in this place
J. P. Osborn Luther

State of New York
State of New York Broome County
ss Edward Johnson of Whitney point in the said County of Broome and State of New York, being sworn says that he is sixty seven years of age, and that he is the brother of Lois Brookins formerly Lois Johnson and that said Lois is the widow of Artemas Brookins who was a revolutionary pensioner under the act of 1818 and who died in the city of New York, some years since. That during and after the Revolution this deponent and said Lois lived at their fathers house at Stockbridge in Massachusetts, and that the said Artemas Brookins also lived in said Stockbridge, that in the year one thousand eight seven hundred and eighty three four and as this deponent believes in the month of September May in said year the said Artemas Brookins and Lois living in said town of Stockbridge went to Spencertown, as it was then said to be married and that they returned to Stockbridge saying that they had been married and that they afterwards lived together as husband and wife, and from the time of their return which was in a day or two after they were married, they so lived together as husband and wife and that several of their children were born before the year 1794, and that said Lois now lives at Norwich in the State of New York, and that deponent recalls the time of their marriage from the fact that they lived together from the time of their return home and also for many years Edward Johnson and deponent believes the above time is correct and would state with certainty that they were married before the year one thousand seven hundred eighty five, (1785)
Sworn to August 21 st 1841 and I certify that said Edward Johnson is a credible man and not incompetent to testify by reason of the infirmities of age
Edward Johnson
Charles A. Seymour Justice of the Peace

State of New York Broome County
I, John C. Moore, Clerk of said County of Broome, hereby certify that John C. Curtis, J. P. Osborne and Charles A. Seymour, before whom the within affidavits purport to be made, were at the date thereof Justices of the peace in and for said County of Broome and that the signatures thereto purporting to be said Justices are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto annexed my hand and the seal of said County, October 2 d , 1841.
John C. Moore, Clerk
8062.
Louis Brokens-
NY
act 7 July '38
I am of opinion that the memory of the affiant with respect to Brokens prior to 1794 is abundantly extended regarding the cause of the dispute in relation to the matrimonial con- tract, and would be conclusive in this state in an action of dower. I therefore think her interest is a competent June 13. 1842. J. C. Spencer
H. R. Mygale Esq. Hartford Conn. Ms.

State of New York
Chenango County ss. On this 17th day of June 1843 personally appeared before James M. D. Carr, a Justice of the peace of said County, Lois Brooks a resident of Norwich in the County of Chenango and State of New York, aged Eighty three years, who being first duly sworn according to law, did on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Artemas Brooks who was a private in the Revolution and for evidence of the regiment in which he served she would refer to the papers on which he was pensioned and that this deponent received Eighty dollars annual pension under the act of July 7. 1838
She further declares she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me and I do certify that the said above named Lois Brooks is personally known to me.
Lois Brooks
James M. D. Carr Justice of the peace
STATE OF NEW YORK, Chenango Co. Clerk's Office, } ss.
John Latham
I, ALFRED PURDE Clerk of said county, DO HEREBY CERTIFY
that James M. D. Carr Esq whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the subjoined Affidavit and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement, a Justice of the
peace in and for said county, duly authorised to take the same, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgement to be genuine.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county this 20th day of June A. D. 1843.
J. Latham CLERK.

St. Johnsbury, Vt. June 5, 1842. Henry No. Maygatt. Appeals from decisions of Pension Office on claim of Lois Perkins widow of Artemas for pension Act July 7, 1835. M. 11. Rec'd Jan'y 11, 1842. Pension Office Report
Woburn

Oxford, Chenango Co. N.Y. Jan'y 5th 1862
Sir.
Will you please give early attention to the written appeal of Lois Brooks from the decision of the Commissioners of Pensions, and advise me of the result thereof.
I have the honor to be Yours etc Sec'y
Henry R. Mygatt
72 Hon. John C. Spencer Sec'y of War Washington City D. C.

To the Hon. John B. Spencer, Secretary of War,
This appeal of Lois Brooks widow of Artemas Brooks, deceased, from the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions, on her application for a pension.
That in October last, your petitioner presented her declaration and evidence for a pension to the Commissioner of Pensions and in December last presented an additional affidavit in support of her claim,
The Commissioner of Pensions in his letter of the 22d December last in relation to said claim, says,
"In the case of Lois Brooks the requisitions of my letter of the 2d ulto should be complied with and the "more will it be insisted on in relation to the proof of the date of the marriage as an altered family register has been adduced as evidence. You misconceive the question at issue, it is not the fact of marriage but "proof of its date"
Your petitioner invites a perusal of her declaration and evidence, by which it will appear that the marriage took place in May 1794; it is true that the witnesses, now live your petitioner states the day of May, but if the marriage took place before 1794 your petitioner supposes herself entitled to a pension under the act July 7th 1838.
That the family record produced made in 1822 was "altered" in 1822 or soon after with intent to make said record correct and not with a view to defraud the government and that it will appear that it was the alteration of the year of John Brooks birth from 1791 to 1794. Your petitioner refers to the affidavits of her sons John Brooks and Frederick J. Brooks and also the affidavits of Stephen Stoddard, Orange Stoddard and Edward Johanson  Stoddard furnishing as your petitioner is informed, evidence that would be con-

there in the birth of the State of New York, where said marriage took place, that said marriage was consummated in 1704.
Your petitioner concerning the question to be the date of the marriage, and having established by the best evidence in her power the marriage to have been in 1704 and having established beyond question that the marriage took place before 1704 asks that the Commissioners of Pensions may be di- rected to issue a certificate for a pension to your petitioner.
Oxford, Mass. January 5th 1842.
Lois Brooks
By Henry R. Dwygall her Attorney.

Oct. 23. '41
Henry R. Mygal - Oxford, Chenango County, N. York transmitting deed declaration Proof of Lois Brookins wid: of Artemas Brookins under Act July 7. 1838.

Oxford, Chenango Co. NY. October 23. 1841
Sir
Herewith I send declaration and proofs for Lois Brookins widow of Artemas Brookins for a pension.
Artemas Brookins was a pensioner under the act of 1828.
You will address me,
I am. Very Respec d
Your ob d Serv t
Henry R. Mygatt
J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm ee of Pensions
War Department
Washington City
D. C.

Lois Brookins
$80 per an
H.R. Mygatt Oxford N. York

Oxford, Chenango Co. N.Y. June 21. 1873
Sir
I send affidavit for pension certificate for Lois Brooks under act March 3d 1873.
She requests you will send me pension certificate for her.
Very Resp Yrs
Henry R. Mygatt
J. L. Edwards Esq
Comt. of Pensions
Washington
D.C.

Dec. 15. 1874. Oxford. Chenango County New York
A. R. Mygatt enclosing depositions as to date of marriage of Lois Brookins - referring to the evidence adduced & to the laws of New York respecting the sufficiency of proof of marriage.

Oxford, Chenango Co. N.Y. Dec 15, 1841
Sir
In the case of Lois Brooks an applicant for a pension I send additional affidavit showing that there is no family, church or town record, further than is already furnished, relative to said marriage. The applicant in her declaration states that she was married in May 1784. The son of Mr. Brooks swears that he was born in May 1790. The affidavits of Stephen Stoddard, Orange Stoddard and Edward Johnson all for the marriage in 1784 in the State of New York and relate marriage circumstances relating thereto. The sons Frederick and John both understand from reports that the marriage took place 1784 in the State of New York.
In this State "marriage may be proved from "Cohabitation, reputation, reception in family, and other cir- "cumstances from which a marriage may be inferred"
The proof before you would be sufficient to establish in any of our State (New York) Courts the marriage to have been in 1784 and the Attorney General's letter of August 10th 1837, is applicable to marriages in the State of New York am. Respectfully Yours etc.
Henry R. Mygatt
J. J. Edwards Esq. Com d of Pensions War Department

Pension Office,
January 12. 1842.
Commission of Pension
Report accompanying the papers of Mrs Lois Brookins.

Pension Office,
January 12: 1842.
Sir,
I have the honor to hand you the papers in the case of Mrs Lois Brookins and in obedience to your orders to make the following report upon her appeal from the decision of this Office.
The only question at issue is the sufficiency of the proof as to the date of the marriage. The proof consists of Stephen and Orange Stoddard's depositions (the first fourteen and the other twelve years old at the alleged date of the marriage) and of Edward Johnson. Neither of these deponents were present at the marriage and their depositions afford no data as to the means by which they have retained the date with the requisite certainty. Your attention is particularly invited to the language of their respective depositions, and to the regulations respecting proof of the date of a marriage. Not only has she failed to comply with the rules in that respect, but she has involved her case in that distrust which the presentation of an altered document is calculated to inspire on the part of any tribunal charged with the adjustment of it.

The statements of her sons afford no evidence of the date of the marriage.
She has not been able to state with certainty the date of the marriage or the name of the clergyman who solemnized the rites, as the rules require. The fact in issue is one which is almost universally susceptible of a higher grade of proof, from the Registers of Towns, churches, and families shewing the births and baptisms of children. &c.
Oral testimony in relation to distant dates of common occurrences, unaided by any memoranda or associated known events, furnish very inferior and unsafe proof, and in this case I have deemed insufficient.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully Your W h . Ser. J L Edwards
Hon: John C. Spencer Secretary of War.

New York, Chenango County Norwich, Dec r 15. 1841.
Deposition of Hanson Frederick J. Brookins as to the family tradi- tion & refute respecting the date of his mother Lois Brookins marriage & the ages of her children.

State of New York Chenango County } ss
Frederick J. Brooks of Norwich in said county of Chenango, being sworn says that in addition to the affidavit heretofore made by him in relation to the application of his mother Lois Brooks for a pension, that deponent has always understood in the family of said Artemas Brooks and Lois and from reports, that said Artemas and Lois were married in Spencertown now Hillsdale in Columbia County and State of New York in the year seventeen hundred and eighty four, and as deponent believes true,
That there is no family record of births or marriages except the one furnished the Commissioners of Pensions, and there is as deponent verily believes, no register of births, baptisms or marriage of said Artemas and Lois, other than the one already, furnished either in the form of their marriage, nor in any church or in the said family.
Frederick J. Brooks
Sworn to December 11th 1911 Before me, and I certify that said Frederick J. Brooks is a credible person
Howard L. Dunning Commissioner of Deeds Oxford
STATE OF NEW YORK, } ss. CHENANGO CO. CLERK'S OFFICE, }
ALFRED PURDY, Clerk of said county, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that Alvan S. Perkins whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instrument and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement, a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said county, dwelling in said county duly authorized to take the same, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his signature to said certificate of proof or acknowledgement is genuine.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county this 14th day of December A.D. 1911
A. Purdy
CLERK.