Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,346, Jotham Bruce, Continental Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Mass.
Bruce, Gotham Brown, Lovinia or Lovina
W 17346
CONTENTS
Former widow

4268. Vermont
23 d . Jany. 1846. Repd to Pension Agent.
Lovina Brown, formerly the widow of Jotham Brown who died on the 23 d December, 1811. of Windsor (in the State of Vermont, who was a private in the compy. commanded by Captain W. Atkins of the Regt. commanded by Col. Brewer in the Massachusetts line for 2 years Mass Increased from $78.11/11 per ann:
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 d day of Jany. 1846 and sent to Mrs Davis, Present.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept: 45 $1160. 00 Semi-annual allowance ending June 40. 00
1200.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d — }
Recorded by W. M. Stearns Clerk, Book 4 Vol. 1 — Page 37.

6150.
Lovina Brown Yrs
Act July 36-
mustered 16 May 82 - till 2 Sept 83 - say 15 mo 168
Adm d 23.15-
28 mo 10. d s pri
177 $78.44
Ira Davis Esq. Norwich Vt

State of Vermont
John S. Marcy Judge
County of Windsor ss. On this 5 th day of October A.D. 1838 personally appeared Lavinia Brown a resident of Sharon in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont, aged 77 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 4 th 1836, and the act explanatory of said act passed March 3 1837. That she was married to Jotham Bruce who was a private in the army of the Revolution and enlisted as she thinks in the month of June 1775 in Capt Nathan Watkins company in Col Samuel Breeser's Regiment of the Massachusetts line, and served in said company, as she believes about four years. Also that in the month of December 1781 he again enlisted for the term of three years, but in what Regiment or company she cannot tell, that he served and/or said enlistment about two years & four months, and then procured a substitute to take his place, until the expiration of the term.
She further declares that she was married to the said Jotham Bruce in the month of October or November 1781. Seventeen hundred, eighty one
That her husband, the aforesaid Jotham Bruce died on the 23 rd day of December 1811 that she was afterwards married to Jacob Brown who died on the 10 th day of March 1831 and that she was a widow on the 4 th of July 1836, and still remains a widow, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Lavinia Brown
Witnes John S. Marcy
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written, before
John S. Marcy Judge

State of Vermont Hartford District Windsor County
I, Orl Billings Register of the Probate Court of the District of Hartford hereby certify, that the within contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Louisa Brown for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal office this 5 th Day of October A D 1838
Orl Billings Register

Fawn Clark's from Sharon Lothan Brown
1801

Record of Jotham Bruce and Levina his Wife Children born in Sharon - Persis born September 27. 1787 Polly born December 29. 1789 Levina born June 7. 1792 Luther born September 10 th 1794 -
The foregoing births recorded by me Joel Marsh Town Clerk
Philena daughter of the aforesaid Jotham and Levina born June 15 th 1799 Eunice daughter as aforesaid born June 9 th 1804 - Entered on record January 26 th 1810
By me Joel Marsh Town Clerk
Luther Son to the aforesaid Jotham & Levina Bruce drowned December 10 th 1810 - Entered on record March 26 th 1811
By me Joel Marsh Town Clerk
Jotham Bruce died December 23 1811
Entered on record on record Jan'y 29. 1812.
By Joel Marsh Town Clerk
State of Vermont } Sharon in D r County October 30 th 1841 Wineus County } I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of record Copied and examined by me Samuel Shattuck Town Clerk

November 1 st Fourteenth Seventeen hundred and Eighty one the Intention of Marriage between Jotham Brule of Williamsburg and Lovina Richardson of Conway hath been entered with me fourteen Days & they were published as the law Directs.
For Oliver Wetmore, Town Clerk -
I James S. Whitney Town Clerk of the Town of Conway in the County of Franklin and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on Oath declare that the foregoing Certificate of Publication is a true copy of the original with the exception of the date which are expressed on the record in fair legible figures Thus November 1 st 14 th 1781 and fourteen days is expressed - 14 Days. And I also further declare that I can find no records of Marriages on the books of the Town previous to the year Eighteen Hundred
James S. Whitney - Town Clerk Conway
Subscribed and sworn to, This Thirteenth day of June A.D. Eighteen hundred and forty five
Before me Chas. Adams Justice of the Peace
"Mustard and received of Samuel Crittenden - Chairman of Chap No 11 for the Town of Conway - A Certior Jotham Brule, a Recruit enlist for the term of Three Years Seth Banister Capt 4 th MR No 16. Springfield May 16 th 1782"
I Anson Shepherd Treasurer of the Town of Conway in the County of Franklin on Oath declare that the foregoing is a true copy of an Original paper now on file in the Treasurers office in this town which paper I have compared with the foregoing copy and on Oath declare the above to be a true copy. Anson Shepherd, Treasr.
Sworn and subscribed This Thirteenth day of June in the Year Eighteen hundred and forty five Before me Chas. Adams Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston June 28 th 1845
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Christopher Arms was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Franklin,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sleeper, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Jonas Bruce of Sharon in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont Aged 90(ninty) years depose & say that I was a soldier of the revolutionary war and am now a pensioner That in 1775 and 1776 my brother Jotham Bruce who died in this town December 23 d 1811 did service in the same Regiment and I think in the same company in which I served - That in the fall of the year 1781 I was invited to attend his the said Jotham's wedding at Conway Mass. but from some cause I did not attend - He was married at that time and soon after removed to his home - He married at the time a lady referred to as Savina Richardson and with the exception of the time he was in the service they always lived together as husband & wife until his death - That soon after the close of the revolutionary war they removed to this town (Sharon Vermont) - To here the sd Savina now resides - That soon after their marriage the sd Jotham Bruce went into the service and continued till the close or nearly the close of the war I do not recollect the Reg. he enlisted into - I think he was hired by the town - That some time after the death of my brother Jotham Bruce the said Savina was married to Jacob Brown who died in this town many or quite twenty years since - That previous to the said Jotham Bruce removal to this town he had one child by his wife the sd Savina and said child died while they lived in Massachusetts, at that time they lived in Conway or Partneyfield I do not recollect as it as they lived some time in each of sd towns Attest Saml Shuttleworth Jonas his Bruce mark
State of Vermont } Sharon June 30 th 1845 Then Windsor County } personally appeared the above named Jonas Bruce known to the subscriber as a credible witness and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the matter set forth in the foregoing deposition
Before me Samuel Shuttleworth Justice of the peace

STATE OF VERMONT, } I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court of the County Windsor County,....ss. Sty of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Samuel Shattsworth
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 31 st day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four and will expire on the thirtieth day of November next, and that his signature foregoing is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, this Second day of July A. D. 1845
N. Williams, Clerk.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Feb 9 1811
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Solomon Bruce of Partridgefield is borne upon the eight month rolls, in the company of Capt. Nathl Watkins Col Brewer from May 31st Dec 31. 1775, as a private, and upon the books of the 12th Regt Col Spauld, Capt. Williams from Jan 1. 1777 to Jan 14 1778. Barring the days
8 12-14
There are no other rolls that further service of said Bruce
76.66 1.77 78.43

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone: and that said application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Peabody; Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I am now 82 years old, and my memory does not enable me to state any thing further material to the search required.
Except that I know that for many years after the close of my work in the world's fair I have empowered W. D. Davis of Norwich Mass to act in the premises as my Attorney.
WITNESS my hand, this 22 day of January A. D. 1847.
Signed in my presence by said
James Brown
William Swift JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
Witness Horace Shepard
per X Mark

A Record of Jotham Bruce and Levina his wife Children Born in Shurton.
Pessie Born September twenty seventh one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven Polly born December twenty eighth one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine Levina born June seventh one thousand seven hundred and ninety two Luther born September tenth one thousand seven hundred and ninety four.
The foregoing births recorded by me Joel Marsh Town Clerk Philinda daughter of the aforesaid Jotham & Levina born June fifteenth one thousand seven hundred & ninety nine Currie daughter as aforesaid born June ninth one thousand eight hundred and four
Entered on Record January twenty sixth one thousand eight hundred and ten By me
Joel Marsh Town Clerk
Luther son to the aforesaid Jotham and Levina Bruce Drowned December tenth one thousand eight hundred & ten. Entered on Record March 26 1811 by
Joel Marsh Town Clerk
Jotham Bruce died December twenty third one thousand eight hundred and eleven
Entered on Record January twenty ninth one thousand eight hundred and twelve
By Joel Marsh Town Clerk
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exceptions of date which are expressed on the record in fair legible words and figures as follows.
September 27. 1787 December 29. 1789 June 7 1792 September 10 1794 June 15 1799 June 9 1804 January 26. 1810 March 26 1811 December 23 1811 June 29. 1812
Samuel Shurtleff Town Clerk
I Samuel Shurtleff above named depose and say that I hold the office of town clerk in Shurton in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont and the above is a true extract from the records of said town of Shurton with the exceptions above named as certified by me Samuel Shurtleff Clerk of the town of Shurton

State of Vermont Windsor County ss. ) Shown June 30. 1845 Then personally appeared Samuel Shuttleworth within named and was sworn to the within Before me Warren C. French Justice of Peace
STATE OF VERMONT, ) I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court of the Coun- Windsor County,....ss. Sty of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Warren C. French
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 31 st day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and that his signature above written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, this Second day of July A. D. 1845 N. Williams, Clerk.

4268. Vermont
Lorina Brown, formerly the widow of Jotham Bruce,
who died on the 23 d December, 1811 - of Windsor (in the State of Vermont, who was a private in the company - commanded by Captain Watkins - of the Regt: - commanded by Col: Brewer - in the Massachusetts line for 23 mos: 16 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier - at the rate of 78 Dollars 11 3/4 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 d : day of Sept: 1815 - and sent to Ira Davis Morrisville, Vermont,
Arrears to the 4th of March '15 - $ 1098. 16
Semi-annual allowance ending 11 Sept: 39. 22
$ 1137. 38
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d : }
Recorded by W. H. Stewart Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 1 - Page 37 .

Payment to be made at Montpelier by Thomas Reed
Increase
Agent for paying Pen- sioners, in the Agency of
75. 8mo 79. 12.14 82.3 15.16 36
Montpelier
Item certificate for 2 yrs pri so deduct what has been paid
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book C. Vol. 1.
Page 37 by W. H. Stewart
Ira Davis Esq Present
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th of July, 1836, Lovinia Brown—of Vermont, formerly widow of Jotham Bruce, _____ who was a private, _____
is entitled to receive Seventy-eight dollars and forty-four cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831 — _____ and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 3d day of September — one thousand eight hundred and forty-five.
M. L. Marcy , Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. §
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

Aug 25, 1845
Recd of Lavinia  Brown.
Mr. Department Pension Office Washington City
10
C
Mr. Atty.

Winwick Va Aug 19 1845-
Dear Sir
I reply to yours of the 14 th in relation to the case of Lavinia Brown, widow of Jonathan Bruce, I would suggest that there has not probably been a thorough examination of the Papers already sent, as I am confident that the proof you now require is furnished by the Papers sent.
The first certificate of the Secretary of Mass. shows a service of 8 months in Col. D r Reg t in 1778 I believe, and a service of one year or more in 1777 or 78.
You will also find on examining the copy of the receipt furnished by the Treasurer of Connecticut, that Bruce was received into the Company & mustered on the day of May 1782, at which time I suppose his service commenced at any rate he then joined the Army. The second certificate of the Secy of Mass. shows Bruce's name on the list of certificates issued to the "last 3 years men"
By your letter of Sept 10 1844, you only required that it should be shown "that he enlisted and service subsequently to the marriage." This certainly is shown conclusively by the Affidavit of the Town Treasurer and the Secy's last certificate, and no more proof can be found in either of these offices.
I am satisfied that on a re-perusal of the papers you will find all the proof you ask.
Hon J L Edwards
Respectfully Yours Amos Davis

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston; June 13 1845.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Jotham Brews (so spelt) is borne upon a list of certificates issued to the last 3 years men, made up by Thomas H. Condy, agent to the 4 th regt. The present is given in place of a certificate issued Nov r 14 th 1844, stated to have been lost,
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sleeper, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17346
Lorina Brown Widow of Jotham Brown First Rev. War
Act: July 4 th 1836
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 80
[Arrangement of 1870.]

June 2 nd 45
Stonewich W May 28
John
War Department Pension Office Washington City
Lavinia Brown N o - 8 th & Dec

Winwick Vt May 28 1845
Dear Sir
In relation to the papers in the case of Lavinia Brown, I am anxious that another search should be made for them. The papers sent were as follows, to wit a certificate of the Secretary of Mass. showing Brown's name found on a list of certificates issued to the last three years men. The certificate of the Town Clerk of Conway containing a copy of the record of the publication of the said Lavinia, The Affidavit of the Treasurer of Conway containing a copy of the certificate given by the Capt. to the chairman of the class by which Brown was hired. also the Affidavit of Jonas Brown in relation to the marriage, and the certificate of the Town Clerk of Sharon, the whole making a large package and I do not see how it could have been lost from the mail. The documents were collected at a considerable expense, and I am not certain that I can again obtain that of Mr B. The bundle was forwarded in Dec. & I think about the middle of the month.
I wish that another search may be had as it is possible that the papers may have been mislaid.
Respectfully yours Eun Davis
Hon J. L. Edgcomb

O O
ab 28 45 Norwich Vt April 25
Lanina Brown Vt addff sent 5 mo ap
vt 36 8mk abt on 108lb.
Free
War Department Pension Office
Washington City

Norwich Vt Apr 25 1845-
Dear Sir
About five months since I forwarded to the Pension office such additional papers in the case of Lavinia Brown as were requested, to wit, The affidavit of the Treasurer of the town of Conway in Mass. containing the copy of the receipt given to the Chairman of the class, by the commandant of the company acknowledging the receipt of Jonathan Bruce as a recruit enlisted for 3 years. The receipt dated May 1782. Also the certificate of the Secretary of Mass. showing that Bruce's name is found on a list of certificates given to pay the bounties due the last 3 years men; also a copy of the record of the publication of the intention of marriage of the said Bruce, sworn by the Town Clerk of Conway. From your letter in relation to this case, I concluded that the papers above named could not fail to be satisfactory, but having heard nothing from the case since, I am apprehensive that the papers above mentioned have not been received at your office. Will you have the goodness to inform me.
Very Respectfully yours
Dea Davis
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commr of Pensions

To the Hon J. L. Edwards,
Sir
8 In the case of Lavinia Brown, to whom a Pension certificate has been issued on account of the services of Jonathan Brown, the evidence furnished the Office is as follows, to wit: The said Brown served in Col. Brown's Regiment I think in 1775 eight months. Also in the first three years service I believe in 1777 & 1778 either twelve or fourteen months. I have also furnished evidence, that in the month of May 1782 the said Brown again enlisted for three years, you have the copy of the receipt given by the commandant of the company to the chairman of the class which engaged Brown, acknowledging the receipt of said Brown as a recruit enlisted for three years. You have also the certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts, showing that said Brown's name is found upon a list of certificates, issued to pay the balance due the last three years men, which list I think is dated in 1783. I think from these last mentioned papers it must be evident that the service of the said Brown in the last three years service, was amply sufficient, in addition to the former periods, to make the whole of his service more than two full years, and therefore that the widow should have an allowance of eighty dollars per annum, instead of the present allowance.
Very Respectfully Yours Ezra Davis
Washington Jany 16 1846.

Aug 8, 1845.
Adae tes.
Case Lammia Brown.
War Department Pension Office Washington City
20
to another

Morristown Nt July 11/85
Dear Sir
Enclosed I send the paper in support of the claim of Lavinia Brown widow of Jonathan Brown instead of those forwarded in see last which were lost.
The paper enclosed are a certificate of the Town Clerk of Conway, with a copy of the record of intention of marriage. The Affidavit of Jonas Brown in proof of marriage. Affidavit of the Town Clerk of Sharon with record of birth of the children & the death of Jonathan Brown. Affidavit of the Treasurer of the Town of Conway, with copy of receipt given by the Commandant of the Company to the chairman of the Class, for Brown as a recruit for three year duty May 1782, also the certificate of the Secy of Mass. that Brown name is contained on a roll of certificates issued to the last 3 years men. — Which comprises all the evidence I am able to obtain in the case & which I think will be fully satisfactory.
Inasmuch as this case has been delayed several months in consequence of the loss of the papers. I hope you will take it up immediately on the reception of this, and decide the matter at once.
Yours Very Respectfully Ira Davis
Hon J. L. Edwards.

6150 Lovina Brown
Weymouth Viz to Ira Davis Sept 10th 1844
Same Apr 29. 1845. Same June 3. 1845. to same Augt 14. 1845. ✓
Act 4th July, 1836.

Monmouth } March 20 1844 Vermont }
Dear Sir
I send herewith the Application of Lavinia Brown for a Pension under the act of 1836, who on account of the services of her former husband Jotham Brown.
The papers sent are the declaration of the widow, Certificate of Service (in part) from the Supt of Mups. and a copy of the record of the Birth of Nicanor from the Town Clerk.
Further evidence of Service & of Marriage will be forwarded as soon as obtained.
Hon J. L. Edwards
Yours Respectfully Ira Davis