Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 18,667, Reuben Brooks, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Brooks, Reuben Anna
W 18,667
CONTENTS

Vermont N o 28,273
Reuben Brooks
of Windsor in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Freer of the Reg t commanded by Col Hale in the Vermont line for
11 months
— Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of April 1834 and Mr. A. Everett
  Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1834.  109.99    Pens ns . allowance ending 4 th Sep r .  13.32          $ 123.31  
{ Revolutionary Claim, Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R. Budin Clerk, Book 6. Vol. 3. Page 55

4138
Vernon Matthews
Anna Brooks widow of Reuben Brooks
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 3 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of March 1849 and sent to
Clayton Berry Perkins
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 38 Vol. 3

Rubrum  Book
14. —
No 2618
Sm o Peck's Kill serin admitted but not calceolaria.

STATE OF VERMONT, } WINDSOR COUNTY, ss. }
On this Tenth day of August A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the Probate Court of Dartford District now sitting, Reuben Brooks a resident of the county of Windsor and State of Vermont, aged Sixty Nine years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That he enlisted for eight months in the town of Western in the State of Massachusetts in the State Troops of that State in the month of April (the day of the month he does not recollect) in the year 1778 in the Company commanded by Capt. Green, Lieut. Whitcomb, (the name of the Ensign he has forgotten) - The Regiment was commanded by Col. Wood, Lieut. Col. Hale, and the Adjutant's name was W. Hall but the name of the Major he has forgotten - That immediately upon his enlistment he marched to Pekskeel in the State of New York where he joined Genl. Nixon's Brigade in the month of May of the same year - That he remained there a while and from there marched to White Plains where they stayed a while and then marched to New Milford in the State of Connecticut and then back to Pekskeel for Winter Quarters - That after returning to Pekskeel the soldiers were employed till late in the season building barracks - That he served till March 1779 before he was discharged (the precise day he does not now recollect) That he was discharged at said Pekskeel but received no written discharge the company being all dismissed or disbanded at the same time by Genl. Nixon - That the reason why he was not discharged when the term of enlistment expired was because the barracks were not completed - and that he was obliged to stay till they were completed - The delay in completing the barracks was owing to some of the soldiers having been taken from the works and kept under guard for some misdemeanor - That he was not in any battle during this term of service - That the forepart of September 1780 he volunteered to assist in defending the northern frontier as it was then called in the country now embraced in the State of Vermont - That previously there had been a chain of forts and fortifications established for the purpose of defending the northern settlements from the Indians and British from Canada - A Fort had been

erected at Bethel and one at Peacham Vermont - That he entered the Fort at Bethel in Augt. or Sept. of that year and served there as a Soldier during three months and was discharged from said service in the last of November or first part of December in the year 1780 - The exact day not recollected - That he belonged to the company commanded by Capt Safford, Lieut Lyon - but the name of the Ensign is forgotten - The said chain of forts were under the command of Col. Benjamin in Wait - That there were no Continental Troops at that place - the forces consisting of Volunteers - That he was in no battles while there and received no written discharge - That at the time of entering this service he resided in said Town of Bethel where he resides now - That he was born in the Town of Cubleysgate in the Province of Nova Scotia June 15th 1760 but whether there is any record of his age at that or any other place he does not know. That he has resided at Bethel aforesaid for fifty years past -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the } day and year aforesaid. }
L. Marsh, Register
Reuben Brooks
We, Washington Granger a Clergyman residing in Bethel and Miss May residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Reuben Brooks who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood 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. }
L. Marsh, Register
Washington Granger Miss May
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 Washington Granger who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in Bethel Vermont , and that Miss May who has also signed the same, is a resident in said Bethel and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Lyndon Marsh Register of the Court of Probate of the District of Hartford do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Reuben Brooks for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this tenth day of August A. D. 1832
L. Marsh, Register

8887
Anna Brooks -
Yr
Act. T. July '38-

State of Vermont Windsor County Hartford District
On this 8 th day of April A D 1843 personally appeared before the Hon d the Probate Court for the District of Hartford aforesaid, Anna Brooks a resident of Bethel in said District aged 69 years, who being first sworn according to law doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Acts of Congress passed July 7, 1838, and of August 23 d 1842, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Reuben Brooks late of Bethel in said District deceased, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and served as set forth in his declaration under the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832, reference being had to said declaration now on file in the War Department for further particulars, and who drew a pension of thirty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum.
She further declares that she was married to the said Reuben Brooks at Bethel in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont on the 23 d day of August A D 1792, that her husband the aforesaid Reuben Brooks died at said Bethel the 15 th day of January 1843, that she now remains the widow of said Reuben Brooks deceased, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794, to wit, at the time above mentioned, she has no bible record. Anna Brooks
Turned M c Brooks
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written; and I further certify that she the said Anna Brooks is the widow of Reuben Brooks late of Bethel in said District deceased who was a pensioner of the United States as she has stated above, and that she Anna Brooks is a respectable and credible person. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 8 th day of April A D 1843
Orl Billings Register.

Osmond Brooks son of Reuben and Anna Brooks was Born in Bethel March 10 th 1793 "Pardon Brooks son of Reuben and Anna Brooks was Born in Bethel November 29 th 1794." "Fanny Brooks Daughter of Reuben and Anna Brooks was born in Bethel September 25 th 1796."
I here by certify that the above is a true extract from the records of the Births of three children of Reuben and Anna Brooks Recorded in a Book kept in my office by the Town of Bethel in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont for the purpose of Recording the Births, Marriages & deaths in said Town. Attest Albert G. Marsh Town Clerk of Bethel in Windsor County. Vt
I Albert G. Marsh above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in and for said Town of Bethel in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town of Bethel, as certified by me.
Albert G. Marsh (Town Clerk State of Vermont Windsor County ss) { The above affidavit sworn and subscribed to the 25 th day of August 1843 before me Oliver Gleason Justice of the Peace
STATE OF VERMONT, } I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court of the Coun- Windsor County, ss. } ty of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Oliver Gleason
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the ninth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two 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 26 th day of August A. D. 1843 S. Williams Clerk.

Asmond Brooks Son of Reuben and Anna Brooks was Born in Bethel March 10 th 1793 "Pardon Brooks Son of Reuben and Anna Brooks was Born in Bethel November 29 th 1794." "Fanny Brooks Daughter of Reuben and Anna Brooks was born in Bethel September 25 th 1796."
I here by certify that the above is a true extract from the records of the Births of three children of Reuben and Anna Brooks Recorded in a Book kept in my office by the Town of Bethel in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont for the purpose of Recording the Births, Marriages & deaths in said Town. Albert G. Marsh Town Clerk of Bethel in Windsor County. Vt.
I Albert G. Marsh above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in and for said Town of Bethel in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town of Bethel, as certified by me. Albert G. Marsh Town Clerk
State of Vermont Windsor County ss } The above affidavit sworn and Subscribed to the 25 th day of August 1843 before me Oliver Gleason Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont Hartford District
I Orl Billings Register of the Probate Court for the District of Hartford aforesaid. do hereby certify, that Reuben Brooks named within, was a pensioner of the United States and drew thirty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum and died Jan. 15. 1843. and left the within named Anna Brooks a widow and that I have made her declaration under the act of July 7. 1838 and of Augt. 23 d 1842 for a pension and forwarded the same to the department. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Woodstock in said District this 26 th day of August A D 1843
Orl Billings Register

I Mary Marsh of Bethel in the county of Windsor and State of Vermont Aged 67 testify and say that I have been acquainted with Reuben Brooks a Pensioner of the United States late of said Bethel deceased and of his Widow Anna Brooks formerly Anna Terry for more than sixty years last past and that I was present at the Marriage of the said Reuben Brooks & Anna Terry which took place in said Bethel on the 23 d day of August 1792 according to my best memory & belief - and that said Anna is now Widow of the said Reuben Brooks.
Bethel April 8 th 1843 Mary Marsh
State of Vermont Windsor County Hartford District
The above deposition sworn to and subscribed before the undersigned. and I further certify that Mary Marsh the signer above is respectable and a credible witness. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Woodstock in said District the 8 th day of April A d 1843 Oz Bellings Register.

1832
Vermont
Apr 6 1827
Sara Brooks widow of Eben Brooks who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 15 th Jan'y 1843 of Windsor in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Greer  of the Regt commanded by Col Heal  Heal in the Vermont line for 11 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier at the rate of 36 Dollars & 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of Oct. 1840 and sent to Col Billings Woodstock Vt.
Total amount, $ 183.30
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Thos. Sargent , Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 1 Page 123

Rep 2 .
4500
Vermont, Montpelier
Anna Brooks
widow of Reuben Brooks
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
36 Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
19 th day of Jan. 1844
and sent to Col Billings
Woodstock, Vt.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 1, Page 31.

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
No.
18667
Anna Brooks
Widow of
Benjamin Brooks
Rev War
Act:
Feb 21 48
Index:—Vol.
21
Page
89
[Arrangement of 1870.]

8887.
Anna Brooks
YF 5
Act July 7 th 38
Adm d
Min.
Priv
$ 36-66 per an.
Col Billings Esq-
Woodstock
YF 5

Reuben Brooks
Bethel
11 th Street
# 36. 66
John H. Evert
# 18

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
8 th April 1837
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 subjoined 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
   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.                 
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
Mr Reuben Mould

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) _____, who has 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 also, 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 he 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 the 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] 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.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

State of Vermont Hartford District
On this 14 th day of June A D 1843
Personally appeared before the Hon ble the Probate Court for the District of Hartford aforesaid Anna Brooks a resident of Bethel in said District aged 69 years who being first sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed 7 th July 1838 and the 23 rd of August 1842. granting pensions to widows of persons who served in the War of the Revolution.
That she is the widow of Reuben Brooks late of said Bethel deceased wh. was a private in the Army of the Revolution and served as set forth in his declaration under the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. and drew a pension of thirty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum.
She also further declares that she was married to the said Reuben Brooks on the 23 rd day of August A D 1792. that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794 to wit at the time above stated. and that her husband the aforesaid Reuben Brooks died January 15. 1843. Anna Brooks Attest Oel Billings
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written. and I further certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Anna Brooks the signer above is the widow of the aforesaid Reuben Brooks deceased who was a pensioner of the United States and died as he has stated above.
Thos P. Russell Judge of Probate
I Oel Billings Register of the Court of Probate of the District of Hartford aforesaid. do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original

proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Anna Brooks for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Woodstock in said District this 14 th day of June A D 1843
Orl Billings Register

4917 2306
Anna Brooks
$36:66 per an
Ad Billings Woodstock Vt

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
Oel Billings
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the ninth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two  and and will expire the thirtieth day of November next  instat , and that his signature to the annexed certificate is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, this 13 th day of November A. D. 1843. N. Williams, Clerk.
in the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Reuben Brooks late of said Bethel deceased, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and served as set forth in his declaration under the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 reference being had to said declaration for further particulars, and drew a pension up to the day of his death which took place on the 15 th day of January 1843, of thirty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum, and that she was pensioned under the Acts of July 7, 1838 and of August 23, 1842 and drew a pension of $36.66. per annum. That she now is a widow and of Reuben Brooks aforesaid.
James M. Brooks
Anna Brooks
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, and I further certify that the declarant is personally known to me - is the widow of said Reuben Brooks deceased and that she drew a pension as she has stated above of thirty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum
Oel Billings Justice of the Peace -

State of Vermont Windsor County Hartford District
On this 8 th day of November A D 1843
Personally appeared before Oel Billings a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Windsor and Register of the Probate Court for the District of Hartford aforesaid. Anna Brooks a resident of Bethel in said District aged 69 years, who being first sworn according to law doth 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 3 rd March 1843. granting pensions to widows of persons who served in the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Reuben Brooks late of said Bethel deceased, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and served as set forth in his declaration under the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 reference being had to said declaration for further particulars, and drew a pension up to the day of his death which took place on the 15 th day of January 1843. of thirty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum, and that she was pensioned under the Acts of July 7. 1838 and of August 23. 1842 and drew a pension of $36.66. per annum. That she now is a widow and of Reuben Brooks aforesaid.
James M. Brooks
Anna Brooks
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, and I further certify that the declarant is personally known to me - is the widow of said Reuben Brooks deceased and that she drew a pension as she has stated above of thirty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum
Oel Billings Justice of the Peace -

Woodstock Vt. June 20. 1843
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Sir. Enclosed I forward you the second declarations of wid: Anna Brooks. Elizabeth Burbank. Eunice Back and Marcy Hinckes under the acts of July 7. 1838 and Augt 23. 1842. which are made strictly to comply with your instructions of May 18. & 29 th
I am Respectfully your Ob dt Serv t .
Ole Billings

100
4570
FREE
413
To the Commission of Pensions Washington D.C.

Bethel Sept r 11 th 1848
To the Commissioner of Pensions Sir
Enclosed is the declaration of Anna Brooks the widow of the late Reuben Brooks a Revolutionary pensioner formerly residing in Bethel Windsor County Vermont. She makes this declaration as the enclosed papers will show for the purpose of being placed on the pension roll under the late act passed the 2 d of February 1848 and hopes you will give her case the earliest attention and enclose her certificate (if it should be received favorably) to me at Bethel, Windsor County Vermont.
Ebenezer Berry for Anna Brooks

Woodstock Pt. August 26. 1843
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Sir:
I herewith forward you the town clerks certificate of the birth of Reuben & Anna Brooks children in order to prove to your satisfaction the marriage before 1794 and to substantiate the testimony heretofore sent in order to obtain a pension for the widow. which evidence is forwarded in answer to yours of the 18 th instant.
I am Respectfully, your obed. Servt.
Col. Billings

Woodstock Vt. April 10. 1843
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Esq.
I forward the declaration of Anna Brooks widow of Reuben Brooks late of Bethel in said District deemed for a pension, under the act of July 7, 1838 and of August 23 d 1842. I am Respectfully your Obedt Servt Ole Billings

STATE OF VERMONT, Windsor County ss.
On this 8 th day of September A. D. 1848 personally appeared before Eleazar Berry a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Windsor Anna Brooks (widow of Reuben ) a resident of Bethel in said County of Windsor aged 74
years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth 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 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war; that she is the widow of Reuben Brooks of Bethel in the County of Windsor , who was a soldier in the revolutionary war, she further declares that she drew a pension of thirty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum on account of said services of her said husband under the acts of the 3d March 1843 and the subsequent acts in relation thereto, that she has not remarried but still remains the widow of said Reuben , that she now resides at Bethel in the County of Windsor , Vermont and has resided there she further declares that she is still a widow for sixty four years past & before then resided at Lebanon , in Connecticut.
Anna Brooks
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written,
Before Eleazar Berry Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named applicant is personally known to me and I know her to be the same person who drew the pension of thirty six dollars & 66 cents per annum at the death of Reuben Brooks , a revolutionary soldier.
Eleazar Berry Justice of the 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
Elazer Berry
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 30 th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and that his signature as shown written within are is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 11 th day of September A. D. 1848
Norman Williams, Clerk.

Jonathan Marsh of Bethel in the county of Windsor and State of Vermont aged 72 testify and say that I have been acquainted with Reuben Brooks a Pensioner of the United States late of said Bethel deceased and of his widow Anna Brooks formerly Anna Perry for more than sixty years last past and that I was present at the marriage of the said Reuben & Anna which took place in said Bethel on the 23 day of August 1792 according to my best memory & belief. and that said Anna is now widow of the said Reuben Brooks
Jonathan Marsh
Bethel April 8 th 1843
State of Vermont Windsor County Hartford District
The above deposition sworn to and subscribed before the undersigned, and I further certify that Jonathan Marsh the signer above has long held the office of Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windsor and is respectable and credible witness. In testimony whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand and seal at Woodstock in said District this 8 th day of April AD 1843.
Col Billings Register.

I Albert G Marsh of Bethel in the county of Windsor and State of Vermont testify and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk for said Town of Bethel and that I have thoroughly examined the Town Records to find the Marriage of Reuben Brooks to Anna Berry and no records are to be found of said Marriage as the Records of Marriages are quite imperfect from 1780 to 1800. April 8 th 1843 Albert G Marsh Town Clerk
State of Vermont Windsor County Heartland District
The above affidavit sworn to and subscribed before the undersigned. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 8 th day of April A D 1843
Orl Billings Register.

Barlow Brock's affidavit
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. The text is mostly illegible but appears to be a formal statement or affidavit.]

State of Vermont } Personally appeared before me a Justice of the Windsor County } Peace for said County of Windsor. Richard Brooks who being duly sworn deposeth and saith. That he enlisted as a soldier into the service of the United States in the State Troops of Massachusetts in the month of April 1778. and served as stated in his origin- al declaration which he intends to return to the Department with this affidavit. That he served under that enlistment for the space of between ten and eleven months. Although he did not enlist but for eight months. The reason for such a protracted service was particularly stated in his said decla- ration to which the Department is referred. That owing to old age and consequent loss of memory he cannot now particularly state the precise day of his enlisting nor the precise day of his leaving the Army, but that he knows that the statement of the time in his said declaration is substantially correct, and that he served not less than ten months under the said enlistment. That said service was performed as stated in said declaration. That when on their way from Peekskill to White Plains as stated in said de- claration the weather was extremely hot. And many of the soldiers died from the effects of the heat and cold water which they drank. That while at said White Plains the greater part of the soldiers went out in different directions after forage. That the party to which he belonged were gone some three weeks or more. That after the Troops left White Plains they went to New Milford in Connecticut, and after staying there a while they returned to said Peekskill. That after returning to said Peekskill the British came up the North River as far as Kings Ferry so called. That there was between twenty and thirty British

Sail. as he now recollects. That many of the soldiers from said Fleet landed but there was no engagement. That the Fleet re- mained at said Bridgeport. sometime. and then returned to New York. That most of the said Fleet left said Ferry after a few days. but there were some remained there for some days or more. — That he was kept on guard near the River in consequence of the appearance of the British fourteen days. That in the last of August or first part of September 1760 he volunteered as a soldier and entered a fort at Pittsfield, Vermont. which was one of a chain of forts which was erected for the protection of the Northern frontier from the Indians, and the British. There was one fort at St. Pittsfield. one at Peacham. one at Barnard and one at Corinth. That he served under Capt. Safford. Lieut. Lyon. the name of the Ensign he has for- gotten. That the highest officer at said Fort was Capt. Safford. but the chain of Forts were under the Command of Col. Benjamin Wight. but he (the said Wight) was not at said Pittsfield Fort but two or three times during his service, and then stayed but a short time. That he served at said Fort not less than three months but owing to old age and loss of memory he cannot give tell precisely the time that he served but that he knows he served not less than three months at said Fort. That during the aforesaid term of service he served in an unmounted Corps called into service by Com- petent authority. and that during all the time aforesaid. he served in garrison or in the field. and during all the time in which this service was afforded he was not engaged in any civil pursuit. That he knows of no person living by whom he can prove his services by any one who was in the Army with him. but that there are those living who know that it was he —

rooted in the town where he lived that he was in the army.
Reuben Brooks
Sworn to and subscribed this 9th day of September A.D. 1833
before me.
Jonathan Marsh Justice of the Peace
I hereby further certify that the said Brooks, who has subscribed the above affidavit is personally known to me and has for a long time past has been known to me, and that the said Brooks has ever and still does possess an irreproachable character and is a credible witness.
Jonathan Marsh Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont Windsor County ss
I Benjamin Swan Clerk of Windsor County Court do hereby certify that Jonathan Marsh is one of the Justices of the Peace within & for said County duly commissioned as such, and the above are his signatures In Testimony whereof I hereto affix the Seal of said Court, and subscribe my name this twenty ninth day of November 1833.
Benj. Swan