Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8386, Aris Brown, Va.

SERVICE
Var.
Brown, Aris Joanna
NUMBER
W 8386
CONTENTS
Marshall Black and white A. Aug. 1882 p. 83

5376
South Carolina
Joanna Brown
widow of Aris Brown
Va
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private Corporal
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 88 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of Mar. 1850 and sent to
Miss Fannie L. Carr House of Rufe
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 304 Vol. 2
Set to G. Isbell Reported 15 Dec 1851

South Carolina Spartanburg District
Personally came before me Mrs.
Agness Thompson & saith, upon her oath, that she was born in Spartanburg District in the year A.D. 1769 that during the revolutionary war she with her parents removed to North Carolina - just after the close of the war they returned to this Dist. - about the year 1783 or -84 - She further deposes that about the year A.D. 1786 Mrs Brown & her husband Leah  James Brown came to this country from Virginia - that they had two small children at that time - both small named John & William - & that Mrs Brown had a daughter born to her about a month after they came to the Dist. - her name was Varia  Varia She further deposes that Mrs Brown & her family lived some two years about two miles from her father's (Mr Thos Collins) that about the year 1788 or 1789 Brown bought land joining her father & that she resided there until Mrs Joanna Brown had her last child - She says she was intimate with the family from that time until she married A.D. 1798 - that the above children above named were called as follows - Betty - Katy - Nelly - Joanna & Polly who died before she married her other daughter Polly - She further saith that she is not certain about the time Brown and his wife left the country; but she knows they remained several years after she was married - that she recollects she joined the Presbyterian Church at Nazareth about four years after she was married - (1798) -
Sworn to before me this the 13th September 1877 O.W. Edwards Not. Pub.
Agness Thompson

South Carolina } Spartanburg District } I do hereby certify that Mrs Agnes Thompson is woman of high character & respectability & worthy of belief on her oath O. E. Edwards Not. Pub-
State of South Carolina } Spartanburg District } S. B. Tolleson Clerk of the Court of said district Certify that O. E. Edwards who hath signed the above certificate and the within affidavit, is an acting Notary Public for said district and the signature purporting to be his is genuine and that he is entitled to all due faith and credit and credit in all his official acts as Not. Pub. Give under my hand and the Seal of said Court at Spartan- burg Court House the day of September 1847
S. B. Tolleson Clerk of the Court of Spartanburg District

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4 th July 1836. State of South Carolina District of Pickens } ss.
On this second day of November 1846. personally appeared before the Court of General Sessions and Common Pleas, at for the District and State aforesaid, at Fall Term 1846. M rs Joanna Brown (widow of Aris Brown) aged as near as she can tell, about 84 or 85 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: That she is the widow of Aris Brown who resided in the State of Virginia, in Mecklenburg County, and there entered the service, (she thinks,) in the Militia of that State, but she cannot now recollect under what officers, except General Washington, she has often heard him speak of Washington, and thinks her husband was one of his life guards. She is positive she always understood that he held some small office, a part, if not during the whole time of his service, tho' she cannot say what office it was, perhaps a Sergeant or or Corporal, she recollects too, that he said he had a good deal of writing to do while in the service; she was married to him during the War, and he was out on duty several times after their marriage, she cannot say with precision how long he served, of course, but thinks he must have served, from the best rec- ollection she has, at least five years off and on, and must have been in actual service at least two and a half or three years; it is impossible for her, at her advanced age, and with the trouble she has had, to relate with any precision the services of her

husband, altho' she has often heard him relate what he done and suffered during the War; she has no recollection about the discharge of her husband, but think, he had one or more, but does not know what has become of them, supposes they are lost, as she has now nothing of the kind. she thinks he was never in a battle. She further declared that she was married to the said Asa Brown in the County of Mecklenburg in the State of Virginia, by a Clergyman by the name of Gragg, was published in church previously, as was the custom in that day in that State, in the Fall of 1779 as near as she can calculate, as she was at her marriage near seventeen years of age; she has no record of her marriage, nor never kept one, as she was unable to write herself, and her husband lost his health shortly after their marriage, and was subject to fits of insanity ever afterwards, until his death, caused as was supposed, by exposure in the army. She had ten children, they are now scattered, it was over two years after she was married before her first was born, and over two years between the births of each one of them, and her fourth child, a daughter, was married at the age of twenty two or twenty three, on the 27 th March 1812, as per record, which is the only record she has of her family, either of births or marriages.
When she first made a declaration for the same purpose, before the Ordinary on the 4 th February last, she had no documentary evidence of her husband's service, nor did she know of any, but her agent now informs her that he has obtained evidence in the Executive Department in Virginia, of three years service of Asa Brown as a Corporal in the 2 d Virginia Regiment, which she is confident is her husband, and the proper certificates are herewith submitted in her behalf. she has no documentary evidence of marriage; that her husband the aforesaid Asa Brown, died on the

day of August 1822; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof herewith submitted - After their marriage they remained in Virginia until after her second child was born, and then removed to Spartanburg District in this State, where they lived about thirty years, and then removed to Pendleton, now Pickens District, where she has lived ever since, she has now almost lost her memory, and can scarcely tell any thing of value, but hopes allowance will be made.
her Joanna X Brown mark
Sworn to and Subscribed in open Court at Pickens Court House, the day and year above, before me Josiah J. Evans P.S.
I William L. Keith Clerk of the Court of General Sessions and Common Pleas for the District of Pickens and State of South Carolina do hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings was had this day in open Court, that Josiah J. Evans was the Presiding Judge at the Term, and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed my seal of Office, this second day of November 1846.
W. L. Keith C. C. P.

Copy. Agnes Thompsons Affidavit, of the marriage of Ari & Joanna Brown.
Exhibit F.

The Declaration of Joanna Brown, the same in substance as that forwarded, was taken in open Court before Hon. Josiah J. Evans, the 2 o Nov. 1846. with Clerk, certificate & seal, same date.
The Certificate of the Ordinary, as to the proper date of the Declaration taken before him.
The Letter of Thomas Edmondston to Jas. Edmondston dated 16 th Mar. 1846.
(J.) And the following affidavit of Agnes Thompson South Carolina Spartanburg District
Personally came before me Mr. Agnes Thompson & saith upon her oath, that she was born in Spartanburg District in the year A. D. 1769. that during the Revolutionary War she with her parents removed to North Carolina - just after the close of the war they returned to this Dist. about the year 1783. or 84. She further deposes that about the year A. D. 1786. Aris Brown and his wife Joanna Brown came to this country from Virginia. that they had two male children at that time - both small - named John & William - & that Mrs. Brown had a Daughter born to her about a month after they came to the Dist. her name was Nancy -
She further deposes that Aris Brown & his family lived some two years about two miles from her father's (Mr. Thos. Collins) that about the year 1788. or 1789. Brown bought land joining her father, & that he resided there until Mrs. Joanna Brown had her last child - She says she was intimate with the family from that time until she married A. D. 1798. that the children not above named were called as follows - Betsy - Katy - Polly - Joanna & Polly, who died before she named her other daughter Polly - She further saith that she is not certain about the time Brown & his wife left the country; but she knows they

remained several years after she was married - that she recollects, he joined the Presbyterian church at Nazareth about four years after she was married (1798)
Agnes Thompson
Sworn to before me this the 18 th Sept. 1847. C. E. Edwards Not. Pub.
Then Magistrate, certificate that Mrs. Thompson is of high character &c
and Clerk, certificate & seal as Magistrate &c also my Letter of general explanation - all forwarded 17 th Dec. 1847.

State of Arkansas County of Crawford City of Fort Smith
And now on this day personally came and appeared before me Samuel Edmondson one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County of Crawford and city of Fort Smith. Thomas Edmondson a citizen well known as a man of probity and respectability, maketh the following statement on his oath in due form of law.
In the year A D 1776 in the State of Virginia. Aris Brown a native of the State of Virginia County of Mecklenburgh. Joined the Continental Army, in the war then waged by the U. S against Great Britain under the command of Thomas Thredgill Capt in the service of the Colonies, the now United States he served the term of three years as a regular soldier, and then returned to his home and remai- ned the space of one year or thereabouts at the expiration of which time he again joined the service as substitute in the place of John Simmons for the term of three months in the year A D 1781, and until after the Siege of York Town in the State of Virginia. As the said Aris Brown married as the deponent rem- embers in the year 1779 to one Joanna Crockett in the State of Virginia. The marri- age service was performed by Parson James Gragg a Protestant minister. They were married in the County of Mecklenburgh. Some years after their Marriage they moved to the County of Spartan- burgh South Carolina. I lived a neighbour to them in the year A D 1808 they lived then and afterwards as man and wife, raised a large family. I saw them lawfully married.

The exact period of Asa Brown's decease I am unable to state but think that it was between the years 1816 & 1820 at least deponents acquaintance ceased with him only from information about that time; he the said Asa Brown performed an arduous and honorable duty in his country's service and so far as my knowledge extends never received his wages as a soldier Thos. Edmonds on
Sworn to and subscribed before me a justice of the peace in and for the County of Cranford and City of Northampton on this the 31st day of March A.D. 1847
Asa Brown Thomas Edmonds
The deponent in the above is personally well known to me and has been for several years though advanced in years he still preserves and enjoys undiminished health & the vigor of his mind and enjoys more over the confidence of numerous friends as a man of undoubted integrity & honesty believing that in spite of his addendum to the affidavit might facilitate the evidence in the procuring of the pension and afford her a just cause for her having voluntarily made this given this our testimony to the deponent's request -
80 N. Gilchrist

State of Arkansas County of Ouachita
I, Alexander M c Lean Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for the County of Ouachita do hereby cer- tify that Samuel Edmondson to whom the foregoing dissolution of Thomas Edmondson was taken and at the time of taking of the same and now is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Ouachita duly commissioned and qualified according to law and that full faith and credit should be given to all his official acts as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand as Clerk of said Court, and af- fixed the seal of office this 1 st day of April A.D. 1847
A. M c Lean Clerk

This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia State Line, during the Revolutionary War, as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session 1781, that a Certificate issued on the twentieth day of May 1781, in the name of Aris Brown as a Corporal of Infantry for £75. 19. 3, which Certificate appears to have been delivered to Benjamin Chapwell and was given for services prior to the 1st January 1782.
{ No Seal of Office. }
Given under my hand at the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this seventeenth day of March 1846.
J. A. E. Heath
AUDITOR.

10 860
South Carolina.
Joanna Brown
Widow of Aris Brown who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the Augt. 1822
of in the State of who was a Private  Corpl in the commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the line for
Inscribed on the Roll of Charleston at the rate of 88 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th day of Mar. 1857 and sent to J. L. Orr, House of Reps
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Book
Vol. 1
Chase clerk, Page 305

South Carolina Pickens District
S. William D.
Steele, Judge of the Court of Ordinary for the District and State aforesaid, do. hereby certify, that I did visit Mrs. Joanna Brown in company with her agent Col. A. H. Norton, at the House of Maj. David J. Stribling, on the fourth day of February 1846. And that I did in my Official capacity swear her the said Joanna Brown to a Declaration in order to obtain a Pension under the act of 4 th July 1836. and that the said Declaration was properly and correctly dated.
Given under my hand and common seal, having no seal of Office, this 17 th day of December 1847
William D Steele Judge of the Court of Ordinary for Pickens District S. C.

(IV.)
Pension Office, August 17th 1847.
Sir,
The papers in the case of Joanna Brown, widow of Jno Brown, have been examined and filed under the Act of 4th July, 1836.
All the papers presented in support of this claim bear date subsequently to the date of the Certificate from the Executive Department of Virginia, except the declaration, which appears to have been executed more than twelve months prior to the date of the certificate of the Clerk to the Official character of the Judge of Ordinary. This is unusual and should be satisfactorily explained.
The declaration is defective also, inasmuch as the Judge before whom it was made is not a Judge of a Court of record.
The date of the marriage should be established by a certified copy of the marriage bond, or license from Mecklenburg County, Virginia; or by the Certificate of the register of the Church formerly under the Pastoral Church of the Rev. James Cragg; or by some other written evidence, if such can be obtained; and Mrs Brown's identity as the widow of the soldier of the 2nd Virginia State Regiment, should be shown by the testimony of those who served with

him. If a detailed statement of Brown's services, with the names of the Officers under whom it was performed, could be given, we might possibly be able to identify him by the rolls of the 2nd Virginia State Regiment in this Office. There was no such person as Throggle belonging to that Regiment.
As the case now stands the services of my Brown's husband and the date of their marriage, are wholly unascertained.
I am, Very respectfully, Dow. Clk. Tenn. J L Edwards
Emily M. Norton Esq., Pickett St. Home S. Carolina
Letter from Hon. J. L. Edwards - Joanna Brown. Exhibit, No.

Joanna Brown.
ad. Testimony of M c Elruth, Bruce Bright. forwarded 1 st Feby. 1848.
Exhibits, G. H. S.

(G.)
The State of South Carolina      Nathaniel M c Elrath appeared Spartanburg Dist.                      personally before me and made oath
that he knew Aris Brown and his wife Joanna, that they moved from Virginia to this Dist. about the year 1786. or before, and lived near him for some thirty years, and then moved to Pendleton - that he knew their children, particularly their two oldest whose names were William & John, which two he is satisfied they had before they came to this Dist.
Aris & Joanna Brown lived and cohabited together as husband & wife, and he has no doubt nor never had it doubt, but that they were such - Sworn to and subscribed to before me 19 th Jan. 1848.
Isham Wood Mag. S. D.
Nathaniel M c Elrath.
(H.)
South Carolina Spartanburg Dist.
Samuel Price appeared personally before me and made oath that he knew Aris Brown the wife Joanna, who formerly resided in this dist. when he was about nine or ten years old, and he was born in 1776. and that they resided near him, and when he first recollect, they had several children; that he recollects the said Brown buying land from Mr. Floyd, the deed to which is now before him, and bears date 14 th Feb. 1786, which from his memory he has no doubt is correct - Brown and his wife lived together as husband and wife from the time he first knew them until they left the dist. for Pendleton, which was twenty eight or thirty years ago.
Sworn to and subscribed to before me 20 th January 1848.
Isham Wood Mag. S. D.
Samuel Price
(I.)
South Carolina, Spartanburg Dist.
Bridget Bright personally appeared before me and testifieth that she was born Oct. 1766, and that she knew Aris Brown & his wife Joanna a number of years ago; who then resided in this dist. - that she recollects well seeing Mr. Brown at the time of the birth of a nephew of hers, on the 24 th day of July 1789, and that herself and Brown then lived together as husband and wife, and had three children, William John & Nancy - they moved away long ago to Pendleton as she understood; she also understood that

They came from Virginia, - that they lived together as husband & wife during her knowledge of them, and she never heard it doubted but that they had been lawfully married -
Sworn to and subscribed to before me 21 st January 1848. Isham Wood Mag. S. D.                      Bridget her Bright mark
I certify that Nathaniel M c Elrath, Samuel Brice, & Bridget Bright, who have made the foregoing affidavits, bear the character of truthful and respectful citizens, and that their statements, are entitled to full credit -
Given under my hand this 21 st January 1848. Isham Wood Mag. S. D.
Then follows the Certificate of J. B. Tolleson Clerk, as to Wood's official Character & Signature

Letter from Rich d B. Baptist
M s Joanna Brown.
Exhibit, L.

Boydton 21 st July 1848
Dear Sir,
Your Letter of the 5 th Inst was received by me on yesterday. Within the last ten years, I have frequently been enquired had occasion to refer to these Parish records, but have not been able to find any person who could tell me where they could be found. I have made enquiry of Rev. a Mr. Locke clergyman of St James Parish, Whittles Mills Po. Oks. but without being able to get any information about them - I presume they can hardly be destroyed - and are probably put aside among other old Books somewhere in the parish - it is possible if you were to write to Colo: David Street, Lucenburg Ct. H o Va: you might be able to get some information about them , he is an old man and for many years has been an active business man in that county.
Very Respectfully
Wm. Ott Smith
Rich d & B. Bapst

E. B. Bensman Esq. Affidavit.

South Carolina Pendleton Village J. C. B. Benson hereby certify that in the year 1802 I boarded at M rs . Shumats in Spartan- -burg Dist. S.C. for the purpose of going to school, that soon after I went there I became acquainted with Amos Brown and his wife Deborah and family they were near neighbours to where I boarded I was frequently there and became quite intimate in the family they had a family I think of six or such children two sons & the balance daughters I have heard them speak of North Carolina & Virginia as their former place of residence I think they moved from Virginia to Spartanburg - they moved from Spar- -tanburg to Pendleton Dist. where Amos Brown died I was intimately acquainted with them from the time of my going to Spartanburg until his death - I have frequently heard them both speak of his services in the revolutionary war -
They were a family highly respectable sworn to & subscribed before me this 19 th Dec. 3 18248
E. B. Benson
John B. Petton Not. Pub & Ex off M. S. D.

Copy. Wm H. Richards Certificate from the Executive Dept. Va. of Avis Brown, Services.
Exhibit E.

Copy Declaration of Joanna Brown Forwarded. 26 th July 1847.
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page] 1847 July 26 Joanna Brown Declaration Forwarded 26 th July 1847

(6.)
I do hereby certify that Amos Brown enlisted the 2 d September 1777, and served three yrs. as a Corporal, the full term of his enlistment as a good and faithful soldier in the 2 d Virginia Regiment.
18 th May 1784.
J. Holmes 2 d V. S. R.
A copy Teste Chas. Jones Ch. a. Office
Executive Department March 17. 1846.
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a paper on file in this Department.
Wm. H. Richardson Secy Comm.
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

Saratoga Spring Franklin County N.Y.
March 16 1826
Dear Son I had the pleasure of Reading Your Letter to your Brother in which you Requested him to obtain what I knew Relative to the Revolution and services of your Uncle Arias Brown, This I know of a certainty that he was living with my father and enlisted for three years in the Continental Army for he went and was gone for that length of time and Returned and after he came back he took another tour for three months in the place of John Simmons who was drafted he went and was at the Siege of York after which he returned again Thus far I recollect distinctly but nothing more of my own knowledge, after your many kind solicitations for me to come and live with you I have come to the determination if you will send your son John round for this Spring I will go and spend the balance of my days with you if I am able to get there, My health for the last three months my health has been but tolerable on account of my leg but I am better at this time Immediately on the receipt of this note and let me know if you can comply with this request that I may know now to wind my business up I have nothing more at present But remain your affectionate father until death
Thomas Edmandson
P.S. let me know if your aunt Diana Brown is with you if not where she is

The State of South Carolina Spartanburg Dist Nathaniel McElrath appeared personally before me and made Oath that he knew Aris Brown and his wife Joanna. That they moved from Virginia to this dist. about the year 1786 or before; and lived near him for some thirty years, and then moved to Pendleton; that he knew their children, particularly those two oldest whose names were William & John, which two he is satisfied they had before they came to this dist.
Aris & Joanna Brown lived and cohabited together as husband and wife, and he has no doubt nor never heard it doubted, but that they were such-sworn to and subscribed to before me 19 th Jan 1828
John Wood Mag. S.D. Nathaniel McElrath
South Carolina Spartanburg dist Samuel Bruce appeared personally before me and made Oath that he knew Aris Brown & his wife Joanna, who formerly resided in this dist - when he was about nine or ten years old, and he was born in 1776 - and that they resided near him, and when he first recollects they had several children; that he recollects the said Brown buying land from Mr. Flyd, the deed to which is now before him, and bears date 14 th Feb 1786, which from his

memory, he has no doubt is correct, - Brown and his wife lived together as husband and wife from the time he first knew them until they left the dist. for Benton, which was twenty eight or thirty years ago. - sworn to and subscribed to before me 20 th January 1848 Samuel Brien Isham Wood Maj S.D.
South Carolina Spartanburg Dist Bridget Wright personally appeared before me and testified that she was born Oct 1766, and that she knew Aris Brown and his wife Joanna a number of years ago; who then resided in this dist. - that she recollects well seeing Wm Brown at the time of the birth of a nephew of hers. on the 24 th day of July July 1789, and that herself and he  they lived together as husband and wife, and had three children, Mr John & Nancy - they moved away long ago to Benton, as she understood; she also understood that they came from Virginia, and that they lived together as husband and wife during her knowledge of them and she never heard it doubted but that they had been lawfully married. Sworn to and subscribed to before me 20 th day January 1848 Bridget her Wright mark Isham Wood Maj S.D.
I certify that Nathaniel McElrath, Samuel Brien, & Bridget Wright, who have made the foregoing Affidavits, bear the character of truthful and respectful citizens and that their statements are entitled to full credit - Given under my hand this 21 st January 1848. Isham Wood Maj S.D.

State of South Carolina Spartanburgh District } A. B. Tolleson Clerk of the Court of said district do hereby certify that Isham Wood who hath signed the within affidavits is an acting Magistrate for said district and the signature purporting to be his is genuine and that he is entitled to full due faith & credit in all his official acts as such
Given under my hand & seal of office at Spartanburgh Circuit House this 24 day of January 1848
A. B. Tolleson Clerk

South Carolina Pickens District } Before me personally appeared Frederick Mops who has the reputation of being truthfull and respectable, and made oath in due form of law, that he resided in Spartanburg District in this State in the year seventeen hundred ninety nine and then and there knew Aris Brown and his wife Joanna Brown, that they there lived and cohabited together as husband and wife, and he has no reason to doubt, but every reason to believe that they were legally married, he knew the old man well, often conversed with him, particularly on the subject of the Revolutionary War, and has every reason to believe that he served in it, he also bore the reputation of having been a soldier in the war of the Revolution, among his neighbors, he understood that the said Aris and Joanna Brown were married in Virginia, and from the apparent age of their children he has no doubt but they were married before or during the Revolution War.
Sworn to me 18 th before me this 21 st day of December 1846
{ Frederick Mops
John Myers M P J
J. M. L. Keith Clerk of the Court, do certify that John Myers is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine, and also that the affiant Frederick Mops is a highly respectable citizen. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my seal of Office this 26 th July 1847.
W. L. Keith Clerk of the Court

(A.)
Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4 th July 1836.
State of South Carolina
District of Pickens } ss. On this fourth day of February, 1846. personally appeared before William D. Steele Judge of the Court of Ordinary for the District and State aforesaid. Mrs. Joanna Brown (widow of Ari Brown) aged as near as she can tell, about 84 or 85 years; (who I certify, is unable by age and infirmity to attend in open court) 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. That she is the widow of Ari Brown who resided in the State of Virginia in Mecklenburg County, and there entered the service, (she thinks) in the Militia of that State, but she cannot now recollect under what Officers, except Genl. Washington, she has often heard him speak of Washington, and thinks her husband was one of his life Guard. She is positive she always understood that he held some small office, apart, if not during the whole time of his service, tho' she cannot say what Office it was, perhaps, a Sergeant or Corporal, she recollects too that he said he had a good deal of writing to do while in the service, she was married to him during the war, and he was out on duty several times after their marriage, she cannot say with precision how long he served of course; but thinks he must have served from the best recollection she has, at least five years off and on, and must have been in actual service at least two and a half or three years; it is impossible for her, at her advanced age, and with the trouble she has had, to relate with any precision the services of her husband, altho' she has often heard him relate what he done and suffered during the war she has no recollection about the discharge of her husband, but thinks he has one or more, but does not know what has become of

them, suppose they are lost as she has now nothing of the kind. She thinks he was never in a Battle.
She further declared that she was married to the said Aris Brown in the county of Mecklenburg in the State of Virginia by a clergyman by the name of Bragg, was published in Church, previously, as was the custom in that day in that State, in the Fall of 1779. As near as she can calculate, as she was at the marriage near seventeen years of age; she has no record of her marriage, nor never kept one, as she was unable to write herself, and her husband lost his health shortly after their marriage, and was subject to fits of insanity ever afterwards until his death, caused as was supposed, by exposure in the Army. She has ten children, they are now scattered, it was over two years after she was married before her first was born, and over two years between the births of each one of them; and her fourth child, a daughter, was married at the age of twenty-two or twenty-three, on the 27 th March 1882, as per record, which is the only record she has of her family either of births or marriages.
She has no documentary evidence of her husband's service, or of their marriage, that she now knows of; that her husband the aforesaid Aris Brown, died on the day of August 1822, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to other proof herewith sent.
After their marriage they remained in Virginia until after her second child was born, and then removed to Spartanburg District in this State, where they lived about thirty years, and then removed to Pendleton, now Pickens District, where she has lived ever since. She has now almost lost her memory, and can scarcely tell any thing of value, but hopes all evidence will be made.
Sworn to before me. Joannah Brown M. D. Hester Judge.
Thos. Clark, certificate.

(B)
South Carolina } Before me personally appeared Frederick Mop Pickens District } who has the reputation of being truthful and respectable, and made Oath in due form of law, that he resided in Spartanburg District in the State in the year Seventeen hundred & ninety nine, and then and there knew Aris Brown & his wife Joanna Brown, that they then lived and cohabited together as husband & wife, and he has no reason to doubt but every reason to believe that they were legally married, he knew the old man well, often conversed with him, particularly on the subject of the Revolutionary War, and has every reason to believe that he served in it, he also bore the reputation of having been a soldier in the war of the Revolution amongst his neighbors, he understood that the said Aris and Joanna Brown were married in Virginia, and from the apparent ages of their chil- dren he has no doubt but they were married before or during the Revolutionary War.
Sworn to before me this 20 th day of December 1826. Frederick Mop.
John Myers M. P. D.
Then Clerk, certificate (C)
State of Arkansas } And now on this day personally came and County of Crawford } appeared before me Samuel Edmondson one of the City of Fort Smith } Justices of the Peace in and for said County of Crawford and City of Fort Smith. Thomas Edmondson a citizen well known as a man of probity and respectability - maketh the following statement in his Oath in due form of law.
In the year A. D. 1776. in the State of Virginia, County of Rockingham Aris Brown a native of the State of Virginia County of Rockingham joined the Continental Army in the War then waged by the U. S. against Great Britain under the command of Thomas Sheldrake Leaph in the service of the Colonies, the now United States, he served the term of three years as a regular soldier, and then returned to his home and remained the space of one year or thereabouts, at the

operations of which time he again joined the service as a Substitute in the place of John Simmon, for the term of three months, in the year A.D. 1781. and until after the siege of Yorktown in the State of Virginia - He the said Mr. Brown married as the Deponent remembers, in the year 1779 to one Joanna Brockin in the State of Virginia. The marriage service was performed by Pastor James Craig a Protestant Minister, they were married in the County of Mecklenburgh. Some years after their marriage they moved to the County of Spartanburgh South Carolina. I lived a neighbor to them in the year A. D. 1808. they lived then afterwards as man & wife, raised a large family. I saw them happily married. The exact period of Mr. Brown's decease, I am unable to state but think that it was between the years 1816 & 1820. at least Deponent's acquaintance ceased with him only from information about that time. He the said Mr. Brown performed an arduous and honorable duty in his country's service and so far as my knowledge extends, never received his pay as a soldier.
Thos. Edmondson
Sworn to at 31 st March 1847.
Samuel Edmondson J. P.
Certificate of Deural as to deponent's character. & certificate of Clerk as to Magistrate's signature.
(S)
This is to certify, that it appears from a list in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia State Line, during the Revolutionary War as settled their accounts, and received certificates, for the balance of their full pay, according to an act of assembly, passed the November session 1781. that a certificate issued on the twentyth day of May 1784. in the name of Mr. Brown as a corporal of infantry for 1781 & 1782. which certificate appears to have been addressed to Benjamin Chapwell and was given for services prior to the 1 st January 1782. Given under my hand at the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this seventeenth day of March 1846.
(Seal of the office)
John E. Heath Auditor.

8772 South Carolina Joanna Brown widow of Aris Brown who was a Private Corporal in the Revolution for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th day of Mar. 1850 and sent to
Hon. J. L. Orr House of Reps
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 164

Petition of Joanna Brown for a Pension
under the Act of 4 th  July 1836.
January 18. 1846 Report to the committee on Revolutionary Pensions Handed in under the Rule by Mr. H. Simpson
Mr Simpson will be pleased to be allowed to be before the committee of Pensions when this petition is taken up. Will furnish the papers from the Pensions Office alluded to.

To the Honorable,
The Senate, and House of Representatives of the United States, in Congress assembled.
The Humble Petition of Joanna Brown, widow of Aris Brown dec d late of the District of Pickens, in the State of South Carolina.
Respectfully Sheweth;
That she did on the 4 th February 1846, make and subscribe a Declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the 3 rd section of the Act of Congress of 4 th July 1836, before the Judge of the Court of Ordinary for said District, but learning that declara- tion, made before that officer, were rejected; did on the 2 nd November 1846, make another Declaration, (the same in substance) in the Court of General Sessions and Common Pleas, for said District, before the Hon. Josiah J. Evans, Presiding Judge; both of which were sent to the War Department, and a copy of the former is herewith submitted, marked "A." The following papers were also submitted to the Commissioner of Pensions in her behalf, viz: the Affidavit of Frederick Mays, copy marked "B," which proves, that herself and husband lived together in 1799, and that her husband, Aris Brown, bore the character of a Revolutionary Soldier.
Affidavit of Thomas Edmunds esq , of Arkansas, copy marked "C," which proves, distinctly, three years service of her husband Aris Brown, corresponding with the certificate from the Executive Department of Virginia; and three months ad- ditional service, as well as the marriage of herself and husband very nearly corresponding with her own statement; Certificate of Jas. C. Heath, Auditor, Richmond Va. copy mar- ked "D," which proves, that a certificate issued to Aris Brown

for services previous to 1782, for £75. 19. 3.
Certificate from the Executive Department, signed W m H. Richardson, copy marked "E." which proves that Aris Brown enlisted 2 d September 1777. and served 3 years, as a Corporal, the full term of his enlistment, as a good and faithful soldier in the 2 d Virginia Regiment.
Affidavits of Agnes Thompson, copy marked "F." Nathaniel M c Elrath, copy marked "G." Samuel Price, copy marked "H," and of Bridget Bright, copy marked "I." all proving that the said Aris Brown and herself lived together as Husband and Wife as far back as 1786, and that they had at that date several children. All the papers above alluded to, being properly attested and certified; the Originals of all of which may be found on file in the Pension Office.
The Letter of objection from the Commissioner of Pensions, of 17 th August 1847, is herewith submitted marked "J." The objection in the first clause as to the date of the paper, has been explained by her Agent, and that as to the Officer before whom the Declaration was made, removed, by filing the one made before the other Court.
Record evidence of the marriage as required therein, cannot be obtained, as is shown by the Letter of Rich d B. Baptist Clerk of the Court of Mecklenburg County Va. herewith submitted, marked "L." - Those who served with her husband cannot be found to testify, as they are probably all dead or removed to parts unknown. Edmondson may have been mistaken as to the name of the Officer, Shreadgill being the one under whom Brown served - He could not be mistaken as to the other facts stated in his affidavit, as he knew nothing of the Certificate from Virginia when his statement was made, as will be seen by an old Letter from him forwarded to the Pension Office, by way of explanation, in which he made about the same statement, previous to, or about the same date of the Virginia Certificate. The Letter of objection of

The 26 th May 1848. herewith submitted, marked "H," but reiterate the former objection, and are about as fully explained as she is able to do without too much space.
Your petitioner respectfully submits therefore, in view of the whole matter, that altho' the Honorable Commissioner of Pensions, is correct, in his view; that she has not come up to the Letter of the instructions under the Law, yet that no doubt can exist in any reasonable mind as to the justice of her claim to a Pension under the 3 d Section of the act of Congress of 4 th July 1836.
She therefore submits her claim to your consideration, with full confidence in the magnanimity of the American Congress to award justice to the poor dependent widow of a deceased Soldier of the Revolution.
And your petitioner will ever pray &c.
For Joanna Brown Miles M. Norton Agent.

Joanna 1992 Brown. wid of Aries S.C. 14078.
act 4 May 1836 admitted by J.C. Combs under act of July 1835. Pension Rs. 240 per yr comm 4 March 1836 to 41 for 43 to 48 for 48 for life
Rev. J.L. Orr, H.R. direct answer to Miss M. Norton Pickens Co. S.C. S.C.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4 th July 1836. State of South Carolina District of Pickens } ss.
On this fourth day of February 1846. Personally appeared before William D. Steele Judge of the Court of Ordinary for the District and State aforesaid, Mrs Joanna Brown (widow of Aris Brown) aged as near as she can tell, about 84 or 85 years; (who I certify is unable by age and infirmity to attend in open court) 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: That she is the widow of Aris Brown who resided in the State of Virginia, in Mecklenburg County, and there entered the service, (she thinks) in the Militia of that State, but she cannot now recollect under what Officer, except Genl. Washington, she has often heard him speak of Washington, and think, her husband was one of his life guard. She is positive she always understood that he held some small Office, a part, if not during the whole time of his service, tho' she cannot say what Office it was, perhaps, a Sergeant or Corporal, she recollects too, that he said he had a good deal of writing to do while in the service; she was married to him during the War, and he was out on duty several times after their marriage, she cannot say with precision how long he served, of course; but thinks he must have served from the best recollection she has, at least five years off and on, and must have been in actual service at least two and a half or three years; it is impossible

for her, at her advanced age, and with the troubles she has had, to relate with any precision the services of her husband, although she has often heard him relate what he done and suffered during the War; she has no recollection about the discharge of her husband, but think, he had one or more, but does not know what has become of them, supposes they are lost, as she has now nothing of the kind. She think, he was never in a Battle.
She further declared that she was married to the said Aris Brown in the County of Mecklenburg in the State of Virginia, by a clergyman by the name of Bragg, was published in Church previously, as was the custom in that day in that State, in the Fall of 1779 as near as she can calculate, as she was at her marriage near Seventeen years of age; she has no record of her marriage, nor never kept one, as she was unable to write herself, and her husband lost his health, shortly after their marriage, and was subject to fits of insanity, ever afterwards, until his death, caused, as was supposed, by exposure in the Army. She had ten children, they are now scattered, it was over two years after she was married before her first was born, and over two years between the births of each one of them; and her fourth child, a daughter, was married at the age of Seventy two or twenty three, on the 27 th . March 1812. as per record, which is the only record she has of her Family, either of Births, or marriages, — She has no documentary evidence of her husband's services, or of their marriage, that she now knows of; that her husband the aforesaid Aris Brown, died on the day of August 1822; and that she has remained a Widow ever since that period.

as will more fully appear by reference to the proof herewith sent .
After their marriage, they remained in Virginia until after her second child was born, and then removed to Spartanburg District in this State, where they lived about thirty years, and then removed to Pendleton, now Pickens District, where she has lived ever since. She has now almost lost her memory, and can scarcely tell any thing of value, but hopes allowance will be made.
Joannah her  mark Brown.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written.
William D. Steele Judge of the Court of Ordinary for Pickens District S.C.
South Carolina } Pickens District } I William L. Keith Clerk of the Court of the District aforesaid, do certify that William D. Steele is Judge of the Court of Ordinary as above, and that the foregoing signature purport- ing to be his is genuine, and that numerous books are required to be kept by law, as books of record in the said Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed my seal of office this 26 th July 1847
W. L. Keith Clerk of Court

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 8386
Joanna Brown
Wid
Mrs Brown
Coerpt. Rev. War
Act: Feby 28  1848.
Index:—Vol. 4 , Page 84
[Arrangement of 1870.]

V N 6972 Joanna Brown
Se Let to all Mr. Norlan Esq. August 17th '47.
act 4 July 1836
N 69 72 Joanna Brown S.B.
Let to M. M. Norlan, Aug: 17 th '47 Let to same May 26 th '48
act 4 July 1836

Letter from Hon. S. L. Edwards.
Mr Joanna Brown.
Exhibit, M.

(M)
Pension Office May 26th, 1848.
Sir,
The additional evidence in the case of Joanna Brown, widow of Brigg Brown, does not remove the objection to the admission of her claim. No one of the witnesses whose testimony has been introduced, had any personal knowledge of the service of claimant's husband; and, therefore, cannot identify him as the soldier of the 2nd Virginia Regiment bearing his name; and before the testimony of individuals, in regard to the marriage, can be received, it must be shown by the certificate of the Clerk and Register of the Church in the County, in which the rites were performed, that the records in their possession furnish no evidence upon that point. The witnesses do not state, as clearly as they should, the data upon which their statements of the date of that event is based.
Mr. M. Norton, Esq. Pickett Ct. No. D. C.
I am, very respectfully, Your Obt. Servt. H. S. Evans for Care of Pension

Hon James L. Orr
W. of Miss
Jany 30/50
Petition of Joanna Brown for a Pension.
Ref d to Com ee of Pension for Report & action in accordance with my letter of 5 th Jany 1850 Dept o Interior Feby 1. 1850

House of Reps, 30 th Jany, 1850,
Sir,
I have by the permission of the house of Reps withdrawn from its files the petition and papers pertaining thereto of Joanna Brown widow of Aris Brown decd. praying a pension. The originals are all on file in the Pension Office, I herewith transmit the same to you and to respectfully request that the case may be reviewed. I have examined all the papers and must say that I believe no claim could be more fully established than the claim of Joanna Brown, heretofore rejected by the Pension Office and it would really seem that its rejection arose either from caprice or wantonness.
I particularly request your attention to the following papers, on file. The certificate of W. H. Richardson, Secy of the Com. of Virginia, dated 17 th March 1846, and the affidavit of Thos. Edmundson, before Saul Edmundson, in the County of Crawford & State of Arkansas, which clearly establishes the service & marriage of Aris Brown deponent being an eye witness. Edmundson is proven to be a man of good

character and as to identity he proves that the same Wm Brown who served 3 years in the Virgin line married Joanna Crocker, that they moved to Spartanburg S.C. where deponent lived a neighbor to them in 1808, - His witness proves the identity, secret marriage and should be believed because he is represented a man of good character, and the only mistake or error which the Dept. charges him with being made is as to the name of the Capt. under whom he served, - Which I respectfully submit is wholly immaterial when we all know that a year often does not elapse until a name escapes us, - As to record proof of service see the certificate of J. E. Heath Auditor, Richmond Va., 17 th March 1846 - The affidavits of Agnes Thomson E. B. Busan, Nat McElrath. Saul Brice & Bridget Wood, corroborating fully the State ment of Edmundson.
I also send an original paper, marked (L) from Record B, Baptist showing why discriminatory evidence of the marriage has not been furnished, tho' I regard this as an immaterial point since

The manager has been proven by a person of Credibility who was an eye witness to the Ceremony.
I have been the particular in calling your attention to parts of the evidence because I think the decision of the department heretofore rejecting the application is erroneous & unjust,
Will you do me the favour. to have the case reviewed, and decided according to its justice,?
I have the honor to be my respectfully your Ob t Serv t , James L Orr
N o 73 The Petition was not acted upon or even reported by the Committee on Pensions - You will observe it was presented but a short time before the adjourn- ment of the last session of Congress
a man of good

Copy. Declaration v. v. Joanna Brown.
Exhibits, A. B. C. & D.
Lib. Hon. J. L. Orr. March 8 th 1880.

I do hereby certify that Arries Brown enlisted the 2 d September 1777 and served three y rs as a Corporal, the full term of his enlistment as a good and faithfull soldier in the 2 d Virginia Regiment.
J Holmes 2 d V.S.R.
18 May 1784.
A Copy Teste Cha: Jones Ck A. Office
Executive Department
March 17. 1846.
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a paper on file in this department.
Wm H Richardson Secy Com.

Pickens C. H. S. C.
December 1847.
Hon. S. L. Edwards, Comm. of Pensions.
Dear Sir,
Yours of 17 th Aug. in reference to the claim of Joanna Brown was rec d - and in answer permit me to explain: that when the claim was first heard of, and I was consulted by the friends of Mrs. Brown, I directed them to write to James Edmondston by whom they thought they could prove service & marriage, well it was done, and you have herein his Letter in which he states, the same in substance, contained in his affidavit forwarded before, which Letter bears date in Arkansas, 16 th Mar. 1846, and the Declaration taken before the Ordinary, 4 th Feby. 1846. well as soon as convenient for myself and the Judge to visit the old lady who lives at a distance of about 25 miles, we done so and took the said Declaration & I forward herewith the Ordinary's certificate as to its bearing the proper date; I then omitted getting the Clerk's certificate until I got other proof, sufficient to warrant a hope of success. You will see that Edmondston's Letter bears date one day previous to the date of the Certificate from the Executive Department of Virginia, which renders it impossible for his date to have been made

up to correspond with the certificate -
After having some notice that the Court of Ordinary was not a Court of Records, I had the old lady hauled up to the Court House this Dec r - taken before the Court of Common Pleas, which I now send you. There is no evidence (records) of their marriage in Virginia, the Clerks office contains none, and the Parish Records cannot be found. I do not suppose any one can be found who served with Brown. - It is impossible for the old lady to give a detailed statement of services and if one who served with Brown could be found, it is not probable he'd be able at this late day & at his advanced age to give it satisfactorily. It is much more probable that Edmondston might be mistaken in the name of Threadgill, than in the main facts.
With these explanations, and the additional affidavit of Mr. Agnes Thompson of Spartanburg, I submit the claim, hoping soon to hear a favorable decision, whilst I remain with the highest respect
Yours Obl Serv t
Miles M. Norton

Feb. 7 48 Ad W, Ivanna Burn
Hon. J. J. Calvada Mem of Inverness Washington City D. C.
FREE

Pickens, 28 th Jany. 1848.
Sir,
Enclosed you have some additional testimony in the application of Joanna Brown for a Pension, which I hope will fully satisfy, if that sent last was not satisfactory.
with the highest respect.
Your Ob dt . Servt.
Miles M. Norton

Red Clay Ga Oct 28 th 1851
Dear Sir
Being one of the heirs of Mrs Brown who served in the Revolutionary war in the Second Regiment from Virginia, I beg the favor of you to ascertain for me what amount of pension money has ever been paid out for the services rendered by the said Mrs Brown, and to whom the money was paid, Application was made some time previous to 1846 by Miles M Norton or about the year 1846, Some time since that time some money has been paid to some one and I cannot find out how much or to whom paid, My wife is one of the heirs of the estate of said Mrs Brown and in her Mothers last written will was to have a certain portion of said pension, She is about to suffer a loss of some part of her share unless I can ascertain what has been drawn If there is yet any unpaid please inform me how much, In compliance to the above you will very much oblige,
Godfrey Isbell