Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1170, William Brechen, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
N.C.
or Brechen, William or Brecheen, or Brecken,
R. 1170
CONTENTS
Not identical with R. 1119 - Mrs. Bracken
Elizabeth

13774 West Tennessee
William Brecken Lewis of Bedford Co in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Douglas of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Moore in the North Carolina line for 8 months & 5 days
Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 27 Dollars 21 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of June 1833 and South James McKinck Shelbyville
Arrears to the 4th of March 34 42 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept 13 60
$67.82
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 72
1856 April 7. Special order authorizing B. Aut. to pay annu d due decd pensioner (W.B.) to his exec.

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7 th June 1832
State of Tennessee
Bedford County
On this 25 th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirtythree. —
Personally appeared before me Jno Coffey One of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County (William Brecken Sen d a resident of Bedford County aforesaid, aged Seventyeight years Eleven months and 28 days; Who after being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the ben- -efit of the act of Congress passed the 7 th June 1832 That he entered the service of the united States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated (to wit) That he entered the service of the united States as a drafted soldier in Person County and State of North Carolina on the first of October in the year 1779 as well as he now recollects and was placed in a company commanded by a Capt. John Douglas who was under the command of Col. William Moore, and was marched from Person County, into Orange County N. Carolina, to Haw River where he says he was kept for about 20 days, when his Capt. was ordered to march his men home and dismiss them, deponent says he was marched back home and dismissed accordingly, and that he served on this tour not less than five weeks. This applicant states that he was called into service

again in the same County (Person), when he says he entered the Service of the United States as a drafted Soldier and was placed in a Company commanded by Capt. W. Farland and was Marched to Ramsour's Mill in Chatham County N. Carolina, on the 18 th of March 1780 (when he says he was stationed until about the last of May in the same year), when he was furlowed to go and see his family, where he was attacked with the fever so violently that he was not able to return; but, that he secured a discharge for a three months tour in Writings signed by his Captain, he further States that he entered the Service of the United States again, about the 15 th of Septem r . in the same year 1780 as well as he now recollects and in the same County (Person) as a volunteer and Mounted gun man, and was placed under Command of Capt. Shadrach Hargis who was under the command of Genl. Butler and Colonel William Moore, and was Marched on down the Country across Pedee river at a Col. Brawns and from there he was Marched on towards Wilmington, to a Bridge on a watercourse the name of which he cannot at this time recollect. Defendant States he was told that the object of this expedition was to retake the Gov. of the State of N. Carolina, (who he says he understood was then a prisoner with the British) and from there he states he was Marched through the Country for some time but from the great number of years since it took place he cannot recollect the names of places he was at.

until he was marched back home, and dismissed after serving not less than two months according to the best of his recollection at this time; This applicant further says he entered the service of the United States again in the same County, (Person) as a drafted soldier, on or about the 13 th of Sept r 1781, and was placed in a Company commanded by a Capt d but cannot at this time recollect his name, he says his Col d name was O'Neal and that he was marched through the counties of Orange, Ghattham, and Moore in order to disperse the Tories who were very numerous, and frequently embodied in different parts of the last mentioned counties where he says he continued in service not less than two months when he says he was dismissed and returned home, making in the whole a term of actual service of not less than six months and are seeking for which he claims a pension. Deponent states that he was born in Hanover County in the State of Virginia on the 25 th of April in the year 1754 agreeable to the best information he could get from his parents, but has no record of his age whatever that he was a citizen of Person County and State of North Carolina during all the time he was in service, and after the close of the Revolution until 1815 when he removed to Wilson County in the State of Tennessee, and two years afterwards he removed to Bedford County Tennessee where he has lived ever since and where he now lives. Deponent says he did receive an discharge in writing but what has become of it he cannot tell

This applicant states he was not acquainted with any Regular Officer where he served, and that the foregoing declaration is the most prominent history of the general circumstances of his service that he is able at this advanced stage of his life to give, he further says that he is known to the Rev. Willis Hopwood.
John Dysart Esq r Archibald Adams, Esq r Adams Esq r Thomas Davidson, and William Williams, in his present neighborhood. He further states that he has no documentary evidence whatever and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure, who can testify as to his service. the present that he relinquishes all claim to a pension or annuity except that he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any Agency in the United States.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 25 th day of April 1833.
Thos Coffey J.P.
William Brecheen Esq r
Mr. Willis Hopwood a clergyman residing in Bedford County in the state of Tennessee, and Benjamin Logan residing in the same, Do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Brecheen who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be Seventy eight years of age and 28 days of age; that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. We further certify that his character for veracity is unimpeachable, that he is a man of good morals and strict honesty, sworn to the 15 th day of April 1833.
Willis Hopwood
Benjamin Logan

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th of July 1838. Entitled an act Granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows
State of Tennessee } Nashville County } S. S.
On this 14 th day of February in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and fortythree Personally appeared before me Benjamin C. Brantley one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County, Mrs. Elizabeth Brecken a Resident of said County, but formerly a resident of Bedford County Tennessee. Aged upwards of ninety years. At the dwelling house of Josiah Brecken her son, who being sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838. Entitled an act Granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows, That she is the Widow of William Brecken who departed this life on the tenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirtyfour in Bedford County Tennessee. She further states that her said husband William Brecken heretofore obtained a pension certificate, which is now in her possession. The following is a copy of the same. War department Revolutionary claim I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7 th of June 1832. William Brecken late of the State of Tennessee who was a private in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Twentyseven dollars and Twentytwo cents. Per annum, during his Natural life, commencing on the 24 th

of March 1831. and Payable Semi-annually on the 1 st of March and 1 st of September in every year Given at the War Office of the United States this Seventeenth day of June One thousand eight hundred and thirtythree John Robb Acting Secretary of War Examined and countersigned D. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions, Payment to be made at Nashville Tenn. by the Pres t of U.S. B Bank Agent for paying Pensioners in the agency of West Tennessee Recorded in the Pension office in Book E. Vol 7. Page 79. by Dan l Bayd Clerk She further states that her husband Wm Brecheen impoverished his says Sarah Brecheen to draw the amount of his pension previous to his death but owing to some informality of the clerks certificate he was unable to draw the money from the agent of the United States; at Nashville, and that the money is still unpaid, she states further says that was she was married to her husband some years previous to the 1 st of January 1794 And that she has not since the death of her said husband William Brecheen inter- =married with any other person whatever Sworn to before me the day above written Being to Brantley her Elizabeth & Brecheen Seal Justice of the Peace for Mark Marshall County Tennessee
I do certify that the above named Elizabeth Brecheen is from bodily infirmity unable to to appear in a court of Record having been con- =fined to her bed for about one year

and that from her confinement and advanced age her intellect is considerably impaired but from my acquaintance with her and her general character for truth and probity full faith and credit should be given to her statements as set forth in the above declaration given under my hand this 14 th day of February 1843
Benj. C. Brantley Justice of the peace for Marshall County Georgia
I further certify that the said Elizabeth Brecheen above named has not intermarried with any person since the death of her said husband William Brecheen This 14 th day of February 1843
Benj. C. Brantley Justice of the peace for Marshall County
State of Georgia
Marshall County ss I Martin W. Galloway clerk of the county court of said county certify that Benjamin C. Brantley is and was an acting justice of the peace for said county, when he signed the foregoing declaration and certificate, he having been duly commissioned and qualified as such, and that the signature to the same purporting to be his is genuine, and that full faith and credit is due all his official acts as such,
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office in Lewisburg this 5 th day of October A.D. 1843.
Martin W. Galloway clerk of said court
no Section by Martin the same for the same

State of Tennessee Marshall County } I Burges Hardin chairman of the county court of Marshall do certify that Martin W. Oakley whose signature appears to the within certificate is clerk of said county court of Marshall duly elected and qualified for the same and that his certificate is in due form of law, that the seal attached to the same is the only seal used in said office and that full faith and credit is due all his official acts
Given under my hand and seal this 5th day of
October 1843
Burges Hardin (seal) Chairman of Marshall County Court

No 252.99
William Brecken S t . Bedford County Tennessee
From 1779 private 8 months & 5 days
$27.21 100
26.66 55 27.21
Jas M. Kisicki clk Bedford county Tennessee

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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 William Brecken Sen d Bedford County Tennessee
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Draft 1 Oct. 1779 - 1 5 private Capt Douglas, Col Moore 78 years Traditionary evidence & Clergyman's   Called Mar. 1780 - 3 - " Capt McFarland Person County Certificate, certified credible Justice   Vol. 15 Sept. 1780 - 2 - " Capt Hargis, Col Butler North Carolina Certifies that applicant can't attend   Draft 15 Sept. 1781 - 2 - " Col. Orual Court - papers properly attached  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this                      day of                      personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of                      in the county of                      and State, Territory or District of                      aged (c)                      years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)                      , with                      and served in the                      (e) regiment of the                      line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                      of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                      for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of                      &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the                      and C. D. residing in (the same)                      , 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 days 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 the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before the 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.
□ The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
§ [m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

December 29, 1936
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Leta F. Brieken 312 Ten Pryor Street Building Atlanta, Georgia
WILLIAM BRECHEN R. 1170 BA-J/MLB Cur
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of recent date, in which you request information relative to the Brechin family who came to America from Scotland about 1720 and settled in Virginia, the name being variously spelled Brechin (the original), Brechan, Brichin, Brickin, Brieken, soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
In brackets omit next line [ The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched and no claims for pension or bounty land found based upon service in that war of any soldier with surname Brieken or similar spelling of that surname. ] The only soldier found with surname Brechen or other spelling was William Brechen whose record follows as found in pension claim, R. 1170, based upon his service in the Revolution.
William Brechen, Senior (whose surname appears in the claim also as Brecheen and Brecken) was born April 25, 1754, in Hanover County, Virginia; the names of his parents are not given.
While a resident of Person County, North Carolina, William Brechen, Senior, enlisted October 1, 1779, served as a private in Captain John Douglas' company, Colonel William Moore's North Carolina regiment, and was discharged after having served not less than five weeks. He enlisted in Captain McFarland's North Carolina company, marched to Ramsour's Mill March 18, 1780, where he was stationed until the last of May, following, when he was furloughed to go home to visit his family, and while there, was taken ill and unable to return to duty and received his discharge for a three months' tour of service. He volunteered again September 15, 1780, served as private in Captain Shadrach Hargis' company, Colonel William Moore's North Carolina regiment, went on an expedition for the purpose of freeing the Governor of North Carolina who was then being held a prisoner by the British and was discharged after having served a tour of not less than two months. He enlisted about September 13, 1781, under Colonel O'Neal in the North Carolina troops, marched through Orange, Chatham and Moore Counties, North Carolina, in pursuit of Tories and was discharged after having served not less than two months.

The soldier continued to reside in Person County, North Carolina, until 1815 when he moved to Wilson County, Tennessee, remained there two years thence to Bedford County, same state.
William Brechen, Senior, was allowed pension on his application executed April 25, 1833, while a resident of Bedford County, Tennessee, his home being about thirteen or fourteen miles from the courthouse. He died there March 10, 1834.
The name of soldier's wife was Elizabeth. The date of their marriage, which was some years prior to 1794, was not stated, nor were the date and place of her birth, maiden name or names of her parents given.
In 1843, Elizabeth Brechen, soldier's widow, was aged "upwards of ninety years" and residing with her son, Josiah Brechen, in Marshall County, Tennessee, who was still living there in 1855, his age not shown. No other reference was made to children.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLIER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

9908
Nov 14/43
Tenn:
Ely. Brucker,
July 7. 1838,
ERREK
The Hon. W. M. Porter Secretary of War Washington City

Shelbyville 14 th October 1843
Sir I herewith transmit, the declaration of Elizabeth Brecken Middow, of William Brecken Esq. in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed for the benefit of the Widows of deceased Pensioners. The principle cause of delay, was owing to the proof required there being no family record or living with to prove the Marriage, nor, until lately that Mrs Brandaway was living, although living in the same county of the applicant, though at some considerable distance, and from her age and obscure situation not known in Society very much.
I am desirous to know in what manner the legal heirs of deceased Widows - can draw the Pension due them at their death.
Please transmit to me at Shelbyville Bedford County Tennessee, whatever decision may be had on the enclosed declaration of Mrs Brecken
I am with due respect Yours H.S.
Wm. H. Anderson

Gen. G. A. Jones June 14 '61
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

Sir
265- Pen off June 14 44
I have the honor to in- -form you that the claim of Elizabeth Brecken has been examined agreeably to your request and the evidence of the date of the marriage found to be entirely unsatisfactory - Each claimant is required to adduce the best attain- -able proof and the relation of husband and wife is very generally susceptible of record or documentary proof by the Books of the Clerks of Courts in P.M. or by family regis- -ters —
Yrs. Gov. Jones H.R.

Hon William Wilkins Secretary of War Washington

No: Reps: 2 May '44
Hon G. W. Jones
Enquires whether the pension papers of Elizabeth Brecken have been rec d .
S 217 2 May 1844
Pension office
Tenn.
Mr. Brecken
'32.
Hon G. W. Jones ATR

No of Reps
May 2. 1844
Hon William Wilkins
Secretary of War
Sir
I am requested by Mr. John H. Anderson a constituent of mine to enquire whether the papers in the case of Elizabeth Brecken widow of William Brecken who was a prisoner, has been received at your department. The papers he says were forwarded to Hon J. M. Porter, then Secretary of War about the 1st of Dec. last. Will you be pleased to have me advised whether the papers have been received or not.
Respectfully
G. M. Jones
No 9908

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
1170
RECEIVED
P. O. Elizabeth Brecken
Service: under William Sen
Printed list of 1852 Rejected & Disbanded shows following cause of Enlisted: _____, 18 suspension:
Discharged: _____, 18 "For proof of marriage"
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18
1936, Dec. 29 - Hark to Leta S. Brecken - mls

9908 Elizabeth Brecken Vern. B As to Hon. G. W. Bragg & family 1849
1170
As July 7. 1838.

Heirs of Josiah for a pension for services of M rs Revolutionary war M rs . F. Bradford of Shelbyville Tennessee
R. W. Young Agt for the Attorneys
Papers
W. M. William Brecken Tenn. Rols. act of 1832.
George H. May 1842

Know all men by these presents that I Josiah Brecheen of the county of Marshall do hereby make constitute and appoint William H Smith and William E Jones of Nashville Tennessee and William F Brad- ford of Shelbyville Tennessee either of which can act separately or jointly my agents or attorneys to prosecute process or do all thing in relation to any claim I may have before the pension office the department or the interior or any department of government for any pension or any other claim I may have on account of the services of William Brecheen either in his right or the right of his wife Elizabeth or any other person all or either one having power to appoint any one at Washington city to assist them hereby revoking any power of attorney heretofore given in the premises this 14th February A D 1855 at Mr Cunningham Josiah Brecheen Acknowledge the day and year above written and I certify he is the identical person who made the and sworn to the declaration first offered George R. May Jr

State of Tennessee } Bedford County }
And I do hereby declare My Opinion after the investigation of the Matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department, that the said William Becken Sen r was a Soldier of the Revolution and served as he states; And I do further certify that the Rev. Willis Hoskinson who has subscribed and was sworn to the foregoing certificate is a clergyman in the Baptist church, and a resident of Bedford County. And that Benjamin Logen who has also subscribed and sworn to the same, is a resident of said County of Bedford, and a credible person and that their statements are entitled to full faith and credit. — And I further certify that William Becken that present applicant, is at this time confined nearly constant to his room, and has been for more than two years, and could not in my opinion attend at the Court session of this County without endangering the small portion of health he now is in possession of, that his place of Residence is thirteen or fourteen miles from the Court house.
I further certify that I have lived a neighbour to the present applicant for more than fifteen years and that I never heard his character for veracity questioned by any person whatever given given under my hand at the dwelling house of said William Becken, this 25 day of April 1833.
Thos Coffey (M)

I James M. Kinicki Clerk of the Court of Bedford County do hereby certify that the foregoing Contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Breinhart for a Pension At Thomas Wofford Esqr. before whom the foregoing Declaration and affidavit was sworn to as now and was at the time the same was done an acting justice of the peace for S d County duly Commissioned & qualified as such, and that this Signature is true and genuine
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, at office in Shippensburg the 13 th of May 1833 Jas M. Kinicki Cl

Elizabeth Brecken
7 mm Jen:
at 7 July 38.

State of Tennessee } Marshall County }
This day being the sixth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fortythree. Personally appeared before me Asa Holland an acting Justice of the peace in and for said county of Marshall and State aforesaid, Agnes Brandaway - a citizen of said county aged Eightyfive years and upwards, who after being duly sworn agreeable to law deposeth saith that she was well acquainted with William Brecheu, and his wife Elizabeth, in - Person, or Caswell county in the state of North Car- -olina, (the county having been divided,) is the reason why she is not certain which, and that lived a neighbor to them for a number of years, that they always passed in that country and in Tennessee as husband and wife. She is certain this was - previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and thirtyfour. She states she was not present when they were married, but became acquainted with them shortly afterwards, sworn to and subscribed the day and year above mentioned.
Asa Holland Esq.
Justice of the peace }
Agnes his Brandaway mark
seal

State of Tennessee } Asa Holland an acting Marshall County } Justice of the peace in and for said County. hereby certify, that I am acquainted with Agnes Brandaway fitter same person mentioned in the within deposition from character, and that she stands fair as to honesty and veracity. This 6 th day of October 1843
Asa Holland (Seal) Justice of the peace.
State of Tennessee } Marshall County } I Martin W. Oakley clerk of the county courts of said county certify that Asa Holland is and was an acting Justice of the peace for said county when he signed the above certified to be having been duly commissioned and qual- ified as such and that the signature to the same purporting to be his is genuine and that full faith and credit is due all his official acts as such;
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office this 9 th day of October 1843.
Martin W. Oakley clerk By his Deputy John Elliott

State of Tennessee Marshall County
I Burgess Hardin Chairman of the County Court of Marshall, certify that Martin W Oakley, whose name appears to the within certificate is clerk of our County Court of Marshall duly elected and qualified for the same and that his certificate is in due form of law and that the seal attached to the same is the only seal used in his office and that full faith and credit be due all his official acts.
Given under my hand and seal this 9 th day of October 1843.
Burgess Hardin Esq. Chairman of Marshall County Court
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Atlanta, Georgia December 16, 1936
Wm Brechin NC 74
Veteran's Administration, Arlington Building, Washington, D. C.
Attention: Revolutionary and 1812 War Section
Gentlemen:
Bricken & 6 others of ... (on Brechans? ...)
Does your department furnish information about Revolutionary Soldiers? I am anxious to find records of the Brechin Family which originally settled in Virginia when they came to America from Scotland about 1720.
The name has been variously spelled, Brechin (which was the original) Brechan, Brichin, Brickin, Bricken. As you will note my name is Bricken.
Am anxious to join the D. A. R's but the library here has not on file the necessary books through which to trace the name.
Please let me hear from you as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Leta F. Bricken 312 - Ten Pryor Street Building, Atlanta, Georgia.