Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 4971, Roswell Brown, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Brown, Roswell
S 4971
carded
CONTENTS
b. in Kennebec in Hampshire Co later in Hampden Co. Mass. where at m. and in 1832, then 73 yrs. old

2626
Massachusetts
Russell Brown
Westfield in the State of Mass. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Kellogg of the Regt. commanded by _____ in the Mass time for 7 mos 9 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 24 Dollars 32 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of Dec r . 1832 and sent to Westfield Massachusetts
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $34.18 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 33 12.16 $46.34
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by A. B. Addison Clerk, Book D Vol. 2 Page 95

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Hampden ss.
On this eighth day of August 1832, personally in open Court before Oliver B Morris Esq. Judge of said Court, the being a Court of Record now sitting at Springfield within & for said County, Russell Brown of Westfield aforesaid County of aforesaid, aged seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered into the service of the United States, under the following named officers, & served as follows herein stated - that he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer at Westfield aforesaid, the Company was commanded by Capt. David Monday. Daniel Bagg was Lieut. both belonged to Westfield aforesaid, we marched to Pittsfield, then to Lancaster in this State, then to Bennington & Castleton in Vermont, then to Mount Independence, then under the command of General Schuyler, we served five weeks & four days -
The next Spring early in April 1777 I entered at Westfield into the militia service the

The Company was commanded by Capt. John Kellogg, & Lieut. Winchell, both of said Westfield. I enlisted as a substitute for Lockwood Bush of the same Westfield for three months, man- ned to Ticonderoga, by the way of Pittsfield, Albany, Fort Edward  Ann Lake George. Colo David Leonard commanded the Fort, but died before it was abandoned, I continued until the army abandoned it. This tour I served three months & two days.
I enlisted again in July following, at West- field, under the command of Capt David Morley & Lieut Bush, both of Westfield. Mar- ched to Saratoga. Colo David Robinson of Granville commanded the detachment. I served this time four weeks & three days. In the month of August following, I again enlisted, on an express that reached Westfield on Sunday, under the command of Capt. John Gray & Lieut Winchell of Westfield, aforesaid. We marched to Chest Jer then called Fort Miller. Gen Gates was there. I served three weeks during this time.
In August 1779, I believe about the first an express for me express arrived for a draft for New London, I enlisted under Capt Dan- iel Leonard, Martin St. Lieut the Com- pany was formed at West Springfield. mar- ched to Windham in Connecticut, & was provisions, from there to Norwich Landing

I went to New London, under the command of Col. Porter of Hadley, in this Town I served between five & six weeks. I know of no living witness who has any personal knowledge during my first & second campaigns, at the northward, first stated in my declaration. I was born in the Town of Westfield then in the County of Hampshire, but now in the County of Hampshire & State of Massachusetts, I have resided in the same Town except occasional absence, not perhaps in any year exceeding one year at one time. I do not know that there is any regular record of my age. I once had a record made by myself, but it is lost. As my general plan of residence has been in Westfield where I was born, I suppose I am known by all the old inhabitants who have resided long in Town & to many of the younger generation. It will be perceived that I served as a substitute for Zadok Bush of Westfield, who is proved by the deposition of his widow to have been dead - I never received my discharge in writing - I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the

the present, & declares that his  my name is not on the pension roll of the of any existing State. Sworn to & subscribed this day of year aforesaid.
Roswell Brainerd
And the said Mr Isaac Bragg, a clergyman residing in Westfield & Isaac Willis
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Roswell aforesaid that we believe him to be seventy two or three years of age that he is respected & beloved in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion. Isaac Bragg.
Isaac Willis
Sworn to & subscribed this 7th of August, 1832
Before me William Blair Just of the Peace
And the said Court do hereby certify their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the 3rd department that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states. And the Court further certifies that Isaac Bragg who has signed the foregoing certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the Town of Westfield in the County of Hampden & that Isaac Willis who has also signed the same, is a resident of the same Westfield is a credible person, & that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Justice Willard Register of the Court of Probate in the County of Hampden aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the S. Court in the matter of the application of Roswell Brainerd for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this eighth day of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & thirty two.
Justice Willard Register

Russell Brown Westfield Mass N. 1508
Admitted 7 Mo 9 days Purch $21.32
Claimant Westfield Mass

BRIEF in the case of  Roswell Brown  of  Westfield  in the State of  Massachusetts  (Act 7 June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court.  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? Seventy three  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 17 76 1 9 Private Colt: Dana Mosby   77 3 2 " Capt: Stetson   78 1 1 " Capt: Mosby   " 0 21 " Capt John Gray   79 1 6 " Capt: Lennox   6 39 7 mo 4 days  
 5. In what battles was he engaged?  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Westfield 
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living witnesses & a documentary evidence
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct in every respect
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
H. H. Addison
Examining Clerk.

Attention and reply through desk. J. C. [Signature] First Deputy Commissioner.

Chicago 1877 Bangs Avenue
Dear Sir:- Acting Commissioner -
Dear Sir:-
You very kindly sent me the record of Roswell Brown of Westfield Mass a Rev War Soldier and pensioner -
I am sorry to give more trouble to the Department but would be glad to know if possible the service were in details
There were two Roswell Browns according to published Wars. Records. And the one I supposed was my ancestor is not in accordance with your report -
Very sincerely
Harriett A. Fox
Jan 21 st

Chicago 1817 Barry Avenue.
H. Clay Erane Commissioner:
Dear Sir:
In 1832 Dec 3 rd about that time Roswell Brown was placed upon the Pension Roll. Can you tell me how long he served and when especially from what town he enlisted.
Yours sincerely, Harriott A. Foss
Clatskanie - WAR & NAVY NOV 8 1897 PILTIES.

Nov. 9/97 Miss H. A. Fox, Chicago, Ills.
Jan. 29/98 Letter to above
Rev May
4971
INVALID.
File No. 4971
Rosnell Brown
Print Rev War.
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. m , Page 43
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Richard Brown Westfield Mass 1888
Return to Clamart

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Russell Brown which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. * Has he mentioned 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? Yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? Yes Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 the 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.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
‡ QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.

11° 15' 08" N 72° 48' 00" E July 27
Hon. Lewis Cass Secy. of War Washington D. C.

Westfield Ms. Aug. 17. 1832.
Hon. Lewis Cass Secy. of War Sir
Mr. Roswell Brown whose Pension Papers are enclosed will be obliged by learning the result of his application as soon as may be through the Post Office indicated directed to this town.
I am Sir Very Respect. Your most obt. servt.
N. S. Leonard

I John Hiles of Westfield in the County of Hampden & Commonwealth of Massachusetts do testify & say that I am well acquainted with Russell Brown of the same Westfield & have lived within about two miles of him for as much as sixty years, his parents arrived at Westfield during the revolutionary war, & company was first formed in Westfield under the command of Capt. Prescott the Levvard & marched on the Sabbath In the month of August I believe in the year 1779 - We marched to New Haven in Conn before we received provisions. We went to Norwich landing to New London in Connecticut we were absent about five weeks & a half - Mr. Brown came home a part of the way with me -
Mr. Brown has always sustained a good reputation for truth & veracity -
John Hiles Hampden 1st August 6 th 1832
Then John Hiles above named with whom I have been well acquainted for more than sixty years & who has always reported to be a man of truth & veracity personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed
Before me William Blair Just of the Peace

I Timothy Gadsdell of Russell in the County of Hampshire do testify & say that I have been acquainted with Ros- -well Brown of Westfield aforesaid ever since the year 1775 & have resided a considerable part of the time in S. Westfield where he has also always resi- ded during the whole of that time -
In the Summer of 1777 S. Brown & myself enlisted under Capt (Moseley) & Lieut Briggs Bush we were marched to Saratoga - according to my best recollection we served about one month -
Soon after our return an express arrived at Westfield on Sunday for militia men to turn out Mr Brown & myself volunteered & marched under the command of Capt John Gray & Lieut Winchell both of Westfield to Still Water, we were absent there or four weeks -
In August 1779 we enlisted & went to New London in Connecticut under the command of Capt Oliver Leonard of Westfield field & Lieut Stiles of Westfield aforesaid We were at Norwich landing a part of the time. Col Porter commanded - Rose Heard five or six weeks according to my best recollection - I did not return with

With him - further saith not
I certify that Timothy Cridwell Hampden Jo Aug. 7 th 1832 Then Tim. they had all with whom I have long been acquainted & who has the reputation of being a credible witness personally appear- ing before me I make oath that the same is true Before me -
William Blair Just. of the Peace
I Anna Bush of Westfield in the County of Hampden do hereby  say Widow of Zaddock Bush late of Westfield deceased do testify & say that my my husband was drafted to go into the war in the Spring of 1867 the reason why I recollect the time is that my first child was sick & afterwards died before it recovered, my husband en- -gaged Russell Brown of Westfield to go in his place for three months - I knew Russell Brown for 30 years our neighbor, he & myself have lived in Westfield ever since. I have every reason to believe that Russell Brown served three months. I never heard husband com- plained that Mr. Brown had not served out his time - I have known Russell Brown for at least sixty years & have understood that he was an honest man & a man of

of truth & I should & always have believed what he said & he has lived in the Town of Westfield & within three miles of the me
Anne Bush
Hampden Co Augt. 7 th 1832.
Then Anne Bush above named, with whom I have for many years been well acquainted & who has the reputa- -tion of being a woman of truth & veracity personally appeared & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by her subscribed Before me William Blair Just of the Peace
Hampden Co. Commonwealth of Massachusetts I John Ingersoll a Clerk of the Common- Pleas Court being a Court of Record in the County of Hampden do hereby certify that William Blair Esq. before whom the above & within deposition was verified is a justice of the Peace for the County of Hampden and that his name thereto subscribed is his true & proper signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Common Pleas Court at Springfield on this eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred thirty two John Ingersoll Clerk