Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 3057, Robert Brown, N.C.

SERV. CI
NUMBER
N.C.
Brown, Robert:
S 30-57
Carded.
CONTENTS
b. 1758 in Rowan Co. N.C. res. at end. Burke Co. N.C. res. in 1833 Warren Co. Tenn.

West Tenn. 95404 West Tennessee
Robert Brown of Warren Co. in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Caldwell of the ————— commanded by ————— in the ————— line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the — day of June 1832 and No. 982 Memphis Tenn
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 200.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending March 40.00 $240.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Dan Lloyd Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 7 Page 73
9H

B Date of Application This 10 day of January 1833 Warren County 30 of Jan y 1833 Personally appeared before me Frank Smart one of the acting Justices of the Peace for said County Robert Brown m aged 75 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 of the 7 th June 1832 that he in use to the services of the United States and served under the following named officers as Junior  Deputy He served in the year 1779 as a private Volunteer under the command of Captain Coldwell at the age of 21 years and then residing in Burk County State of North Carolina and served as an Indian Spy on what was called the upper Fort upon the Catawba River in the State of North Carolina a term of three months during which time no engagement of note or took place in the Com- pany to which I belonged nor do I know or recollect of any between the United

It was of the British Army at the expiration of this term the particular date of which I do not now recollect Having made no record of passing events, As a private soldier I volunteered under the command of Captain Samuel Davidson and continued a term of twelve months under him & succeeding officer at the same place viz at the fort upon the Calawba river. Under Captain Davidson I served a term of five months. Captain David- son then left the command and Cap- tain McFarlane took the command under him I served a term of three months. Captain McFarlane left the command and Captain Smith took the command under him I served three months. At the expiration of which term which was my engagement of voluntary service having placed under either of the Comman- dant Commanders in the year 1780 in the month of February to the best of my

recollection I left the service of Captain Smith the day I must not recollect.
It was in the year 1780 in the month of March as my memory serves me as a pri- vate soldier of Volunteers under the com- mand of Captain Price Colonel Clark commanded the Redgums (it will be recalled that Clark was what was call- ed a refugee from the State of Georgia who came into North Carolina to escape his enemies). As before mentioned I joined the company of Captain Price before Bush Com- ty North Carolina in the month of April As I now remember 1780 & March a through Rutherford County N.C. I came to Green River here we had an engagement with the Tories commanded by Dunlap in which Dunlap was defeated. The par- ticular date of this engagement I do not remember. After this place and March passed into South Carolina I came near a place called Woffords iron-works here we were again attacked by Dunlap in which Clark again defeated him.

The day and month of this not remembered we remained in the neighborhood of this place some days. Then went in pursuit of Dunlap came up with him upon a water course called Saluda river as I now remember in South Caro- lina there we had an engagement in which Dunlap was taken prisoner with most of his men. Then we took up our line of counter march and came to a place called Fort Pickett took this place without resistance the commanding officer of the place I do not remember. Then I left the army and returned home. to the list of my rec- ollections in October 1980. when I arrived there I learned that our men had all gone to Kings Mountain I remained a day or two and while there and started to follow them but did not come up with them but met them upon the counter march some days after the battle our men had encamped at the place where I met them there were several men living there whose names I mis- remember all except one Colonel Kelly and perhaps one other. I marched back back with our men from this place to Bunk

County North Carolina the place of my residence in the latter end of the year 1780 to the best of my knowledge.
Shortly after this in the June of 1781 as a new summer I again returned under the command of Captain Smith and was as an individual spy a tour of five months, at the same place which I left before I found Black Vitz at the upper ford upon the Catawba river in Burke Co. We during the tour took a tour under Captain Smith to the Cherokee Nation two colonies. McDaniel commanded the Redgumt on this occasion at the end of this service I returned home now having received a formal discharge to my knowledge.
I hereby relinquish any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present I declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the aging of any State.
Robert Brown mark
Given to the subscribers before me Francis Smart an acting Justice of the peace for the County of Watauga this 10 January 1832.

I hereby certify that I became acquainted with Robert Brown about the time he came to Burk County North Carolina and before he entered the service under either of the officers mentioned in this declaration and that he did perform the services which he alle- dges the last ten years of which I myself since with him given under my hand and seal the 10 day of January 1833 - John Davidson Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and date above written
Frank Smart Justice of the peace
I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Robert Brown who has sworn to the above declaration for twenty years and that I believe him to be 75 years of age and he is believed in the neighborhood where he resi- des to have been a soldier of the revolution on that I am sure in that opinion given under my hand and seal January 10 - 1833 Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date above written Frank Smart D. M.
Enos Halbert
I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Robert Brown who has sworn and subscribed to the above declaration for twenty years and that I believe him to be 75 years of age that he is reputed and and believed in the neighborhood where he resides

to have been a soldier of the revolution and that I concur in the opinion given under my hand this 10 day of January 1833
W. L. Smith
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10 day of Jan'y 1833
Frank Smoot Justice of the peace.
I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with John Davidson of Bedford County Tennessee for some years who is the witness for Robert Brown that he is a man whose character stands fair in society & that his testimony is entitled to full credit given under my hand and seal Jan'y 10 1833
W. L. Smith
Justice When & in what year were you born ... In North Carolina Rowan County in the year 1758 Justice Have you any record of your age (the revolution) ... No my Father had one but it was burned during Justice when were you living when called in to service ... in Burke County North Carolina
Justice when have you lived since the revolution ... In Hawkins County Knox County Smith Tennessee & all in
Justice When do you now live ... In Warren County Tennessee
Justice When were you called in to service ... As a volunteer
Justice Did you ever receive a discharge ... no not a written one to my knowledge
I do hereby disclaim my opinion after after the in

of the matter I after putting the questions presented by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and I further certify that the individuals whom names are in the foregoing certificates their being no clergyman in the vicinity or residents in the neighborhood of Robert Brown that they are men who stand as fair in society and that their statements are entitled to full credit And I further certify that Robert Brown who has subscribed & sworn to this declaration is totally blind and otherwise so infirm that he could not possibly have appeared at the courthouse given under my hand and seal this 10 January 1833-
Frank Smoot C. D. R.
State of Tennessee I Joseph Colville clerk of the court of Warren County do hereby certify that the county of Warren I further certify that Frank Smoot who is signing appears to the foregoing certificate was an acting justice of the peace in and for the aforesaid County duly commissioned and qualified as such and that his signature is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my private seal there being no seal of office this 24 th day of January. AD 1833 and in the fifty seventh year of American Independence
J. Colville clerk By H. Colville C. D. R.

No 23856. Robert Brown Tenn.
2 from 1779 Pr. 2 yrs $80.
Hand B. Forresta H.R.
Joseph Colville Cth Warren County Tenn.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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 Robert Brown Warren Co Tenn
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1779 April 3 Priv Capt. Coldwell Colo M.C. Aged 75 Living Witness   1780 Vol 12 " Davidson McFarlan Smith Burke County M.C. Oral Traditionary   1780 March Arrived at the place of his residence after end of the year 1780 " Price Clark Skaneateles   1781 Vol 6 Spy Smith McDonell  
The applicant served in the militia. He should state his different terms of duty distinctly, showing the time that he was in actual service. There was no continuous service in the militia for so long a period as a year. 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) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposes and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases; none in neighborhood.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Dyer Castor Exam Clerk

I certify that I am personally acquainted with Robert Brown the declarant - that he is a man of unimpeachable Character, but is now aged, blind & frail of memory; has been blind for several years, and from bodily infirmity, is incapable of giving that clear account of his Revolutionary services which he could have done before his infirmity, but from my personal knowledge of the man & belief in his integrity I do not doubt his statement.
John B. Forster
I hereby certify that Joseph Colnill is the Clerk of the court of Warren and I believe his deputy and that the signature above purporting to be his is genuine this 12 th of Dec. 1833.
John B. Forster
No 23886. Robert Brown Tenn.
from 1779 pr. 2 yrs $80.
Hand B. Forster H.R.
Joseph Colnill Clerk Warren County Tenn.

October 27, 1931
BA-J/MCS
Mrs. James McLeod 1305 Madison Avenue Montgomery, Alabama
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of October 8, 1931, requesting information in regard to Robert Brown, a soldier of the Revolution.
The data furnished herein are obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 3057, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Robert Brown.
He was born in 1758 in Rowan County, North Carolina.
While a resident of Burke County, North Carolina, he enlisted in 1779 and served three months as private in Captain Coldwell's North Carolina Company and was engaged as an Indian spy. He then enlisted and served twelve months as private in Captains Samuel Davidson's, McFarlain's and Smith's North Carolina Companies. He enlisted in March, 1780, and served until sometime in October, 1780, as private in Captain Price's Company in Colonel Clark's North Carolina Regiment; he was in an engagement with the Tories under Dunlap on the Green River, in an engagement at Wofford's Iron Works in South Carolina, in the engagement on the Saluda River, South Carolina, where Dunlap was taken prisoner, and he took part in the capture of Fort Thickett. He enlisted early in 1781 and served six months as Indian spy in Captain Smith's Company in Colonel McDowell's North Carolina Regiment.
After the Revolution he lived in Hawkins, Knox and Smith Counties, Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on his application executed January 10, 1833, at which time he was living in Warren County, Tennessee.
There are no data relative to the soldier's family.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator
Did not say this service ended in Feb 1780, for if first enlistment which began in 1779 lasted 3 mos, his second enlistment of 12 mos could not end in Feb 1780.

August 30, 1937.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. J. McLeod 1305 Madison Avenue Montgomery, Alabama
BA-J/ady am Robert Brown S.3057.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter requesting the record of Robert Brown, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, who received a pension while a resident of Tennessee.
This office has no further information in regard to the Robert Brown designated above, than was furnished you on October 27, 1831.
9 Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Montgomery Ala. Aug-16-37
Pension Division Rev. Section Washington D.C.
Please give me pension statement for Robt Brown - Rev. soldier - pension given him in 1834 residence - Tennessee - thanking you I am
Yours truly Mrs J. M. Lord 1305 Madison Ave Montgomery Alabama

Montgomery Alabama Oct. 8 - 31
Pension Bureau Rev. Section
Please do me the kindness, to send me statement of pension received by Robert Brown of Warren Co. Tenn Jan. 9 th 1834 —
Robt Brown was in Rev. War from N. Carolina — thanking you I am
Yours truly
Mrs. James M c Leod 1305 Madison Ave
Montgomery Alabama

1931 Oct 27. hist. to 111 Jas. McLeod. m. C.D. 1937 Aug 30. Mrs. I. McLeod adv. no further inf. ad.
Reuben
3057 INVALID.
File No. 3057
Robert Brown Port. N.B. line
Act: June 14/32
Index: — Vol. A , Page 42
[Arrangement of 1870.]