Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4,418, Robert Brown, Penn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Penn.
Brown, Robert Catharine
W. 4,418
B.L.Wt. 18,700-160-55-
CONTENTS
per of Allen Twp. after her P. died June 21, 1923.

2583
Penrylph Phila Catharine Brown widow of Robert Brown Penn who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Lieut
Reported Dec 23/48
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 320 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Dec r 1848 , and sent to
Am R. Brookhead Hof R
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 204 Vol. 2
227399 Ray 3 mss

237. 397
Ad mar. 3. '55.
U mar. 6. '56
Brown.
Catherine Brown, wid.
Robert Brown, Lieut.
in Pa. Regt. of "Flying Camp," lost Peter Brumdie.
No 18
pa.
Ent. to law. 1776. dis.
Rev. war.
Ad: 160 ac, In ch: 12 1/26.
By H. W.
Special by Comm. mar. 12/51 Emint
Hon. R. Brodhead, U. S. Senate.
Vol. B. 60.

10207
Catharine Brown Pennyl. a
Oct 7. June '38.

The Commonwealth of Penn a County of Northampton
On this twentieth day of June A D 1843 Personally appeared before me Samuel Yohe one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Said County Mrs Catharine Brown aged Seventy-Eight years (whom I hereby Certify to be unable to attend in open Court on account of her advanced age & bodily In- firmity) 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 Aug 7. 1838 Entitled "An act granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows" and the act of the last Congress on the same subject: That she is the widow of the late Robert Brown who was a Lieutenant in Captain Peter Run- =dies Company in the "Flying Camp", and was Commissioned as such in September 1776 and was at the Battle and Capitulation of Fort Washington in November of the same year under Col McGoey, & was taken Prisoner and kept as such for three years and a half when he was exchanged, all of which will more fully appear by the Evidence herunto annexed and herewith exhibited - She further declares that she was married to the said Robert Brown in the Spring of 1789 or 1790 at the House of Christopher Hoxee in the Borough of Easton in said County by a German Lutheran  Reformed Clergyman and that her husband the said Robert Brown died on the Twenty-Sixth day of February A D 1823 and she has remained his widow ever since, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service, but that she is certain the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794, to wit, at the Time above stated, because her second child, William Brown, who is now living, was born on the fourteenth day of August 1792
Sworn & Subscribed on the day & Year above written Before
Am Yohe
one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas
Catharine Brown

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of Northampton
On this 20th day of June A D 1823
Before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County personally appeared William Brown Esq. of Allentown in said County (whom I hereby certify to be a gentleman of good reputation and his statements entitled to full credit and belief) who being duly affirmed  sworn according to Law says that he is the son of Robert Brown and Catherine Brown within mentioned, that he was born as he was informed by his parents and as also appears by an Entry in his father's family Bible now in his possession, on the fourteenth day of August 1792, that his said father died on the 21st of February A D 1823, and that from his earliest recollection, up to the time of his death his said father and his said mother always lived and habited together as man and wife, that he has no hesitation in saying stating his firm belief from the statements of his father and those who lived with him and from the history of the country, that his said father served as a Lieutenant in the Revolution and was taken Prisoner and kept as such as within stated. That the certified Copy (hereunto annexed) of a Certificate relative to the pay of his late father, the original of which he has seen in the Office of the Auditor General of this State, he obtained the day it bears date, not with a view to obtain a Pension for his mother, but as evidence of his father's Revolutionary Service.
Affirmed and subscribed on the day and year above written Before me
William Brown
Samuel
one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania } County of Northampton } ss.
I William Hackett Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Northampton aforesaid) Do certify, That Samuel Yoke before whom the foregoing and annexed Depositions of Mrs. Catharine Brown, William Brown and Christopher Meixsell was made and taken, was, at the Time thereof and still is one of the Judges of the said Court duly commissioned and qualified so to act, and that his Signatures thereunto set are genuine.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Easton the twentieth Day of June in the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty three.
Wm Hackett Prothonotary.

Paper marked A.
Geo. H. S. Jr. 9999

Robert And Catharine Brown were Married June 29 th in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Nine —
William Brown was born August fourteenth In the year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety two
William and Susan Brown were Married October 3 rd third in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen
Robert Samuel Brown was born August fourteenth in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen Eliza Susan Brown was born born September 24 th in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty

237.397

State of Pennsylvania, } ss. County of Northampton.
On this fourth day of March A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty six personally appeared before me Levi Kneass, a justice of the peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Catharine Brown, aged eighty nine years, a resident of Northampton County, in the State of Pennsylvania, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Robert Brown, deceased who was a Lieutenant in the company commanded by Captain Peter Rundio, in the fifth regiment of Pennsylvania, commanded by Col. Robert McEwen, in the war of the revolution that her said husband was appointed at Easton a Lieutenant on the tenth day of September A.D. one thousand seven hundred and seventy six, and continued in actual service during the war, and was honorably discharged at New York at the termination of said war.
She further states that she was married to the said Robert Brown, in Easton on the 29 th day of June A.D. seventeen hundred and eighty nine, by one Rev. Pomp a Minister of the Gospel, and that her name before her said marriage was Catharine Snyder that her said husband died where she now lives on the 23 rd day of February A.D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty three, and that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved, March 3. 1855."
Catharine Brown

We Charles Wagner and George Wagner residents of Northampton County in the State of Pennsylvania upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Catharine Brown in our presence; and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Charles Wagner
George Wagner
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Levi Knauss J P
Northampton County, ss,
I, Henry F. Steckel Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the County aforesaid, do certify that Levi Knauss Esq., before whom the foregoing proceedings were had, was at the time thereof, and still is one of the Justices of the Peace, of our said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 6 th day of March one thousand eight hundred and fifty - six
Henry F. Steckel Prothonotary Per John F. Bachman

I do hereby certify that Robert Brown and Catherine Snyder were married on the 29 th day of June 1789 - and that Robert Brown died on the 26 th day of February 1823 taken from the copy of original private entry. The original being sent to the war department some years since I knew the parties lived as man and wife from personal acquaintance
Levi Knapp 38

apple & surveyed the attending crowd with a keen scintillating eye—He remarked to Mr. Wolfe, that he had acquired a fortune of $40,000 which they had tried to rob him of, and now wanted his life—they were welcome to it: he was as ready to die as they were to hang him, his life was all they could get. The day was clear and the sun shone out pleasant & warm which he appeared to enjoy, and occasionally turned his face up to the spectators from the windows; his countenance was unmoved, bold and bespeaking a heart unchangeable—his complexion was fine and florid, although he had we are told, not taken more than one small portion of spirits that morning, and eat no breakfast. On halting under the scaffold the malefactor viewed the erection with as much constancy, indifference or emotion as a philosopher, of the sect of Zeno, could have done. The Rev. Henry Farlong gave out a hymn commencing with the following words, which was sung.
“When rising from the bed of death, “&c.
The rev'd Thomas Hoge, read the 51st Psalm and rev'd Charles Wheeler closed the services, with a prayer to the throne of the most high God, in a very fervent and supplicating manner, for the poor human being who was then about to be put to death. Crawford remained unmoved or affected. On being asked if he wished his time prolonged to the last minute, he answered no! Said he, “I would rather die in one minute than live ten hours longer. I wish to have it over I do not want to keep Tomy Roberson here, waiting with his wagon, I want to be taken home this night to my own house, where my neighbors can all in and see me once more; I have had no peace of mind for 48 years, and I wish to leave this wicked world. If I was worth 100,000 pounds, I bet guinea my children would have robbed me of the whole of it, and then brought me to this ignominious death.
Crawford said, “Sir, you are choking me,” these were his last words. In a few seconds, the sheriff left the prisoner, lifted a hatchet raised his hand and with one blow cut the rope that supported the prisoner. Crawford swung in the air, he raised first the left hand and then the right attempting to grasp his neck, with his right, he then caught the slack rope, and both hands gently inclined down his sides, and he hung without the least struggle or exertion, excepting a contraction of one shoulder, then the other and heaving one long and strong convulsion of the breast; in 5 minutes his pulse was gone and in 7 he was apparently dead, he held a white handkerchief in his left hand during the whole time.
While hanging he bled a little from the right nostril and there appeared a slight discharge of water from the eyes—from the raising of the hands in a natural manner, it is evident the neck joints were not discolated, in the fall from the scaffold. In 43 minutes he was lowered into his coffin, closed up and bore off, by direction of his executor, who had attended there by previous arrangement, for the purpose of taking his corpse home to his own house.
There is great credit due the Sheriff Officer for his dignified, collected & firm deportment, throughout the whole trying and awful scene. The spectators present were estimated at from seven to ten thousand, who dispersed in a civil and orderly manner & be it remembered as a credit to the country that there were not one violation of the public peace or of law or decorum, in the whole multitude, a few cases of intoxication excepted.
DIED.
At his residence in Allen Township, on the 26th of Feb. last, in the 79th year of his age, Gen. Robert Brown, a patriot & a soldier of the Revolutionary war. The deceased was universally respected. The urbanity and republican plainness of his manners—
SHERIFF'S SALES.
By virtue of two certain writs of venditioni exponas to me directed, there will be exposed to public sale, at the house of Jacob Stem, in Bath, on Monday the 24th of March at 1 o'clock, p. m.
A certain lot or piece of land, situate in Moore township, Northampton county, bounded by lands of Jacob Vogle, Widow Rialdman and others containing nine acres, be the same more or less, on which is erected a one story log dwelling house, with other the appurtenances.
Seized and taken in execution as the property of Abraham Stahlert and terre tenants.
A certain tract of land, situate in Moore township, Northampton county, bounded by lands of John Bilheimer, Casper Musch, Jacob Shut, Peter Labach, and others containing fifty acres, be the same more or less, about ten acres woodland and 4 acres meadow, a good spring of water on the premises, and some fruit trees with other the appurtenances.
Seized and taken in execution as the property of George Mersch.
By virtue of two certain writs of venditioni exponas, to me directed, there will be exposed to public sale, at the tavern of George Shaffers, in Hamilton twp. on the 29th day of March at 1 o'clock p. m.
A certain tract of land, situate in Chesnut hill township, Northampton county, adjoining lands of David Gregory, Wm. John Boutzer and others; containing thirty eight acres be the same more or less, with the appurtenances.
Seized and taken in execution as the property of George Zerfass.
A certain tract of land, situate in Ross twp. Northampton county, adjoining lands of Jacob Hahn, George Hahn, Samuel and Michael Frantz, Frederick Mackus and others containing; seventy-four acres be the same more or less, about 20 acres clear three of which is meadow with other the appurtenances.
Seized and taken in execution as the property of Valentine Mackus and Adam Mackus.
By virtue of two certain writs of venditioni exponas, to me directed, there will be exposed to public sale, on the 25th day of March at Stephen Andrew's, tavern, in Lehigh twp. at 1 o'clock p. m.
A certain tract of land, situate in Lehigh township, Northampton county, bounded by and of Jacob Kern, Samuel Rape and others;

SPEECH OF PENNSYLVANIA.
He is the Freeman whom the truth makes free, And all are slaves beside."
EASTON, March 7, 1823.
From the Washington, Pa. Reporter, February, 24.
EXECUTION OF WILLIAM CRAWFORD
At day light on Friday morning last the Main Street appeared to be thronged with strangers, the public houses the night before were generally full. Near ten o'clock, A. M. the street opposite the court house, and the sheriff's office was literally packed full of spectators—at half after 11 o'clock, a corps of military formed a hollow square, opposite the door of the sheriff's office; into the square thus formed, was brought a sled, drawn by a span of horses—into the box of the sled was then placed a coffin; in a few minutes, William Crawford , the malefactor made his appearance, covered with a white muslin shroud, white cap and black hat, supported by a man under each arm; he was seated in the sled along side of the coffin, supported by Mr. John Wolfe, who had made the coffin—the attending clergymen, and physician took post immediately behind the sled—then the coroner Mr. Johnson, and the deputy sheriff, Mr. Robert M'Clelland; next the Constables with their long staves—Sheriff's Officer on Horseback, in front of the military. In this order the procession moved down Main street to the lower end and up the Southwest side of Gallowshill, to the head of a hollow; forming a kind of amphitheatre, where the gallows was erected on the right of the old Brownville road, about a half a mile from the prison, and in full view of the south side of the main street, and the whole south side of the borough—around the gallows the sheriff had previously formed a guard leaving an open area of about 100 feet square; in this the procession halted:—On the way from the prison to the place of execution, the culprit appeared to be unconcerned.
'If I was to be shot, I would think nothing of it; but to be murdered upon that gallows (casting his eyes upon it) is what I hate: it is more than I expected or deserve, and what the name of Crawford never was brought to or any of the race." The sheriff then told him, Mr. Crawford if you wish the longest time allowed in the warrant you shall have it. He sternly replied no! "I do not wish to be detained," and drank a glass of beer. When taken up on the scaffold & seated upon a stool, casting his eyes around over the multitude, he said. "It appears, they are determined to hang me, they may do it, I am ready to die at any moment." The sheriff then read the death warrant under which he acted, and in which the word "murder" was cited, Crawford, again spoke, and said, "I am no murderer, if I had got a fair trial, I would not be here to suffer an ignominious death, it is what none of my name or kindred were ever brought to before; the witnesses against me were bribed to perjure themselves, and the jury were weak, misled ignorant men, and did not do me justice, or I would now be at home; but, I hope soon to appear before a more just judge than any I have been before in Washington county."
The Reverend Charles Wheeler in a mild and gentle tone of voice, put the following question to him, "Mr. Crawford are you willing to forgive your enemies, particularly, your own family?"—To this Crawford, replied, turning his face round to the left, "you are no father confessor, mind your own business, and let me alone; God may forgive them, I won't die with a lie in my mouth, I am no hypocrite, nor will I make a blowing horn of myself." The clergy then took their leave of him, and left the scaffold & sheriff Officer assisted by his deputy, Mr. M'Clelland, placed him forward under the arm of the gallows, in his proper position; he took the Sheriff's hand and bid him farewell; blessed him & thanked him for his kind attention. At ten minutes before one o'clock, the Sheriff adjusted the noose round his neck, and in fixing it properly. Craw-
the uprightness and probity of his Character secured to him the affection and esteem of all who knew him. He was a member of the Senate of Pennsylvania for some time, when he was called upon by the freemen of this district, to represent them in congress of the United States, of which body he was a member 16 or 17 years. His remains were interred in the burying ground near his late residence, and notwithstanding the severity of the cold, the concourse was so great that not more than one half could enter the church.
The Rev. Mr. Russel, delivered a feeling & pathetic address at the house previous to the removal of the corpse.
The Rev. Mr. Becker officiated at the burial ground. After his body was restored to its primitive earth; the procession retired to the church, where the Rev. Mr. Seidel, of Bethlehem, delivered a sermon in the English Language, on the words from the 2nd Epistle of the Apostle Paul to Timothy 4 chap. 7 & 8 verses. After the Rev. Mr. Seidel had concluded, the Rev. L. D. VonSchweinitz, delivered a short but eloquent Oration in the German Language.
TO BE SOLD,
At public auction on Tuesday the 25th instant, at the house of William White, (Easton Hotel) a Valuable Plantation, situate in Williams township, within one mile of Easton, on which is erected a handsome two story brick house, with a kitchen adjoining, a framebarn, with sufficient stone stabling underneath. The land is good and consists of about 100 acres, of excellent limestone land. On the premises is a good orchard, and other improvements, with the addition of a cistern at the kitchen door and one at the barn, also a well of excellent water near the house. A further description is unnecessary, as those who wish to purchase, will no doubt view it before they buy—conditions of sale will be made known, at the time of sale—which will commence at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, by the owner.
Feb. 27. 1823.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of Northampton
Before me the Subscriber one of of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Said County on this 20th day of June A.D. 1843 Personally appeared Christopher Mixell of the Borough of Easton in said County who I hereby Certify, to be an old gentleman of good Character and his Statements entitled to full credit & belief who being duly Sworn according to Law Says that he is past 77 years of age, that he was well acquainted with the late General Robert Brown and was and is now well acquainted with his widow Mrs. Catharine Brown, who was a former of his (Defendants) late wife who is now deceased. That he well recollects that the said Robert and the said Catharine were married in 1789 or 1790 in the Borough of Easton in said County - that, at that time, they both resided about Twelve miles in the country and came into the said Borough for the purpose of getting married and stopped at his House, his late wife and the said Mrs. Brown, (then Snyder) being relatives as before stated. That they were married by the Rev. Mr. Frederick a Lutheran Clergyman, and on the same day immediately after the wedding they took Dinner at his House, and from that Period up to the time of the death of General Brown which occur- red about 1825 they lived and cohabited as man & wife, that th he had the reputation of being Lieutenant of a company in the "Flying Camp" during the revolution and of suffering much as a Prisoner and acting with great humanity & kindness to his fellow prisoners, and that, that, among other reasons induced the people as he believes to send him sixteen or seventeen years to Congress besides electing him to other Civil and Military Offices. That he is also well acquainted with his son William Brown and has been so since he was a Boy, that according to the best of his recollections and belief he is now about fifty-one years of age
Sworn and subscribed on the day & year first above written before me
Samuel one of the
Judges of the Court of Common Pleas
C. Mixell

No 64] Certificate for £345. 13. 7 1/2 Specie
We do certify that the State of Pennsylvania is indebted to Lieutenant Robert Brown late of the Pennsylvania Regiment of Flying Camp in the sum of Three hundred and forty five pounds thirteen shillings 7 1/2 Specie; being the amount of the Depreciation of his pay from September 1 st 1777 to August 1 st 1780. Pursuant to an act of Assembly passed at Philadelphia, the 18 th of December 1780
Philad a June 1. 1781
One year last paid J. N. One year 2 d paid J. N. One year 3 d paid J. N.
Isaac Stevenson M c Nicholson } Aud rs
Auditor General's Office Harrisburg November 21 st 1837
I certify the above to be a correct copy of the original remaining in this Office.
Witness my hands and seal of office the day and year aforesaid.
Nathl. P. Hobart Aud. Genl.

In the matter of the application of Mrs Catharine Brown for a Pension under the act of the 7 th July, 1838
The Commonwealth of Penna vs County of Northampton ss
On this 26 th Day of October
A D 1843 Personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County William Brown of the Township of Allen in said County (whom I hereby certify to be a gentleman of high standing and respectability and his statements entitled to full credit and belief) who being duly sworn according to Law say, that he is the Son of the said Catharine Brown who is the widow of the Late General Robert Brown, and that the Leaf herewith annexed Containing the entry of the date of the marriage of his said father and mother, of his own birth and marriage, and the date of the birth of his Two children Robert and Elyja, (And by me marked A and Identified by my signature) he this Day Cut from the family bible of his Late father the said Robert Brown - That the said Bible was in the possession of his said father at the time of his earliest recollec- -tion of any thing and since his father's death has been in the possession of his said mother, that he has made diligent inquiry and search for the entry of the fact of the marriage of his said father and mother in the Church Records but cannot find the same affirmed and subscribed the day & year aforesaid & first above written
Geo. Hays Jr.
William Brown

State of Pennsylvania Northampton County, Ss.
I William Hackett, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County do certify that George H. H. Junior Esquire who signed the within Certificate is one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn to all whose Official Acts full Faith and Credit are due and should be given as well in Courts of Judicature as elsewhere. And I further certify that the Signature "Geo H. H. Jr" within subscribed is genuine.
Given under my Hand and the Seal of the said Court at Easton the twenty sixth day of October A.D. one thousand eight hundred and forty three
W m Hackett Prothny.

Mar. 24, 1905 - His to Henry J Brown Bethlehem Pa Third Senator Purg
Rev WIDOW, &c.  Our
File No. 4418
Catharine Brown Widow of Robert Brown Leint. Rev. was
Act: Feb. 2 nd 1848
Index:—Vol. 81 , Page 82
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Rep?
3047
Pennsylvania, Philad a
Catharine Brown
widow of Robert Brown
who was a Lieutenant
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
320 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
1 st day of Dec r 1843
and sent to Hon. R. Broadhead, Jr.
House of Representatives
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 1, Page 130.

Rep d .
7952.
Pennsylvania
Catharine Brown widow of Robert Brown
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 26 th Feb. 1823 of Northampton Co. in the State of Penn a . who was a Lieut. in the company commanded by Captain Rundle of the regt. commanded by in the Flying Camp line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia at the rate of 320 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of December 1843 and sent to Hon. R. Brodhead, Jr. State Representative
Total amount, $1,610
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1. Page 215

Mr. Feb. 2 748. Pa.
Boyd

✓ 78,700
} Mos. Cons.

No 4671 Act 1843 Oct 30. 1843
B
Act July '38 No 10207 $3200
pic
Adolfus
Cath Brown
June 2 calts culs & send to Hon R. Brodhead junr House of Represent.
Washburn Esq Museum Washington City

From R. Burhead
Catharine Brown application for a Land Warrant under act of 1855 on a/c of the Revolutionary Services of her
To)
Mr. M c Kinstry
Committee of Pensions
Pension Office
Examined at once
Husband) - She is now about 89 years
old. - There is no doubt about her
right to the Warrant as her Application
for a Pension will show. - The Services of her late husband
are a part of the history of the County in which I reside -
He was 14 years a member of Congress. - As she is now very old please have her Case
257.395

LAW DIVISION MAR 10 1905 RECEIVED
U. S. OLD WAR & NAVY MAR 11 1905 FILES. P.
U. S. PENSION OFFICE. MAR 2 1905

Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
Could I obtain from your office, a copy of the application of Mrs Catherine Brown widow of General Robert Brown of the Revolution, also member of Congress - during the time of Jefferson and Madison, for sixteen years. Mrs Brown's residence was Allen Township Northampton Co. Penna. Her Post-Office was either Bath Northampton Co Pa or Easton Northampton Co. Penna. The record I wish to procure is a copy of her marriage to General Brown. Her maiden name was Catherine Snyder. As it is such a little matter I did not. Take the trouble to ask our Congressman to look this up for me, but have applied direct to you.
Yours Respectfully
Henry F. Brown
Bethlehem
Northampton Co
Easton Road Penna
March 1 st 1905-

10,007 June 23 rd 43.
pa July 7. 1838 Cath Brown
James L Edwards Esq o Comm ee of Pensions
See Washington City DC

Easton June 20. 1823
James L. Edwards Esq. Comm ee of Pensions Sir,
I herewith transmit to you the application of Mrs. Catharine Brown for a Pension -
The Services which her husband the late Genl. Brown rendered during the Revolution are as much a part of the history of this County and are as well known, as the Services of any other man who ever lived in it - They are stated in the 3rd Edition ( published in 1824 ) of American Biography, at page 71 Published in 1824 by Thos. J. Rodgers then, I believe a member of Congress from this District -
The Honorable James McPartlin was well acquainted with the late Genl. Brown, and is now well acquainted with his widow & the Mr. William Brown and Missell the two witnesses - He lived with the the Genl. Brown in the Convention to revise the Constitution of this State - If you should have any doubts upon the subject as to the propriety of granting a Pension I have no doubt he could remove them -
Your early examination of the application is respectfully requested
Yours Respectfully
W. Brodhead Jr.

War Department
Sept 29. 1843
Sir
I personally knew the late Genl Robert Brown of Northampton County Pa Penns a from the year 1812 up to the time of his death and had known him by reputation from my childhood. I have known his wife & widow from the year 1818 up to the present time.
I have always understood that Genl Brown was a Lieutenant in the Flying Camp. I think he was taken from our Fort Washington and being an officer was permitted to go at large in the city of New York on his parole . Being a blacksmith by trade he hired himself out as a journeyman and appropriated all his earnings to buy provisions provisions for the soldiers of his Company who were confined and nearly starved. His conduct was held in such grateful remembrance by his neighbors that he was elected repeatedly to State Legislature and subsequently to Congress, where he served a number of terms and until he declined to be re-elected. He was a member in 1812 & voted for the declaration of war. I know the lady now applying to have been his wife and now to be his widow. I send you herewith a copy of "Noyes' Biographic

Cal Dictionary Containing a short sketch of her life & services.
Respy Yours, Am Porter
Col. Richards P.S.
I personally know William Brown Esq. the son of Robert Brown & Catherine his wife. He served with me in the Convention for revising the Constitution of Penn a in the year 1837 & 1838. And I have personally known him since the year 1818. He is a man some what older than myself, and I was born on 6 Jan y 1793, as I have always been informed by my parents, and as my age was entered on the family records.
Am Porter

James L Edwards Esq.
Committee of Privileges
Washington City D.C.

Easton October 26. 1843
James L. Edwards Esq. Committee of Pension Sir.
I herewith send you Additional evidence in regards to the Marriage of Mrs. Catharine Brown, to wit, a Leaf of the family Bible of her Late Husband Containing an Entry of the date of the Marriage &c. I hope the evidence upon the point of Marriage will now be Satisfactory -
An examination of her Claim as now presented, at your earliest Convenience is respectfully requested.
W. Brodhead Jr.

3047

Commonwealth of Penn a } ss County of Northampton
On this fourth day of September 1848 personally appeared before me Joseph Hirst one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid. Catharine Brown a resident of Allen Township, in the County of Northampton aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2 nd February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Robert Brown who was a Lieutenant in Captain Peter Rundio's Company of Col d Robert Mc c Graw's regiment of Militia. And the annual amount of the pension which she received under the act of 17 th June 1844) was at the rate of three hundred and twenty dollars per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before
Joseph Hirst
Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named declarant is personally known to me and that she is the same individual who received a pension as stated by her in the foregoing declaration
Joseph Hirst Jr.

Know All Men by these Presents that I Catharine Brown of the Township of Allen County of Northampton and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania a revolutionary Pensioner of the United States do hereby constitute and appoint Eli Griffith Merchant of Philadelphia my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to receive from the agent of the United States for paying Pensions in Philadelphia my Pension from the fourth day of March 1848 to the fourth day of September in the same year (1848) Witness my hand this fourth day of September A D 1848
Sealed and delivered in the presence of Joseph Hirst J. Hirst
Catharine Brown.
Commonwealth of Penn a County of Northampton ss
Be it known that on the fourth — day of September 1848 Before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. Personally appeared Catharine Brown above named and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be her act and deed in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal. The day and year last above written
Joseph Hirst Jr.

State of Pennsylvania Northampton County
§ I T. R. Weygaves, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County Do Certify That Joseph O'Neil is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County as stated opposite; and that the signature opposite purporting to be his is genuine. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Easton this fourth day of September A.D. 1805
T. R. Weygaves Prothly

Mr Calo Pa
3047
Wm Lloyd
Commissioner of Pensions Washington. D.C.

Phila. Sept. 11th 1848.
Hon J. L. Edwards Dr. Sir
The enclosed paper was sent to me for the double purpose of making the declaration - to become a pensioner under the new act of Feb. 2 d 1848, and to draw the money here. - Finding it correct for the former purpose - I send it to you with a request that you will attend to it - Mrs Catharine Brown - Care of Wm Brown Esq. Bath - Northampton Co Pa.
Very respectfully Yours E. Griffith

She is now about 89 years old I am in great pleasure if a Land Warrant (aid) be issued to her without delay
Richard Brodhead
Mar 8 th 1856
Prof. H.
I neglected enclosing this with the application
237.397
Application of Catherine Brown Widow of Robert Brown a Soldier of the Rev n for a Land Warrant. — She now receives a Pension — The within Letter is from her Son. — There is no doubt about the right to a Warrant in this case. — The old man lived & died in the County I do and represented the same District in Congress for about 14 years. — He was taken at the Battle of Long Island. — The Papers of the Widow on file prove beyond question his Service

Pa Bath, March 24 th 1856
Wm. R. Broadhead
Dear Sir
Enclosed you will find an application for my Mother's land warrant. I hope it may be right, but in consequence of ill health I have not been able to go to Easton this winter. I prevailed on a friend in the neighborhood to draw it up for her. The original record of marriage, and death, were forwarded by you to Washington to the pension department. I regreted to hear of your late indisposition but was pleased to hear of your recovery. We have had an intensely cold winter here and a heavy accumulation of snow.
Respectfully yours William Brown

Robt Brown 4418
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

Washington City D. C. March 10 1853.
I address you for the purpose of offering my services as Government claim Agent, in obtaining an increase of the Revolutionary Pension of Robert Brown. The amount of yearly Pension granted in this case was determined at the time of granting the Pension by the grade or rank in which the soldier served, and by the period of his service as then proven , but in this as well as every other case of like character, where additional service, or service in a higher grade, can be established, a corresponding yearly increase of the Pension is due to the soldier, as well as to his widow; and in the event of their death, to the children, Administrator, or next of kin. This increase dates back to the commencement of the Pension, lasts during its continuance, ceasing only with the annuity, and may be realized in one entire and accumulated sum, whenever properly applied for. Hundreds of Pensioners and representatives of Pensioners, have received this Increase, and altho' some addition to the original annuity may in the present case have already been granted, I am sanguine I can obtain a still further allowance. I am not (nor will I, until with the inclosed Instrument as my authority,
I have examined all the papers in the case) be prepared to say with any degree of accuracy what amount there is, or may be due, but from the best information I am possessed of, it is a sum well worthy of your attention.
Should there be several heirs it will not be necessary for all to execute the Power inclosed; any one of them may act for himself and represent the interest of the remainder; and the "Pay certificate" or "Pension Draft" will be made payable to the party who gives the Power of Attorney - if preferred two, or all the heirs may join and have the certificate made payable to their joint order or endorsement. From an examination of the accompanying form, you will perceive that the "certificate" to be granted upon an admission of the claim will command the money at the Pension Agency of your State, or where the original annuity was paid; it is apparent therefore that as no money is drawn here, I can exercise no control over what may be recovered, but for my fee or per centage of the amount drawn, must trust entirely to your integrity to promptly send it to me after you have turned the certificate into cash. If I am employed in the prosecution of this claim I will for my own interest as well as yours exert every means to establish as much service by the soldier as possible. The more service we are able to prove the greater will be the amount recovered. In doing this I will necessarily incur some outlay - searches of voluminous files will have to be made - certified copies of papers will be required, and probably an exemplified record from one or more of the State Comptrollers, all this I will have to pay for in advance . To protect myself against absolute loss therefore I shall expect from you an advance fee of $3, and which will be the only charge made until the claim is allowed. Without this advance fee I cannot proceed in your behalf. Should my actual expenses prove less than anticipated, I will charge myself with the surplus and account for it upon our final settlement. Should you see proper to entrust your business to my care, you may expect to be served to the best of my ability; and I entertain no doubt with results as satisfactory to all concerned, as any heretofore attending my labors in the Pension Office. My fee will be 10 per cent of the amount recovered - a fee less than half the usual charge in protracted claims - but which the assurance I entertain of having this claim speedily allowed, justifies me in accepting.
For my integrity, competency, and attention to business, you are at liberty to address the Member of Congress from your District.
Very Respectful Your Ob't Serv't S. M. Knight.
P.S.
See note on inclosed form relative to arrears due deceased Pensioners.