Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21408, Peter Holbrook, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
NUMBER
W. 21408
Holbrook, Peter Mary
CONTENTS

5722 Mrs Hampshire (Concord) Mary Holbrook widow of Peter Nash who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of $1. Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. Entry 26 th April 1850
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of July 1850 and sent to
C. Sargent Esq M ch & May N. H.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 74 Vol. 1.

32781.
Concord
New Hampshire
Peter Holbrook, dec d
of Concord in the State of New H. who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Baker of the Regt commanded by Col. Denny in the Mass. line for 6 months & 12 days
Rejected
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord at the rate of 21 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Vend 3 Dec 1837, when he died
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Sept 1857 and sent to Hon. N. Hubbard, W.R.
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance adding Payable to his widow Mary Holbrook
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by J. P. Chase Clerk, Book E Vol. 1 Page 91

I Penda Matthews of Swainy in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire, aged Seventy Eight last March, suppose and say, that I am a Sister of Peter Holbrook late of Swainy, aforesaid, deceased; that I can recollect that my brother Peter Holbrook was in the Service, in the Revolution he lived in the family with me in Billingham, and occasionally went out of town to work at his trade, being a Mason or a brick layer. I can distinctly remember of his leaving home to go into the Service several times. I recollect of his going to Rhode Island, one or twice, and at other places. These things are fresh in my mind, I can remember the feelings I had at the times of his going in to the Army. I also remember that two other brothers were out in the same way, Henry & Caleb Holbrook - also a Mr. John Darling & a Mr. Scott were out  also at the same time, & Isaac Bates was also out out with Peter H. at one time - Darling & Scott were out with my brother Peter H. at another time? I have heard him say that he was entitled to a pension for his services in the war. I never knew any one by the name of Peter Holbrook but my brother at the time of the Revolution. I am certain that he was out three or more months at one time, I am confident that my brother Peter Holbrook served during the Revolutionary war more than five months,

in all the different times that he was out. He moved from Bellingham Mass. to Swansey N.H. over 40 years ago.
attest Elijah Sawyer Lewis Campbell
her Panda X Matthews mark
Cheshire ss. September, 26, 1848.
Then the above named Panda Matthews personally appearing made oath that the foregoing deposition in her belief is true.
Before me Elijah Sawyer Justin Pease
I certify that the aforesaid deposition is person- ally known to me, and that she is a credible wit- ness. E. Sawyer Just. Pease
State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County ss.
I Leonard Rice Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature, of said State, for said county, do hereby certify that Elijah Sawyer is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly com- missioned and qualified according to law; that his commission was dated on the fifth day of August A.D. 1848 and will expire on the fifth day of August A.D. 1853 and that his signature above written are in my belief genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this tenth day of October A.D. 1848.
Leonard Rice Clerk

Wren October 10. 1848
Sir,
I received from the Pension Office, per. Mr. Nelson M.B. a line concerning the papers of Mrs. Holbrook whose application is now in said office.
There has been some considerable pains taken to ascertain if there were in the vicinity (in Massachusetts) of the residence of the husband of Mrs. Holbrook the applicant for the Pension of her late husband, any other person at the time of his service in the Revolution, by the name of Peter Holbrook , found one in Upton & one in Mendon at the time of the Revolution one 50. and the other 15 yrs. old at that time, but no person among the oldest now living thought that either did any service in the war of the Revolution, and never heard either of them speak of being out at all at the time. The town of Milford was taken off of Mendon as I am informed. Mrs. Holbrook's statement that he enlisted at Milford may not be correct as these old ladies they state from recollection or impressions obtained they hardly know how.
The applicant's husband, Peter Holbrook, had just commenced in earnest for his pension but died before he applied for his papers - Peter H. had a Brother by the name of Letts Holbrook, whose name appears on some of the papers in your office - he is also dead.
I have no doubt myself but the Peter Holbrook whose name is on the papers in your office is the one who did the service & should have the pension

The said Peter Holbrook was a man of a good character and am that, from personal acquaintance, I don't believe would seek to obtain a pension, or state that he was entitled to one unless in his belief true.
Respectfully yours
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Wm Scott Elyah Sawyer
Elyah Sawyer, Heene, J. L.
Wm. Holbrook Mr. Sawyer

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act, of 7 th June 1832 and July 4. 1836
State of New Hampshire } Cheshire County ss } in the Eighth day of February A.D. 1848. Personally appeared before me Joel Parker Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Jurisdiction. Mary Holbrook a resident of Swaney in the County and State aforesaid, aged eighty years, Widow of Peter Holbrook late of Swaney aforesaid, in the County & State aforesaid, deceased, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Pension act of Congress, or the provisions thereof, passed the 7 th June 1832. &c.
That she is the widow of Peter Holbrook, late of Swaney in said County of Cheshire and State of New- Hampshire, deceased, who was a private, in the Revolutionary war.
That according to her best recollection, knowledge and belief he entered the service as a private and served in the army at several various terms, and under different officers and at different places, as by her stated, in her appli- -cation to the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts, for evidence from the Rolls hereto annexed.
That her husband, the aforesaid Peter Hol- -brook, died at Swaney in the County and State aforesaid on the third day of December A.D. one thou- -sand eight hundred and thirty seven.
Therefore being advised that she is entitled to the arrears of Pension due to her late husband at the time of his death, under the act of the 7 th June A.D. 1832, by virtue of service rendered by her late husband, the said Peter Holbrook, in the Revolutionary war. She therefore hereby claims the amount of Pen- sion to which he was entitled under said act - from

from the fourth day of March A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty one, to the third day of December A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, the day of his death, all which is claimed in right of service performed by her said husband in the Revolution.
She further declares that she has never married since the death of her said husband, above named, and that she still remains a widow, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Witness. Lewis Carr, Clerk
Her Mary F. Holbrook mark
Subscribed and sworn to on the day and year above written. Before me
Joel Parker Chief Justice Sup. Court of N.H.
The above declaration was taken at the residence of the applicant, she being unable from bodily infirmity to attend the court.
J. Parker Ch. Jus. Sup. Court.
State of New Hampshire Cheshire County ss.
I, Leonard Rice, Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature of said State, for said County of Cheshire, do hereby certify that Joel Parker whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate was at the date of the same Chief Justice of said Superior Court duly commissioned and sworn as such according to law, and that his signature as above written are in my belief genuine.
The testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this ninth day of February A.D. 1848.
Leonard Rice. Clerk

State of New Hampshire Cheshire County ss.
On this fifth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty, personally appeared before the court of Probate in and for the said County of Cheshire, Isaac Holbrook of Swaney in said County, Administrator on the Estate of Mary Holbrook, late of said Swaney, deceased (widow of Peter Holbrook, late of said Swaney, deceased, and who died on the third day of December A.D. 1837) and, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the act of Congress passed July 7 th A.D. 1838, Entitled an "act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;" and also, all other acts, amendatory and supplemental, of said act. That the said Mary Holbrook deceased was the widow of Peter Holbrook, deceased, who was a private in the war of the Revolution, and he further declares that the said Mary, was married to the said Peter Holbrook, deceased (as appears of record) on the twenty sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord, seventeen hundred and eighty seven. That, that he died on the third day of December eighteen hundred and thirty seven, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred, ninety four, vizt, at the time above stated. Isaac Holbrook
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me, in open Court
Sarkin Ballen, Judge of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston July 5 th 1849
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Savil Metcalf was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
W m B. Crafts Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Bellingham April 22 d 1848
"On the twenty sixth day of April A. D. one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven Mr. Peter Holbrook of Bellingham and Miss Mary Bates of Mendon were joined in marriage by me Noah Alden Baptist Minister in Bellingham."
The above is a true copy of the Record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures, as follows, "April the 26 th 1787."
I True
Francis D Bates Town Clerk
I Francis D. Bates, above named, depose and say, that I hold the office, of Town Clerk of Bellingham in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Bellingham with the exception above named.
Francis D. Bates Town Clerk, - of Bellingham
Norfolk ss April 22 1848
Then personally appeared Francis D Bates and Made oath that the above is a true Record as made on the Town Records of said Bellingham
Before me
Saml Metcalf Justice of the Peace

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
Cheshire, SS.
I, George G. Starkweather Register of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Cheshire aforesaid, hereby certify, that at a Court of Probate holden at KEENE, in and for said County, on the first — day of October — in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty 1850  Isaac Holbrook of Swansey in said County —
was duly appointed Administrator of the Estate of Mary Holbrook late of said Swansey deceased, intestate —
and became bound, according to law, for the faithful discharge of said trust.
I also certify, that it appears by the records and files in said office, that said appointment remains in full force, in no wise revoked, reversed or annulled.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court, at KEENE, the fifth — day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty 1850
George G. Starkweather

State of New Hampshire)
Cheshire ss
Be it remembered that at a Court of Probate held at Keene in said County on the fifth day of November 1850. It was proved in open Court to the satisfaction of the Judge thereof that Mary Holbrook of Swansey in said County deceased, was the widow of Peter Holbrook late of said Swansey, deceased, who was a soldier of the Revolution & whose name has lately been placed on the Roll of Pensions, that she said Mary died on the twenty sixth day of April A.D. 1850, that she died leaving the following named children and her only then and now surviving children to wit: Elkanah Holbrook, Clark B. Holbrook, Helen Holbrook, Isaac Holbrook and Sophia Goodnow that said Mary widow never intermarried but died the widow of said Peter Holbrook deceased. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and the Seal of said Court at Keene aforesaid, this fifth day of November A.D. 1850.
George H. Starkweather Register of Probate for S. Co.

State of New Hampshire } I George H. Starkweather Register Cheshire ss, } of Probate for said County, do certify that Sarkin Baker is Judge of Probate for the same County, that full faith and credit are & ought to be given to his certificates and attestations as such, and that his name subscribed to the within declaration is his own proper signature — In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & the seal of the Court of Probate at Keene in said County this fifth day of November A.D. 1850. — George H. Starkweather

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
N.F. 21408
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Peter Holbrook a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1776 6 weeks Pvt. at Rhode Island Mass.   1778 or 1779 3 mos. no officers stated   ✓ 2 weeks in an alarm under Genl Sullivan   3 mos ending Nov. 1, 1781 Drury  
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Billingham Norfolk Co. Mass.
Date of application for pension, Feb. 8. 1848. The cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Swansey Cheshire Co. N.H.
Age at date of application, He was 60 yrs old
Remarks: He mar. Apr. 26. 1787 at Billingham Mass.; Mary Bates  and died Dec. 3. 1837 at Swansey, Cheshire Co. N.H. aged 75 yrs.  She died Apr. 26. 1850 at Swansey N.H. children from Elkanah,  Clark B., Helen, Sophia Goodnow, Mary and Isaac.
Respectfully,
Soldiers Sister Prudence Matthews  " brothers Henry, Caleb & Seth Holbrook.
ACTING Commissioner.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
Br. Nathl. S. H. to Mrs. D. C. Mason
File No. 21408
Mary Woolbrook Widow of Peter Woolbrook Dis. New Mar.
Date: Feb 29. 48
Box:—Vol. A , Page 350
[Arrangement of 1870.]

N o 14.280
Mary Holbrook deck
N. St.
Act 7 July 1838.
Letter to Hon. A. Hubbard March 22 d 1857 -

Dec 3 rd Dec 37 6 m 12
No 37/121 Peter Wolbrook and N
Lt. & Hon. J. Libilon July 15 th '48.
Elijah Sawyer Apr 5 '49 Elijah Sawyer 18 th Augt 1849 " " 15 Nov r 1849
Lt. Hon. Jas. Wilson 5 th Augt. 1850
Acty June 1852

July 26/10 Peter Holbrook - NH, Aug - 1832 -
W. Wakefield
W. Ames
J. L. Edesands Esq
Com te . Pennons
Washington

No 14.289 Dec 4/50 Sec!
Mary Helbark and Opp Declaration -
Triplett
New Hampshire Act 7 July 1838 -
Henry Hubbard Henry H. Hubbard Board of Persons, Washington City
FREE
D.E.

11. 153
War Hampshire General Mary Holbrook widow of Peter Holbrook who died on the 3 rd Decer 1837 of Chester in the State of N.H. who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by Col _____ in the Revolution for 6 mo. 12 days
Inscribed on the Roll of 100000 at the rate of 21. Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3 rd day of March 1826 December 1837
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of July 1857 and Capt C. Sawyer C o
Arrears to the 4th of West Swaney Semi-annual allowance ending N. H.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act July 7, 1838. }
Recorded by _____ Clerk, Book _____ Vol. _____ Page 33

I do hereby certify that the above is true with the exception of the 2nd paragraph, which is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
John M. [unclear] Notary Public
Given under my hand and seal this 14th day of March 1901 for [unclear] M. [unclear]
Peter Holbrook N. E. 21408 Hobson

I have the honor to inform you that the full sum of three hundred and twenty five dollars and 83 cents is now due and payable to the said soldier. I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant, Nathaniel Carpenter Major Commissary of Pensions West Point December 1 st 1797
W. H. [Signature] Col o

9.043 Mrs. Hampshire (encorp) Mary Holbrook Pacey widow of Rev. who was a in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 21 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of July 1847 and sent to 1857
C. Sawyer Esq. M c Intire Secy. M c H.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2, Page 16

Cornelius H. Collins Opposition

I Cornelius Kollock of Wrentham in the State of Massachusetts, aged ninety four years, depose and say that, I have lived and paid taxes in this town of Wrentham seventy two years, I think I know all the Holbrooks that have lived in this town, and that I never heard or knew of a person by the name of Peter Holbrook , as living or residing in Wrentham, and think that there never was a Peter Holbrook lived here, and I am confident, I was acquainted with all the Holbrooks that have lived in this town.
Cornelius Kollock
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk ss April 12 1849 Personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace for said county, the above name of Peter Holbrook and made oath that the affidavit by him subscribed is true, I further certify, that he has held the office of Town Clerk for about twenty five or thirty years - and that notwithstanding his extreme old age, he retains in a remarkable degree, his memory and other mental faculties, is a respectable historian, and that full faith and credit is due to his testimony Melchiah Gove Jr Justice of the Peace

I Simon R. Bicknell of Mendon, in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts of lawful age depose and say, that I have many years been acquainted with people in Bellingham a town adjoining Mendon, that I personally knew Peter Holbrook late of Swanzy in the State of New Hampshire, deceased, said Holbrook moved from Bellingham to Swanzy many years ago. I also was acquainted with other persons by the name of Holbrook but never knew or heard of any other Holbrook whose Christian name was Peter , and I knew the christian names all up to sixty or seventy years of age. I have also enquired of those I knew, about their fathers, if they knew of any of them of the name of Peter Holbrook, and they have all stated that they knew of no one of that name except the Peter Holbrook aforesaid that moved to Swanzy. I have also examined the records of Bellingham and Mendon and could find no person's name on record among the Holbrooks except the Holbrook that went to Swanzy, whose given name was Peter . The oldest inhabitants in Bellingham say that they knew no other Peter Holbrook but the one aforesaid.
Said Peter Holbrook of Swanzy, deceased, was a mason by trade, and persons  people in the ad-

joining towns, to wit, in the towns of Mendon. Bel- ingham, Upton, Wrentham, Franklin and other towns in the vicinity, have informed me that the said Peter Hobbart built chimneys for their fathers & grandfathers &c. The above named towns are situated in the corners of Worcester & Norfolk counties , and but a few miles apart.
Simon P. Bicknell
Worcester ss. I depose that the above statement by appeared the above named Simon P. Bicknell and made oath that the above statement by him subscribed is true Before me
John S. Scamell } Justice of the Peace
S. P. Bicknell Deposition

N. W. Holbrook Statement.
Mr. Elijah Sawyer Esq.
N. H.

Mr Sawyer
Dear Sir on my return to Boston this morning I received a line from you asking information relative to Peter Holbrook of Upton. Peter Holbrook, came from Bellingham to Upton, but what year I do not know. he was my grandfather & died I think 71 or 2 years since - I have frequently heard my grandmother say that my father was about 3 years old when his father died, & my father if living would be 74 or five I think.
I have heard Simon Holbrook, brother of Peter & my grandmother talk of my grandfather & of the revolutionary war & of the towns people that were out in the service, but never heard his name among those.
I think, sir from the time of his death & the silence of his brother & his wife or my grandmother that he could not have been out in the revolutionary-war
Boston Apr 18/29
Respectfully Yours
N. W. Holbrook

Elyah Taft Deposition;

I Elijah Taft of Mendon in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, aged eighty six years, depose and say, that I have lived in this town from my birth, and that I have been well acquainted with the Inhabitants of this town from my earliest recollection. — That I have never known but one man by the name of Peter Holbrook, who ever belonged to this town, and that he was the husband of my youngest sister. The said Holbrook I am certain, was never in the military or other service of the United States, and except a few years, long after the Revolution, when he resided in the District of Maine, he always lived in this town.
Elijah Taft
Commonwealth of Massachusetts:—
Worcester ss.
April 13. 1849. Personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace for said County, the above named Elijah Taft and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true. I further certify that the above named Elijah Taft retains the memory of the transactions of his early days and of the acquaintance of his youth and early manhood, as well as any person of his age with whom I am acquainted; and that his credibility as a witness is unimpeachable and that full faith and credit may be reposed in the truth of the above affidavit.
Wm. Geo. Metcalf, Justice of Peace.

Comm 2 Pensions
Washington

Swanney May 2. 1851 -
Dear Sir,
I have obtained a paper from the S. Clerk of Bellingham Mass. in regard to the Record of the marriage of Peter Holbrook to Mary his wife, which is enclosed, also I enclose the affidavit of Mrs. Matthews who was present at the said marriage, which I hope will be sufficient in the premises -
Why Mrs. Holbrook did not apply for a pension for herself is nothing wonderful here. After the death of her husband the family, of the pension laws knew nothing of the proceedings in the case of Pensions, and probably supposed the chance of obtaining any thing was forever lost and never would have applied for it but through the information and encouragement of some one more informed, nor could she apply with any reason for herself, till she had proved her husband entitled to a pension.
Other affidavits, similar to Mrs. Matthews, forwarded herewith, can be obtained if required.
From my acquaintance with the family, both the parents, children, and cousins I am entirely satisfied of the truth of their statements, and the deposition also of Mrs. Matthews.
Address the Subscriber at Swanney N.H.
Your obt. Servt
E. Sawyer
Commr of Pensions Washington City
1851

No 37621 Peter Wolbrinscow N.H. act 7 June 1832

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston,
February 5 th 1848.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Peter Holbrook is borne upon a Pay Roll of Lt. Hosekiah Ware's Company in Col. Wade's Regt for service at Rhode Island, as a private from June 20
25 to July 14 1778. 25 days. — Said Lt Ware
belonged to Wrentham, as appears from rolls in this Office. — Upon a Pay Abstract of Capt J. M. Baker's Company in Col. Connys raised for the term of three months, to serve on Hudson River, as a private from October 23 to November 23 1779, including allowance of 10 days for travel, 1 month & 11 days. — This roll is dated "Upton May 6. 1780."
Upon a Pay Roll of Capt Amos Ellis's Company in Major Seth Bullard's Regt for service on an alarm at Riverton R.I. as a private from July 27 to August 7 1780, including allowance of
Wrentham Ames Co Mass 111. 25 days Upton Mass Co 404 40
Mendon Mass Co 398 74
1-11

2. 6
days travel, 14 days - this roll is dated 'Bellingham Dec 20 1780'
Upon a Pay Roll of Capt Reuben Davis Company, in Col Luke Owens Regt as a private of Mendon, from July 17 to November 1781 including allowance of 9 days
3 2
6. For travel, 3 months & 22 days.
Also signed to an Order on Treasurer for payment of wages for service at West Point, in Capt Davis Company. Col
Owens Regt in the year 1781. The names of Cyrus Thompson & Seth Holbrook, are also signed
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence to said of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
Witnesses. The order is dated Bellingham Dec 20 1780
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
M. G. Allen,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office of the Service of Peter Holbrook , the husband of the subscriber, now deceased, in the war of the Revolution. He enlisted from the Town of Milford, Mass., in the year 1778 or 1779 - Mustered at Worcester - Undergoes at Great Barrington, marched to Albany, thence to Mohawk, & dismissed there, served three months - also in 1776 served six weeks, at Rhode Island - Also, served at an alarm under Gen Sullivan, at R.I. 2 Weeks -
also, he served three months, as appears by a discharge dated Nov. 15 th 1781 - in Col. Denny's Regt.
The discharge reads thus - "Peter Holbrook a soldier in Col. Denny's Regt. is discharged the service having served the full term of three months according to a resolve of the commonwealth of Massachusetts of June 30. 1781 -"
Nathaniel Gaspautu Major Comt d .
"The issuing commissary will furnish you with Provision on your march home - M c Jackson Col o ."
"West Point November 15 th 1781."
I am the widow of said Peter Holbrook deceased, who died in December 3 rd 1837 aged 75 years. he drew no pension he commenced to make preparations for an application, but was taken sick and died before effecting any thing.
I am now 80 years of age and can state nothing particular further, or more particular about the service of said deceased.
Witness my hand this 28 th day of Jany. 1848 - Witness. Isaac Holbrook
Signed by said Mary Holbrook } Mary X Holbrook in my presence, mark
Elijah Sawyer Just. Probate

Stearns Jan'y 29. 1848
Sir.
Please address your answer to E. Sawyer. Stein Mt. Say. State.
E. Sawyer

To the Commr. of Pensions Washington City.
D. B.
A Deposition to be used in the case of the application of Mary Holbrook of Swannery N.H. now in the Pension office at Washington.

The 17 years that father was out in the Army
Wrentham, Upton, Bellingham and Mendon years 1778 out 25 days 1779 in col. Quinns Regt 41 in 1780 in capt Amos Ellis Company. 28th Middlesex Regt 31st Mass Regt 1781 in capt R Davis Co. Col Luke D unning Regt 3 month and 22 (A.)
I, Helen Holbrook, of Ewing, Massachusetts, of the age of forty one years, depose and say, that I am the son of Peter Holbrook, late of Swan- sey in the County of Cheshire, State of New Hampshire, deceased, and Mary Holbrook, wife of said Peter, and whose papers are now in the Pension office at Washington asking for the pension due to said Peter Holbrook, her husband, at the time of his decease,
I, also, further depose & say, that the paper marked (A) hereto attached, purporting to relate to the service of my father in the Revolutionary army, contains the statement of said service given me by my said father, Peter Holbrook, in his life time , and written down, at the time, by me as dictated by him .
That the said paper marked (A.) I recently found among some private papers left by my said father, and which I had not seen before, since my fathers decease,
That said paper contains the account given by my said father of the times and terms of service done by him in said Revolutionary war, and of which I frequently heard him talk for before his decease. Said statement was made to me, I think, in 1836. Helen Holbrook

(A.)
State of New Hampshire Grafton County ss.
July 22. 1850
Then the within named Helen Holbrook personally appeared and made oath that the within deposition by him sub- scribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth, relative to the case for which it was taken.
Before me, Elijah Sawyer, Justice of Peace.
I certify that I am well acquainted with the within named deponent, Helen Holbrook, and that he bears a character for truth and veracity unquestioned and unimpeachable, and that his declarations may be relied upon as true.
E. Sawyer Justice of Peace
We the subscribers being acquainted with the for- said Helen Holbrook do hereby cheerfully subscribe to the above certificate of the character of said Holbrook as certified to by E. Sawyer Esq. Amos Bailey
Elijah Carpenter
Joseph Woodward

The 3 crowns & 2 1 cyans that father was out in the summer.
House of Reps Aug 5 1830
Word fir -
I can state in regard to the character of Helen Holbrook who has given the affidavit upon the 1 st page of this paper that he is an upright honest worthy man of unblemished character for truth & veracity - I have known him for many years - I also know Esq r Elijah Sawyer, Esq r Elijah Carpenter Esq r and Capt Joseph Woodward who have signed the certificate on the preceding page also Amos Bailey Esq r - They are, all of them, of the most respectable men in the town in which they reside - They are wholly incapable of an untruth or an unworthy act.
James Wilson M. B. from 3 d Dist N.H.

House of Reps July 6, 1848
Sir —
I send herewith the Declaration of Mrs Azubah Carpenter of Keene N. H. for the benefit of the Pension act of the 2 nd Febry 1848. She is the widow of David Carpenter late of Keene deceased who was a pensioner and I believe she has also rec d the benefit of the pension Law since the decease of her late husband — I knew Old Mr Carpenter well in his life time, and I also know this Applicant. They were and worthy people and she still is an excellent deserving old lady and is most unquestionably entitled to a pension — She is the only wife of David Carpenter and I know some of their Children old enough to have been born before 1794 —
I hope a certificate may be issued to her without delay —
I would also respectfully ask attention to the accompanying letter of Elyah Sawyer

Ezra of Keene N.H. who writes me in regard to some pension papers, in your Office, relating to the case of Mrs Mary Holbrook of Swanzey N.H.
Mr Sawyer informed me by letter sometime since that he had heard nothing from that case for a long time, if at all, since the papers were filed -
Will you have the goodness to give the subject your attention as early as the pressure of business in your Office will permit -
In the case of Mrs Carpenter's application & also in regard to Mrs Holbrook's case will you have the goodness to send directly to Elyah Sawyer Esq r Keene N.H. as I may be absent from the city -
Yours with high regard
James Wilson
J. L. Edwards Esq r Comm ee of Pensions, Washington City D.C.

House of Reps Aug 5 th 1850
Offi -
May I solicit your Early attention to the case of Mrs Holbrook to which the accompanying paper refers - It seems to me the evidence is sufficient to justify the allowance of her claim -
I understand the point made is that there might have been another Mrs Holbrook who performed the services set forth in the application - It would seem to be a very severe and arbitrary rule to make applicants furnish negative testimony until every doubt should be removed -
I must say that I have not a particle of doubt that Peter Holbrook the husband of the applicant rendered the services claimed for by his widow -
Very truly Yours
James Wilson
Col J. H. Edwards Comm ee of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Concord
Peter Holbrook died
New Hampshire
At 7 June, 1832
Admitted.
6 Months 12 days Pri. $ 21. 33 from 4 th March, 1831 to 3 rd Dec. 1837, the day of his death. In favor of
Payable to Mary Holbrook, his widow -
Certificate sent to Hon. H. Hibbard S. of Reps

Mr. Holbrook
Woburn Jan 10th 1830
Friend Garrison Thompson
in part due of September 1829
out of your part of the sum
have been at your house since
your last visit - no statement
has been sent to you - since the
on the third day of December in the
year in question is still due to
which was never the sum of
for whose services the papers of
of the cause itself that Mr. Holbrook
the 1829 - it was never in
your power of otherwise as the
at a Court of General Sessions
the said
not inasmuch as that
the of the

State of New Hampshire Cheshire ss
Be it remembered, that at a Court of Probate, holden at Keene in and for said County of Cheshire on the third day of September A.D. 1850 - It was proved in Open Court to the satisfaction of the Judge thereof that Peter Holbrook, deceased, for whose Pension, the papers of Mary Holbrook, his widow, are now in the Pension Office at Washington, died in Swanzy, in said County, where he resided, on the third day of December in the year Eighteen Hundred and thirty seven - leaving the said Mary his widow - In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and the Seal of said Court, at Keene aforesaid, this fourth day of September 1850.
George F. Starkweather, Register of Probate for said County -

September 28/49 addl. and Cass Mary Holbrook Wid. Rich
Official Business
Edwards Esq. Commr. Washington City. D.C.
sketch

Scenec Mt. Sept. 24. /49 J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir
After receiving your late communication in the matter of Mrs. Holbrook's Pension, I took the inclosed affidavits, and herein forward the same to you. If with all the proof made in the case with this added is still deemed insufficient - and you are still induced to withhold a pension from the party claiming for the want of Satisfactory Evidence, I would thank you (if proper) to send me all the papers in the case, in your possession.
You know Sir, the difficulty in procuring negation testimony , but I thought the evidence forwarded you, was enough, to have given us the case, in the absence of any positive testimony against us. on your side. If the statement of N. W. Holbrook per letter of his will be enough if in shape of affidavit, or any other infirmities can be rectified that may have occurred please suggest them and they shall be attended to.
Your obedient Servt Elijah Sawyer
J. L. Edwards

Feby. 12. 48
Peter Adolfs 1832
FREE
Agrees for the Pension Office
J. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions
Pension Office Washington City
D. C.

FREE
Hon. H. Hibbard M.P.
Washington City
D. G.
Will Mr Edwards inform me in regard to the subject of the within inquiry solicited W. B. { H. Hillebrand Sept 25. { 1850 {

Hon. H. Hibbard
Sir,
Permit me to trouble you to pass the enclosed to the Commr of Pensions at Washington, and, as the widow, Habbrook the applicant having died in April last, ascertain if a certificate can be issued for the pension, except to an administrator on the estate of said applicant.
Respectfully & truly yours
E. Sawyer
Swansey N.H.
P.S. Hon. J. Wilson has attended to my calls in this matter prior to this, but as I hear that he has left Washington I avail myself of your services. - E. S.

3.10
Official business.
FREE
Dec 22/57 The Addrs of Mr. & Mrs. J. H. Edwards Elijah D. Sawyer - Comt of Pensions File Washington City D.C.

Concord N.H. Decr. 17. 1880
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Sir,
I am not certain that I sent in the papers containing the Declaration of Isaac Holbrook & Mrs. Mary Holbrook, for the pension which would have been due her had she been living, directions where or to whom you might address in the premises.
I therefore would inform you, to address in the matter,
Your Obedient Servant &c.
Elijah Sawyer Swanney
N.H.
P.S. - I some time since sent the Declaration of Mrs. Wilder of Sempster N.H. for (as she says) arrearages of Pension, to your Office which I expect to hear from in due season.
E. S.

Mary Holbrook wd wid of Peter N. H.
At 7 July 1838 Ad 6 m 12d Pri. $21.33 per ann from 3 Dec 1837, when he died to 26 Feb 1850, when she died. exctly 2 yrs.
Payable to Isaac Holbrook, Adm for the benefit of Eliza- nah Holbrook, Clark Pr. Holbrook, Heirs Holbrook, Isaac Hol- brook & Sophia Goddard.
Cash note to
E. Sawyer Wm Scammon N. H.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, April 29 th 1851
W e hereby C ertify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Francis D. Bates was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and qualified; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Lucia Walker Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Norfolk ss Commonwealth of Massachusetts
By Town Clerk's Office Bellingham April 18 th 1857 The record relating to the marriage of Mr Peter Holbrook, of Bellingham, and Miss Mary Bates, of Mendon, It was placed on the town record of Bellingham, long before I was Town Clerk of Bellingham and by the appearance of the Record Book and other records before and following it. It must have been deposited and put on record in A.D. One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty seven by Elisha Burr . Town Clerk, of Bellingham. Whose Official duties in that Office commenced the Seventh day of March A.D. One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty seven and closed the Third day of March A.D. One thousand Seven hundred and Ninety. Agreeable to the statute Laws of Massachusetts then in force, each Justice and Minister is required to make a return of all Marriages solemnized before him to the Town Clerk of the town wherein the marriage is so solemnized.
Amos H. Holbrook, Town Clerk of Bellingham
I Amos H. Holbrook above named depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk of Bellingham in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts and that the above is the true way in my belief relating to the Record of the above Marriage
Amos H. Holbrook Town Clerk of Bellingham
Norfolk ss Bellingham April 18 th 1857
Sworn to before me Francis D Bates Justice of the Peace

Swarney Jan. 16. 1851-
Dear Sir,
I wrote to the Commissioner of Pensions a short time since, concerning some applications for Pensions, one for an addition of Pension for Mrs. Phebe Wilder, and an application of the heirs of Mary Holbrook for pension due their mother at her death, the papers have been in the Office for a considerable time, and I feel anxious to hear from them - I suppose the pension department is crowded with business, but if reasonable I wish a return from the office, to satisfy enquiries here, and to satisfy myself in the premises, If you can ascertain anything about the business and drop me a line you will much oblige
Your obt. Servt.
Elijah Paine
Swarney
J. P. P.
Hon. H. Hibbard.

P.S. So there are law pensioning widows of soldiers of the war of 1812?
Jan'y 10 1850
Dear Sir,
Yesterday was the Congressional Convention for Dist. No 3. at which Mr. Morrison was nominated, but not to the satisfaction of the Democracy of Cheshire County. WE claimed the turn to furnish the candidate, and think it was our right.
Hillsborough Delegation, I learn, as I was not there, would hear to nothing to any claim of ours, and having the majority proceeded according to their strength! Our delegates returned dissatisfied and almost disgusted with the proceedings, not that they have any objection to Mr Morrison, but by being heartily denied their right, and not hardly a notice taken of their arguments in the case. Our Hillsboro friends must not feel too strong, nor slight Old Cheshire too unceremoniously, for unless we lift with her the load can't go. I think it will require some labor to bring some up to the support of the nominee, and there is nothing to induce many to go the ticket but their dislike of Whiggery. It was not fair, honorable, or manly to treat us as we were treated. Of Hillsboro, can do without Old Cheshire Sobers it. There was very fair enough, in all conscience, on Atwood , without being stabbed under the 5th rib in this way. Yours truly E. Sanborn

We Moses T. Thompson and Daniel Woodward of Swansey in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire, depose and say that we were acquainted with Peter Holbrook late of Swansey in the County aforesaid, deceased,
that he died at said Swansey on the third day of December A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven - that he left a widow, Mary Holbrook, with whom we are also acquainted, that she is the person now making application for the pension due her late husband, Peter Holbrook, aforesaid, that she has never married since the death of her said husband, Peter Holbrook, and that she still survives and remains a widow
Moses T. Thompson Daniel Woodward
Grafton ss. February 8. 1848 Subscribed and sworn to before me
Elijah Sawyer Justice of the Peace
I further certify that the above named deponents are, from long acquaintance, believed to be credible witnesses.
E. Sawyer Just. Peace
State of New Hampshire
Grafton County ss.
I, Fernando Rio. Clerk of the Superior Court of Grafton of said State, for said County of Grafton, do hereby certify that Elijah Sawyer whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Grafton, duly commissioned and sworn to act according to law - and that his signature as above written are in my belief genuine.
The foregoing certificate was acknowledged at my hand and affixed the seal of said court this ninth day of February A.D. 1848.
Fernando Rio. Clerk

8 Recollatory Mr. Davis 29 Apr 1849
Edward Eng. See Frank House
Commission of Pensions Washington City Mary. [unclear] Abil. [unclear] Apr 29/49
Official Briefings

Scituate Mass. Sept. 24 1842
J. L. Edwards Esq. Pension agent.
Br. Sir,
I have obtained some further testimony in the case of Mrs Mary Holbrook widow of Peter Holbrook which I hope will be satisfactory. The statement of N. H. Holbrook Esq. was sent me from Boston, he being a member of the House of Representatives, and  from W. Mass. was there when I was in Upton, I saw a Mr Simion Holbrook, who made a statement, or rather an affidavit, that there was a Peter Holbrook once lived in Upton as he had learned by his relations & that he died over sixty years ago, and was his grand father, that he had never heard any of his older relations intimate that he was ever in the Revolutionary war, and this was the only Peter Holbrook ever in the town to his knowledge, except a very young young man that was killed by the fall of a tree and is confident he never was in the service of the Revolution, he being too young. As I was on my way to Providence, and no justice of the Peace within about three miles of the place, I could not wait without losing the cars, and left the paper for him to make oath to and send me. If it does not come to hand accordingly and the enclosed is not sufficient I will obtain it and send on to the department.
I wish, if consistent, as this case has been long on the docket, to hear from you as soon as circumstances will admit after the receipt of this.
Yours very abt Servt Elijah Sawyer
Rem Mass.

WE, Isaac Holbrook, Sophia Goodnow and Mary Holbrook (daughter of the Widow Mary Holbrook) depose and say that Peter Holbrook late of Swansey, deceased, often in his life time spoke of being entitled to a pension for services in the war of the Revolution, he said he served six weeks under Gen. Sullivan - and at various other times. all of The four times on the records at Boston is all that is found, the six weeks, is not on record as aforesaid. He made application to an attorney to know how to proceed to obtain his pension in 1836 or 1837 and soon after was taken unwell and was sick till he died. Previous to his being confined to the house he had made some preparations to go to Massachusetts to find evidence of his service, there being then living witnesses - but now dead, and had it not been for his sickness he would have gone for the proof of service & could then probably have obtained it, or at least he said so at the time.
Mr. Samuel Lane & Mr. Russell Ballou both Pensioners, in Swansey, called on my said Holbrook father, after he was sick, they knowing that he had commenced applications to obtain his pension before, and offered to assist him to obtain proof, but he died before making further progress.
WE are all children of said Peter Holbrook deceased and have heard him frequently say that a pension was due him, & have seen a writing informing him how to proceed, given him by J. M. Edwards of them to whom he applied for counsel.
Isaac H. Holbrook
Sophia Goodnow
Mary Holbrook

State of New Hampshire Cheshire Co. August 30 th . 1849
The within or foregoing affidavit was subscribed and sworn to,
Before me
Elijah Sawyer, Justice of the Peace
affidavits

Mrs. Matthews
Affidavit.
in case of Mary Holbrook

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Secretary of State's Office.
I, JOHN L. HADLEY, Secretary of State aforesaid do hereby certify that Elijah Sawyer is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Cheshire duly commissioned and qualified, and duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths, take the acknowledgment of Deeds, &c. His Commission was dated on the fifth day of August 1848 and will expire on the fifth day of August 1853
Given under my hand and the Seal of the State, this seventeenth day of April 1851.
John L. Hadley Secretary of State.
ever in manner.

I, Penda Matthews of Swansey in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire of the age of 81 years, depose and say, that I am the sister of Peter Holbrook late of Swansey, aforesaid, deceased, that he the said Peter Holbrook, formerly lived in Bellingham where he married. I was also acquainted with his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Bates, was at the marriage of said Peter Holbrook with, or to the the said Mary, at Bellingham, Massachusetts, they were married sixty four years ago this month, by Noah Aldin a minister, I was seventeen years old when the marriage aforesaid took place. That said Peter Holbrook lived in Bellingham Mass. with his said wife Mary, a number of years, until he moved to Swansey N.H. where he resided with the said Mary, his said wife until his decease, leaving the said Mary, his widow, and that said widow, Mary Holbrook, died about one year ago in said Swansey.
And the said Penda Matthews further declares, that she knows that the said Mary Holbrook late of Swansey, deceased, was the identical person who was married to said Peter Holbrook at Bellingham previous to Jan'y. 1794, to wit, in April 1787-
attest.
Penda her Matthews mark
Levi Matthews
E. Sawyer
State of New Hampshire Cheshire ss.
April 9 th 1857 Then the aforesaid Penda Matthews made oath to the foregoing deposition by her subscribed,
Before me, Elijah Sawyer Justice of the Peace

May 8. 1857
Adal Evi: in stead of Mary Holbrook
Col. D. D. D. D.
E Sawyer
West Swaney
N. H.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City,
D. D. D. D.

One of these is John

one 2¢ stamp need Feb. 28, 1916 Dear Sir: Stamp Rev Sec - y/ Rev Sec
Have you a record of Capt. Peter Holbrook, who fought in the Revolution ?
He was born Nov. 23, 1762, died Dec. 3, 1837.
I think he may have been a resident of Bellingham, Mass when he enlisted.
Any information you can give me will be very much appreciated.
Mrs. A. L. Mason.
143 Grove St.,
Rutland,
Vt.