Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21373, Sylvanus Holbrook, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Holbrook, Sylvanus Lucy
W. 21373
CONTENTS

Massachusetts, 762
Lucy Holbrook widow of Sylvanus Holbrook,
who died on the 28th March 1828, of Norfolk in the State of Massachusetts. who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Wilder of the Regiment commanded by Col. _____ in the Mass'ts. line for militia
for 9 mos. pri. of Art y . 15 " " " Inf y .
Increased from $ 37.46
scribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 87 Dollars 50 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Inc d . from $ 51.46 per annum
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of No- vember 1837, and sent Le- onel Humphrey, Weymouth, Mass.
means to the 4th of Sept r 1837 $ 568.75 semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar '38 43.75
$612.50
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3d }
Recorded by L. M. Curdy Clerk, Book A. Vol. 1, Page 53.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk ss.
On this thirteenth
day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty six personally appeared before the Honorable Shumway Island Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County aforesaid Lucy Holbrook a resident of Weymouth in said County, aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oaths make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 4 th 1836. That she is the widow of Silvanus Holbrook, who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution: And that she has heard him state his service as a Soldier in the Revolutionary War as follows to wit: That he served at Hull in Captain Joseph Prentiss Company, she thinks eight or ten months, which was mostly in the year 1776.
Also that he served at Rhode Island in a company of which Thomas Vinson of Weymouth was a Lieutenant, between one and two years, she believes in the years 1777 and 1778. That she has often heard the said Silvanus Holbrook speak of this service at Rhode Island with the said Vinson: That the Captains under whom he served during said period as she has been informed were Silas Hollis, Abner Crane and Jacob Fuller.
Also that he served at White Plain three or four months she thinks in Capt. Theophilus Wilder's company but does not recollect the year.
Also that he served at West Point; that she has many times heard the said Holbrook speak of this service, and well recollects the time that he performed it, and thinks it was in Capt. John Lincoln's company

and in the year 1781; and that he enlisted for three months.
Also that he served as a soldier at Castle Island in Boston Harbour: that he enlisted in the service under Col. Burbach about the last of January or the first of February 1783. for the term of two years, and that he served out the whole of the two years: that she has a distinct recollection of this service, as he commenced the same only a very few weeks after their marriage.
She further declares that she was married to the said Silvanus Holbrook on the ninth day of January in the year seventeen hundred and eighty three, that her Husband the aforesaid Silvanus Holbrook died of a Lung Fever on the twenty eighth day of March in the year Eighteen hundred and twenty eight: and that she has remained a Widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Lucy her X Holbrook mother
I swear to be subscribers the day & year above written & I hereby certify that, in consequence of bodily infirmity the said Lucy Holbrook, was unable to attend before a Court to make the above declaration.
H. Leland Judge of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Norfolkss.
I Jonathan H. Cobb Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth aforesaid hereby certify that Sherman Leland Egan is the judge of the Court of Probate aforesaid & that Lemuel Humphrey is a justice of the Peace in & for said County of Norfolk and that their several signatures on this and the annexed papers are genuine & true.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this seventeenth day of September A.D. 1836.
Jonathan H. Cobb

This Certifies that as stands recorded on the records of the Town of Weymouth that Silvanus Holbrook late of Weymouth deceased was born August 15 th 1768 and also that he was Married to Lucy Ripley by the Rev Simeon Williams January 9 th 1783.
Weymouth September 3 d 1836.
John B. Hallis Town Clerk
Norfolk ss. September 3 d 1836. Then the above named John B. Hallis who is clerk of the Town of Weymouth subscribed the above and made oath before me that the same is true
Daniel Humphrey Justice of the peace

I Robert Bates of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk and commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Seventy eight years testify and say that I was well acquainted with Silvanus Holbrook late of Weymouth aforesaid deceased, from his early youth to his death, which occurred I think in March A.D. 1828. We both resided in Weymouth and near together. And am well acquainted with Lucy Holbrook the widow of the said Silvanus I was present at the marriage of the said Silvanus and Lucy (then Lucy Ripley daughter of William Ripley of Weymouth), I saw them married by Rev. Simon Williams of Weymouth, who has been dead I think nearly twenty years. I recollect many particulars about the wedding. Holbrook was a good hearted man but was poor, and a number of us of his friends and neighbors united in contributing to make up a good wedding, partly to have a good time, which I very well recollect we had. The day of the said marriage I cannot certainly state, but am satisfied that it was in the month of January A.D. 1823, and was at the house now owned and occupied by Frederick Bates of Weymouth an aged Pensioner. I know that the said Lucy Holbrook is the widow of the said Silvanus, and that she has not been married since the death of the said Silvanus Holbrook
Robert Bates
Norfolk ss Sept. 3 d 1836. Then appeared the above named Robert Bates and subscribed the above affidavit and made oath before me that the same is true. He is a credible witness, and his memory appears to be good
Samuel Humphrey Justice of the peace

I Isaac Pratt of Weymouth Massachusetts of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, aged seventy three years, testify and say that I know Schwars Holbrook late of said Weymouth deceased who if living at this time I think would not have been far from my age he was a soldier in the United States service in the war of the Rebellion, and to my knowledge served as a soldier on Castle Island in Boston Harbor with my from, I think some time in the month of February in the year A.D. eighteen hundred and eighty three to the close of the war and a year or two after. We were under the command of Col Burbeck the first part of said service Isaac Pratt
Norfolk ss. September 3 d 1886. Then appeared the above named Isaac Pratt and subscribed the above affidavit and made oath before me that the same is true. He is I believe in the view of all acquainted with him a substantial and reputable man and a credible witness - I so consider him Cornel Humphrey Justice of the Peace

Lucy Hoolbrook Map.
193
Allaw. 14 mo 2) di. pr. Ant & Inf $ 57.46 per ann No deduction
Vol 21 p
55 Dec 77 1 mo 1777
61. 76 4 = 1776
63 76 15
Vol 3 p 26n 178
Meal Medch 3 11
Jan 29 p 273 5. 6
S. Leland Esq Roxbury Mass
S. Leland Roxbury Mass

I Asa French of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy five years of age , testify and say that Silvanus Holbrook late of Weymouth in said county deceased, who if living I think would be about seventy six years of age, was a soldier in the United States service in the war of the Revolution, and to my knowledge served as a soldier in a company commanded by Capt. John Lincoln and (belonging I think to a Regiment commanded by Col. Joseph Webb, between three and four months in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one, that he marched from Boston to West Point and served most of the period aforesaid at and near West Point. I think I have a perfect knowledge of the above mentioned service as I served the above mentioned term in the same company with the said Holbrook to the close thereof. I cannot state with certainty the day or the month the service aforesaid commenced or closed, but I recollect that it was in warm weather.
Asa French
Norfolk ss. August 31 st 1836. Then appeared the above named Asa French and subscribed the above affidavit and made oath before me that the same is true. He appeared to testify cautiously and conscientiously and I think him to be a credible witness.
Samuel Humphrey Justice of the Peace

I Joseph Wash of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy five years, testify and say, that Silvanus Holbrook late of said Weymouth deceased, who if living would now have been twenty six years of age, was a soldier in the United States service in the war of the Rebellion, and to my knowledge I think served as a soldier in Col. G. Cross's Regiment under the command of Gen. Thomas Commander of the Grand Fork from the month of July A.D. seventeen hundred and eighty to the month of January seventeen hundred and eighty one a term of six months: that he marched from Boston to New York, from thence to New Jersey, and that he served at New Jersey, and that I served the above mentioned period of time in the same Regiment with the said Holbrook, but I think not in the same company. Also I think he the said Holbrook served with me as a soldier at West Point in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one. In that service I was in a company commanded I think by Capt. John Lincoln and I am of opinion that the said Holbrook was with me in the same company, but cannot say certainly, but feel very sure that he was there in the service at the same period. Joseph Wash
Norfolk ss. August 31 st 1836. Then appeared the above named Joseph Wash and subscribed the above affidavit and made oath before me that the same is true. I believe He intended to testify correctly in this case, yet it appeared to me that his memory had failed.
Daniel Humphrey Justice of the Peace

I Thomas Vinson of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, aged eighty years, testify and say, that Silvanus Holbrook, late of Weymouth in said county deceased, who if living would now be seventy six years of age, was a soldier in the United States service in the Revolutionary war, and to my knowledge served as a soldier in a company commanded by Silas Holbrook, and in a company commanded by Captain Abner Crane, and in a company commanded by Captain Jacob Dutton which service commenced on the first of May in the year seventeen hundred and seventy seven and closed on the first day of January seventeen hundred and seventy nine. The several companies above mentioned belonged to a Regiment raised for the defence of the New England States and was commanded by Col. John Robertson until the first of January in the year seventeen hundred and seventy eight, and the remainder of said term by Col. John Jacobs. The whole of the above mentioned service was performed in Rhode Island, in General Cornwallis Brigade, I have a perfect knowledge of the above stated service of the said Silvanus Holbrook as I served with him in the same company during the whole of the above mentioned period as a Lieutenant. Thos Vinson
Norfolk ss. August 29 th 1836. Then appeared the above named Thomas Vinson and subscribed the above affidavit and made oath before me that the same is true. I consider him a credible witness, and less liable to mistake in his testimony than some others, as he has quite a number of papers, dates, and documents which he has retained from the time he performed his service.
Isaac Humphrey Justice of the peace

I Solomon Dyer of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, aged seventy nine years, testify and say that Silvanus Holbrook late of Weymouth aforesaid deceased, who if living I think would be at this time about seventy six years of age, was a soldier in the United States service in the war of the Rebellion, and to my knowledge served as a soldier at Hull a period I think of about nine months in a company commanded by Capt. Joseph Grafton, which company I think belonged to Col. Whitney's Regiment. From the length of time since, I cannot state certainly as to the time the said period commenced and closed, but believe it commenced in May A.D. 1776 and ended in January A.D. 1777. I well recollect the service as I was there and served with him the whole of his period in the same company, and also served some time afterwards.
Solomon Dyer
Norfolk ss. Sep. 3 d 1836. Then personally appeared the above named Solomon Dyer, and subscribed the above affidavit and made oath before me that the same is true.
Samuel Humphrey Justice of the Peace
I consider the above named Solomon Dyer, from long acquaintance with him, to be a conscientious man and a credable witness. Samuel Humphrey Justice of the Peace
They are credable witnesses
Samuel Humphrey Justice of the Peace

We William French and Hannah French both of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk and state of Massachusetts, of lawful age, testify and say, that we knew Silvanus Holbrook late of said Weymouth deceased, many years prior to his death, we saw him several times in his last sickness, which was of a Lung fever, and know that he died on the twenty eighth day of March in the year eighteen hundred and twenty eight. We saw him a corpse on the said twenty eighth day, and saw his remains interred on the twenty ninth day of March aforesaid. At the time of his decease we think the said Holbrook was in the sixty eighth year of his age - he was so according to his own account, and so reputed to be. We are also acquainted with Lucy Holbrook widow of the said deceased, she now resides in the same house with us, we know that she remains the widow of the said Silvanus Holbrook, and has not been married since his decease - she is now we believe about seventy eight years of age.
William French
Hannah French
Norfolk ss. September 13 th 1836 Then personally appeared the above named William French and Hannah French, and subscribed the above affidavit and made oath before me that the same is true
They are credible witnesses
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the peace

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 21873
Lucy Holbrook Widow of Sylvanus Holbrook Dis. Nov. 1881
Act. July 4 th 86
Index: Vol DA , Page 349
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Massachusetts 762 Lucy Woolbrook widow of Sylvanus Woolbrook decd.
See letter to L. Humphrey May 16. 1837 do do Hon J. Adams Sept 14 1837
who died on the 28 March 1828 of Norfolk in the State of Mass a who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Wilder of the Reg t commanded by Col.  in the Mass a line for 14 months & 2 days 1 mo At. pr. 37.50 15 " " " 50.   87.50 per ann
Mass. roll.
Vol 2 p. 102 - 6 mo " " " 49. 11. 3 day
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass a at the rate of 51 Dollars 46 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of Ap r . 1837 and Seal S. Seland Stockbury. Ws.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1837 $308.76 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Sept. 25.73
$334.49
{ Revolutionary Claim. Act July 4, 1836, Section the 8 th }
Recorded by N. H. Addison Clerk, Book 4 . Vol. 1 . Page 52

Silvanus Holbrook Geo: Jo r Frye Hart. 10 mi 76
Thom Venson Lm t 1 or 2 y r . 77-78
White plain 3-4. —
War party — M c Lincoln 1781. 3 mo
Feb. 1783. 2 y r . 6 m o Buelock. (9)

Map Rolls.
Vol. 25 p. 61. 76. 4 mo fr.
63 ~ 15 ~
55 77 1 ~ 5. 15 Ad
29 p 273. App. # 5. 6.
Vol 3. p 262. 78 3. 11 8. 17 28 54
5 - 15 22.92
14 251.46
25 2.08
292
2666
166 22
2854
Mar. Aug. 83
Ad Ma 1828
# Same end Nov 3 rd 1783

Case of Lucy Holbrook of Weymouth widow of Silvanus Holbrook deceased.
The declaration of Lucy Holbrook setting forth the service of her deceased husband was in substance as follows.
That he served at Hull in Capt. Joseph Prentiss's company, and Col. Whitney Regiment as a private from April or May in 1776. to Jan'y. 1777. a term of about nine months.
That he served at Rhode Island as a private in a company commanded by Capt. Silas x Hollis, by Capt. Abner Crane and by Capt. Jacob Fuller in one continued period of service of one year and eight months, which commenced on the first of May 1777. and closed on the first of Jan'y. 1779. The Regiment was commanded by Col. John Robertson and Col. John Jacobs.
That he served as a private in Capt. Theophilus Wilder company three or four months in 1780.
That he was a private in Capt. John Lincoln's company three months at least in 1781.
Also that he served as a private on Castle Island in Boston Harbor under Col. Burbeck two years from the first of Feby. 1783. (Was closed in about six months after the commencement of this period)
+ Vol. 2 p 102 6 mo. 0 2 49 11 mo 3 d

The first period of service may not have been fully proved. Solomon Dyer and Thomas Dinson it is believed testified that he served at Hull, but were unable to state the length of the period
The term at Rhode Island was supported by testimony of Col. Thomas Dinson, who was a Lieut. of the Company during the whole term, and testified as if he had a perfect knowledge of the service
The service claimed in Theophilus Wilder's company is doubtful - the deponent did not appear to have a perfect knowledge of the service
The period in John Lincoln's Company there is no doubt of, a number of the old soldiers whose names are borne on Lincoln's roll testify that Holbrook was with them
The term claimed on Castle Island is borne on the castle rolls
It is represented by the old soldiers and other contemporaries of Holbrook that he was in actual service as a soldier during the war not less than three years. The Widow has had a Pension granted her of $51.46 per annum. It is believed she is entitled to a much larger Pension.

Weymouth NSB May 11 May 15
AS
Cur May 15 Hollbrook
James D. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
762

Sir,
A few days since we received a Pension certificate for Lucy Holbrook of Weymouth, Widow of Silvanus Holbrook of P.S. 46 per annum. And why it is thus small is to all acquainted with the case unaccountable, unless some mistake occurred in making the Certificate. It is well known to several of the old soldiers now living that he served with them at Hull several months in 1746. in Capt. Joseph Bruford's Company. Col. Thomas Dinwiddie who testified to Holbrook's term of service at Rhode Island of one year and eight months commencing about the first of May 1744. in a Company of which he was Lieutenant during the whole period, the writer has seen since the arrival of said Certificate, and Dinwiddie states that he has a perfect knowledge of that service for that period of time. That he knows he (the said Holbrook) was enrolled and did serve as aforesaid. But states that he believes that they received a part of their pay in Rhode Island Money, and the returns might have been made in part to Rhode Island, and a part to Massachusetts.
The proof of the service at White Plain in 1781 in Theophrastus Wilder's Company, was not entirely satisfactory to the writer.
The service claimed in John Lincoln Company of 3 months at least, in the year 1781. we have no doubt of, additional proof can be furnished of that service if necessary.
This service on Castle Island commencing in Feby. 1783. the writer has a recollection of having seen on the rolls.
The whole of the service of the said Holbrook, during the war it is believed by his old companions in arms, and others who have a knowledge of the case, cannot amount to less than three years.
We hope Sir, you will have the goodness to cause

this can to be reviewed, and any mistake that may appear to be rectified. The woman is poor and has for years been supported by charity. We would respectfully ask for a return as soon as convenient.
Mrs Lovell of Hull, widow of Samuel Lovell it is believed is intitled to a Pension under the act of the 4 th of July last. The said Lovell served as a Sergeant in Capt. Joseph Prufants Company, as appears by testimony, from July 1775 - to Jany. 1777. Perhaps he was a private the first part of said period. Also that he served at Rhode Island in 1777. supposed in Colts Joseph Botsos company. It is also represented that he served at Rhode Island in 1778. name of Captain is unknown. Other service he is supposed to have performed to which we have no clue excepting it has been mentioned that he probably served in Capt. Jacob Goulds Company in the early part of '75 of an index has been prepared so that the service of said Lovell which is borne on the rolls can be found without much trouble you will confer a favor on the aged widow by giving this attention to her case, and favoring us with the result
Under date of 19 th of Oct. last the subscriber wrote concerning the service of Jesse Bots. An answer was returned under date of Oct. 25 th that his name was not found in the office - that an index was in preparation, by the assistance of which his name on a further examination might be found. There is conclusive proof so far as living witnesses that served with him can make it so, that he served one whole year in Capt. Goay's Company of Artillery, of Col.

Thomas Crafts Reg. as a Bombadier from May 1776 to May 1777. (A few months of this period he might have been return in Capt. Pease's company. That he performed this service, there can be no doubt on the mind of any one who is acquainted with the men that testify that they were with him the whole of said period. Other service may be proved by credible witnesses, but all before the marriage. The supposed service after the marriage on Castle Island after the year 1777. as yet cannot be proved by witnesses, and if the rolls furnish no proof, the case of the poor widow must rest, we have no ground of complaint. Of this point soon now with little inconvenience be decided, and information forwarded it will relieve the widow from further suspense.
Yours, with respect
Daniel Humphrey
Weymouth Mass.
May 9 th 1834.

Payment to be made at Boston Mass a by Presdt Commonwealth Bk Agent for paying Pension= ers, in the Agency of Massachusetts
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book 21 Vol 1 Page 52 By H. M. Addison Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1830, Lucy Wolbrook of Massachusetts widow of Sylvanus Wolbrook dec d who was a Private in the War of the Revolution
is entitled to receive — Fifty One — dollars and Forty Six cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 18 th day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Seven
J. B. Poinsett Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Weymouth Ms Nov 13
free
In-att- Mr. Lloyd
J. D. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington D. C.

Honored Sir,
By request of Widow Lucy Hethcock the enclosed Pension Certificate is returned for an enlarged Pension of $7. 50 to which the Department is of opinion she is entitled It is hoped the return will be made without unnecessary delay
Very respectfully yours
Isaac Humphrey Deymouth Nov. 10 th 1837.

A Supplement Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss.
On this twenty sixth day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty six, personally appeared before the Honorable Sherman Bland Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County aforesaid Lucy Holbrook a resident of Weymouth in said County, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in addition to the foregoing, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836. That Silvanus Holbrook her late husband deceased, served at Hull in Capt. Joseph Grafton's Company, which belonged, she believes, to Col. Whitney's Regiment, as a private, she thinks from April or May 1776 to January 1777. a term of at least eight  about nine months.
Also that he served at Rhode Island as a private in a Company commanded by Capt. Silas Hobbie, by Capt. Abner Crane and by Capt. Jacob Fuller in one continued period of service of one year and eight months, which commenced on the first of May 1777. and ended on the first of January 1779. and was performed in a Regiment commanded by Col. John Robinson and Col. John Jacobs.
Also that he served at White Plain in Capt. Theophilus Dildy's Company as a private at least  three months, she thinks in the year 1780.
Also that he served as a private in Capt. John Lincoln's Company at West Point three months in the summer of 1781.
Also that he served as a private on Castle Island in Boston Harbor under Col. Burbeck two years from the first of February 1783.
Lucy
Holbrook
I swear to a subscription this day a year first above written & I hereby certify that the said Lucy Holbrook in consequence of bodily infirmity was unable to attend before a Court to make the above declaration & have signed & subscribed

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss.
I Jonathan H. Cobb Register of the Court of Probate of the County & State aforesaid do hereby certify that Sherman Leland Esquire is is the Judge of the Court of Probate aforesaid & that his signature made upon this paper is genuine true. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & caused the seal of said Court to be affixed this thirteenth day of November A.D. 1836.
Jonathan H. Cobb Reg. Prob. Norfolk Co.