Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2388, William Cowan, Penn.
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Penn. |  Cowan, William |  R. 2388
______ |  or Cowen,  | ______ 
______ | Mary 

Contents 
[blank]
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The soldier died 24 Sept 1838 
Widow died 4th Aug 1839 

? 1839 

J.C. Plumer
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To all whom it may concern.
These are to certify that William Cowen and Mary Wilson, widow, were lawfully Married in the Presence of several Reputable Witnesses on the Evening of the fifteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty five.

Given under my hand this 31st Day of July Anno Domini 1792 [illegible] James Lang [illegible] .S.N.
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Let to Hon. H. D. Foster Feb 6th '95

Pittsburgh Agency 25857
---
William Cowen of Westmorland in the State of Penn who was a Cap of the Company [crossed out] commanded by Captain [crossed out] in the Reg commanded by Genl Dickinson in the
the Pennsylvania Militia. 

1 Yr 4 Mo. -- Capt $320.00
Inscribed on the Roll of Pittsburgh Agency
at the rate of 320 Dollars [illegible] per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
===
Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of Jany
and Sent to
1834 Hon. R. Coulter, 
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 | 800.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mch '34 | 160.00
---
$960.00
---
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by J.T. Sprague Clerk
Book 6  Vol. 5 Page 73
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State of Pennsylvania   }
                                     } S
Westmoreland County }

On this twentieth day of November Eighteen hundred & thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas now Sitting William Cowen a Resident of Robbstown in the County of Westmoreland & State of Pennsylvania aged 82 Years and upward who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated.

That on the 19 April 1775 he was Commissioned by the assembly of Pennsylvania as Captain of a Company of foot in the 3rd Batallion of associates in the County of Cumberland as by his Commission of that date accompanying this application appears.  That in the month of June 1776 this declarant & his company under the command of Major John Davis marched to  Amboy in the State of New Jersey where we remained two months under the command of Genl Dickerson, [Dickinson] when we were relieved, & discharged.  In the month of August following declarant & his company were again called into the service  & under the command of Major Davis again marched to the Jersey Coast where under the command of Major Davis
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declarant & his company remained in service a second tour of two months when their battalion was again relieved & returned home; the principal part of the service during these two campaigns was protecting the Whigs from the Tories. In the month of December following declarants company was again called into service, & under the command of Major Davis declarant with his proceeded to Philadelphia assisted in guarding the Hessians, who has been taken at Trenton, into Philadelphia, crossed the Delaware then proceeded through the Jersey to Middletown-Moundmouth & other places in the same service as before. After the expiration of two months was again relieved & returned home  during the year 1777. & 1778 Declarant with his company under the command of Major Davis as before, made four or five expeditions of two months each, the particulars of which he does not recollect.  Major Davis' Battalion was generally alone & consisted of four companies - their principal business was to protect the Whigs & keep down the Tories.  The last four or five Expeditions were made into Jersey through the Southern part of Pennsylvania. Declarant
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further says that the battalion to which he was attached never acted with the Regular army - was not engaged in any battle owing to the nature of their service - Declarant is on the role of the Continental Establishment which is on file in the office of the Auditor General of Pennsylvania - Excepting his commission which accompanies this application he has no documentary evidence of his services - and he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service.  I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present - and declare that my name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any state - and declarant further declares that he served in the army as aforesaid for the full period of Sixteen months for which he claims pay - 
Interrogations propounded to the declarant by the Court - 
1 - Where & in what year were you born? 
Answer - In Chester County Pennsylvania in the year 1749 
2 - Have you any record of your age, & if so where is it? 
Answer - I have not.  I have seen a record of the time of my birth in my fathers' bible 
3. Where were you living when called into service? 
Where have you lived since the Revolutionary war & where do you now live?
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Answer - I was living near Carlisle in Cumberland County Pennsylvania when called into service. and since the year 1781 have lived in Westmoreland County Pennslyvania, where I now live - 
4. How were you called into Service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute, for whom. 
Answer - I have answered this question in my declaration. 
5. State the names of some of the Regular officers who were with the troops where you served, such Continental & Militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service .
Answer - I have already stated all I recollect on this subject 
6. Did you ever receive a commision, if so, by whom was it signed, & what has become of it
Answer - As I stated before, I did receive a ? from the Assembly of Pennsylvania. It is dated the 19th-Apr-1775, and is signed by John Morton, Speaker. 
7. State the name of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and good behavior and services as a soldier of the Revolution.
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Answer Rev'd Doctor James Estep and John C. Plumer Esquire
Sworn to and subscribed the day + year first aforesaid before Randal McLaughlin pro
Wm Cowan 

The Doctor James Estep a clergyman residing in South Huntingdon Township Westmoreland County Pennsylvania and John C. Plumer Esquire residing in Robbstown in the same Township, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Captain William Cowen who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be 82 years of age: that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
Sworn and subscribed the day and year afore? before Randal McLaughlin pro
James Estep 
J.C. Plumer

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier + served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Doctor James Estep who has signed the preceding
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certificate is a clergyman resident in South Huntingdon Township Westmoreland County Penn. and that John C. Plumer Esquire who has also signed the same certificate is a Resident in the village of Robbstown in the same Township of South Huntingdon + is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. 

I Randal McLaughlin Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Cowen for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and this seal of my office this twentieth day of November - A.D. 1832 
Randal McLaughlin, Pro?
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State of Pennsylvania
Westmoreland County
Be it known that on the 14th day of February AD 1850.  Before me one of the Associate Judges of the several Courts in and for the said County personally came Edgar Cowan, who being duly sworn according to Law, upon his oath saith that he is a grandson of Capt. William Cowan late of said County De'd who was a soldier of the Revolutionary War.  That he was the Atty in fact for said William in his lifetime for the purpose of drawing his pension from the United States and that the last service accrual payment made to said De'd was due on the 4th day of September A.D. 1838

That the said William Cowan died a few days after the above payment was made and he thinks in the same month, and he recollects distinctly that the fraction of said pension accruing after the 4th September 1838 and before his death was so small that he advised the widow of said De'd it was not worth attempting to recover.  Mary Cowan the widow of said De'd died in the early part of August 1839.  The parties lived together and were reputed to be man and wife, and he has heard them both say that they were married by the Rev. W. Lang near Chambersburgh, Penna
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Deponent further states that he was raised by + lived with the parties up until the time of their ? deaths, and is well acquainted with all the known surviving members of their family, that their children who yet live are Mrs. Susan Bigger, residing in Allegheny County Penna. Mrs. William Lewis in same County + Mrs. M. M. Morgan of the City of Pittsburgh and further Deponent saith not.
Sworn subscribed this
14th February 1850 Before me       
Edgar Cowan
James Bell [signature]

The above named Edgar Cowan is a attorney at Law, residing in Greensburg Westmoreland County, Penna and a gentleman of good standing - Feb 22, 1850
Job Mann

To Comm. of Pensions
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Allegheny County
State of Pennsylvania   I personally appeared before the judges of the Court in and for said County Mariah Cowen now Mariah M Morgan in behalf of herself and her other two sisters to wit Wilian Cowen and Susan Cowen now residents of the County and state aforesaid only surviving children of Mary Cowen widow of Captain William Cowen of the Revolutionary war the said Mariah Cowen in behalf of herself and sisters doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision owing to their mother said Mary Cowen made by the act paseth [passeth] July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pension to certain widows That Mary Cowen was maried [married] to William Cowan who was a Captain  
believe of the malitia [militia] of Pennsylvania in the Revolution  the evidence of his services are in the posession of the goverment [government] he buy upon the pension roll of the United States drew a pension of three hundred and twenty dollar per annum
She further declares that said William Cowen died on the 19th day of September 1838 that said Mary Cowen was marid [married] to the said William Cowen on the 15th of November 1785 as appear by her certificate of marage [marriage] that the said Mary Cowen widow of the said William Cowan ? on the 4th of August 1839 that she was not marid [married] to him prior to his leaving the service but the mariage [marriage] took place previous to the first of January 1794 at the time above stated Sworn to and subscribed
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State of Pennsylvania
Allegheny County ss

I, W. B. McClure President Judge of the
Court of [?] Sessions of the peace in and for Allegheny County do certify that the
above named Mariah Cowan, now Mariah M. Morgan, did this 16th day of Febry A. D. 1850 depose and say in open Court that the facts set forth in the within affidavit are true and correct.
Witness my hand and seal this 16th day of Feby A. D. 1850.
W. B. McClure

State of Pennsylvania
Allegheny County ss

I Daniel McCurdy Clerk of the Court of [?] Sessions in and for said County do certify that the above named W. B. McClure is and was at the time of taking the above affidavit President Judge of the Court of [?] Sessions in and for
said Allegheny County duly commissioned sworn, and that faith and credit an due to all his acts as such.
Witness my hand and the Seal of said Court this 16 day Feby 1850 Daniel McCurdy Clk
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August 1, 1939.

Mrs. C. F. Fendrick
Mercersburg
Pennsylvania

BA-J/ady
William Cowan
R.2388

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to
William Cowen, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data which follow were obtained from the
papers on file in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 2388, based upon the military service in that war of William Cowan.
William Cowan was born in 1749, day and month not shown, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The names of his parents are not stated.
While residing at Mount Rock, near Carlisle,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, William Cowan was commissioned April 19, 1775, captain of a company of foot in the Third Battalion of Associates of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. In June, 1776, he was called out and marched with his company under the
command of Major John Davis to Amboy, New Jersey, where he remained for two months; a few days after his return home, he was again called out and marched with his company under Colonel Gurney to the Jersey coast
and was engaged in protecting the inhabitants against the Tories, length of service, two months; in December following, he was  requested to recruit a company in
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, was engaged in this work until after Christmas, when he joined his company in Philadelphia, was engaged for a time guarding the
Hessian prisoners taken at Trenton, then marched into New Jersey under Major Davis and Colonel Gurney and served two months in all; in April, 1777, he moved from Mount Rock to Shippensburg, in same county, and was
out in the fall of that year and in 1778 on four or five tours of two months each, as captain under Major Davis, Pennsylvania troops. He stated that his entire service amounted to sixteen months.
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In 1781, Captain William Cowan moved to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 20, 1832, while residing in Robbetown [Robbstown], Huntington Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
The soldier married November 15, 1785, near
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Mary Wilson, a widow. They were married by the Reverend James Lang. The date and place of her birth, names of her parents and name of her former husband are not shown.
He died September 19, 1838, in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and she died August 4, 1839.
In 1850, three children only were living, as
follows: Susan Bigger, of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Willianne Lewis, of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and Maria [Mariah] M. Morgan, of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania..
The dates of birth of the above named daughters of Captain William Cowan are not shown, nor are the names of their husbands stated.
In 1850, Edgar Cowan, an attorney at law of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, stated that he was a grandson of Captain William Cowan and that he had been reared by his grandparents
and lived with them until they died. He did not
give the names of his parents nor his age.
In 1833, one Hathew or Mathew Wilson, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in a letter to a friend whose name is not shown, stated, "We are all well here please give my love to Mother and all the family and tell her I would be
glad to see her here". No relationship of Hathew or Mathew Wilson to the wife of Captain William Cowan, Mary Wilson Cowan, was stated.
Very truly yours
G. H. SWEET
Acting Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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State of Pennsylvania Westmoreland County
Personally came before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County Capt William Cowan who is an applicant for a pention under the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832 and on his solom oath States the following as a Supplementing Declaration
that in the month of June 1776 this declarant marched his Company under the command of Maj. John Davis to Amboy in the State of Jersey where the company remained two months engaged making fortifications and doing camp duty declarent says he detailed six men every day to the work and Six men on Guard at this time the Enemy lay on Staten Island oposit Amboy Genl Dickinson was the commander in Chief during the aforesaid service Declarant says his company was relieved and discharged in the month of August 1776 Declarant returned home with his company to a place called Mount Rock near Carlisle Penna was but a few days at home when there was another call the company would not all march but a part of Capt McFarlands Compy united with those of declarent's company who were disposed
to reenter the service and declarent Marched this compy in the forepart of Sept 1776 but cannot recollect the day arrived at Philidelphia and went under the command of Col. Gurney marched from thence to Cranbury in the State of Jersey encamped but one night at that place
marched next day towards monmoth declarent says that the Tories were plundering the whigs and that the troops which he was with in command was protecting the Wigs from said Plundering Declarant says that they troops made Monmoth their headquarters for
some time and reconitered the country alround during this time took a Number of horses from the tories our toor of two months expired in the forepart of Novem 1776
and Declarant marched his compay home in the latter part of said month. Maj. Davis was along in command on the aforesaid toor the County Committee called on this Declarent to raise a company towards the last of Decem
1776 to assemble on a certain day in Carlisle Stating that all the militia that would reach Philadelphia before Christmass should have a bounty of $10 over their usual
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pay amt at Carlisle but there was not a full company the Committee aforesaid directed Declarent to send on what men he had to Philadelphia and stay a few days in the County and endavor to raise more men declarent
rode though the County nearly two days and nights but was not successfull the committee directed Declarant to Advertise all delinquents who refused to march and who had been legally called on which was done then
Declarent went on to Phillidelphia where he found those he marched from Carlisle but declarant was not there untill after Chrismass and did not receive the $10 but about 12 of his men arived in time and received it was at this time under the command of Maj. Davis assisted in guarding the Hessions who had been taken at Trenton and brought to Phillidelphia after a few days crossed the Delaware and marched to Cropwicks in Jersey from thence to Monmoth Declarent says they were under command of Genl. Putnam a few days was informed that about 300 tories had assembled at Middletown and were determine
to gave battle this detachment with declarent was then reinforsed by some Jersey Malitia and marched to Middletown entered the town by day light but found no opposition at this place Inteligence came to Maj. Davis & Johnston and Col. Gurney that a ship had run foul of the Jersey Shore declarent with all the
troops was marched to Stoisbury found the ship all the hands that was on her made their escape found in the ship (dont recolect his name) a quantity of coffee oil rum wine and a waggon load of Broad cloaths took out all the load and took off and the rijing [rigging] holled [hauled] it to Monmoth and from thence to Philledelphia under the care of a Col. Randolph who was with a small company of Light Horse Declarent and Maj. John Johnston were appointed on the part of the troops to call said Randolph to a settlement proceaded to Philladelphia Randolph said he had sent the Liquers to the army or sold them, and other things declarent and Johnston got but a mean trifle this settlement
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was after the War was over the last of February 1777 our two months expired was discharged at Philadelphia after receiving payment returned home and was not called into servis until late in the fall of 1777 after the British was in possession of Philadelphia Declarant Says about the first of Novem 77 he was ordered with his company under Maj. Davis to prevent Provisions from reaching the enemy in Philadelphia occupied many of the Publick Roads took two wagons loaded with Provisions on their way to the enemy one of the men that was driving one of the teams was hanged shortly after our toor of two months expired on the first January 1778 and Declarant's Company was dismissed at [unclear, possibly Darlington or Downingstown] and returned home, on the first May 1778 was again called and marched to Downingtown under the command of Maj. Davis and was engaged in the same servis as before guarding the roads nothing of importance occurred which Declarant recollects was dismissed first July 1778 and returned home Declarant was employed by Benjamin Blith (who was titled a Sub Lieut had the direction of the militia of Cumberland County some way similar to Brigade Inspectors during the last war, to assist in recruiting taking up deserters and collecting militia fines this service commenced in the fall of 1778 and continued upwards of 12 months but not all the time in the servis or a settlement of this Declarant's account. He said Blith completed the time at three toors of duty as Capt. or two months each and paid Declarant for the same six months Declarant memory has failed him so much that he is not able to fix precise dates to this last part of his servis as it was more complicated than the former in the hole Declarant is very clear and certain or serving sixteen months for which he claims a pension. Declarant feels very certain that his name was on the Rolls or Books of the continental Servis in the office of the auditor Gen'l [General] of Penna many years ago
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and believe that some distinction of those notes as Books has taken plan which is the cause of his 
Name not to be found in that Department  Declarant moved from Mount Rock in April 1777 to Shipensburgh [Shipensburg] in the same County where his residence was until after the war was  Sworn to and Subscribed before me this  18 November 1833

[signed]
               T. Stokely         W.M Cowan
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June 25, 1937

Nancy C. Morrow         B4/REL
109 Hill Street               William Cowan - R.2388
Oil City, Pennsylvania

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Captain William Cowan, who served in the Pennsylvania troops in the Revolutionary War and applied for pension in 1832, while residing in Robbetown, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, R.2388, based upon the military service in that war of William Cowen.
William Cowen was born in 1749 (month and day not shown), in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The names of his parent are not stated.
While residing at Mount Rock, near Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, William Cowan was commissioned April 19, 1775, captain of a company of foot in the 3rd Battalion of Associates of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. In June, 1776, he was called out and marched with his company under the command of Major John Davis to Amboy, New Jersey, where he remained for two months; a few days after his return home, he was again called out and marched with his company under Colonel Gurney to the Jersey coast and was engaged in protecting the inhabitants against the Tories, length of service, two months; in December following, he was requested to recruit a company in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, was engaged in this work until after Christmas, when he joined his company in Philadelphia, was engaged for a time guarding the Hession prisoners taken at Trenton, then marched into New Jersey under Major Davis and Colonel Gurney and served two months in all; in April, 1777, he moved from Mount Rock to Shippensburg, in same county, and was out in the fall of that year and in 1778 on four or five tours of two months each, as captain under Major Davis, Pennsylvania troops. He stated that his entire service amounted to sixteen months.
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In 1781, Captain William Cowan moved to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 20, 1832, while residing in Robbetown, Huntington Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
The soldier married November 15, 1785, near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Mary Wilson, a widow. They were married by the Reverend James Lang. The date and place of her birth, names of her parents and name of her former husband are not shown. 
He died September 19, 1838, in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and she died August 4, 1839.
In 1850, three children only were living, as follows:
Susan Bigger.......of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Willianne Lewis...... "       "         "
Maria M. Morgan...... " Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
The dates of birth of the above named daughters of Captain Wiliam Cowan are not shown, nor are the names of their husbands stated.
In 1850, Edgar Cowan, an attorney at law of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, stated that he was a grandson of Captain William Cowan and that he had been reared by his grandparents and lived with them until they died. He did not give the names of his parents nor his age.
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April 29, 1937

Mrs. Charles I. Stainton        BA-J/ady
Lawton, Michigan                  William Cowan
                                                 R.2388

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter relative to William Cowan, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained  herein were obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, R.2388, based upon the military service of William Cowan in that war.  
William Cowan was born in 1749, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, day, month, and the names of his parents are not shown. 
While residing near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, he was commissioned captain April 19, 1775, and served at various times amounting to sixteen months under Major John Davis and Colonel Gurney in the Pennsylvania troops. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 20, 1833, while a resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
Soldier died September 19, 1838, place not stated.
He married November 15, 1785, Mrs. Mary Wilson. She died August 4, 1839, place not stated.
She was survived by three daughters, who were referred to by soldier's grandson Edgar Cowan in 1850 as Mrs. Susan Bigger, Mrs. William Lewis and Mrs. Mariah M. Morgan. There are no further family data. 

Very truly yours 
A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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Rev.&1812 Wars Section.                            A.D.Y

                                                    January 5, 1929.


Helen H. Cowan,
4# Avenue & Wood Street,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Madam:

I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 2388, it appears that William Cowan was born in 1749 in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

While residing near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania he was commissioned captain April 19, 1775 and served at various times amounting to sixteen months under Major John Davis and Colonel Gurney in the Pennsylvania troops.

He was allowed pension on his application executed November 20, 1832 while a resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

Soldier died September 19, 1838.

He married November 15, 1785 Mrs. Mary Wilson.  She died August 4, 1839.

She was survived by three daughters, who were referred to by soldier's grandson Edgar Cowan in 1850 as
Page 25

[ Faded print in background. Unable to transcribe. probably unrelated to text.]


Mrs. Susan Bigger, Mrs. William Lewis and Mrs. Mariah M. Morgan. There are no further family data.

Respectfully,
Page 26

[blocked by paper] to you request of [blank}, received [blank]
Testament of the military history of William Cowan
[obscured] of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find the desired
[unreadable] as contained in his (or his widow's) [struck and replaced by and his heirs] applications for pension file in this Bureau.
[handwritten notation R.F. 2388]

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment: April 19, 1775
Length of Service: served as various times amounting to 16 months
Rank: Captain
Officers under whom service was rendered: Major John David, Col. Gurney
State: PA [Pennsylvania]

Battles engaged in: [checkmark]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, "near Carlisle in Cumberland Co. Pa.
Date of application for pension, Nov. 29, 1832.His [unclear] was [unclear]
Residence at date of application, Westmoreland Co, Pa.
Age at date of application, born 1749, Chester Co. Pa.
Remarks: He mar. Nov. 15 1785, Mrs. Mary Wilson; he died Sept. 19, 1838, and she died Aug 4, 1839. Only children who survived her were their three daughters, Mariah, William, and Susan who were referred to by soldier's grandson Edgar Cowan in 1850 as "Mrs. Susan Bigger, Mrs. William Lewis and Mrs. M.M. Morgan."

Respectfully, Commissioner.
Page 27


SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.    1-681
PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 38518
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
----------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

WASHINGTON

CHIEF, Division of Publications,
Room G 139.
Please furnish work specified below.
January 2, 1930 xxxx
Bureau ordering PENSIONS
Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE,
EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostat copies of four pages from Revolutionary War pension claim of William Cowan, 2388
No. of copies 1 of each Shall form be kept standing? ____days
For further information see M.M.H. Finch
5032. Room No.
541.Phone No.
Approved:
A.D. Wildinson G
Chief Clerk of Bureau

Margaret M. H. Finch
Chief of Rev & 1812 Wars Sec.
NOTE: No order made ""SPECIAL"" unless statement showing necessity is written below
and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering....................................
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph single or double space?....... Facsimile signature?....
Mimeograph one side or both sides?..... Facsimile signature?.....
Folding once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling Once? Twice? Side? End?
Electric typewriter Fill in addressee?...... Dated?.............
Addressograph from lists........
Envelopes, size........ Cards, size......
Proof list.......Pay rolls.....
Labels (submit sample)...... Corrections......
Fill in letters....... Tabulation sheets. ...
Photostat X Size a yes.... $ 60 cts
Blue Print    Size..... Official use?..... Repay?..... $.....
Remarks............................................................
(OVER)
[on side] Correspondence in Philip Drum -S-22218
Page 28

Rev. War Section
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington
June 7, 1919.

Mary A. Todd,
22 Mace Place,
Lynn, Massachusetts.

Madam:
In response to your letter dated the twenty-second ultimo, you are advised that in order to identify a claim, if on file, for a particular William Cowen, in addition to his name, some of the following data is essential.
Names of some officers under whom he served.
His places of residence at enlistment and after service.
The approximate dates of his birth and death.
Given name and residence of his widow.
Very respectfully,
T M Saltzgaber
Commissioner
Page 29

Mercersburg Pa -
June 28, 1939
The Pension Dept,
I find that Wm Cowan, a Rev. soldier of Penn, applied for a pension, presumably from Westmo. Co. Pa - giving quite a history of his services - I would greatly appreciate appreciate a copy or partial copy of that paper, as I am working on Rev. soldiers of Franklin Co. Pa.
Thanking you in advance for your courtesy, I am sincerely,
Virginia S. Fendrick
(Mrs. C. F.)

[postmark June 29 1939]
Page 30

[postmark] Oil City, PA
Jun 5
3 PM
So. Side Sta.
1937

[stamped]
RECEIVED 
JUN 7, 1937
Mail Sub. Di
Vets. Adm. 
Reader 15

This side of card is for address.

Commissioner of Pensions
Department O
Washington, D.C.
Page 31

Dear SIr: 
Please send me a copy of the pension record-- Revolutionary War--of Captain William Cowan of the Pennsylvania Militia who applied for his pension in 1832 while a resident of Robbetown, Westmorelan County, Pa. He died August 4, 1839.
Sincerely,
Nancy C. Morrow
109 Hill St.
Oil City, Pa.
June 4, 1937
Page 32

Lawton, Mich. Apr 4th 1937
A.D. Miller
Bureau of Pensions
Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:
May I please have the pension record of my ancestor William Cowan who died in Westmoreland Co. Pa. in 1838 age 89 years. He drew a pension there in 1831. He was a Captain in Major John Davis Regt. May 19-1775.

Very truly,
Mrs. Chas. I. Stainton, 
Lawton, Mich.

postmark reads received April 6 1937
Page 33

letter head for Peoples Savings and Trust Co. of Pittsburgh

March 2, 1928
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:-
In collecting data for membership in the D.A.R., we find that Capt. William Cowan, aged 84, residing in Westmoreland County, Penna., applied for a pension on January 15th, 1833.
Will you kindly give me any information you may have in regard to the dates of his birth and death, also his military record.
Thanking you in advance for you attention to this matter, I am.
Your very truly,
Helen H. Cowan

Address c/o Peoples Savings & Trust Co.
4th Ave, and Wood St.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Page 34

letter head for the General Society, Daughters of the Revolution, 33 West 42nd Street. New York

June 21, 1919
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:
In answer to your request as to certain data about the William Cowan, that I wished information about in his application for pension. I would say that this following was sent me but this applicant for membership in our Soc. of Daughters of the Revolution. Born Jan 1. 1749 - died Sept 26. 1838. I do not know name of his wide. In a list of Penn. Pensions Rolls I find that he was placed on the pension roll Jan 15. 1833 - commenced Mar 4. 1831 age 84. Lived in West Newton, Westmoreland Co. Penn. I shall be grateful for any further information you can give me 
Yours truly Mary A Todd
Page 35

letter head from The Ohio State University College of Agriculture Extension Service

March 13th 1918
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
I desire the military record of Wm Cowan of Pa - lived in Chester, Lancaster, and Washington Counties - during the Revolution, he must have drawn a pension as he was living in 1840 -
Yours respectfully,
Lowell Roudebush
Page 36

808 Franklin Street
Johnstown, Pa
Sept 7, 1914.

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:
Will you please send to me to the above address the record you hold of Wm Cowan, who was a Captain of a Company of foot, 3rd battalion of
Page 37

Cumberland County associations? I was referred to you by the War Dept. at Washington. Captain Cowan died in Westmoreland County, I think about 1833.
Thanking you for any information you may send, I am- sincerely Margaret Walters
Page 38

Bureau of Pensions
[stamped May 13 1898 Chief's Desk]

Application No. ___________
Certificate No. ____________
NAME OF SOLDIER,
Co. ______, ______ Reg't _________
INFORMATION DESIRED.
Capt. Filer:
Please send Mr. James B.O. Cowan Greensburg Pa a copy of declaration of Capt William Cowan Revolutionary War and also his original commission.
H C Bill
Second Deputy Comm
Page 39

A.A.M.
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C., Jan 16, 1893
Sir:
Replying to your request for a statement of the military history of William Cown, officer of the Revolutionary War, you are informed that he was allowed a pension for one year and four months actual service in that was a a Captain in the Pennsylvania militia.  He states in his declaration for pension, dated November 20, 1832, that he is a resident of "Robbetown", Westmoreland County, Pa., and eighty-two years of age.  His commission as captain was dated April 19, 1775.  The following are mentioned as officers under whom he served:  General Dickinson and Major John Davis.
Owin to the large number of inquiries of this character an earlier reply was not practicable.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner
C.E. Cooper, Esq.
Oil City, Pa.
Page 40

Rev War
Rej: 2388
File
Second Deputy Commissioner
May 31, 1893
File 
[illegible]
2388
Page 41

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINTON, D.C.,

I hereby acknowledge the receipt of the original commission of William Cowan as Captain of a copy of foot in the 3rd Battalion of Cumberland County (Pa.) Associators, War of the Revolution.   If called for at any time by a nearer relative of the officer named above I agree to return the same to  the Bureau of Pensions.
James B. O. Cowan
Greensburg, Pa., May 29, 1893.
Page 42

O.W. & W.DIV
May 22 1893
Chief's Desk
First Deputy Commissioner
May 09 1893
Greensburg, Pa., May 20th, 1893.
Dominic I. Murphy Esq.,
Dear Sir:- Enclosed I send you a letter recommending my friend C.C.Porter for one of the examining surgeons in our county, and I hope you will do for him what you can, as I want him to be one of the three.
Will you be kind enough to ask Mr.Allbright (I believe that is his name) to see that gentleman that he introduced me to in charge of the revolutionary department in your office concerning the commission and copy of application for pension of Captain William Cowan.  The gentleman in charge promised to send them to me the first of this week but he has not done so and I would like very much to have them as soon as I possibly can get them.
Yours truly,
James B.O. Cowan
Mr. Filer
Do you know anything about this mattter?
Page 43

House of Representatives U.S.,
Washington, D.C.,   25th., January, 1893.
Hon J.B.O. Cowan,
Greensburg, Penna.
My dear Sir, -
We have at last found a starting point which will enable you to without difficulty, I think, to get any additional information you wish.  With the data here given you can follow up the inquiry at Harrisburg, in the archives you will find a full record of the Pennsylvania troups.
"William Cowan.
His pension was allowed for one year and four months actual service in the Revolutionary war as a captain in the Pennsylvania militia.  He states in his declaration dated Nov.20th., 1839, that he is a resident of "Robbetown", Westmoreland County, Penna., and is eighty-two years of age.  April 19th., 1775, is the date of his commission as captain.  The following are mentioned as officers under who he served, Genl. Dickinson, and Maj. John Davis."
Very truly yours, 
Geo Huff
"the above date will likely be sufficient to admit Mrs. [illegible] as a member of the Daughters of the Revolution"
Page 44

1762, May 4 Wm Cowan & Susannah Kite were married
Page 45

Oil City July 1892

Hon. Green B. Raume
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir

Captain William Cowan was a Revolutionary soldier, received a pension as such--spent his last days in West Newton Westmoreland Co. Pa. Judge the pension was sent there on to Pittsburgh.  My wife is anxious to join the "daughters of the Revolution" but is unable to furnish proper of Certificate as to Papa Cowan.  Can you furnish Certificate from the pension records that will establish the claim that he was a soldier of the Revolution.  Sorry to trouble you, still can't devise any other plans of offering this information.

Yours respectfully
Signature:  C. E. Cooper
Page 46

Greensborough 29-11-92
Hon G.F. Huff
My Dear Sir
Excuse one for troubling you but we are very anxious to learn some thing out about our Grandfather William Cowan.  Who was a Revolutionary soldier.  He died at West Newton in 1838.  He drew an pension of we think about $300.00 for years What we want to know is where and when he enlisted and in fact all that we can find out about the old fellow.  I suppose that his application for a pension would tell what want to know.  Where he was born where he enlisted and in what Company and Regiment and what rank he held (if any)  He lived in Chambersburgh Franklin Co. before he came to Westmoreland some
Page 47

Eighty years ago.

This is about all we know about him.

Some of his descendants wish to join the Sons & Daughters of the Revolution and they cannot do it unless they find out something more about it, than we know at present.

Your friend
Signature James B. Cowan
Page 48

House of Representatives U.S.,
Washington, D.C.,
6th., December 1892
My dear Sir-
I enclose letter from Mr. J.B.O. Cowan, Greensburg, Pa., asking for the military record of Wm. Cowan, his grandfather.
I will be under obligations for any information you may be able to obtain relative to the matter.
Very truly yours,
Geo. Huff
M.C.21st., Dist., PA.
Hon. Green B. Raum,
Commissioner of Pensions.
City-
Dec 19 1892 
Filed
Page 49

War Department
Pension Office
8 October 1833

Sir,
The papers in support of the claim of William Cowan have been again examined, and are herewith enclosed to you.
He must state every tour of his service, the length, and all its material circumstances.  An assertion that he served four or five tours of two months each, is not sufficient to authorize the allowance of a pension.  It is evident that the service found by the auditor of Pennsylvania on the rolls in his office was not performed by the present applicant, but by a person of the same name, is the one was a Captain of militia, the other a private of Artillery.  He should besides, endeavor to prove his service by other testimony than his commission.
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant
J L Edwards
Comm of Pensions

J.Y. Barclay Esq
Greenburgh Pa
Page 50

Jan 16 - 1893
Hist to C.E. Cooper
Oil City - Pa
1893 Jan 23 Hist to Hon G. J. Huff
HR
1893 May 23 Copies of dir aud the orig com. forwarded to J B O Cowan 
Greensburg Pa
Mch 28-1903, Hon J.B.O. Cowan Greensburg - Pa
1914 Sept 10 History to Mrs. Margaret Walton
1918, May 20.  History to Lowell Rondebush
1919 July 3 Hist to Miss Mary A. Todd
1929 Jan 5 Hist to Helen H. Cown
1930 Jan 9 Photos mailed to Mary C. Oursler see Philip Drum S,2218
1937 Apr 29 Hist to Mrs. Charles Stainton A.D.Y
1937 June 24 Hist to Nancy C. Morrow
1939 Aug 1 Hist ot Mrs. C.P. Hendrick A.D.Y

D388
Mary Cowan
Widow of William
Page 51

Mary Cowan
widow of William
Pennsylvania
Rejected 
Let; 11th March 1880
Page 52

This cannot be a true copy no dates on it at all.
Copy.
IN ASSEMBLY.
To William Cowen, Esq.
We reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be Captain of a company of foot in the 3rd. Battalion of Associators in the County of Cumberland for the protection of this Province against all hostile enterprises and for the defense of American liberty.  You are therefore carefuly and diligently to discharge the duties of a Captain as aforesaid by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging.  And we do strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders as their captain.  And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from the assembly during their sessions; and in their recess from the president or any future committee of safety appointed by the Assembly of the Province or from your superior officer according to the rules and regulations for the better government of the military associate on Pennsylvania and pursuant to the trust reposed in you.    This commission to continue in force until revoked by the Assembly or by the present or any succeeding committee of safety.  Signed by order of the Assembly.
John Morton, Speaker.
Page 53


Novem 7th 1833.
Respected friend -
I recd a letter from M Plummer yesterday respecting your name being 
on the Books or Rolls in the auditer Gnl. office.
I had the Auditor Generals office carefully examined nothing appears there of any person being entered there as Captain William Cowan, as M Plummer described - a name appears on the books, there, William Cowen, the auditor General here says, a number of Books, Rolls, which the names of the revolutionary officers  [illegible] was entered, was sent on to the City of Washington and most unfortunately a great many of them was burnt, when the last office was burnt there - we are all well here please give my love to mother and all the family and tell her I would be glad to see her here
Your friend
Hathew Wilson
Page 54

War Department
 Pension Office 
13th Dec 1833 
The claim of William Cowan has been again examined and the papers are herewith returned. The witnesses who testify to his services are not certified to be credible persons- See note  J. of his accompanying printed sheet
I am Sir
Very Respectfully 
Your Obt Sert 
J L Edwards 

J. C. Plummer Esq Robbstown Pa.
Page 55

23335
Wm Cowen
Page 56

March 17/00
Page 57




Brought down after book was found 
Pension Office March 11 1850
Sir,
 The papers in the case of Mary Cowan widow of Man William Cowen under act of 7th July 1838 have been examined and filed. She was not a widow on the 7th July 1838 and died before the passage of the act of 23 August 1842. The last named act provided for most widows whose husbands died after the passage of the act of 7th July 1838, but Mr Cowan having died before the passage of the act of 23 August 1842, her children have no legal claim 
Hon. Job Mann 
N. R
Page 58

John Klingensith Jr Esq 
Greensburg Westmorland County
Penna
Page 59

Artillery 4th Regiment 1780 & 1781 
We and each of us whose named are hereunto subscribed do acknowledge to have received from Major Thomas B Bowen and Captain Evcuring Beatty Agents for the late Pennsylvania Line the several sums opposite to our names respectively in certificates dated July 1, 1784 bearing Interest at six per cent from January the first 1782 signed by John Pierce Commissioner and described as below being for the Balance of a settlement between the United States and us for Pay &c to January the first 1782 
Date of Issues Sept 1, 1784 
No of certificate 76.934 
Letter N 
Names William Cowan
Sums Dollars 57 cents 54 
Signers - Willm Cowan 
Auditor Generals Office September 5th 1833 
I certify that the above is a true copy of the original remaining on file in this Department Witness my hand & seal of Office the day and year aforesaid Dan. Sturgeon Auditor Gen
Page 60

                Director Auditor Genl(General's]office
                                                        Sept 5th 1833

Dear Sir

Inclosed [?] I send you the certificate in favour of Mr Cowan I cannot find that on Books, give any Tours of Service which is  I have no doubt is important  perhaps Mr Cowan has some other means of making [or marking?] out his time.

                                 Yours Respectfully,
                                     Danl Sturgeon


John Klingensmith [illegible] Esq
Page 61

William Cowan
Penna


Return [struck out]
Adm. 1 yr & 4 months
as Captain

4/3/340
         80
       320

Signature:  Hon. R. Coulter
Ho. of Rep
J C Plummer
Robbstown [now Robstown]
Pa.
Page 62

WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office
14 Dec. 1833

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of our case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following roles, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed. before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done.  These point to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace (thus }).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A STATEMENT showing the service of William Cowan.   (See Statement)

I am, respectfully, our obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions
Page 63

2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been constructed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols , or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. 
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers/
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of
88.

On this day of personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in not (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pensions by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers, or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D.  residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, of possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 64

alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case.  The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.  All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.  
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New  Hampshire and the State troops of Virgina.  
1. Where and in what year were you born? 
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live? 
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 
 5.  State the names of some of the Regular Officer, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  
6. To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an Officer.  Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the name of person of you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character of veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.  
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.  If one of these persons is a clergyman, the Court will so certify, to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.  The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party.  And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry where the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.  
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge of Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.  
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, their certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.  
No Payments can be made on account of the services of any period, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
Page 65

Westmoreland County
State of Penna

Personally came before me as Judge of the Court in and for said county. J. C Plumer, Esq. who being sworn words according to law length that he was well acquainted with Captain William Cowen a pensioner of the United States who drew a pension of three hundreds and twenty dollars per annum and who died on the ____ day September eighteen hundreds and thirty eight.  I was appointed the Executor of his wife Mary Cowen.  This will was written by me upon the first day of August 1839 and I well know that she died upon the fourth day of August eighteen hundred and thirty nine.  I have documented the date of the will which is in my possession.  They always lived together as man and wife and the 
certificate of marriage now present which I have written my name upon I found among the papers of said Mary Cowen and it was recognized by the family as the certificate of their marriage the saidMary Cowen left three daughters who survived her death to wit Mariah William and Susan who was reputed to be the legitimate children of the said Captain William Cowen and Mary, his wife the said Capt. Cowan and Mary his wife lived neighbour, I attested in having Capt. Cowen upon the Pension Roll of the United States.  They were from Franklin County, Penn.  The above family I was well acquainted with sworn and subscribed before me this 11th day of (Feb?} 1850.
Signature:  J. C. Plumer
Signature: James Bell

I do certify that the above written Creditable and [Inteligent?].  I think wills known to the Commissioner of Pensions. I would rely upon his evidence as truth.
Signature: James Bell
Page 66

State of Pennsylvania
Westmoreland County

I Abraham Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the county of Westmoreland in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania do certify that Honorable James Bell before whom the forgoing depositions were made and whose name in his own proper handwriting is to the foregoing Certificate appended was then and now is an Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County duly Commissioned and qualified and to all where official acts and Deeds full faith and credit are of right due.

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this 14th day of February AD 1830

Abraham Pnt {Prothonotary]
Page 67

Westmoreland County of the Commonwealth of Penna.
I, William Logan, a justice of the peace and aforesaid County do certify that William Ewing and William Donald of said County who took and subscribed the foregoing depositions to which this is attached basing date 14th November 1833 are credible transcripts in writing, whereof I have hereto my and seal this 26th day of December 1833.
Signature:  William Logan

State of Pennsylvania
Westmoreland County

I, Randal McLaughlin, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Westmoreland in the Commonweath of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify that William Logan, Esquire, whose name in his own proper handwriting is to the above article appended, was at that time, and now is, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Westmoreland duly commissioned and appointed, and to all whom official acts are deeded full faith and credit are of right due.  In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at Greensburgh[?], the twenty-seventh day of December in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred thirty-three.

Signature:  Randal McLaughlin, Prot.
Page 68

Westmoreland County [illegible]

Before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally Name William Donald who on his Solemn oath according to Law Sayeth that he [k]new Captain William Cowan the time of the Revolution wars this deponant serve Capt. William Cowan in Amby in 1776 He then had the command of a Company deponant belonged to the [illegible] Camp under the command of Gen Ewing.  This deponant seen Capt. William Cowan in Shippenzburgh [Shippensburg] he was then a [illegible] in the army in 1777 This deponent Lived in Cumberland County and it was a matter of notoriety that Captain Cowan rendered [?] considerable service during the wars and that he believes him to be the same William Cowan that now is applying for a pension at this time

Sworn and [illegible] this 14 day of November 1833      Signature: William Donald

Signature: William Logan

Westmoreland County I Randel McLaughlin Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas Westmoreland County in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania do hereby testify that Joseph Stohelz Esquire before when the depository declaration of that [illegible] was made and that William Logan Esquire before whom the annexed Deposition of  William Ewing and William Donald were taken at the homes of the dates thereof Respectfully [illegible] Justices of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned sworn duty as such to all whose acts faith are due, and that these respective signatures thereto are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have [illegible] unto my hand and affixed the Seal of the [illegible] Court at my office in Greensburgh this twentieth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.  Randal McLaughlin Prot.
Page 69

Westmoreland County [illegible]

Before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said county personally {illegible] William Ewing who as his solemn oath according to the Law Deposeth and Sayeth that he [k]new Capt. William Cowan during the time of the revolution wars and that he marched a company from Shipestown to the [illegible] and that Captain was out several times during the wars and that he names him to be the same William Cowan that has applied for a pension Sworn and Subscribed this 14 of November 1833 before me.


William Logan    William Ewing