Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18922, Thomas Cowan, N.C.
Page 1

(3—1776)

SERVICE  N.C.

Cowan, Thomas
[Cowan,] Mary

NUMBER
W. 18922
-----------------------
CONTENTS
Page 2

5311
North Carolina.     F

Mary Cowan decd.,
widow of Thomas Cowan,
who died on the [ - ]
of [ - ] in the State of [ - ]
who was a Private and Captain of in the Infantry & Cavalry commanded
by Captain [ --- ] of the [ --- ] commanded
by N.C. in the Revolution
line for  Increased from $101 66/100.
========================================
Subscribed on the Roll of Fayetteville
at the rate of 111 Dollars 66 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1831. and ending August 5th 1836.
========================================
Certificate of Pension issued the 22d day of
Decr. 1855 and sent to
========================================
Arrears to the 4th of G. C. Ames.
Semi-annual allowance ending Present.

{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the [ --- ] }

Recorded by G. Y. Getty  Clerk,
Book D.  Vol. 2.  Page 382.


Hon John D. C. Atkins, Feby 3. 1859
  "  H. C. Burnett Feby 24 /59
Page 3

Thomas L. Cowan's
Declaration &c.
Nov. 11, 1853


Recd. Nov. 11, 1853
Page 4

State of North Carolina }
Rowan County }

On this 11th day of November 1853 personally appeared before the court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the county aforesaid now in session, it being a court of Record, Thomas L. Cowan, a resident of the town of Salisbury in the said county, aged about seventy three 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 July 4th. 1836  granting Pensions to certain widows, __ That he is the son of the identical [crossed-out: son of] Thomas Cowan and Mary Barkley his wife and widow.  That the said Thomas Cowan deceased, serv'd as a Private and and Officer in the Army of the Revolution in the North Carolina Militia;  that he has frequently heard his father speaking of his services both as a private and as a Captain in the Revolutionary War;  that he heard him speaking of being at the Battle of Ramsour's Mill, and of being in the Skirmish at Cowan's Foard on the Catawba, when the British cross'd that River, and also at the Skirmish at Torrence's on the same day.  That he thinks he has heard him speaking of being at the Battle of the Cow_Pens, and various other places which he cannot now recollect; that he cannot recollect the names of the Officers under whom he served, except Genl. Lincoln;  and that he has often heard him speak of his services under that
General.  That from the tradition of the neighborhood, he thinks he was elected Captain in the year 1780, and that he serv'd his country in that capacity untill the close of the War.  He further states, that his father Thomas Cowan & Mary Barkley his mother were married on the 30th December 1773, as appears from the Record in the Family Bible; and that they lived together as man and wife, from that period untill his death.
Page 5

his death, which took place on the 4th. day of December 1817, — that there is no other record proof of their marriage that he is aware of;  that they raised a large family of children ;  the following of whom are still living, Viz,  Thomas Lincoln, this declarant, Anna, Jane, James & Nancy.  He further states that his mother Mary Cowan liv'd a widow from the time of her said husbands death, to the period of her own death, which took place on the 5th day of August 1836.  He is not aware of any other evidence existing, either as to the services of the said Thomas Cowan, or his
marriage to the said Mary Barkley his mother, other than that herewith sent.
Tho. L. Cowan.

Sworn to and subscribed
in open Court November 11th
1853.
James E. Kerr clk
Page 6

State of North Carolina
Rowan County }  
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, November
term, 1853

I, James E Kerr, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Rowan aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration was produced in
open Court, was over sworn to and subscribed by Thomas L. Cowan.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my
name, and affixed the seal of said Court, at office in
Salisbury, this the 11th day of November, 1853

James E. Kerr Clerk
Page 7

Original Family Record.
Certificate of the Court, and
embracing a number of facts
very important to establish this
claim.
Page 8

State of North Carolina
Rowan County }

We Horace L. Robards, Charles L. Partee
and William A. Walton, being the special Magistrates selected
to hold the Court for the county & state aforesaid, the same
being a Court of Record, do hereby certify, that the annexed
or enclosed Leaf was taken out of the Family Bible of Thomas
Cowan deceased, as the original Family Record; - that the
Service and Grade of the said Thomas Cowan was pointedly
proven to be Captain as to grade by Elizabeth McNeely, who
saw and will recollect of his being elected Captain, but does
not know certainly how long he was in the service of his country,
but thinks he was in it for the most if not all, the time during the War;
and she verily believes he is the identical Thomas Cowan
here refer'd to ;  and that she was then in a position to know
intelligently, being ten or twelve years of age; and her impressions
are correctly sustained by the Comptroller's Certificate, who
states that he recieved a payment made him for the use of his
Company in 1776;  and that she further states on her oath that
she believes Thomas Cowan died about the 4th day of December
1817 ;  and that Mary Cowan his wife died sometime in August
1836.  And we further certify, that George Knox, who was
personally acquainted with all the children; expressly states,
that there are five children living now; namely, Thomas, Anna,
Jane, James & Nancy, (the last nam'd is sometimes call'd Agness).
These two witnesses live in this county; and altho all the
members of this court are not personally acquainted with them, yet
they are well informed and verily believe them to be very respectable
persons, and in good standing, in the neighborhood in which they
live, and are worthy of credit, & to be believed on oath.
Page 9

The bodies upon which we grant this certificate, is in part from what
they have stated and sworn to, and also the respectability of their
characters which we learn from several of their neighbours, who
know them very well, and have known them for a long time. [???]

We further certify that we believe Mary Cowan died on the 5th day of August 1836; and that Thomas Cowan her husband died on the 4th day of December [crossed out 1836] 1817; and we further certify that there are five children now living, namely, Thomas, Anna, Jane, James and Nancy. The [correctings?] of this part of the certificate is based upon the information of several persons of high standing & respectability who are well acquainted with them and know all the facts of the case, and which is considered abundantly ample and sufficient, and entirely satisfactory to the court.

Given under our hand & private seals.
having no seals of Office this 5th day of 
May SS [?] 1854

HL Robards [?] {seal}
CL Partee [?] {seal}
WA Walton [?] {seal}
Page 10

To the court in open court.

State of North Carolina
Rowan County

I, James E Kerr, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Rowan and State [aforeseer's], do hereby certify that H. L. Robards, C. L. Partee and W. A. Walton are acting Justice of Peace in and for said County, and the Justices comprising the Special Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County, now in session, and that the signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine - that they have been duly commissioned and sworn - In testimony whereof I have here unto subscribed my name and affixed any offered seal this the 31st - day of May 1854.
James E Kerr
Clerk

{seal: Rowan County North Carolina}
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Family Record &
Clerks Certificate.
Page 12

State of North Carolina }
Rowan County }

Be it remembered that at a court of Pleas and Quarter Session begun and held for the county and state aforesaid in the town of Salisbury, on the first Monday in February 1854, the same being a court of Record, Thomas S. Cowan, the Declarant and Applicant for a Pension claim for the services of Thomas Cowan decd. as a Captain in the Rowan Division of Militia during the Revolutionary War, under the Act of Congress passed the 4th of July 1836 granting Pensions to certain Widows; and for the purpose of establishing the age, marriage and death of both him and his wife, as well as for the further purpose of showing how many children they had and raised, and how many are dead and how many are living. Brought to open court, the Family Bible of the said Thomas Cowan decd. containing the Family Record, and is as follows; Viz:

Thomas Cowan was born January 23. AM 17489
Mary Barkley was born October 4. AM 1755
Thomas Cowan & Mary Barkley was married December 30th.
Anno Mundi 1773
Catharine Cowan was born October 14th . AM 1774
Mary Cowan was born February 25th. AM 1776
Margaret Cowan was born July 13th. AM 1777
Lydia Cowan was born January 3rd. AM  1779
Thomas L. Cowan was born July 8th. AM 1780
Ann Cowan was born March 10th. AM 1782
Jean Cowan was born February 28th. AM 1784
Elizabeth Cowan was born Septem. 24th. AM 1785
James Cowan was born February 2nd. AM 1788
Aabel Cowan was born October 4th. AM 1789
Agnus Cowan was born December 27th. AM 1792
Abigail Cowan was born September 18th. AM 1794
Hezekiah Cowan was born March 29th. AM 1796
Levina Cowan was born November 16th. 1799
Page 13

Thomas Cowan Sen. Department this life Decem. 4th 1817
in the seventieth year of his age.
Mary Cowan departed this life on Friday the 5th day of
August 1836, at 7 oclock P.M.

State of North Carolina }                      Court of Pleas and Quarter
Rowan County }                                    Sessions, February term, 1824.

I, James E Kerr, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid certify that the foregiving transcript from the family bible of the late Thomas Cowan, together with the said family bible, were proclaimed in open court, and that the names inside was compared with the original entries in said family bible by the Justices presiding as the Court, and that it was ordered by said Court, that the Clerk certify that the foregiving is a true copy of the original entries in this family bible of Thomas Cowan Deceased, late of Rowan County.

In testimony whereof, I
have hereunto subscribed my
name and affixed my official
seal this the 10th - day of February
1854.
James E Kerr, Clerk

{seal - Rowan County North Carolina}
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[Artwork]
The Occupation of the Holy Family
Page 15

Thomas Cowan his. book bought in Charleston Feb 7 1797.
Thomas Cowan was born January 23. AM 17489
Mary Barkley was born October 4. AM 1755
Thomas Cowan & Mary Barkley was married December 30th.
Anno Mundi 1773
Catharine Cowan was born October 14th . AM 1774
Mary Cowan was born February 25th. AM 1776
Margaret Cowan was born July 13th. AM 1777
Lydia Cowan was born January 3rd. AM 1779
Thomas L. Cowan was born July 8th. AM 1780
Ann Cowan was born March 10th. AM 1782
Jean Cowan was born February 28th. AM 1784
Elizabeth Cowan was born Septem. 24th. AM 1785
James Cowan was born February 2nd. AM 1788
Aabel Cowan was born October 4th. AM 1789
Agnus Cowan was born December 27th. AM 1792
Abigail Cowan was born September 18th. AM 1794
Hezekiah Cowan was born March 29th. AM 1796
Levina Cowan was born November 16th. 1799

The Date of the [illegible] [illegible], the 4th of May 1744
Thomas Cowan Senr Departed this life Decem 4th 1817 in the 
Seventieth year of his age.
Mary Cowan departed this life on Friday the 5th day of August
1836 at 7 Oclock P.M.
Page 16

Mrs. Laurence B Finn                                          BA-J/AWF
1338 Park Street                                                 Thomas Cowan
Bowling Green, Kentucky                                    W. 18922
                                                                            (handwritten) Our

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Thomas Cowan of Rowan County, North Carolina.

The date which follow were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, W. 18922, based upon the military service of Thomas Cowan
in the Revolutionary War.

Thomas Cowan was born January 23, 1748 or 1749. The place of his birth [marked out] not shown, nor are the names of his parent given.

While a resident of Salisbury District, Rowan County, North Carolina, Thomas Cowan enlisted in 1776 and served as a private; he was elected sometime in the year 1780, captain and served as captain of infantry and of cavalry, with the North Carolina troops, part of the time under Colonel Brisbane: he was in the battles of Ramsour's Mill, Cowpens, Cowan's
Ford, in various skirmishes, and continued in the service until the close of the war.

Thomas Cowan married December 30, 1773, in Rowan County, North Carolina, Mary Barkley. She was born October 4, 1755, place not given, nor are the names of her parents shown.

Thomas Cowan died December 4, 1817, and his widow,
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                                              2-

Mary Cowan, died August 5, 1836.

The names of the children of Thomas Cowan and his wife, Mary, are shown as follow:

Catharine born October 14, 1774
Mary " February 25, 1776
Margaret " July 13, 1777
Lydia " January 3, 1779
Thomas Lincoln " July 8, 1780
Ann or Anna " March 10, 1782
Jean or Jane " February 28, 1784
Elizabeth " September. 24, 1785
James " February 2, 1788
Aabel or Abel " October 4, 1789
Agness or Nancy " December 27, 1792
Abigail " September 18, 1794
Hezekiah " March 29, 1796
Levina " November 16, 1799

It was stated that the two daughters, Catharine and Mary, moved to Tennessee, and were referred to as deceased in 1853.

The number of the surviving children of Thomas
Cowan and wife Mary, ["are" crossed out] were [written in] given in 1853 as follows-
Thomas Lincoln Cowan; Anna Graham, widow of Moses Graham; Jane or Jean Graham, widows of James Graham; James Cowan; Nancy or Agness McCorkle, widow of Lewis McCorckle. The said Nancy or Agness McCorkle died about February or March 1855.

November 11, 1853, Thomas Lincoln Cowan, then  residing in Salisbury District, North Carolina, made application in behalf of himself and the surviving children named above, for the pension which was due their mother, Mary Cowan, on account of the service of their father, Thomas Cowan, in the Revolutionary War. The pension was allowed.

In 1853, one J. F. McCorkle was Justice of the
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                                       3-

Peace for Rowan County, North Caroline. In 1854, William P. Graham was Justice of the Peace for Rowan County, in same year John Knox Graham was
Justice of the Peace for Rowan County, also in same year, Christopher Graham and his wife, Jane, were residents of Rowan County. It is not shown
that these persons were related to the family.

The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible family data.

Very truly yours

A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 19

War Paper mark'd
A. 

[Stamp] The National Archives of the United States
Page 20

Thomas James Rutherford Roan County
Capt Thomas Cowin
Rowan County
A
Day [illegible]
Thomas Cowan
COWAN, THOMAS (N.C.) W18922
I should have given you a more accurate copy but [illegible] was wanting from this. I hope you will [illegible] to make out your pay roles. I would [illegible] longer but do no [illegible] you will come
Capt Cowin  James Rutherford [illegible]
Page 21

A Pay role of Capt. Thomas Cowins Troop of Horse of Col. Brisbanes Regt. from the District of Salisbury Taken Novr. 15th 1790-

Names Rank commencement of pay Whole time of service Pay per day Subsistance per month Total amount of pay Casualties 
Thom Cowin 
Capt Lieut
Sept 15 1780 
April 1781
2 Months
2 Months
[stamped] THE NATIONAL ARHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES 
Sir
The blank columns I am not able to fill as I do not know the pay & subsistance nor do I apprehend it useful as it depends on the generosity of the Assembly
Page 22

Thomas Cowan
W.F. 18922
N. C.

Sent to War Deot.
Jany. 16, 1913. c

An appraisal of clothing procured for John Boman, a subt. Lieut. Samuel
Knox's class, dated Rowan Co. N. C June 4, 1781, and signed Absalom Knox and John Knox, 
and
statement of balance due Thos. Cowan, dated Dec. 27, 1782 and
signed Thomas Cowan, have been removed from this case and will be sent to the War Dept.                        F.W. Apr. 7, 1911.
Page 23

{written down left side} Signed, sealed, acknowledged and sworn to

{top right corner}
Mary Cowan
[illegible] of
NC
Act 4 July 1836

{bottom left corner}
N. C. [illegbile]
Page 24

State of North Carolina } SS
         County of Rowan }
Be it known that before me Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Thomas L. Cowan a resident of said County and State, who
bring sworn according to law, states that he is a son, and heir at law and Administrator of Mary Cowan of the County of Rowan and State of North Carolina late deceased, who was a Revolutionary Officers widow, that he has lately obtained a Pension Certificate from the United States Department of the Interior and Pension Office for $101. 66/100 per annum, as Administrator in behalf of his said Mother for services endered by said widows husband in Revolutionary War; but he verily believes
items one some arranges due and Constitutes and appoints H. Hogan Helper of Salisbury N.C. and George C. Ames of Washington City his true and lawful attorneys, with irrevokeable power to exercise into the original declaration letters and affidavits filed by myself in the Pension office at Washington City, by which I obtained the Pension above mentioned, to file additional papers affidavits and Certificate in order to prosecute and establish the claim for overages if any may be found due, and to do all
legal acts necessary thereto.

In Witness where of I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 9th day of September 1855                          Tho. L. Cowan {seal}

Attest: B.B. Roberts.
Attest: A. I. Mock.
Signed, Sealed, Acknowledged and Sworn to
Page 25

before now, on this 9th day of September 1855, And I the said Majistrate[sic], do Certify, that I have no interest in the result of the Pension Claim mentioned in the foregoing power of Attorney and am not concerned in its presentation.
Jas H Enniss  J.P. {seal}

State of N. Carolina } SS
   County of Rowan }

I, James E Kerr Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions do hereby certify that J. H. Enniss Esquire, before whom the foregoing power of attorney was acknowledged, and affidavit reads was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly Commissioned and qualified by law to administer oaths, and that his signature above written is genuine.

In testimony, whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office on this 9th day of September 1855.
James E Kerr Clerk
Page 26

State of North Carolina}
County of Rowan{

On this 26th day of November A.D. 1855 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the county and state aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths Thomas L Cowan Administrator of Mary Cowan deceased aged 75 years, a resident of said County, who, being first duly sworn according to law declares that a certificate of
Pension has been Issued to the Children of Mary Cowan deceased, who was the widow of Thomas Cowan, under the act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836 at the rate of $101 66/100 per annum from 4th March 1831 to the 5th of August 1836, an account of the services of said Thomas
Cowan in the war of the Revolution as a private and Captain of Infantry in the Militia of North Carolina. That the said Children verily believe that
the said Captain Cowan rendered much more service than has been Computed in the allowance made in this case - and that his service as a Captain of Cavalry, that the pension was allowed for services of a private and Captain in Infantry instead of that of Cavalry and that he asks an increase of said allowance. [?]
Acknowledged before                   Tho. L. Cowan.
H.H. Helper & Richard Harrison
Sworn to and subscribed before on the day and year above written and I hereby certify that I know no personal interest in the persecution in result 
of this claim.                         Jas H. Enniss J.P.

State of North Carolina } SS
          County of Rowan}
I, James E. Kerr, Clerk Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that James H. Enniss Esquire before thereunto foregoing
Page 27

declaration was made was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified by law to administer oaths and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of my office on this 26th day of November A.D. 1855.
James E. Kerr Clk.
by J. S. Myers DC
Page 28

[writing up left hand side] 
Mrs Cowan
Original Case
N C

B Craige
MC

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 29

No. 8,043.
Mary Cowan decd
Widow of Thos.
NC

[crossed out]
Hon B Craige Mch 1854
Same July 14 1854

Act July 4 1836
Page 30

5311
North Carolina Pay:
Mary Cowan, decd
widow of Thomas Cowan 
who died on the [blank]
of [blank] in the State of [blank]
who was a private in that Capt commanded
by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded
by [blank] in the Revolution
line for 3 ½ mos. private
4 ½ " a Captain
Inscribed on the Roll of Fayetteville at the rate of 101 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831 and ending 5th August 1856
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of
December 1854 and Sent to
Arrears to the 4th of 
Hon B. Craige
Semiannual allowance ending of 
Ho. of Rep.
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by G. T.Getty Clerk
Book D Vol. 2 Page 382
26th Decr 1854
New Certificate issued
correcting error and
sent to Hon B. Craige
Ho. Rep.
Page 31

April 12, 1937

xxxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/EEL
Thomas Cowan-W/8932

Mrs. Ada Briesen
1432 Willow
Independence, Missouri

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Thomas Cowan, of Rowan County,North Carolina, born in that county in 1747 and died December 4,1817.

The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in Revlutionary War pension claim, W/8922, based upon the military service in that war of Thomas Cowan.

Thomas Cowan was born January 23, 1748. The place of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown.

While a resident of Salisbury District, Rowan County, North Carolina, Thomas Cowan enlisted in 1776, and served as a private. He was later elected captain and served as captain of infantry and of cavalry in the North Carolina troops until the close of the Revolution. He was at one period under Colonel Brisbane and was in the battles of Ramsour's Mill, the Cowpens, Cowan's Ford and in various skirmishes.

The soldier married December 30, 1773, in Rowan County,North Carolina,Mary Barkley, who was born October 4, 1755. The place of her birth and names of her parets are not shown.

Thomas Cowan died December 4, 1817, and his widow, Mary, died August 5, 1836.

The following names of children are shown.

Catharine Cowan...born Oct 14, 1774.
Page 32

Names of children of Thomas and Mary Cowan, continued: 

Mary Cowan............ born February 25, 1776_ it was stated that the two daughters, Catharine and Mary, emigrated to Tennessee.
Margaret Cowan.......... " July 13, 1777.
Lydia Cowan.......... " January 3 1779.
Thomas Lincoln Cowan.......... " July 8, 1780. 
Ann or Anna Cowan.......... " March 10, 1782, married Moses Graham. 
Jean or Jane Cowan.......... " February 28, 1784, married James Graham. 
Elizabeth Cowan.......... " September 24, 1785. 
James Cowan.......... " February 2, 1788. 
Aabel or Abel Cowen.......... " October 4, 1789. 
Agness or Nancy Cowan.......... " December 27, 1792, married Lewis McCorkle. 
Abigail Cowan.......... " September 18, 1794. 
Hezekiah Cowan.......... " March 29, 1796. 
Levina Cowan.......... " November 16, 1799. 

In 1853, Anna Graham, Jane Graham, Nancy McCorkle, Thomas Lincoln Cowan and James Cowan were the only surviving children and the daughters, Anna, Jane and Nancy were all widows. Nancy died about February or March, 1855. 

November 11, 1853, Thomas Lincoln Cowan, then residing in Salisbury District, North Carolina, made application in behalf of himself and the other surviving children, named above, for the pension which was due their mother, Mary Cowan, on account of the service of their father, Thomas Cowan, in the Revolutionary War. The claim was allowed.

In 1853, one J.F. McCorkle was a Justice of the Peace for Rowan County, North Carolina; No relationship to Nancy Cowan McCorkle, daughter of the soldier, was shown; in 1854, one W.P. Graham was a Justice of the Peace for said Rowan County, and in same year, Christopher Graham and Jane, his wife, were residents of Rowan County, North Carolina; no relationship of these person with surname Graham to Anna and Jane Graham, soldier's daughters, was shown. 

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 33

February 3, 1937

xxxxx
BA-J/EEL
Thomas Cowan-W/8922

Mr. William D. Kizziah
Secretary,Rowan County
Historical Society
Salisbury, North Carolina

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which  you request the Revolutionary War records of Thomas L. Cowan, who served as captain and William Temple Coles, both of Rowan County, North Carolina.

There is no claim for pension or  bounty land on file based upon the military service in the Revolutionary War of William Temple Coles or of a William Coles or Temple Coles, or similar spelling. Such claims are the source of the data furnished by this office.

The record of Thomas Cowan is furnished herein as found in pension claim, W/8922, based upon his military service in the Revolutionary War.

Thomas Cowan was born January 23, 1748. The place of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown. His name do not appear as Thomas L. Cowan.

While a resident of Salisbury District, Rowan County,North. Carolina, Thomas Cowan enlisted in 1776 and served as a private. He was later elected captain and served as captain of infantry and of cavalry in the North Carolina trooops until the close of the Revolution. He was at one period under Colonel Brisbane and was in the battles of Ramsour's Mill, the Cowpens, Cowan's Ford and in various skirmishes.

The soldier married December 30, 1773, in Rowan County,North Carolilna, Mary Barkley, who was born October 4, 1755. The place of her birth and names of her parents are not shown.
Page 34

     Thomas Cowan died December 4, 1817 and his widow, Mary, died August 5, 1836.

     The following names of children are shown.

Catharine Cowan.............born October 14, 1774.
Mary Cowan.............." February 25, 1776-it was stated that the two daughters Catharine and Mary emigrated to Tennessee.

Margaret Cowan.............born July 7, 1777.
Lydia Cowan............."January 3, 1779.
Thomas Lincoln Cowan............."July 8, 1790.
Ann or Anna Cowan............."March 10, 1782, married Moses Graham.
Jean or Jane Cowan............."February 28, 1764, married James Graham.
Elizabeth Cowan............."September 24, 1785.
James Cowan............."February 2, 1788.
Aabel or Abel Cowan............."December 27, 1792, married Lewis McCorkle.
Abigail Cowan............."September 18, 1794.
Hezekiah Cowan............."March 29, 1796.
Levina Cowan............."November 16, 1799.

    In 1853, Anna Graham, Jane Graham, Nancy McCorkle, Thomas Lincoln Cowan, and James Cowan were the only surviving children and the daughters, Anna, Jane and Nancy were all widows. Nancy died about February or March 1855.

     November 11, 1853, Thomas Lincoln Cowan, then residing in Salisbury District, Rowan County, North Carolina, made application in behalf of himself and the other surviving children, named above, for the pension which was due their mother, Mary Cowan, on the account of the service their father, Thomas Cowan, in the War of the Revolution. The claim was allowed.

     In 1853, one J. F. McCorkle was a Justice of the Peace for Rowan County, North Carolina: no relationship to Nancy Cowan MrCorkle, daughter of the soldier, is shown: in 1854, one W. P. Graham was a Justice of the Peace for said Rowan County, and in same year, Christopher Graham and Jane, his wife, were residents of Rowan County, North Carolina: no relationship of the persons with surname Graham to Anna and Jane Graham, soldier's daughters, was shown.

                      Very truly yours




                    A. D. Hiller
                    Executive Assistant
                     to the Administrator,
Page 35


Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
December 16, 1926
Mrs. C. T. Carr
Mooresville, N. C.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W18922 it appears that Thomas Cowan was born January 23, 1748, place not stated. [handwritten note as follow] I used 1748 because he was in his 70th year when he died.

While a resident of Salisbury District, Rowan County, North Carolina he enlisted in 1776 and served as a private, and as Captain of Infantry and of Cavalry in the North Carolina Militia until the close of the Revolution, at one period was under Colonel Brisbane, and was in the battles of Ramsour's Mill, Cowpens, Cowan's Ford and in various skirmishes.

He married December 30, 1773 in Rowan County, North Carolina, Mary Barkley born October 4, 1755. He died December 4,
1817. She died August 5, 1836. Their children were:
Catharine born October 14, 1774.
Mary " February 25,1776. 
Margaret " July 7, 1777. [note] 13th is erased on original fam. record. 
Lydia " January 3, 1779. 
Thomas Lincoln " July 8, 1780. 
Ann or Anna " March 10, 1782, married Moses Graham  who died prior to 1854.
Jean or Jane " February 28, 1784, married James Graham who died prior to 1854. Elizabeth " September 24, 1785.
James " February 2, 1788.
[handwritten note in margin] Miss Nelson said not [illegible] the pension, but leave it open dues-
Page 36

Aabel born October 4, 1789.
Agness or Nancy " December 27, 1792, married Lewis McCorkle. She died about February of March 1855, then a widow. 
Abigail " September 18, 1794.
Hezekiah " March 29, 1796.
Levina " November 16, 1799.

The son, Thomas Lincoln Cowan, while a resident of Salisbury District, Rowan County, North Carolina, applied for pension November 11, 1853, in behalf of himself, Anna Graham, Jane Graham, Nancy McCorkle and James Cowan, the only children then surviving, the pension which was due their mother on account of the services of their father in the Revolution, and said pension was allowed.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 37

O. W. & N. Division.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,      M. E. C. 
Washington, D.C.   June 26, 1895.

Madam: 
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of --- Thomas Cowan --- a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
RANK.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
COLONEL.
STATE.

The particulars of his services, as given in the declaration by the heirs, are very meagre, but the pension was allowed to his heirs for his services as a private for 3 and 1/2 months, and as a captain for 4 and 1/2 months in the North Carolina line.

Battles engaged in, probably, Ramsour Mills, and Cowpens. 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Salisbury, N. C.
Date of application for pension, by heirs, Nov. 11, 1853  
Residence at date of application, application by heirs executed in Rowan Co., N.C.
Age at date of application, not stated.

Remarks: Soldier married Mary Barkley Dec. 30, 1773, and died Dec. 4, 1817. His widow died Aug. 5, 1836.

Very respectfully,
Mrs. T. Craighead,
230 N. High St.,
Nashville, Tenn.

Commissioner
Page 38

Commissioner of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington, D. C
[stamped] BOWLING GREEN KY OCT 26 1939 7PM
[stamped] THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS
[postage stamp] 
[stamped] RECEIVED OCT 28 1939 MAIL SUB DIV
Reader No. 5 VETS ADM
Page 39

1338 Park St
Bowling Green, Ky.
Com. of Pensions - Washington, D.C.
Please send me the Pension Record of the Revolutionary soldier Thomas Cowan
of North Carolina-Salisbury, Rowan Co
also any information in regard to him
and family. Thank you.
Respectfully
Mrs. Laurence B. Finn
Oct. 26.39
Page 40

1432 Willow
Independence, Mo.
March 20, 1937.
Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.
[stamped] RECEIVED MAR 23, 1937 MAIL SUB -DIV. VETS. ADM. READER #29
Dear Sir:
Please send me The Revolutionary War Record of Thomas Cowan of Rowan Co. N. Carolina who was born in Rowan Co. N.C. 1747 died in Rowan Co. N. Car. Dec. 4, 1817.
Please look up Joseph Plummer's Record, too.
Yours very truly,
Mrs. Ada Briesen
Page 41

Rowan County Historical Society
FOR THE PRESERVATION OF OUR NATIONAL STATE. AND COUNTY HISTORY 
B.D. McCUBBINS President
MRS. EDWIN C. GREGORY Vice-President
WM. D. KIZZIAH Secretary & Treasurer
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
W. H. WOODSON
J. M. McCORKLE
B. D. McCUBBINS
MRS. E. C. GREGORY
WM. D. KIZZIAH
January 22, 1937.
Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Will you please give me the military service of the following two Revolutionary soldiers who served from Rowan County, N. C.
THOMAS L. COWAN, ( Captain ) [handwritten note Cowan CIM]
Wm. Temple Coles, [handwritten note 02/MC Coals]
Thanking you, I am,
Yours very truly,
Wm D Kizziah
Wm. D. Kizziah,
Secretary, Rowan County
Historical Society,
Rowan County Historical Society
SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA
[stamped] RECEIVED JAN 25 1937 MAIL SUB-DIV. [illegible] 12
Page 42

Mooresville, N.C.
Oct. 15, 1886
Commissioner of
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Sir:

I wish you to look up the military history of Thomas Gillespie of Rowan
Co. N.C. a soldier of the Perolutionary War, also that of Thomas Cowan, of Rowan Co. a soldier the Revolution
Very truly
Mrs. C. A. Carr
Mooresville
Iredell Co
Page 43

Commissioner of Pensions
Stamped -  PENSION U.S. APR 12 1905 OFFICE

Dear Sir
My great grand father was Thos. L. Cowan a Captain of Revolutionary time he served under Gen Lincon in the state of N.C. and he had a pension.  The
information that I want is to find the
Page 44

names of his father and his grand father and when they came 
to N. C. to settle
---
they are decendants of Samuel Cowan.  who came to this Country from 
England and settled in N. York in1715.  I have been told as Thos Cowan had a
Page 45

pension.  I could find this information in the pension Office.
Thanking you in advance for any assistance you can give me in this matter
I am 
Respectfully,
L. C. Maffett
address:
Mrs. L. C. Moffill
465 N. Tryon
at
Charlotte N.C.
Page 46

[illegible]

Nashville July 6 1895
Wm Lockren Eqr

My dear Sir

I write to thank your for Your very clean and satisfactory reply to my letter
of inquiry concerning Capt Thos Cowan of Rev Service_
Page 47

you gave me exactly the data necessary to make my application to the
D.A.R. acceptable and I feel very much indebted to you for your trouble
Yours truly
-
Mrs L.D. Craigheed
Page 48

Nashville June 6 1895
Secy Pension Office Washington D.C.

Dear Sir
I am trying to find out the history of a Revolutionary Officer Thos Cowan of
Rowan Co N.C.

Will you kindly tell me whether the records mention said Cowan as a pensioner & for what service or whether he ever received a grant of land
for service-- I am told that he served as Capt but
Page 49

at the information is to be offered as proof for membership in the D.A.R.
I am anxious to obtain an authentic account of services rendered.
Hoping that you can find out something about him for me or put me
on the right track in research and that you will so favor my request very soon
I am Yours truly
Mrs. L.D. Craighead
230 N. High St
Nashville, Tenn.
Page 50

Left side of page:

26/95, Hist to Mrs. L. D.
Craighead, 250 High St.
Nashville Tenn.  Mel
________________________________________________________
Apl. 25 - 1905 His to
Hon. Lee S. Overman U.S. &
to Mr. L. C. Moffitt Charlotte, N.C.
_______________________________________________________
1926 -  Dec 16 - Hist to Mrs.vC.L. Carr

________________________________________________________
1937 Feb 3. Hist to Wm
D. Kisaiah - [illegible]
________________________________________________________
1937 Apr 12. Hist to Mrs
Ada Brieneu - E.S
___________________________________________________________
1939 Nov. 13 Hist to Mrs. Lawrence
B. Finn 

Right side of page:

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No.  18922
Mary Cowan
Widow of
Thomas Cowan
Pri Rev. War
Act: July 4 1856
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 15
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 51

Hon. B. Orange
July 14/54
Page 52

200
Pension Office
July 14 1854
Sir
In the case of Mary Cowan decd widow of Thomas of NC _ Act July 4 1836 _ 
the full names of the surviving children must be given, or if none of the daughters were married let that be shown, This pay may be supplied upon the testimony of witness of before a Justice of the Peace
Hon B Craig
Hof Reps
Page 53

L.P. Waldo Esquire
Commissioner  & c
Washington City.
Page 54

Pension Office
March 18 1854
Sir
The application of Mary Cowan decd widow of Thomas of N Chas been examined and filed under the Act of July 4 1836 - To establish the date of her Marriage, the original record, a copy of which has been sent, must be furnished this office for inspection. A copy an not be received, the leaf upon which the entries are made can be cut out of the Bible and enclosed The service of her husband has not been established agreeably to our Regulations. He must be identified with the record by the testimony of those who know of his service &
who can show they were in a position to testify intelligently in relation to his service at length & grade.- A certificate of Court must be furnished therein the
date of her death and her husband and the number and names of her child-
Page 55

ren now living, the court must show upon what testimony it [illegible] certificate, giving the names and residue of the witnesses and certifying to their credibility-- Andministrator must be appointed and the amount of his official 
[illegible] Certified to the office

Down left side:  
Hon B Craige
Mar 18/54
Hon B Craige
Hof R
Page 56

Washington Dec 4 1855

Hon J. Minot
Sir

Sometime since I filed a power of attorneys and application for increase in the case of Mary Cowan widow of Thomas of North Carolina [illegible] the act of 4 July 1836
Mr Cowan was allowed a pension at the rate of $107.66 for 3 1/2 mo service as a private and 4 mo as Captain of Infantry. The claim for Increase is now made for her husbands service as a Captain of Cavalry. There is a pay note filed with these purposes of Capt Thomas Cowan Troop of Horse for Sept 1780. showing 2 mo service which added to the amount that appears to have been paid to Capt Cowan &co would show more them A.nw. service as a Captain of Calvary.
In the adjustment of this claim, the payments to Capt Cowen were estimated at $450 [illegible] which is the amount allowed for a Company Cavalry
instead of that of Infantry - as established
Page 57

by your office in the case of Jane Harris widow of John of South Carolina to
which case I respectfully refer
Very Respectfully
Your Ob Sert
Geo C. Ames
Page 58

State of North Carolina
Rowan County

Samuel Kerr, a citizen of the County and state aforesaid, who after being duly sworn according to law, Deposeth and saith, that he has frequently heard his father Joseph Kerr, who was a citizen of Rowan County, say, that he (Joseph Kerr) was in the Revolutionary War at the same time, and with Captain Thomas
Cowan; and that he knows of his own knowledge, that he is the identical Captain Thomas Cowan referr'd to and mentioned in this record; and as he very believes
referr'd to in the Comptrollers certificate; and that he was from the Salisbury District.
Sworn to & subscribed the 25th day of May 1854 before
Mr Enness JP
Samuel Herr
Page 59

Doct.  Samuel Kerr's
Deposition
State of North Carolina
Rowan County
I, James E. Kerr, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Truster Sessions for the County aforesaid certify that J H Enness Esqr who certifies the affidavit of Samuel Kerr is and was at the date of the same an acting Justice of the Son in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, having authority by law to administer oaths for general purposes, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.

In testimony whereof, I have
hereunto subscribed my name and
affixed my official seal, this the
3rd day of July, 1854,
James E Kerr Clerk
Page 60

Salisbury 5th July 1854

Sir
I herewith enclose you answers to the objections you made heretofore by Mary Cowan for a Pension for the Military services of Capt Thomas Cowan during the Revolutionary War, which you made thro' the Hon B. Craige in March last. That letter Mr Craige sent, and all the objections therein contained are fully obviated and answered, and a great deal of new and very important testimony obtained since, and which is herewith sent, which will no doubt be quite and entirely sufficient to grant such a Pension as the Acts of Congress has made provision for.

To establish her marriage, the original leaf from the family Bible, and which contains the whole of the Family Record of birth, deaths &c, was taken into court, cut out of the Bible by the Court, and annexed to their certificate, together with the certificate of the Clerk of the Court, with his seal added thereto, and which is herewith sent, and which cannot be otherwise than satisfactory.

Your next objection is "The service of her husband has not been established agreeably to our regulations." This objection I think is fully and entirely overruled by the certificate of the Comptroller, who paid him money as a Captain in 1776, and by three War Papers here enclosed recently found among his papers dated in 1780. 1781 & 1782. all of which are Official, shows beyond all doubt, that he was in and connected with the Revolutionary War as a Captain from 1776 untill the latter part of December 1782, a period of about six years, all of which is proved positively, not by hearsay or traditionary testimony, but by the strongest kind of Documentary testimony.
Page 61

In addition to the Certificate of the Comptroller, those three
War paper (as I call them) prove every thing necessary on the subject.  And further and manfully on this subject, James Carter proves in his Deposition, that Adam Lourener was with him in the Battle at Ramsour's Mills (I refer you to it.)

I also refer you to the Deposition of Robert Knox, who often heard his father say, he serv'd under him three months in Charleston; also at the Battle at Ramsours Mills, and at the skirmish at the Widow Tonences, and various other times & places, and thinks he was in the war, if not all the time, nearly the whole of its continuance. - Elizabeth McNeely says the same nearly in substance; to both of which depositions you are referr'd. Now I think the Service is fully & satisfactorily, and beyond all doubt established.

He is identified with the Record by Elizabeth McNeely
who know of his service, and who was in a position to testify
intelligently in relation to his service; and the length of
service is fully and satisfactorily proven by the documents above refend to. You are here referr'd to the certificate of the Court.

Grade is the next objection. In all the documents that has been see, and with all the old people that I have convers'd, he was never known in any other character than that of Captain or connected with the Revolutionary War. And one of the witnesses, George Knox, who when he was under examination in taking this deposition, expressly stated that it was in the war he got the name of Captain, and ever after during his life he retained, and was call'd by the same title; altho this was not put in his deposition, not being considered material
Page 62

I would here reconcile some disentency in the testimony of
Elizabeth McNeely, who thought that he was a private for a while before he was Captain.  I was also under the same impression.  In this we were both mistaken, which is proved by all the documents produced, as also the testimony of in any living witnesses from tradition; and such is not the fact & not mistaken.  Another mistake in to which we had fallen, viz, that he was a Captain of the Malitia all the time; but it appears from one of the War paper mark'd A, that James Rutherford addresses him as Captain Thomas Cowan's Troop of Horse of Col Brisbane's Regiment from the District of Salisbury, taken Nov. 15th 1780.

It does appear from that document that he was captain of the Horse at one time, which is the only proof I have on that subject, and how he was transferred to the Militia does not appears Hoever, I presume that will make no difference; his being Captain of the Horse was as important in the Army as in the Militia; for he was captain all the time during this war, which appears from all the testimony produce, both traditionary and documentary.

His and her death, together with the member and death & names of their children, both dead & living are fully stated in the deposition of George Knox & the family Record as appears from the certificate of cause which has given the names and residences of the witnesses, & certifying their credibility; and also shows that they were in a position from satisfactory proof to them produced to testify intelligently.

An Administrator has been appointed, and bond given for a large amount with such securities as were approved of by the court, and a full and compleat[sic]
Page 63

transcript of the record, together with a copy of the official bond under the hand of the clerk, and his official seal added thereto, which is all in proper form, and is herewith enclosed, and mark'd D which no doubt will be entirely satisfactory.

I have now fully answered and obviated all the doubts, difficulties and objections which you mentioned in your communication to Mr Craige in March last; and have bought forward a large amount of additional new, and very important testimony, which is very material in this case, and I think irresistable to granting such pension as is allowable by the Act of Congress. The three War Papers together with the Comptrollers certificate, certainly speaks volums, and which is thought by our knowing ones here, to be quite sufficient to obtain this Pension, independant of the large amount of oral and traditionary testimony accompanying this application,

My particular friend Mr. Craige, is well and personally acquainted with every person mentioned in this record (except Elizabeth McNeely & Anna Graham) and can give you any information on this subject you may wish.

I would take it as a particular favor to have action on this application as soon as possible, for these very important reasons, Viz I am now very old, (seventy four years,) very infirm, and my health very bad, and I look upon my days as numbered, and would like very much indeed to have it acted on as soon as possible, and at all events during my life, which would greatly oblidge all the applicant, and more especially your unknown friend Thomas S. Cowan.
Page 64

Brief in the case of Mary Cowan decd widow of Thomas
Rowan County and State of North Carolina
act July 4 1836
Claim, (" original," crossed out or " for increase"
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

The children furnish original documents left by Thos Cowan showing that he acted as a Captain of Militia during the war of the Revolution, they show by the testimony of Geo Knox, Anna Graham Elizabeth McNeely, James Carathers and others, all properly certifies that he was in service and that such in his universal reputation and they furnish from the office of the Comptroller of N.C a Certificate showing that a man of his name living in the same district received payments for services comencerating to 3 1/2 months as a private and 4 1/2 month, as Captain. The claim is therefore allowed for the amount of service indicated by the payments made to him for proof of the date of Marriage, the original family Record has been furnished showing it to have occurred in 1773.  Proof of death, heirship & Administration according the the Regulation of the office
one of the original papers in the case show a service of 2 months as Captain of Calvary which entitled the children to $111.66. instead $101.66 the service was allowed as Cap of Infantry.  Issue the certificate now to (crossed out - Hon B Craige HofR)  G.C. Ames Eqr Present

Thomas Triplett
Thornton Sep
Examining Clerk.
Page 65

Lengthwise Top: 
Mary Cowan
NC sus 36

Lengthwise bottom:
Hon. Banter Creey HR

L.P. Waldo Esquire
Washington City
Hon Mr. Craige.
Page 66

Salisbury Novem 30th 1854.

L.P. Waldo Esquire
Dear Sir
In the application of Mary Cowan to obtain a pension for her  husband Captain Thomas Cowan, you in your communication
to the Honl Burton Craige of the 14th July last, stated as objectionable in the proceedings had in the case prior to that time, "The full names of the surviving children must be given, or if none of the daughters were married let that be shown."

The above is a correct quotation from your letter; and I think the objection is clearly gotten over by the depositions of Christopher Graham and Jane his wife, which is herewith enclosed, and which proves beyond all doubt the fact which you wished to have proved. These were taken before a Justice of the Peace, according to your instructions.

I now hope that all the objections and difficulties are over, and the cars way for the action of the Department; and it has been a long time on the [illegible], I would be glad how soon it could be acted on, and let me know the result.  Your attention to this at your earliest convenience would very much oblidged

Your friend & Humble Servant
Thomas L. Cowan
Page 67

£ 5
 3.18
£ 8.18
8 1178 Shillings
$22.50. N.C. 3 1/2 months


£ 227.4.8
630 6.8
£857.11.4 Self & Co
20
1715112

96D / 20.5816 | $2143.88 Self & Co.
192
138  estimate at $450
96
421 for Cap & Co.
384 will make full
3768 4/12 mos Cap 
28
88 / 44 / 22 / 11
96 /48 / 26 / 12
3 1/2 mos pri in
4 1/2 Cap 
$11.66
90
$101, 56
Page 68

Depositions or Affidt
of
Anna Graham &
George Knox
Page 69

very faint:
State of N. Carolina
Rowan County
I hereby certify that I am well and personally acquainted with George Knox and he signed the foregoing Affidavit that he is present [the reset is illegible]
WP Graham JP

State of North Carolina
Rowan County
I, James E Kerr, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid, certify that W.P. Graham Esquire, who attests the foregoing affidavits of Anna Graham and George Knox, is, and was at the date of the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, having authority by law to administer oaths for general purposes and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I 
have hereunto subscribed my
name and affixed my official
seal, this the 22nd day of
February, 1854
James E. Kerr Clerk
Page 70

(very faint)
State of North Carolina
Rowan County

Personally appeared Anna Graham before me William L. Graham [illegible] the acting Justice of the Peace in and of the county aforesaid;  and after being duly sworn according to law, Deposith and saith, That the Family Bible of Thomas Cowan [illegible] containing the Family record was in the family she being a daughter of [illegible] death, and that it then fell into the possession of her mother and it remained in her possession until she died and then it fell into her (Anna's) possession when it was and has been [illegible] and [illegible]

She further states, that she believes that the [illegible] rercord contained in the bible to be correct. [illegible]
She further states that the book in which the [illegible] [illegible] [illegbie], and which she thinks as well as she can recollect, was in the handwriting of her father, Thomas Cowan [illegible] and for which the first [illegible]  be found, but she [illegible] believes to be [illegible] 
Sworn [illegible]

W.P. Graham JP      Anna Graham

I hereby certify that I am with and personally appeared with Abba Graham who signed the affidavit is a [illegible] person and worthy of [illegible] and [illegible] believes on her oath.
W.P. Graham J.P.
the
and
Graham M.
Page 71


Payment to be made
at Fayetteville
by James Huske Eqr
Agent for paying pension=
ers in the Agency of
North Carolina
 



Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book G.Vol. 2 Page 382 by
G.T. Getty Clerk

Written over the top of the above horizontallyin big writing.

Cancelled 
Cancelled
Page 72

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
Claim for Military Service.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States,
of the 4th July 1836. Mary Cowan deceased, widow of
Thomas Cowan who was a private and Captain in
the Revolution, was entitled to a pension and having
died on the 5th August 1836, for her only surviving children
Thomas S. Cowan, Anna Graham, Jane Graham,
Nancy McCorkle, and James Cowan are entitled
to the amount at the rate of one hundred and one
dollars and Sixty-Six cents, commencing 4th March
1831, and ending 5th August 1836, when she died.

Payable to Thomas Cowan, Administrator
Examined and
.
Given at the Department of the Interior,
this twenty first day of December
one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.
RWAllan
Secretary of the Interior.

Examined and 
Countersigned 
S P Walno
Commissioner of Pensions.


Written over the top horizontally - Cancelled
Page 73

Hon J. Minot
Comm of Pensions
Page 74

Vertical:

Mary Cowan wid of
Thomas Capt, NC
A of 1836

Andersons

Col Edward Biggs

[illegible]
[illegible]


Horizontally:
[illegible]

Mr.Geo C Whiting Com
Washington
DC
Page 75

State of North Carolina
Rowan County
                                ⎬
At a term of the Superior Court of Law held on the 26th day
of November 1855, in and for the said County and State. His
Honer John L. Bailey presiding it was proved to the satisfaction of said of said Court, that Mary Cowan decd was the widow of Thomas Cowan, decd who was a private and Captain of Cavalry in the Militia of North Carolina, Revolutionary war, that the said Mary died
on the 5th day of August 1836 leaving the following
named children, all of whom were named in a former
certificate now on file in the pension Office at Washington
City, and who are now living except Nancy
McCorkle who died about 9 months ago to wit:
Thomas L Cowan, Ann Graham, Jane Graham and
James Cowan
J. H. Hogan Helper, Clerk of the Superior
Court of Law in and for said County and
State of North Carolina, do hereby certify
that the above is a true and Correct
transcript taken from the records
of my office, on this (crossed out) Given under
my hand and seal on this 30th day
of November A.D. 1885
H Hogue Helper C.S.C.
Page 76

5311
Mary Cowan decd
Widow of Thomas.
Rowan Co. N C
Admd July 4 1836
3 1/2 mos pri $11.66
4 1/2 " Cap   90.00
$101.66
per annum from
4th March 1831 to
5 " Aug 1836
when she died
Pay to Thomas L Cowan
Adm for himself and
Anna Graham 2 Jane
Graham 3 Nanay McCor-
e 4 & James Cowan 5
only children
Cert to
Hon B Craige
Hof Reps 382
Page 77

House of Rep US
March 10th 1854

Hon L. P. Waldo

Sir
I enclose you the application of Mr T. L. Cowan for Pension under the act of 4th July 1856. I know Mr. C. well, and the Justice of the Peace before whom the affidavits supporting the claim were taken, and they are persons of the highest respectability.  Your early attention to this case will much oblige me.
I have the honor to be
most respectfully
Mr. Wm. Craige
Page 78

Extract from the Records
in Comptrollers Office
with his Certificate.
Page 79

State of North Carolina
Comptroller's Office

I William J. Clarke Comptroller of public accounts in and for the State aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office, among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for Military service in the Revolutionary war, as follows.
to wit.
Thomas Cowan
Book A.M. No. 15. Page 11 £5  Salisbury Dist Spec
 "   "  " 16  "  8 = 2440  Currency  
  "  F  " 2 " 68 = 3.18 in 1776 Specie
Capt A  "  4767 " Self & Co. (227.4.8.
Capt "  "   4768  "  "  " (1.30.6.8  { Specie

I furthermore certify that Thomas Cowan appars on Book I
as a Captain of Militia, and that I am satisfied that said
Thomas Cowan lived in Salisbury District.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed my seal of office
this 5th day of December 1853 -
Wm J. Clarke, Compt

Seal embossed but not readable.
Page 80


Left side vertical:
Mary Cowan - Thomas 1833

Right side up:
H. C. Burnett M.C
George C. Whiting
Court of Pensions
Washington
D. C
Page 81

Left side Vertical:
Lawrence P Harris
NY Original

Cole

No paper filed under 18 m 1818

Horizontally:

Loron P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
Page 82

Clerks Certificate
in Relation
to
The Marriage Bond
Page 83

State of North Carolina,
Rowan County

I, James E Kerr, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Session for
the County aforesaid, of hereby certify that I have made diligent search in my office for a marriage license bond, authorizing the celebration of a marriage between Thomas Cowan and Mary Buckley, but no such record can be found.

In testimony whereof,
I have hereunto subscribed
my name and affixed the
seal of said Court, at office
in Salisbury, this the 14th day
of February,1854,
James E Kerr Clerk
Page 84

Mary Cowan decd
widow of Thomas
No Ca
[illegible], July 4 1836
3 1/2 mos pri In $11.66
2 1/2 " Cap In  50.00
2        "  " Cal  50.00
$111.6
per annum from 4 Mch
1831 to 5 Aug 1836, when
she died, pay Thos L Cowan adm
for himself &
Anna Graham 2 June Graham 3 & J. Cowan 4
or any of them or any others
who may be alive.
Deduct former payments
Cert to
G.C. Ames
Present
Page 85

Hon H.C. Burnett
Feby 24
Page 86

Pension Office, February 24, 1859.
Sir, 
In response to the enclosed letters I have
the honor to state that Thomas Cowan was
not a pensioner of the United States. He
appears to have died in 1817, no law had
then been made granting pensions to revolutionary soldiers, Thomas L. Cowan,
the administrator upon the estate of Mary
Cowan of North Carolina, widow of Thomas Cowan (the Soldier) recovered the amount of pension due her on her death, under act of Jul 4, 1836 - The allowance was at the rate of $111.66 per annum, from March 4 1831 to Aug. 5. 1836 - the latter being the date of said
widows death. The amount was ordered to
be paid to said Thomas L. Cowan, as administrator for the benefit of himself and
the other surviving children of said Mary Cowan 
with great respect
& C
Hon. H.C. Burnett 
House of Reps
Page 87

Pension Office, Feby 3. 1859.
Sir,
In reply to the enclosed letter of Mr. Benjamin H. Diggs, I have the honor to state that an allowance at rate of $111.66 per annum from
4th March 1831 to August 5, 1836 has been
made in the case of Mary Cowan deceased (she died or the letter date) widow of Thomas Cowan, a revolutionary officer and soldier. This allowance which was all the proof justified, was ordered to be paid to Thomas S. Cowan administrator, for the benefit of himself, and all the other surviving children of Mrs Cowan.
The heirs of Edward Diggs, who was a captain in the Virginia State troops during the Revolutionary war were allowed the half-pay due him under act of July 5, 1832, in June 1851. By addressing the third Auditor of the Treasury, the way in which the settlement in this case was made may be ascertained. (over)
Page 88

as also the amount paid, and to whom
with great respect
&c
Hon. J. D. C. Atkins,
Feby 3.
Hon. J. D. C. Atkins
House of Reps
Page 89

State of North Carolina
Rowan County 
James Caruthers a citizen of Rowan County, and has been for about sixty years, and is now
upwards of eighty seven years of age, who after being duly sworn according to law, Deposeth and saith, that he was well acquainted with one Abram Lourance that
he lived a near neighbour to him for a long time, but has been dead for a number of years past, That he has heard him ( Lourance ) often say, that he was in the Revolutionary War as a Horseman under Captain Falls, that his horse was shot from under him, that he then immediately joined in the near, the Militia Company of Captain Thomas Cowan, who with his company was then in the
engagement, (this is the battle at Ramsours Mills ); that the said Cowan was then & there commanding his company in proper person; and that he ( Lourance ) received a
wound, and that Captain Cowan thought it to be fatal or at least dangerous, told him he thought he better retire from the engagement, giving as a reason, that he ( Lourance ) had
two brothers that in the battle, and that might
intimidate or discourage them; but he continued to fight as long as he was able from the loss of blood, & then withdrew.
This deponent further saith, that he was well
acquainted with Captain Thomas Cowan, and that he is the identical Captain Thomas Cowan referred to in this record, and that he was of the Rowan Militia from the district of Salisbury.
Page 90

Sworn to and subscribed the 27th day of June 1834 before J.K. Graham J.P.
James Caruthers
State of North Carolina
Rowan County }
I, John K. Graham, one of the acting Magistrates in and for said county, certify that James Caruthers who sign'd the above certificate, is now very old and infirm, and could not without great labor and inconvenience come to court to make this affidavit in court. I further certify that the said James Caruthers, with whom I am well acquainted, is a man of respectability in the community in which he lives, and is entirely worthy to be believed on oath
June 27th 1854.
J Knox Graham J.P.
Page 91

State of North Carolina
Rowan County
Robert Knox a resident of the county and state aforesaid, and who is the son of Benjamin Knox now deceased, who was born, lived and died in the said county and state, who after being duly sworn according to law, Deposeth and saith, That he very often heard his father (Benjamin Knox) say, speaking of the services of Captain Thomas Cowan in and during the Revolutionary War, and he thinks and believes that from what he often heard his father say, that he the said Captain Cowan, was petty much engaged in the war during the whole of its continuance; and that he particularly & distinctly recalled that he often heard him say, that he (Knox) served for three months as a private, under Captain Thomas Cowan in and about Charleston South Carolina; besides at various other times and places; two fo which were at the Battle at Ramsours Mills, and the skirmish at the widow Torrence's, both of which he distinctly recollects.
He further states, that the said Captain Thomas Cowan, is the identical person referred to in this Record.
Sworn to and subscribed the 30th day of June 1854.
Rober Knox
before
W. P. Graham J. P.
Page 92

State of North Carolina
Rowan County }
I, William P. Graham, one of the Presiding Magistrates of the said County and state, certify that Robert Knox, who sign'd the foregoing Deposition, is a man of respectability in the community in which
he lives, and with whom I am well & personally acquainted, is worthy of credit, and to be believed on oath.
And further that he lives about eighteen miles from the Court House, and could not attend the Court without some inconvenience; and this not being the time of the sitting of the court
Witness my hand & seal the 30th day of June 1854
W Graham J P. [seal] 
State of North Carolina
Rowan County } 
I, James Kerr, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid
certify that J. K. Graham Esqr who certifies the
affidavits of James Caruthers and Robert Knox
is, and was at the date of the same, an acting
Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, having authority by law to administer oaths for general purposes, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal this the 3rd day of July, 1854.
James E Kerr Clerk
James Caruthers & Robert Knox's Depositions.
Page 93

War Paper mark'd C
Page 94

War Paper mark'd B
Page 95

State of North Carolina
Rowan County
Personally appeared Thomas L. Cowan before me, one of the Presiding Magistrates in and for said county, who after being sworn in due form of law, Deposeth and saith, that the three annexed or enclosed papers, mark'd A, B & C, and purporting to be papers connected with the Revolutionary War, and are entirely connected with & directed to Captain Thomas Cowan in his official character as an officer in and during the War; one bearing date June 4th, 1781; and one bearing date 15th November 1780, and another bearing date 27th December 1782. One of which is countersigned or approved by Francis Locke Col.; and another written by James Rutherford, and altho his title is not affixed to his name, was a Colonel in the war, and was kill'd at the battle of Eutaw Springs, — Be, this deponent recently found among the old papers of the said Captain Thomas Cowan.
Sworn to a subscribed the 5th day of July 1854.
Thos. L. Cowan.
before
James H. Enniss JP

State North Carolina Rowan County.
I James H. Enniss presiding Magistrate of Rowan County do hereby Certify that Thos. L. Cowan who signed the above deposition in a man of respectability & truth in this Community and with whom I am well acquainted & is worthy to be believed on oath.
Given under my Hand & Seal,
This 5th day of July 1854.
James H. Ennis JP
Page 96

State of North Carolina
Rowan County
I James E Kerr Clerk of the Court of Pleas
and Quarter Sessions, for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that James H Enness Esqr. whose name appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of Signing the same a legal acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Rowan duly commissioned and qualified, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have
caused my name to be subscribed
hereunto by my Deputy, and affixed
the seal of our said Court at
office this 6th day of July 1854

James E Kerr, Clerk
by J. S. Myers DC

Thomas L. Cowan's
Deposition
Page 97

Elizabeth McNeely's
Affidavit.
Page 98

State of North Carolina
Rowan County
On this 7th day of October 1853, Elizabeth McNeely aged about eighty three years, personally appeared before me John F. McCorkle a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, who being first sworn according to law, doth upon her oath say that she was well acquainted with Thomas Cowan and Mary his wife, that she lived a near neighbor to them during the Revolutionary War, and nearby was since up to the time of their deaths. That she well knows that the said Thomas Cowan served his country both as a Private and Captain during the Revolution; that she was then about ten or twelve years old, and was present at the time and place, when he was elected Captain (it being at her father's house); that she thinks that he served his country in that capacity untill the close of the war; and she thinks he was in the war as a Private, pretty much from the commencement of hostilities up to the period when he was elected captain; at least such is her supposition — that she always understood that he was in the Battles of Cow-pens and Ramsour's Mill, and in the skirmishes at Cowan's Foard on the Catawba when the British cross'd that River, and at Torrence's. She further states that the said Thomas Cowan was married to Mary Barkley as she believes about the year 1773; that he died about the 4th day of December 1817 - and that Mary Cowan his wife from the time of their marriage untill the death of the said Thomas Cowan, and that they raised thirteen children. She further states that from bodily infirmity, that she is totally unable to appear in court to make this affidavit.
Sworn to and subscribed
the day and date above written
Elizabeth McNeely her mark
before me
J. F. McCorkle J. P.
Page 99

State of North Carolina
Rowan County
I hereby certify that I am personally well acquainted with Elizabeth McNeely who sign'd the foregoing Affidavit, that she is a very credible person and worth to be believed on oath.
J. F. McCorkle J. P.

State of North Carolina
Rowan County
I, James E. Kerr, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid, certify that J. P. McCorkle Esquire, who attests the foregoing affidavit of Elizabeth McNeely, is and was at the date of the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, having authority to administer oaths for general purposes, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal this the 22nd day of February 1854.
James E. Kerr, Clerk
Page 100

Tho L Cowan admr
with the will annexed
of the Estate of Mary
Cowan, dec'd

Transcript Record

Fee $2
Page 101

State of North Carolina ⎬
Rowan County 
Be t remembered I  that heretofore town
at a Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions
begun and held for the County of
Rowan at the Court House in
Salisbury on the third monday
of August One Thousand eight
hundred and thirty Six 1836, in
the 61st year of our Independence
the worshipful Justices towit,
Robert N Fleming
John Clement
Archibald Carter

When the following record, was made towit
Administration on the estate of Mary Cowan with the will annexed was granted to Thomas L Cowan he
gave bond with Michael Brown, in $500 he qualified
obtained letters,
which bond is in the following words figures towit,
State of North Carolina
Rowan County
Know all men, by these
presents that we Thomas L Cowan
are
to and firmly bound unto the State of North Carolina
the sum of Five hundred dollars Current money
be paid to the said State of North Carolina, to the which payment well and truly to be made we bind
our selves our heirs, Executors and administrators
jointly and severally firmly by these presents-- Sealed with our seals, and dated this 16th day of August Anno Domini 1836,
The condition of the above obligation is such, that if
above bounden Thomas D Cowan admistrator
with the Will annexed of all and singular the goods
Page 102

and chattels, rights and credits of Mary Cowan due  make or cause to be made a true inventory of all and singular the goods and chattels, rights and credits of the deceased which have or shall come to the hands. Knowledge, or possessions of the said Thomas L. Copwan, or into the hands or possession of any person or persons for him, and the same so made do exhibit, or cause to be exhibited into Rowan County Court within the time presented by law, after the date of these presents and the same good chattels and credits and all other the goods chattels and credits of the deceased at the time of his death, or which at any time hereafter shall come into the hands or possession of the said Thomas L. Cowan or into the hands or possession of any other person or persons for him do well and truly administer according to law. And further do make, or cause to be made, a true and just account of his said administration, agreeably to law, after the date of these presents and all the rest and residue of the said goods chattels and credits which shall be found remaining upon the said administrators account, The same being first allowed by the Courts, shall deliver and pay into such person or persons respectively, as the same shall become due present to the true intent and meaning of the act in that case made and provided. And if it shall appear that any will or testament was made by the decesased, and the Executor or Executors therein named do exhibit this same in court, making request to have it allowed and approved of accordingly, if the said Thomas L. Cowan, above [illegible], being thereunto required do render and deliver the said letters of administration approbation of such testament being first had and made in the said court, then this obligation
Page 103

to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue
Thomas L. Cowan [Seal]
Michael Brown [Seal] 
Signed Sealed and delivered
in the presence of
Jno. H Hardie
North Carolina
Rowan County }
I James E. Kerr Clerk of the Court of Pleas &
Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and perfect transcript of the record, in the proceedings of this matter &c
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and ffixed the seal of our said Court at Office this the 30th day of November 1855
James E Kerr Clk
by
J. S. Myers D.C
Page 104

Depositions
of 
Christopher Graham & wife
Page 105

State of North Carolina
Rowan County
Christopher Graham personally appeared before me William P. Graham, one of the acting Magistrates of said county, who after being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that he was well and intimately acquainted with Captain Thomas Cowan and Mary his wife, and with all their children, he living a near neighbour to them, and knows the surviving children yet. The daughters were all married. The names of the surviving daughters is Anna Graham, who married Moses Graham (now deceased), Jane Graham who married James Graham (but now dec'd), and Nancy McCorkle who married Lewis McCorkle (but now deceased). 
The names of the surviving sons are Thomas L. Cowan and James Cowan.
Sworn to and subscribed the 20th day of September 1854 
Christopher Graham
before W. P. Graham JP

I hereby certify that I am personally and well acquainted with Christopher Graham who made the above deposition, and that he is a very respectable man, and stands very fair in the community in which he lives, and is worthy to be believed on oath.
Given under my hand & seal the 20th day of September 1854.
W. P. Graham JP {seal}
Page 106

State of North Carolina
Rowan County
Jane Graham (wife of Christopher Graham) of the county and state aforesaid, personally appeared before me William P. Graham, one of the acting Justices of the Peace, in and for said county, who after being duly sworn according to law, Deposeth and saith, That she was well and intimately acquainted with Captain Thomas Cowan and Mary his wife, and with all their children, she living a near neighbor to them, and knows the surviving children now. The daughters were all married; and the names of the surviving ones is Anna Graham, who married Moses Graham (now dec'd), Nancy McCorkle who married Lewis McCorkle (now dec'd) & Jane Graham who married James Graham: him now dec'd. The names of the surviving sons is Thomas L. Cowan and James Cowan.
Sworn to and subscribed the 20th day of September 1854.
Jane Graham
before
W. P. Graham J. P. {seal}

I hereby certify that Jane Graham (wife of Christopher Graham) who signed the above Deposition, is a lady of high respectability, and very far character, and is worthy to be believed on oath.
Given under my hand & seal the 20th day of September 1854.
W. P. Graham JP {seal}
Page 107

Thos L Cowan
Copy of Record
Page 108

State of North Carolina 
Rowan County
Be it remembered that heretofore to wit at a Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions begun and held for the County of Rowan at the Court House in Salisbury on the first Monday in May  One Thousand eight hundred and fifty four (1854) and in the 78th year of our Independence, Present the worshipful Justices to wit,
Horace L. Robards
William A. Walton 
Charles L. Partee } Esquires
When the following record, was made to wit
Administration with will annexed on the Estate of Thomas Cowan Do. granted to Thomas L Cowan he gave bond with Joel H. Jenkins and Charles L. Partee , in $8,000 he qualified and
obtained lettersof  Administration, which bond is in the following words and figures to wit,
State of North Carolina
Rowan County
Know all men, by these presents: that we Thomas L Cowan, Joel H Jenkins and Charles L. Partee, are held and firmly bound unto the State of North Carolina, in the sum of Eight Thousand Dollars Current money, to be paid to the said State of North Carolina; to the which payment well and truly to be made, we bind
ourselves, our heirs, executors and Administrators jointly, and severally, firmly by these presents:
Page 109

Sealed with our seals and dated this 1st day of May 1854.

The condition of the above obligation is such that if the above (illegible) Thomas L. Cowan with the will annexed of all and singular the goods and chattels, rights and credits, of Thomas Cowan deceased, do make, or cause to be made, a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods and chattels, rights and credits, of the deceased, which have or shall come to the hands, knowledge, or possession of the said Thomas L. Cowan, or into the hands or possession of any person or persons for him and the same so made, do exhibit or cause to be exhibited, into Rowan County Court, within the time prescribed by law, after the date of these present, and the same goods, chattels and credits, and all other the goods chattels and credits of the deceased, at the time of his death, or which at any time here after shall come into the hands or possessions of the said Thomas L. Cowan, or into the hands or possessions of any other person or persons for him do will and truly administer according to law, and further, do make, or cause to be made, a true and just account of his said administration, agreeably to law, after the date of these present and all the rest and residue of the said goods chattels and credits, which shall be found remaining upon the said administration deducting his account, the same being first allowed by court shall deliver and pay unto such person or persons respectively, as the same shall become due, pursuant to the true intent and meaning of the act in that case made and provided. And it it shall appear that any will or testament was made of the deceased and the
Page 110

Executor or Executors therein named do exhibit the Same in Court, making request to have it allowed and approved of accordingly, if the said Thomas L. Cowan, above bounden, being thereunto required, do render and deliver the said Letters of Administration (approbation of such Testament being first had and made in the said Court, then this Obligation to be void; Otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.
Signed Sealed and Acknowledged
in the presence of
Thomas L. Cowan {seal}
J. H. Jenkins {seal}
C. L. Partee {seal}


North Carolina
Rowan County
I James E. Kerr Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and perfect transcript of the records in the proceeding of this matter.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of our said Court at Office this the 14th day of May 1854.
James E. Kerr clk by J S Myers DC