Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25,444, Joseph Cowan, N.C.
Page 1

SERVICE
N.C.

Cowan, Joseph
or
Cowen, Nancy

NUMBER
W. 25,444
B.L.W. 28614-160-55
Page 2

19.623
North Carolina

Joseph Cowan
of Haywood Co. in the State of North Carolina
who was a  Private in the company commanded
by Captain Smothers of the regiment commanded
by Colonel Polk in the N. Carolina
line, for the term of one years
from May 1776 to 1777

Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 8th day of April 1826

Certificate of Pension issued the 13 of May 1826
and sent to William Roane, Esqr.
Morgantown North Carolina

Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sep 1826    $39.20
Page 3

5.335

North Carolina Morganton
Nancy Cowan
widow of 
NC Joseph Cowan
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
 of 96 dollars
per annum, to commence on
the 3d February, 1853.

Certificate of Pension issued
10th day of July 1855
and sent to
J.T.Neely,
Present

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 139. Vol. A.
Page 4

135.745   Act--Mar. 3/55
May 16/55

Nancy Cowen
widow of
Joseph Cowen Priv;

Revolutionary War

[illegible] Pension

[illegible]  May, 22d/56
[illegible signature]

N.C.  Feby '53-- 53.35
Page 5

Declaration to be placed on the pension list under
the act of Congress  on the 18th March 1818.

State of North Carolina
Haywood County
Superior Court of Law April Term 1826
on this 6 day of April AD 1826
Personally appeared Joseph Cowan in open court
being a court of Record for the county of
Haywood resident in said county aged 68
years who first being duly sworn according
to law in his oath makes the following
declaration in order to (rest of line crossed out)
to obtain the provisions made by the act of
Congress of the 18th March 1818 & first
of May 1820--- That he the said Joseph Cowan
enlisted for the term of one year on the
day of May AD1776  in the county of
Mecklenburgh in the State of North Carolina
in the company commanded by Captain Robert
Smith in the Regiment commanded by
Colonel Thomas Polk in the line of the
State of North Carolina on the North
Carolina Continental Establishment.  That he
continued to serve in the said [illegible] untill
about April or May AD 1777
When he was discharged from the Service in the
town of Wilmington State of North Carolina
that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to
a pension-- Except the present that his name is not
on the Roll of any State to his knowledge except N. 
Carolina, and that the following are the reasons for
his not making Earlier application for a pension
Page 6

that he did not know that he was entitled
to a pension untill he met with an Old friend
who to told him so about two years ago when
he applied for one.
And in pursuance of the act of the 1st of May
1820 I [large smudge] swear, that I was a resident
citizen of the United States, on the 18th March 1818
and that I have not since that time by gift
sale or in any manner disposed of my property
or any part thereof so as to diminish it with
intent so as to bring myself without the provisions of an act
of Congress Entitled "An act to provide for certain persons
engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United
States in the revolutionary War". passed on the 18th
March 1818, and that I have not nor has any
person for me any property [illegible] contract,
or debts due to me nor have I any income
other than what is contained in the Schedule
hereunto [illegible] and by me Subscribed that
since the 18th March 1818 the following  charge
has been made in my property that at that
time I was worth about $78 and have
used all of it to support me but about
$12 due me if good doubtful $22 leaving
what I owe for my Support as old debts
and in addition thereto that he has
bad claims on persons who think they can
keep him out of it to the amount of
$18 besides his tools valued at about
$16 and some small portion of farming
tools worth about $10-- that he is
by trade a Hatter cannot now see and
Page 7

Unable to work and helpless and lives
with a son and two daughters who are
poor and take care of his old wife and
himself as therefore given in according
to former application
(mark of Joseph Cowan)

Sworn to and declared on the 6th April 1826
before me and in open court.
(signature of John B Love Clk)

I John B Love Clerk of the Superior
court of Law for the County of Haywood
do hereby certify that it appears to the
Satisfaction of the court that the Said
Joseph Cowan served in the revolutionary
war as stated in the preceeding declaration
against the Common Enemy for
the term of nine months under one
Engagement on the continental establishment
I also certify that the 
foregoing oath and the schedule thereunto
[large smudge] annexed are copied from the 
records of said court and I do further certify
that it is the opinion of
the said court that the total amount
of the value of the property exhibited
in the aforesaid schedule is correct and
Page 8

Not worth more than sixty dollars.
(mark of Joseph Cowan]
Sworn to in open court this 6 April 1826
(signature of John B. Love Clk)

In testimony whereof I John
B. Love Clerk of Haywood Superior
Court of Law have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the Seal
of Court at [illegible] this 8
day April 1826
(signature of John B. Love Clk)
Page 9

19,644

Joseph Cowan
Haywood County
For

Wm Roane Esqr.
Morganton,
N. Carolina
Page 10

State of No. Carolina
Haywood County
Superior Court of Law Spring Term AD 1825

Personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of record for
Haywood County, Joseph Cowan aged sixty six years a
resident of this County, who begin first duly sworn according
to Law doth on his oath declare that he Served in the Revolutionary
War as follows, That he Enlisted in the County of Mecklenburgh
and in Captain Robert Smith of Colonel Thomas Polks
Regiment of the North Carolina line on Continental Establishment
for one year on or about May 1776 That he Joined
the Regiment at Wilmington and marched to Hedleys point
near fort Sullivan in South Carolina that he was in one
Engagement near to fort Sullivan on Bald head Island
in the Bay, That he returned to Wilmington and marched
on North to Halifax in Virginia that he marched & Counter
marched in the Southern Campaign, was at the Battle
of Ramsour in the Militia afterwards Cowans [illegible]  in
the Skirmish with Lord Cornwallace when Col. Davidson
was killed, and before that time had been Honourably 
discharged at Wilmington the year following his time of 
Enlistment having expired that he has lost his discharge---
And I do solemnly swear that I was  a resident Citizen of
the United States on the 18th of March 1818 That I have not
Since that time by Sale gift or in any manner disposed of my
property or any part thereof with intent so to diminish it as to
Page 11

to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress
entitled an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the
Land and Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War passed on the 18th of March 1818, and that I have not, nor has any person for me in Trust any
property Securities or Contracts or debts due to me, nor 
have I any income other than what is contained in the 
Schedule hereunto annexed, and by me Subscribed

That he was by trade a farmer & Hatter but now unable
to work at anything for he has lost one Eye in Ramsour
Battle & can see but little out of the other, that he has an old
wife afflicted with the Palsey, two Daughters about 13 & 15
being with him, that he lives on the States Land & very unable
to work, and no means of assistance but by public or private
Charity; and no other means of proving his Service in his
power but his own oath, that the reason of his not applying
for a pension before this, has been 1st that he was Ignorant
of the Course to be pursued, 2nd, that when he did do so the
papers were made out wrong & he got nothing.
Sworn to in open Court 8th of April 1825
(signature of John B Sore)

A list or Schedule of Joseph Cowan of the County of Haywood
No. Carolina as being the only property by him owned (to wit)
One Bed & furniture much worn.........................&10.00
Page 12

Two old Barshear plows...................................$2.00
Two other old Shovel plows............................$1.25
Two old Axes small..............................................$1.25
One pair of old Gear for horses......................$1.25
an old Set of Hatters Tools................................$15.00
One small pot, & two old ovens without lids $3.00
One old pan ............................................................$0.75
One Iron Wedge.....................................................$0.50
One note of hand on a Son................................$16.00
and old Gun & an old Sword.............................$3.00
an old Chest..............................................................$1.00
an old Cuting knife & two old sythes.............$1.00
an useless wooden Clock.....................................$0.75
One old Smoothing Iron & other
household furniture................................................$1.00
an old Small Sword..................................................$.050
a Large family Bible & some other old Book$10.00
                                                                   __________
                                                                       $68.25
                                                                       $49.00
                                                                     __________
I am Justly indebted to Albustus 
Erwin of Burk  $27.00                                      $19.00 Balance
& Interest on the same over five years
also I am Justly indebted to John B. Love       $22.00
plus some Interest on the same                     ____________
                                                                           49.00
(mark of Joseph Cowan)
Sworn to in open Court 8th day of April 1825
(signature of John B. Love) Clk.

I John B. Love Clerk of the Superior Court of Law in and for the County of Haywood do hereby Certify that Schedule as above annexed appeared to the Satisfaction of the Court to be worth $68.25 and that he was indebted in the sum of $49.00 having a Ballance of $19.25 In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Court at office the 8th day of April 1825
(signature of John B. Love) Clk
Page 13

State of North Carolina
Jackson County
On this the 9th day of February Eighteen
Hundred and fifty Four Personally appeared
before me one of the Judges of the 
Court of Please of the County and
State afore said, Nancy Cowen a Resident
of Savanah in Jackson County in
No. Carolina Aged Eighty five years who
being duly Sworn according to law doth
on her oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit
of the provisions made by the act of
Congress passed the twenty ninth July Eighteen
hundred and Forty Eight.  That she
is the widow of Joseph Cowen who was
a Soldier in the War of the Revolution
who drew a Pension paid at the No. Carolina
Agency.  She further declares that she was
Married to the Said Joseph Cowen in the
year Seventeen Hundred and Ninety
Nine that her Husband the aforesaid
Joseph Cowen did on the 30th day of Oct
Eighteen Hundred and Thirty five that she
was not married to him prior to his leaving
the Service but the marriage took place [illegible]
to the Second day of January Eighteen Hundred
Viz  at the time above Stated she further
Swears that she is now a widow and that
she has never before made any application
for a Pension   The above is correct according
to my best recollection as I have no Records
Sworn to and subscribe on the day year above written before Allen Fishers
Nancy Cowan (Seal)
Page 14

to the foregoing Declaration at her
Residence in the county and State afore
said and I further Certify that she
is very old and allomost helpless so much
so that she can not get about and I
further certify that it would be allmost
imposible for her to get before a court
from bodily infirmity, and I further certify
that she is a Lady of good character.
I further certify that James Buchanan
and Martha Buchanan was duly sworn
according to Law to the fore going Affidavits
and I further certify that I am well
acquainted with them and they are Persons
of good character and can be relied upon
I further certify that I have no Interest-
in Nancy Cowens Pension Claim this the
9th day of Febr. Eighteen hundred and fifty Four
(signature of Allen Fishers) Judge C.P.Q.S.
& J.P.

State of No. Carolina
Jackson County 
I David Rogers Clerk of
the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and
for the county and state aforesaid do hereby
certify that Allen Fisher before whom the foregoing
affidavit and acknowledgements were made and who has there unto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing one of the Judges of said court of  Please and Quarter Sessions and Justice of the Peace in and for the county and state aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and that his signature above written is genuine In testimony, whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Private Seal (there being no Seal of office) of Jackson County Court done at office this the 9th day of February Eighteen Hundred and Fifty four
(signature of D. Rogers) clk
Page 15

State of North Carolina
Jackson County
I James Buchanan of Savanah in the
County and State aforesaid do swear that
I saw Joseph Cowen and Nancy Cowen
now his widow, married in Burk County
No. Carolina about the year Seventeen Hundred
and Ninety Nine and I further swear that
I was known to Joseph Cowen's drawing
a Pension and I was well acquainted with
him up to his death and Nancy Cowen
and Joseph lived to gether as man and wife
up to his death which took place about
the year Eighteen Hundred and Thirty five
from my best recollection and I further
Swear that Nancy Cowen Joseph Cowen's
Widow is now living and has never
Married since Joseph Cowen's Death
I further swear that I have no Interest
in Nancy Cowen's Pension Claim
This the 9th day of February Eighteen Hundred
and fifty Four
James Buchanen (seal)
Sworn to and subscribed 
Before Allen Fisher JP
Page 16

State of North Carolina
Jackson County
I Martha Buchanan a resident of
Savanah in the county and state afore
said do swear that I saw Joseph
Cowen and Nancy Cowen married in
Burk County No. Carolina about the
year Seventeen Hundred and Ninety nine
and I further swear that I was well
acquainted with them up to Joseph Cowens
Death and they lived to gether as man
and wife up to his Death which took
place about the year Eighteen hundred and
thirty five from my best recollection
and I further swear that Nancy Cowen
is now living and has remained a widow
ever since Joseph Cowens Death
I further swear that I have no Interest
in Nancy Cowen's Pension Claim this
the 9th day of February Eighteen hundred
and Fifty Four  Sworn to and subscribed
before Allen Fishers 
(mark of Martha Buchanan) (Seal)

State of North Carolina
Jackson County
I Allen Fisher one of the Judges of 
the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions and
Justice of the Peace in and for the county
and state aforesaid do hereby certify that
Nancy Cowen a resident of the county and
state aforesaid was duly sworn before me
Page 17

Joseph Cowen was Born the 22d day
of August AD 1800=
Wm. Cowen was Born the 3d day of
December AD 1801
Page 18

BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
FORM OF DECLARATION.
To be made by the Widow of an Officer or Soldier of the Revolutionary War.

State of North Carolina
County of Jackson Ss.

On this 29 day of Aprile A.D., one thousand eight hundred and
fifty five personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for
the County and State aforesaid, Nancy Cowen aged _________ years,
a resident of Jackson Co. in the State of No. Carolina, who being duly sworn
according to law, declares, that she is the widow of Joseph Cowen, deceased, who was 
a Revolutionary Soldier and a Pensioner of the United
States who drew his Pension at Fayetteville
No. Carolina at the rate of Ninty six dollars
per annum and resident in Macon County
No. Carolina when he drew his Pension.
She further states that she was married to the said Joseph Cowen in the Spring
of the year of seventeen hundred and Ninty
nine by one Glass a Justice of the Peace and that
her name before her said marriage was Nancy Buchanan---
his Residince on the 30th day of October A.D. 1835
and that she is now a widow at the date of executing this her declaration.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Lan d to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3, 1855.
She further declares that she has never made application
for Bounty land except the one now present but refers to her
Husbands Papers for proof of service and to her Declaration and
proof of marriage which she made for the purpose of obtaining a Pension
(mark of Nancy Cowan)
(signature of Wm. R. Buchanan JP)

AFFIDAVIT OF TWO WITNESSES.
We, James Buchanan and Martha Buchanan
residents of Jackson Co. in the State of No. Carolina upon our
oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Nancy Cowen in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.  We further swear that we was personally acquainted with Joseph Cowen and Nancy Cowen before his death and they lived together as man and wife and that several  children and was known in  the country to be married and Cowen drew a Pension up to his death and Nancy Cowen his widow is living and signed and acknowledged the above declaration as above stated.
(signature of James M Buchanan)
(Martha Buchanan)
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
(signature of Wm. R. Buchanan J.P.)
Page 19

POWER OF ATTORNEY.
know all men by these presents, That I, Nancy Cowen of the County of Jackson and State of No Carolina and the widow of Joseph Cowen
deceased, who was a soldier in the service of the United States, do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint JOHN T. NEELY, Esq.,
of Washington City, D. C., my true and lawful attorney, irrevocably, for me and in my name, to prosecute and receive from the United States the Bounty Land certificate, or warrant, due me by virtue of my deceased husband's service in the United States, under existing laws granting Bounty Lands to the officers and soldiers, or their widows and minor heirs, for services rendered in the different wars, and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises, an attorney, or attorneys under him for the purpose aforesaid to make, and at his pleasure to revoke, hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall in my
name legally do or cause to be done in and about the premises, as much so as if present myself.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 29 day of April 1855
x her mark 
Nancy Cowan
SEAL.
Acknowledged and subscribed before me, a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Jackson and State of No. Carolina this 29
day of April 1855
Wm R Buchanan 
SEAL.
STATE OF North Carolina
COUNTY OF Jackson} ss.
I, David Rogers Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify, that Wm. R. Buchanan whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing declaration, affidavit, and power of attorney, is, and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith
and credit; and that the aforesaid County Court, is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction.
GIVEN under my hand and Seal of Office, at this 29 day of April A. D. 1855
David Rogers Clerk.
Page 20

BOUNTY LAND.
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.

Mrs. Nancy Cowan
Widow of Joseph Cowan
decd.
Rev Pensioner
$96. per annum
act 1832
Page 21

May 18, 1939.
Mrs Edythe Whitley
2710 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee.
BA-J / ILL
Joseph Cowan
W. 25444
Dear Madam:
The data which follow are shown in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 25444, based upon service of Joseph Cowan in the Revolutionary War.
Joseph Cowen enlisted in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, in May 1776, and served one year as private in Captain
Robert Smith's company, Colonel Thomas Polk's North Carolina regiment, during which he marched from Wilmington to Haddrell's Point near Sullivan's Island where he was in an engagement, afterwards returned to North Carolina. He enlisted later, date not shown,
served as a private in the militia in the southern campaign, was in the battle of Ramsour, in which he lost one eye, was in the battle at Cowan's Ford and in many skirmishes; he did not give the names of any officers during these later services.
The soldier resided in Burke County, North Carolina, from the spring of 1799 for about one year, afterwards resided in Jackson and Macon Counties adjoining, in that state.
Joseph Cowan was allowed pension on his application executed April 8, 1825, at which time he resided in Haywood County,
North Carolina. He gave his age then as sixty-six years, but did not state the date and place of his birth, nor the names of his parents. Two daughters, aged thirteen and sixteen years, lived at home with him and his wife, their names not stated. In 1826, they all lived with the soldier's son, his name not given.
Joseph Cowan died October 30, 1833 in North Carolina.
The soldier married in the spring (April, May or June)  1799,
Page 22

in Burke County, North Carolina, Nancy Buckhanan; the name of her parents are not shown.
Nancy Cowan, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed February 9, 1834, at which time she resided in Jackson County, North Carolina, she was aged then eighty-five years. She applied April 29, 1855 for the bounty land which was due under the Act of March 3, 1855, on account of her husband's
service in the Revolutionary War She was allowed one hundred sixty acres
of bounty land on warrant #28614.
October 9, 1834, Nancy Cowan stated that she had five children by Joseph Cowan, the eldest child was fifty-four years old last
August, the second fifty-three years old and so on, but she did not give any names of said children.
When Nancy Cowan made application for pension in 1854, James and Martha Buchanan, of Jackson County, North Carolina, stated
that they were both present at her marriage to Joseph Cowan in Burke County, North Carolina, and that they moved to Jackson County,
North Carolina. One William H. Buchanan was Justice of the Peace for said Jackson County, in 1854 and 1855. No relationship between
these persons with the surname Buchanan and the soldier's widow was stated.
If you desire information in regard to the location of the land which was granted on account of service of Joseph Cowan in the
Revolutionary War, you should address The Commissioner, General Land Office, this city, and furnish the following data: Joseph Cowan,
warrant #28614 for 160 acres of bounty land, Act of March 3, 1855.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data:
Nancy Cowan, widow of Joseph Cowan
Certificate #5335
Issued July 10, 1855
Rate $96 per annum
Commenced February 3, 1853
North Carolina Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
2.
Page 23

Joseph Cowan
Red. Apl. 28. 1826

Wm Roane Esqr.
Morganton
NC
admitted on the evidence of
Alexander [illegible]
Page 24

Free
Morganton NC
[illegible] April

The Honorable the secretary of War of the US
Washington City
District Columbia
Page 25

Morganton NC. 16 April 1826

Sir
Enclosed is the Second declaration and the
Evidence of an office taken according to
your instructions for the purpose of [smudged]
the claim of Old Joseph Cowan who
applied for a pension some time ago. whose
original application I also return thinking
they may throw light on each other.
Yours very respectfully
{illegible signature]
Page 26

Depo. of Alex. Brevard
Page 27

State of North Carolina
Lincoln County
This day came before me one of the
acting Justices of the Peace in & for said County of
Lincoln, Alexander Brevard, who being duly
sworn according to law deposeth & sayeth, that
some time in the month of August in the year
A.D.1776, he the deponent joined Colonel
Thomas Polk at the boarding house on the
Cape Fear River, as Cadet, where said Polk
was then lying with part of his Regiment,  all
new recruits-- Shortly afterwards he the deponent
was appointed a Lieutenant and attached to
Captain Robert Smiths Company, who had a
pretty full company, & among these, was
Joseph Cowan, the very man who is now before 
me.  This deponent was in and with Col. Polk's
Regiment in Wilmington & Halifax and back
again to Wilmington in the summer & fall of 1776
and with the Regiment at Haddrell point
near Charleston in the winter of 1776 & 1777.  This
deponent is well satisfied that the said Joseph
Cowan was all this time in Smith's Company, but
when he was discharged, he does not know
but expects that it was in the Spring of 1777.
as the term of enlistment of a number of the men
would then expire as they were enlisted for twelve
months, while the North Carolina line was on its way
to the north--- Further this deponent sayeth not
(signature of Alexander Brevard)
Sworn & subscribed before me 
this 23rd Jan. 1826
D. M. Tomey
Page 28

State of North Carolina
Lincoln County
I Daniel M. Tomey do hereby
certify that the deponent Alexander Brevard who
made oath to the within affidavit, is a man
of the highest respectability and that full faith
and credit is due and ought to be given to
his statement of facts-- & further that the said
Alexander Brevard is generally known to have
served in the Revolutionary war until the
end thereof--  Given under my hand & seal
of office this 23rd day of Jany. 1826.
(signature of D. M. Forney)

State of North Carolina
Lincoln  County Ss
I Vardry M. Bee Clerk of the Court of
the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions in the State
& County aforesaid certify by these presents that
Daniel M. Forney Esqr. who made the above certificate
& before whom the within affidavit was made
& who attested the same is an Acting Justice of
the Peace in & for Said County, duly sworn &
Commissioned & that all due faith & Credit is &
ought to be given to his Official attestations
as Such, In testimony whereof I have set
my hand & seal of office at [illegible]
the 24th day of January 1826 on the 50th
year of our Independence.
(signature of Verdry M. Beeble)
Page 29

Pen Off. July 6 1855
Sir
Please inform me when Joseph Cowan of N.C. [illegible] 18 & 20 at $96 a year was last paid, 
Very Respectfully 
S Cole
Ch of Ck
R J Atkinson Esq
Auditor
[noted sideways "No. 5868" ,and in pencil "30 Oct "]
[illegible signature]
Page 30

Joseph cowan died 30 Oct 1835
paid in full
[illegible signature]
Auditor
July 7/55
Page 31

No  1385
[N]ancy Cowan widow of Joseph N.C.
J.T. Neely 26 Oct. 1854
J.T. Neely  25 Nov. 1854
same May 22 1855
Act 29th July 1848.
Jos. Cowan dc30th Octo 1855
Nancy Cowan wid.
[struck through "Jos Buckingham" ] [illegible]
Jos Buchanan [illegible]
Martha Buchanan
Page 32

Joseph Cowan N.C. -18 m 1818
Cole
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D C
Page 33

June 29 /53
Nancy Cowan
wid Joseph
N.C. sus 29 9, 1848
3d of Feb 1853
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D C
Page 34

[check mark]
218.614
[illegible]
Page 35

May 17, 1939.
Mrs. Edythe Whitley
2710 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee.
BA-J / ILL
Joseph Cowan-
W. 25444
[handwritten- "Our"]
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letters in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Joseph Cowan, a pensioner of Haywood County, North Carolina, Peter Mowry and Daniel Jones, pensioners of Knox County, Tennessee, also, the records of Alexander Forbes, who served from Virginia, Hugh Forbes and Joseph Forbes, both pensioners of North Carolina.
Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is impossible to comply in full with each request pertaining to pensioners of that war. The record of Joseph
Cowan, listed first by you, is furnished you herewith, pension claim, W. 254444.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Her other letter in Neg, file. Forbes- {Alexander
 Hugh Joseph
Page 36

sion on file in this Bureau. Joseph Cowan Wid File 25444
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
RANK.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
COLONEL.
STATE.
May 1776 
1 year
Pvt.
Robert Smith
Thomas Polk
N.C.
1780 & 1781
[check mark]
{ he was in the battle of Ramsour where he lost an eye and in the Battle at Cowans Forde
---
Battles engaged in, near Ft Sullivan and as above
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Enlisted in Mecklenburg Co N.C.
Date of application for pension, April 8, 1825. His cl. was al. 
Residence at date of application, Haywood Co. N.C.
Age at date of application, 66 yrs. He died  Oct. 30, 1855
Remarks:  He married in the Spring of 1799 in Burke Co. N.C. Nancy Buckhanan. She was allowed pension on an application executed
Feby 9 1854 while a resident of Jackson Co. N.C. aged 85 years
There are five children the eldest 54 years of age in 1854 No names are stated [illegible]
Very respectfully,
Page 37

[stamped NASHVILLE APR 13 1:30 PM 1939]
[stamp]
THIS SIDE OF CARD FOR ADDRESS
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
Pension Office
Washington, D.C.
[stamped RECEIVED APR 14 1939 MAIL SUB DIV VETS ADM. READER # 14]
Page 38

Please supply me with the following reports:
Daniel Jones of Knox County, Tenn.
Revolutionary Soldier, Pension List 1840.
-
Also:
Peter Mowery (Morey ) Knox Co. Tenn. 1832 Pensioner,
Revolutionary Soldier.
Thanks
Mrs. Edythe Whitley
2710 - Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee.
Page 40

3-1866
Record Division.                                                                                         NBR
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 4, 1910.

Mrs. Thomas E. Broadnax,
Sulligent, Ala.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 27" and received the 29"
ultimo, you are advised that the Revolutionary War pension records fail
to afford any information in regard to George or Joseph Conner described
by you.
Very respectfully,                                       OCT 10 1910
JC Davenport 
Commissioner.

I am sorry that the writing
was of such a nature to cause
you unnecessary trouble.  The
names are George Cowan, and
Joseph Cowan instead of Conner.
Yours truly
Mrs. Thos. E Brodnax             Sallie Selman Brodnax
Sulligent Ala.
Page 41

[Postmark, upside down]
PENSION                                     Sulligent Ala.
     F                                              Sept 27th   1910
U. SEP  S.
     20
   1910
OFFICE

To 
Commissioner of Pensions
[Postmark upside down}
RECORD              Washington D.C.
   SEP
    29                    Dear Sir
  1910
DIVISION             At the advise
of the Adjutant General
I am writing you 
asking if you have
on your records
Page 42

the names of Joseph
-------------         and  George
--------------
Cowan 
men who were
Cowan
Revolutionary soldiers
from Rowan County,             [Stamps]
North Carolina                    SEP  23 1910
                                            OCT 10  1910
Thanking you in 
advance. In the kindness
I am, Yours Truly
Sarah Selman Brodnax
Mrs. Thos E Brodnax,  Sulligent, Ala.
Page 50

Raleigh No Car
Nov the 18th 1854
Mr John T Neely
Sir after my
best wishes, I acknowledge the receipt of
yours of Oct the 21st also Oct the 26th
the Post Master sent them to me after 
I left home for Raleigh.  as to the time
the ages was recorded I did not inquire on
by whom they was recorded.
as to Mr. Waldo's objections as to Mrs. Cowan's
Infirmities that is positively the case she
is unable to appear before a court of Record
unless the court was at her house as she
is very old and helpless as I know the
fact my self as I live within about 10
miles of her.  I went to one of the Judges
the morning she made her Declaration to
get him to go to her house and he was
unwell and would not go.  She made Evidence of her marriage and her Declaration  before one of the Judges Mr. A. Fisher some time since if you reflect I can send
Page 51

you a certificate from Mr  Allen Fisher
or one of the Judges of the Inferior Court
or from 2 of the Judges that she is
unable to appear before a court and 
that she is helpless with the clerks
seal and certificate that they are Judges
as to the clerks private seal to the
Power of attorney Jackson County was
established in 1852 and 3 and Mr. David
Rogers was Elected Clerk and at the
time the Power of Attorney was taken
he had no Seal of office if you
recollect I wrote to Mr. T.L. Clingman as
he Certified to the Department as he wrote
me that D. Rogers was the Clerk, in the 
case of Mrs. Stiles and Monteath, his private
Seal was to this papers Mr Clingmon
who is from our district will certify at
any time that D Rogers is the clerk.  before
I sent Mrs. Cowens Declaration Mr Rogers
rec'vd his seal of office
as to Mr. Wm. R. Buckhanan Mr Clingmon
will certify as to his respectability and that
Page 52

***Transcribers note--transcribed document includes mis-- spellings by the writer. ***

he is a Majistrate.  It seems to me that
the Department is certainly very strict
if the department desire it I can write home
and have a certificate from one or more---
Judges of the Inferior Court that Mrs
Cowen is helpless or almost so and get them
to go to her hous and let her acknowledge
that she has made application &c
as she lives in a mountainous country and
hard to get to her house if she has to appear
before a court it must assemble at her house
or she will loose her Pension claim, to which
she is entitled beyond all doubts.
I will remain her until the Legislature adjourns as
I have a member &c if it would do I can
send a certificate from the member in the
Senate from the district in which Mr. Wm. R
Buchanan [smudged] Mrs Cowen lives Certifying
that he is a majistrate and Mrs Cowen is
unable to appear in court I reprisent the
county in which they live and I know that
is the fact.  Please write me by the return
mail if posible and I will send the information
Page 53

the department desires if posible the old
Lady has made about all the Proof she can
and if the department wont allow her claim
it will be very hard as I have no doubt that
she was married at the time she says as she
is a Lady of high standing as to veracity
but very Poor and is now suported by the
County of Jackson.  I can also send you a
nother Power of attorney with the clerks seal
taken before a Judge if the department desire
it  Please write as soon as posible in [illegible]
Yours Truly
Thaddeus D. Bryson

John L Neely Esq.
Washington City
Page 54

State of North Carolina
Burke County
I, William S. Sudderth clerk of the Court
of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the County aforesaid do
hereby certify that I have made diligent search in my office
for the Marriage Bond of Joseph Cowen in relation to the
marriage between him and his wife Nancy, and that I
cannot find any such Bond in my office.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed
my name and affixed my seal of office
at Office in Morganton on this 24th day
of January 1854.
(signature of William S. Sudderth) clk.
Page 56

Brief in the case of Nancy Cowan widow of Joseph
Jackson County and State of N.C.
act 3d July 1853

Claim,

Proof exhibited,

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?
If either, state the substance.
Her husband was  pensioner under the Acts of
1818 & 1820 at $96 a year (service proved in his papers)
Marriage proved by James & Martha Buchanan
who saw the ceremony performed, [illegible]
as the widow of the pensioner, his death &
her present widowhood proved by
the same parties.
[illegible signature]
Examining Clerk.

Name and residence of Agent
J. T. Neely Esq
Present
Page 60

State of North Carolina
Jackson County
I Martha Buchanan
do swear that I saw Joseph Cowen and
his wife Nancy Married in Burk County
No. Carolina in the spring of the year
as I recollect that I helped gether vegatables
for the dinner and prepare the same
So it was in the Spring of the
year Seventeen Hundred and Ninety Nine.
as we lived in Burk County at that
time and afterwards moved to this
Countrey .  which makes me certain of
the time.  I further swear that Nancy
Cowen is living at this time I further
Swear that I have no Interest in her
Pension Claim this the 31st day of May 1854
(mark of Martha Buchanan)
Sworn to before
(signature of Wm. R. Buchanan) J.P.
Page 61

and Martha Buchanan was sworn to
the foregoing affidavits in due form
of Law and I further certify that
they are Persons of good character and
Reliable Person's and can be Relied on
and I further certify that I was known
to Joseph Cowen's drawing a Pension
and that Joseph Cowen and Nancy lived together
as man and wife up to his death.
and his widow Nancy is living  at this
time I further certify that I have no
Interest in Nancy Cowens Pension claim
this the 31st day  of May 1854
(Interlined as to nancy)
(signature of Wm. R. Buchanan) J.P.

State of No Carolina
Jackson County
I David Rogers clerk
of the court of Please and Quarter Sissions
do hereby Certify that Wm. R. Buchanan
whose name is to the foregoing affidavits
is a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned &
sworn [smudged] full faith and credit-- may be
had his official Acts in testimony whereof
I hereunto set my han d and Private Seal
there being no Public Seal, done at office this
the 20th day of June AD 1854
(signature of D Rogers) clk
Page 62

State of North Carolina
Jackson County
I James Buchanan
do swear that I was well acquainted
with Joseph Cowen and his widow Nancy
before they was married and I further
swear that I saw them married in
Burk County No Carolina in the spring
in the month of Aprill May or June
as I distinctly recollect from the fall-- that
they gathered some vegetables that was on
the table at that time so it was in the
spring of the year Seventeen Hundred and ninety
nine.  I further Swear that I lived in
Burk County at the time they was married
and afterwards moved to this county
I further swear that Joseph Cowen drew
a Pension and that him and his widow
Nancy Cowen lived to gether as man and
wife up to his death, which time I have
sworn to hear to fore,
I further swear that Joseph Cowen's widow
Nancy Cowen is living at this time
I further swear that I have no interest in
Nancy Cowen's Pension Claim this May the 31st 1854
(signature of James Buchanan)
Sworn to before
(signature of Wm. R. Buchanan) J.P.
Page 63

State of North Carolina
County of Jackson
On this the 29th day
of Aprile AD 1855 personally appeared before
me Wm. R Buchanan a Justice of the Peace in
and for the county and state aforesaid
Nancy Cowen a resident of the county and 
state afore said and made oath in due form
of law that she is the widow of Joseph
Cowen deceased who was a  Pensioner of
the United States who drew his pension
at Fayetteville North Carolina at the rate of
Ninty Six dollars per annum.
She further declares that she don't recollect
whot  became of her Husbands Pension Certificate
as Mr. Siles drew his money for him and
he has been applied to for his Pension Certificate
and he says he don't recollect whether he
returned it to the Agency or not when
he made the last draw
(mark of Nancy Cowan)
Signed and acknowledged
before me the day and year
above written
(signature of Wm. R. Buchanan) J.P.