Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 39,597, John Cottrill, Va.
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Va Cottrill, John S. 39,597
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Left page list of crossed out names and dates

Right page: 19, 376
Virginia
John Cottrill
of Harrison Ct in the state of Virginia whowas a private in the company commanded by Captains Johnson & M Green of the regiment commanded by Colonel Harrison in the Virginia line, for the term of 3 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 1st of February 1825
Certificate of pension issued the 14 of Feb 1825 and ?
J. Johnson. House of Reps
Arrears to 
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4th March 1825 $9.6
$9.6
Revolutionary claim, Acts March 18, 1818 and May 1, 1820
1 March 1825
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Virginia At court held for the county of Harrison on the 17th day of January 1825 being a court of record established by an act of the general assembly of this commonwealth. Personally appeared in open court. John Cottrill resident of said County aged 62 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818 and the 1st of May 1820 that he the said John Cottrill enlisted for the term of two years the day and year not recollected but it was between three and four years before the Capture of Cornwallis at York Town in the year of 1781 in the State of Virginia in the Company commanded by Captain William Johnson the regiment and commander are forgotten in the line of the State of Virginia on the Continental establishment that he continued to serve in the said Corps until his time expired And again enlisted for the term of two years on the - day of - in the year of 1780 in the State of South Carolina in the Company commanded by Captain William McGuire in the regiment commanded by Col Harrison in the line of the State of Virginia in the Continental establishment that he continued to serve in said Corps nineteen months until the end of the Revolutionary war when he was discharged from the service in York Town in the State of Virginia that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present; that his service is not on the role of any state except -- and that the following are the reasons for not making earlier application for a pension that I owned a small farm & 2 horses and some cattle, the health of my wife & myself were good considering our age we were able to support ourselves and I felt too much pride and
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[illegible] to apply for a pension until all my property was sold to pay security debts and I was compelled to surrender my affects and take the oath of Insolvency. That and the affliction of myself & wife and advancing age and increasing infirmities has compelled me to ask for the gratuity & support of my  Country which in more prosperous times I declined to do And in pursuance of the act of the 1st of May 1820. I do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any way disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as 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 services in the United States in the Revolutionary war passed on the 18th of March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is obtained in the Schedule here to annexed and by me subscribed
I own no property whatsoever either real or personal except as below stated. I have 2 chopping axes 3 corse hoes, and of plow other farming utentials of a minor kind. The residue of our household furniture is loaned us by John McCullough a neighbor and Connexion. John Cottrill
I am by occupation a farmer and occasionally have shoemaked but from old age Rheumatism am unable to follow the latter or pursue the former with advantage.
I have in family eight persons with myself my wife 52 years of age, John 17. Polly 18. Eliza 14. Barbary 12. William 10. and an Orphan grand child Marshall 2 years old. Their joint labour does not give us comfortable support. That since the 18th of March 1818 the following changes have been made in my property. On the 18th day of March 1818, I owned a small farm of 99.3/4 acres, two horses, 12 or 14 head of
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Cattle, a considerable number of hogs and sheep, for a small farmer and a reasonable supply of household furniture for a plain family. The land the horses and cattle were sold to satisfy executions as will more fully appear by the accompanying affidavits & Copies of Records. The hogs and the sheep have been used in the family.  The household property with 2 cows & 2 heifers were sold to John McCullough.
The property by a bill of sale duly recorded in the Clerk's Office but which the said McCullough [illegible] of doubtful validity, and was again sometime last fall resold to him with the Cattle & possession delivered in the presence of witnesses.  The property was sold for thirty or thirty two dollars to go in payment of a debt due him by my son Jackson Cottrill and myself the debt was contracted three or four years ago, for the purchase of property at a [illegible] sale and I was security for the said Jackson Cottrill.
I John Wilson Jr Clerk of the County Court of Harrison in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing Oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copies from the records of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount in value of the property calculated in the aforesaid schedule is $5_
In Testimoney [sic] whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 31 day of Jany 1825.
J Wilson Jr.
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                          Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832.
              State of Virginia}
               Taylor County} SS.
                                         on this 24th day of March 1857, personally appear in open court Elisha Cottrill, the son and Administrator of John Cottrill deceased, a resident of Barbour County and State aforesaid, who lives near the line of his county, and makes this declaration in Taylor County because it is more convenient to do so then in his own county, and especially so to his agent & attorney, aged forty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, before the County court of Taylor County in the State of Virginia, now in session, doth on his oath make the following declaration and statement in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That his Father, the said John Cottrill was pensioned under the act of March 18th, 1818, and from an unjust suspicion of fraud, with many others, was stricken form the Pension roll. That his father, the said John Cottrill deceased, served as set forth in his declaration & other papers as filed in the Pension office. That the said John Cottrill never was pensioned under the act of 1st June 1832, that the said John Cottrill when a pensioner lived in the County of Harrison in the state aforesaid, but that for some seven years before his death he resided in Barbour County aforesaid, when he died on the 9th day of July 1850. 
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension, except the present or the arrearage that way
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be due the said John Cottrill deceased;  and he declares that the name of his father, the said John Cottrill, is not, nor was not upon the pension Roll of any Agency in any State whatever.
Elisha Cottrill Administrator and Son
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid

And the said Court to hereby declare their opinion that the above declaration & statement are true.

I Charles W. Newlan Clerk of the County Court of Taylor County in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Elisha Cottrill, as Administrator of his father John Cottrill deceased, for a pension.
In testimony whereof there being no seal of office furnished or provided for me as such Clerk I do hereto set my hand and annex my private seal in the town of Pruntytown in the County of Taylor and state of Virginia this 25th day of March 1847.
C.W. Newlan Clk [handwritten seal]
of Taylor County Court in said State of Virginia
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October 4, 1934

John Cottrill-S.39597
BA-J/AWF

Mr. Henry H. Weese
272 - 8
Ogden, Utah

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to John Cottrill, a soldier of the War of the Revolution from Virginia.

The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 39597, based upon the military service of John Cottrill during the Revolutionary War.

The date and place of birth of John Cottrill are not shown, nor are the names of his parents given.

He applied for pension January 17, 1825, then aged sixty-two years and living in Harrison County, Virginia.  He stated that, while residing in Hampshire County, Virginia, he enlisted in 1777 or 1778, served two years as a private in Captain William Johnston's Virginia company, and enlisted in 1780, served nineteen months in  Captain William McGuire's company, Colonel Harrison's Virginia regiment and was at the surrender of Cornwallis.

The pension was allowed.  Upon a subsequent investigation of his claim, it was found that his name was not borne on the rolls of the military organization in which he claimed to have served.  His pension was suspended because of that fact.  He was required to produce the testimony of two credible witnesses that he rendered the alleged service.  He failed to furnish any
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proof of his service, therefore his name was not restored to the pension roll.

John Cottrill referred in 1825 to his wife as aged fifty-two years, but he did not give her name, also to the following persons residing in his family;  Polly aged eighteen years, John aged seventeen years, Elisha aged fourteen years, Barbara aged twelve years, William aged ten years, and to an orphan grandchild, Marshall, two years of age, names of his parents not designated.

The soldier, John Cottrill, died July 9, 1850, in Barbour County, Virginia, where he had lived about seven years;  his wife was living in 1840, the date of her death is now shown.

The soldier at his death left the following children:
Watson Cottrill
Elisha Cottrill, residing in Barbour County, Virginia in 1851.
Elias Cottrill, aged about thirty-two years in 1826.
Polly Cottrill
John Cottrill
Barbara Cottrill
William Cottrill

In 1851 a son, Jackson Cottrill, was referred to as deceased, date of death not given.

One Richard Cottrill made affidavit in 1825 in Harrison County, Virginia, no relationship to the family stated.  Reference was made in 1826 to John McCullough, a brother-in-law and neighbor to the soldier, John Cottrill, name of his wife not given.
Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
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Virginia at a county court held for the county of Taylor on the 27th day of January 1851
On this day it was prove3d to the satisfaction of said Court that John Cottrill was once a revolutionary soldier of the United Sstates and drew a pension as such:  and that he said John died on the 9th day of July 1850 intestate:  and that he left the following childdren and heirs at law to wit:  Watson Cottrill, Elisha Cotrill, Elias Cottrill, Polly Cottrill, John Cottrill, Barbara Cottrill and William Cottrill living and Jackson Cottrill who was then dead;  and that the said John Cottrill died intestate and thereupon on motion of the above named Elisha Cottrill he had leave to qualify as the administrator of the said John Cottrill deceased on giving bond and security according to law,
In testimony of the foregoing being a correct copy from the records of Taylor County Court I as clerk of said Court, do hereto subscribe my name as such clerk (and there being no seal of office provided for or furnished me) and affix my private seal in Pruntytown in my said county of Taylor this Eighth day of February 1851.
C.W. Newlan Clerk [handwritten seal]

I Thomas S Haymond member of Congress from the 15 Congressional district of Va do certify that C.W. Newlan is the clerk of the county court of Taylor county and that the above is his proper signature.  February the 17th 1851
T.S. Haymond
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Elias Cotterill of full age and being first sworn deposeth and saith
that he is about 32 years old that he has all wais heard his father say that he was inlisted in the servis of the united states and that his father had served several tours in the milisha
he further states that his father the said John Cotterrell is old and poor  that his pention was the only support left for the maintainance of himself and wife the ballance of the family being all able to earn there living by there labour  the youngest is about fourteen years old  his father is without a horse and but one cow  his land has been sold and deed of trust given sum years since   the said Cottirrill is not in a situation to support himself and wife if his pention is taken from him
Sworn to before me this 18th day of Oct 1826
John Davisson JP.
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Edmon Cain of full age and being first sworn Deposeth and saith
that he has been acquainted with John Cottirrill upwards of twenty years  the said Cotterrill is very poor and needs the assistance of his Country  his property has been sold to pay his debt and he is left without the means to support himself and wife  booth being old and and not able to work but little
Edmond Cain

The Subscriber Edmon Cain appeared before me a Justice of the peace and made oath the above Deposition is corrct and true this 18 Oct 1826
John Davisson JP
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Harrison County Virginia Ss
Personally appeared before me Thomas Haymond a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid William Bell who is certified to be credible as to character and of full age, who being duly sworn states that John Cottrill on the 6th day of August 1821 conveyed to him, a tract of land on waters of Elk creek in Harrison county the same on which the said John Coterill resided, containing as it was said ninety nine acres and three fourths of an acre, In trust, to secure sundry debts therein more particularly mentioned viz one debt of $64.18 2/3 cts due James Calhoun, $76.58 2/3 cts due Andrew Aldridge and Benjamin Downing Higdon and the further sum of $301-75 cts due John McCullough
That the said debts remaining unpaid, he the said Bell as trustee, after having duly advertised the land for sale, did on the third Monday of September 1822. sell the land for the sum of $120 - to John McCullough who was the highest bidder.  and since that, he regularly conveyed the said tract of Land to the said John McCullough.  and the money arising from the sale thereof was duly applied in payment & discharge of the said debts. or what was [illegible] out to the same, James Pindall the attorney ofthe said Calhoun, and of the said Aldridge & Higdon took McCullough's [illegible] for the money as this affiant was informed and released the said Cottrill to the amount of the
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the proceeds of the sale of the said Land.
This affiant further states from his knowledge and belief of the transactions & the parties, that the two first named debts were bone fide debts.  and that the debt due McCullough was in part for the purchase money of the said land conveyed by [illegible] under the deed of Trust.  And that the debts, trust convenance, & sale of the land was founded and conducted upon correct principles and not with any view to commit fraud. or for the said Cottrill to bring himself within the provisions of the Pension acts for Revolutionary  services.
Given under my hand this 31st day of January 1825.
Tho. Haymond J.P.
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Nolley Davis being of full age and being duly sworn
deposeth and saith that he has been acquainted with Richard Cotterrill for upwards of thirty years and have always considered the said Richard a man of the strictest truth when on oath.
The said Davis further states he has been acquainted with Nancy Williams for the last twenty five years or upwards  the said Nancy has alwais during that time been a member of the Methodist Church and in good standing in the church and neighbourhood and considered a woman of truth when on oath
John Davisson KP
Novem 25th 1826

Personally appeared before me Joseph Morris and being Duly sworn
saith he has been acquainted with Richard Cotterrell for nearly thirty years and always considered him a man of truth when on oath  sd Cotterrill has often before me as a witness since I have acted as a Justice of the peace and I have never had the least cause to doubt his veracity
I have been acquainted with Nancy Williams for twenty years or upwards  the said Nancy has been in good standing in her Church and Neighbourhood and always considered a woman of the stricts truth when on oath and at any other time
J Moorris

Sworn to before me a  Justice of the peace for Harrison county Virginia on this 25 day of  Novem 1826
John Davisson JP
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Personally appeared before me a Justice of the
for Harrison County Virginia John Davisson 
Esqr and being duly sworn
Saith he has been acquainted with 
Richard Cotterrill for about thirty five 
years and he has always considered the said 
Richard a man of truth when on oath and
in his Common Carracter the said
Davisson
further saith that he has been
a Neighbour to Nancy Williams for upwards
of twenty years and the said Nancy has
been in good standing amongst the Neighbors
and Church and a Woman of truth when
on oath Novr 25th 1826
Jacob Coplin JP

Mr J L Edwards
Sir
I am personally acquainted with John Davisson Jacob Caplin & Joseph Morris, before whome the within depositions purport to have been taken. They are acting Magistrates for the county of Harrison in the State of Virginia. I am also acquainted with their respective hand writing. and have no doubt of the Genuineness of their signatures
Yours Respectfully
Jos. Johnson
Jany 16th 1827
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Harrison County to wit
James Pindall maketh oath before
me the subscriber a justice of the peace for said County that he was the attorney of Messers Aldridge & Higdon and James Calham - assignees of Jacob Israel and obtained judgement in Harrison County court against John Cattrel for their debts which this affiant hath cause to believe and does believe were justly due from said Cattrel as principal or as security - that affiant brought writs in the Superior Court of Chancery at Clarksburg for this said laints, for the purpose of subjecting the land of said John Cattrel to seek to pay the judgements, and believes he would have obtained evidence for that purpose, but the said Cattrel compromised and gave John McCullough as security for said debts, on said McCullough's requincy and obtaining a deed of trust, for his safety, on said land, that the land has
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been sold, and a part of said debts paid  that a balance of said debts are yet in arrear, for which there are one or more notes or single bills against said Cottrill & Mccullough, which the said McCullough has acknowledged himself only to be liable for - that affiant has no hope or expectation of ever recovering [illegible] of said balance of said Cottrill but of McCullough only - believing said Cottrill to be intensely insolvent.  That affiant hath reason to believe and is convince that the deed of trust and sale of the land was bone fide.  Sworn to 1st February 1825
D. Kinchloe J.P.
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Anna Williams
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Harrison County Virginia Ss
Personally appeared before me Thomas Haymond a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, Anna Williams who is certified to be credible as to character, and of full ago, who being duly sworn states that she formerly lived in Hampshire county and state aforesaid and was a neighbor to John Cottrill and as well as this affiant recollects, it was about three years and nine months before the capture of Cornwallis at the Battle of York, the said John Cottrill enlisted in the continental line in Captain Wm. Johnson's company as well as she can recollect.  The said Cottrill returned to his home and friends after the capture of Cornwallis having been absent as she was informed all that time in the continental service and believes he was duly discharged.  Given under my hand & seal this 19th day of January 1825.
Tho. Haymond J.P.
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Coterill
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Personally appeared before me Joseph Chevonent a justice of the peace in and for the county of Harrison and state of Virginia.  Richard Cottrill of full age and credible as to character who being duly sworn states.  that somewhere about the year of 1777 or 1778. John Cottrill entered the continental establishment in Captain Johnson's company, in which service he continued about three years and nine months and was after the battle at York Town Virginia (where Cornwallis surrendered) discharged and returned home to Hampshire County in the state aforesaid.  This affiant being young at that time, does not recollect further particulars.  Given under my hand and seal this 24th day of January 1825.
Joseph Chevonent  J.P.
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[STAMP]
Clarksburg Va.
Jul 27

Free

JL Edwards Esqr
Commissioner &c
Washington

July 31
Jno Cottrill
Va roll
14 Feb 25
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Harrison County Va
July 24th 1837

Sir
In conformity to the acts of Congress May 1 1820 & March 1 1823 I was placed on the Pension roll as a revolutionary soldier & a certificate issued to me, bearing date 14th Feby 1825. under my certificate I have recd. my pension money untill a little upwards of two years ago - since which time I have no drawn any money, and have been informed that my name has been stricken from the roll.  Of this fact I have not been enformed by you.  Will you Sir, so far oblige an old soldier
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and an honest one (any statements made to you, to the contrary notwithstanding) by giving me the reasons why I have been stricken off & furnish me with copies of such documents on file in your office as led to the result.  
These things I feel solicitous to know for many reason you will readily immagine.
Yours with respect
Sir
John Cotrell x his mark

Direct your communication to Clarksburg Va
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Jas E Heath
July 13 1831
O.C.

Recd. Vol 40. pa. 272
Page 27

War Department
[illegible] office
July 13 1831

Sir
I will thank you to inform me whether the name of Jno. Cottrill appears upon any of the payrolls in your office.  He alleges to have served from the year 1778 to 1781. near 4 years with Continental line of Va.

I am &
Act Commr.

Jas. E. Heath Esq
Richmond
Va.
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[STAMP]
Richmond Va.
July 16

[STAMP]
FREE

George W. Crump esqr
Acting Commr. of Pensions
Washington City

July 18
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Auditors office Va 16 July 1835

Sir,
In reply to yours of the 13 inst, I have to state that the name of John Cottrill cannot be found on the army registers in this office, nor does it appear that any individual of that name has drawn land bounty.
Very respy
Yours &c
Jas E. Heath
Aud. Va

Geo. W. Crump esqr
Acting Commr &c
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N Goff
Oct 21d 1831
&c

Record G27 page 428
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Department of War
Pension Office
Oct 23d 1831

Sir
In reply to your letter of the 12th instant upon the subject of the John Cottrills pension, I have to state, that from a letter from the auditor at Richmond in answer to one addressed him by myself I am informed that the name of Jno. Cottrill does not appear upon any of the army rolls inhis office.  Yet Mr. Cottril alleges to have served three years under Colo. Harrison of the Va line
Proof of this will be required
I am &c

N Goff Esq
Clarksburg Va
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Hon J. Johnson
Jany 29 1836
GC


Record G31.page 175
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Depart of war
Pen Off
Jany 29. 1836

Sir
In reply to your inquiry respecting the claims of Peter Coger and Jno Cottrill, I have the holor to state that the name of Mr. Coger was dropped from the pension roll, unon the ground that he did not serve as he had alleged, his claim not being sustained by satisfactory proof.  But as it appears that by the [illegible] list of the soldiers name under Genl Clark, that Mr Coger is entitled to bounty land, the claim will be again opened for a revision.  In order therefor [illegible] satisfactory result in the case, the Department will in the first instance require a copy of the proof exhibited by Mr. Coger;  upon which he was adjudged to be entitled to bounty land.
The name of John Cottrill is not found upon the Va Continental roll, and the proof now filed in this office is not satisfactory.
I return herewith the letter of Mr. Hayes and have the honor &c

Hon Jas Johnson
Ho Reps
Page 34

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Pension Office

Jan 16
Jno Cottrell
Jno David
Va roll

Hon D. Wardwell
HR
Page 35

House of Reps
Jany 14 1837

D Sir
John Cottrill & John Davis reside in the state of Virginia
Respectfully yours
D Wardwell

JL. Edwards
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Harrison County Va  Aug 14th 1837

Mr J.L. Edwards   Sir;  I have received your letter of July 31st in which you say that from a late investigation of my claim it did not appear that I served in the continental army as aleged by me &c.  I do not know what investigation you allude to, as I have never been investigated upon the subject by any officer of the Goverment;  I was told by a Mr. Jacob Coplin who is  a magistrate in this county, that I was entitled to land bounty;  and if I would give him one third of it, that he would get it for me;  I agreed to do so, and I believe that he has stated something in that application which I am entirely ignorant of.  I have proved and can do it again that I was in the continental army as stated by me;  and if Coplin has taken the advantage of my ignorance for the purpose of making something for himself, by making a false statement of my services;  and there imposing them on me for my own, I think the officers of the Goverment ought to look into
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into it, and see that I am not defrauded out of my just rights.  I was first placed on the pension roll in 1825, or there abouts and no person in this county doubts my services.  Please let me know if I cannot be reinstated, and if I have been stricken from the pension list for the reasons which I have supposed &c
This written by request of - John Cotril

Aug. 22 Va.

free 

J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of pensions
Washington
City
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[illegible]
Page 39

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions

Cottrill

Dec 24 1841
Va.

Hon. S.L. Hays
HR
Page 40

J.L. Edwards Esqr  Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
According to the request contained in the enclosed letter, I lay the same before you 
be kind enough to inform me what additional proof will be required in his case - or whether (as suggested, "a petition" will avail any thing
respectfully
Your obt sevt
Saml L Heys
Decr 24, 1841
Page 41

John Cottrill
Dec 12 '39
GC


Record G49 page 99
Page 42

Depart of War
Pension Office
Dec 12 1839

Sir
In reply to your letter, asking to be restored to the Pension roll I have to state, that the proof in support of your alleged service filed in this office is not sufficient to justify the Depart. in granting your prayer
I am

Mr. John Cottrill
Romney Mills
Harison Co
Va

GC
Page 43

John Cotterell - Va Act 18
Robert Caruthers of
Virginia Act 32
Please let me have the papers
FSE
Page 44

S. Godwin Esq
Washington D.C.
Page 45

Fairmont, Marion Co. Va
October 18th 1850.

S. Godwin Esqr.
Sir,
The heirs of John Cotteril decd and Walter Cunningham dec'd both of Harrison Co. Va believe that they are entitled to arrearages of Pension _ the latter because & as they believe, Mr. Cunninghams claim was compromised - he receiving much less than he was entitled to according to law. As their agent, therefore, I hereby authorize & request you to present this, their claim _ examine the papers, and if you concur with them in opinion, you will please prosecute said claim, before the Department.
In due time, all the necessary statistical in{form}ation will be furnished you & the H {hole in paper]
Please let us hear from you.
[illgible]
Yours &c.
J A. English
Page 46

Washington, 
Octr 22d" 1837, 
Dr Sir, I herewith enclose a letter from John A English, Esqr, Agent for John Cotterel and Walter Cunningham, revolutionary Pensioners, of Va, asking through me an increase of Pension. 
 I have the honor to be 
Very truly yr: obt. Svt, 
Shiml: Godwin,

Hon J L Edwards
Coms of Pensions,
Page 47

House of Rep, Jan 28th 1846
Dear Sir,
I received your letter of yesterday enclosing a copy of Mr. Singleton's showing the reasons for discontinuing the pension of Thos Cottral.  It was in relation to John Cottral, and not Thos Cottral that I wish to inquire. The mistake was either made by self or in your office by using the name of Thos instead of John.  I wish to direct my inquiries in relation to John Cottral, only and will you please let me know why he may not be again enrolled upon the pension list.
And oblige
Most  Respectfully yours
Jos Johnson
J. L. Edwards, Esq

Mr. Johnson inquired in his foreseen letter for John,  but as he                 by Mr. Singleton, I hasen that his inquiries here  directs to pensions under 32. As there was no John under 32 I sent you Thomas, presuming he had mistaken the name.
Page 48

Washington, D.C. Dec 7, 1848, Commissioner of Pensions, Sir:  Herewith I submit to you a letter in relation to the claims x of John Cottrell for Revolutionary services and of Peter Ambler for an   Invalid Pension Will you be pleased to give it the attention of your office as early as practicable.  No return of the enclosed is expected with your reply.  Respt, Your Obdt' Servant, D J Bishop Att'y for Claimants x attended to
Page 49

D [illegible]
Va Can.

Dec 9

Romines Mills}
Dec 4}

J L Edwards, Pension
Agent. Washington
D. Columbia
Page 50

Va.  Nov 30th 1839 Harrison County Romines Mills
Mr. J L Edwards Pension Agent
Sir, After my respects to you as Agent for pensioners, by auld age and infirmity, And poverty, I continue to pray to be reinstated on the pension role, as I have been cut off, and not knowing for what I am justly deserving to draw.  I spent upwards of four years in the Revolution war And faught [sic] And toiled in bloody conflicts for my Country. And now must linger out my old days in poverty and affliction with out simpithy [sic] or and support from my country. And many [illegible]ing for life services. And not in sutch [sic] want by not being able at this age of the day to prove all of my servises must be cast off intirely [sic] and forgot. I think it is a hard case, I can prove upwards of two years yet by one of the most respectable men in this county whose veracity can not be disputed in any way. And I do not know any body living at this time that I can proove [sic] any servises [sic] that I done in the Revolution war but him all is dead and gone where I soon must do. I have
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prooved by other when I drew a pension in under the old Law.  but I was striking of the pension role for what cause I now not and those witnesses is gone with way of all the world.  My motive for writeing to you these lines, is for you, if you will be so good to a poor old man & woman with out means of support. or any body to help to give me all the information in what way I may proseed to draw in under the new Law of 1831.  And give me that information as soon as posable and I will take it as a lasting favour confired apon one who is not able to help himself or able to imploy men that is able, write Harrison county Romines Mills post office
John  Cottrill

J.L Edwards Pension Agent
Page 52

James L Edwards Esqr
Pension Office
D.C.

W  Jan 20
Jno Cottrell
C
Va roll 32
14 Feb 25

[illegible]

Hon Jas Johnson 
HR
Page 53

House of Rep. Jany" 19th 1839 Sir- The petition of John Cottrell of Harrison County, Va praying that his name may be restored to the pension roll having been [illegible] to the com" in Revolutionary pensioners I have been instructed by [illegible] committee to request you to furnish copies of all papers in the case, together with the reasons why his name has been stricken from the list Very Respectfully your obt. servent Jas : L Edwards Esqr/ Jos Johnson
Page 54

John Cottrell Va 23 Aug 1837 G. C. Record 742 page 400
Page 55

War Dept. Pension Office Aug 23 1837 Sir Your letter of the 14th last has been received.  Unless you produce the testimony of two credible and disinterested witnesses, showing when and where you entered the service, the names and rank of the officers under whom you served, and the time and manner of your leaving the service, your name will be dropped from the Pension roll.    Mr John Cottrill, Clarksburg Harrison County Virga
Page 56

E J Armstrong, Jany 17, 1839 G C Record 747 page 518
Page 57

Depart of War Pension Office 17 Jan 1839 Sir:  In reply to your inquiry on behalf of Jn Contrill of Harrison Co. why his pension was stopped, I have to state that I am for want of satisfactory proof of his alleged service.  Of this, Mr Cottrill has been repeatedly informed, yet he has not produced any additional evidence. E J Armstrong Richmond Va.
Page 58

Col. James. L. Edwards
Commissioner of pensions
Washing Citty


[illegible] Jan 16
Va


[illegible]
Page 59

Richmond Jan the 14 1839

Dear Sir
Mr John Cottrill of Harrison County Va. gave me a memorandum when I left home for this citty. to get information why his pension was stoped.  I called on Mr. Singleton for information who was unable to give me any definite information but refered me to you, and I will thank you if you will inform me why Mr. Cottrill's pension was stoped and what was the information filed in your office which stoped it
If this information ask for is not incompitable with the duties of your office pleas write to me Richmond Va.
Yours respectfully
E.J. Armstrong

Col. J.L. Edwards
Page 60

Hon. Jas. Johnson
Feb 27 1835
G.C.

Record T46 page 312
Page 61

War Dept
Pension Office,
Feb 27. 1838


Sir,
Herewith enclosed are certified copies of the papers of John Cottrell.  His pension has been stopped because it is believed from a late investigation of his claim that he did not service in the Continental Army as alleged.  He has been required to produce the testimony of two credible and disinterested witnesses, shewing when and where he entered the service;  the names and rank of the officers under whom he served, and the time and manner of leaving the service.  Such proof has not been produced.

Hon. Jas. Johnson
HR
Page 62

John Cottrill
Va
July 31, 1837
GC


Record G42 page 366
Page 63

War Dept.
Pension office
July 31. 1837

Sir
Your pension has been stopped because it is believed from a late investigation of your claim, that you did not serve in the continental army, as alleged by you


Mr. John Cottrill
Clarksburg
Va.
Page 64

War Department
Pension Office
February 8, 1827

Hon. J. Johnson
House of Representatives

Sir:
The suspension of John Cottrill's pension has been removed and the agent at Richmond has this day been instructed to pay him as formerly, on the production of the proper vouchers.
J.L.E.
Page 65

March 23, 1931

Re. & 1812 Wars Section
ANF;MLB

Mr. W. Guy Tetrick
Clarksburg Publishing Company
Clarksburg, West Virginia

Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 39597, that John Cottrill, while residing in Hampshire County, Virginia, enlisted in 1777 or 1778 and served two years as private in Captain William Johnson's Virginia company.  He enlisted in 1780 and served nineteen months in Captain William McGuire's company, Colonel Harrison's Virginia regiment, and was at the surrender of Cornwallis.

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 17, 1825, at which time he was living in Harrison County, Virginia and was aged sixty-two years.

In 1825 he referred to his wife as aged fifty-two years, but did not state her name, also to the following children:
Polly aged 18 years
John aged 17 years
Elisha aged 14 years
Barbara aged 12 years
William aged 10 years
and to an orphan grandchild, Marshall, two years old.

The soldier died July 9, 1859 in Barbour County, Virginia leaving the following children:
Watson Cottrill
Elisha         "
Elias           "
Polly          "
Page 66

Children continued - 
John Cottrill
Barbara   "
William   "

In 1851 a son, Jackson, was referred to as deceased.
Very truly yours
E.W. Morgan
Acting commissioner

-2-
Page 67

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
S.F. 89,597 Washington, D. C., -, 19

In reply to your request of - , received -
for a statement of the military history of JOhn Cottrill a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
1777 or 1778
1780
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
2 years
19 mos.
RANK.
Pvt.
OFFICES UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
William Johnson
William McGuire
COLONEL.
[checkmark]
Harrison
STATE.
Va.
"
Battles engaged in, Surrender of Cornwallis
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Hampshire Co. Va.
Date of application for pension, Jan'y 17, 1825 His cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Harrison Co. Va.
Age at date of application, 62 Died July 9, 1850 in Barbour Co. Va
Remarks: In 1825 his wife was 52 yrs old (her name is not stated) and sol. had Children John 17 yrs. Polly 18 yrs. Elisha 14 yrs. Barbara 12 yrs. William 10 yrs. an orphan grand-chlid Marshall two yrs. old was living with Soldier in 1825. Jackson who resided in 1851, son Elias & Watson 
John McCallough was soldier's brother in law.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
d. July 9 - 1850 in Barbour Co. Va
son Elisha living in 1851
Page 68

272-8 Ogden Ut.
Aug. 31, 1934.

Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:
Will you please give data of War and Pension of John Cottrill (Cottrell) War of 1776. from Clarksburg West Virginia then Monongahala Co. Va.  all information pertaing to him and his family
Yours Cincerely
Henry H Weese

Harrison Co. Va

[STAMP]
Received Sept 10 1934
[illegible]
Page 69

Revs
Rev Sec

920 15 St NW  Washington DC June 29 1915

Hon G.M. Saltzgaber.
Commissioner of Pensions.

My Dear Sir.
Please give me the dates of enlistments, discharge, places of residence and dates of death, ages, and places of the following named Revolutionary war soldiers  [illegible]
John Cockrell. Private Va Line pensioned Sept 23 1819 living in Marion Co Ky.
John Cottrill.  private Va Line pensioned Feby 11 1825 living in Harrison Co Va.
Thomas Coteral Private Va Militia pensioned Sept 6 1833 living in Lewis Co Va.
In tracing family relationship, the above data is desired and will be much appreciated
Yours truly
F.M. Cockrell

[STAMP]
U.S. Pension Office
E
June 30 1915
Page 70

399597
Revy
Invalid

File No. 39.597
John Cottrill
Pri Rev War

Act: 18 March 18
Index:- Vol. 2, Page 801
Arrangement of 18870

[illegible] Hist to F.M.Cockrell
1931 Mch 23 Hist to W. Guy Patrick see his letter in [illegible} Cochran W.6763
193[?] Oct 4 hist to Henry H Weese AWF
Page 71

Harrison County To wit
James Radcliff personally appeared before me the subscriber and made oath he has served as a constable for a number of years and amongst other has had a number of executions against John Cottrill and about the year 1826 sold a sorrel mare for about $15 fifteen dollars and believes at that time Cottrill was considerable indebted  given under my hand this 29th day of Jenuary 1825
Joseph Morris JP

The above James Radcliff is a man of candor and truth and says the above sale was done in good faith
Joseph Morris JP
Page 72

Harrison County Virginia Ss.
Personally appeared before me Thomas Haymore a Justice of the peace in and for said county Jackson Cottrell of full age and credible as to character who being duly sworn states that about three or four years ago he purchased a horse of John Cottrill, and gave a wheat stack and a rye stack for said horse.  that the said John Cottrill as this affiant believes did not part with the horse fraudulently for the purpose of obtaining a pension,  that the said horse was worth about thirty five dollars.  and that the grain stacks aforesaid was made use of by the said John Cottrill for the support of his family.  Given under my hand and seal this 24th day of January 1825.
Tho. Haymond [handwritten seal]
Page 73

I certify that I am well acquainted with joseph Morris, Thomas Haymond Daniel Kincheloe Joseph Chevonent and with their signatures.  I know them to be acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of Harrison & state of Virginia and that their official acts are entitled to full faith & credit.
Given under my hand at the City of Washington this 6th day of Feb 1825
Joseph Johnson
Page 74

Harrison County To Wit
Joseph Morris a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid Came before me John Davisson and made oath that he has been acquainted with and a near neighbour to John Cotrill for about 30 years in former years he was in good or tolerable good Circumstances but now he is old and he believes him to be very poor and unable to work much and his wife in the same Circumstances in former years he was said to be in distress and his family also and appeared to have acquire some property but of late (if report be true) either from imprudence mismanagement or some other cause his property has left him and mostly passed into the hands of a Certain John McCullough his neighbor and brother in law who is thought privately to be the means of stopping his pension in consequence of a quarrel between him and sd. Cotrill
He further says he has often heard Cotrill say
he was in the revolutionary war as a regular and further says not Joseph Morris

Sworn to before me this 20th day of October 1826
John Davisson JP.
Page 75

Harrison County To Wit
a Justice of
Joseph Morris Personally appeared before me
Page 76

Recd. 1st Sept: 1826,
from B. Wilson, Jr.
Clarksburg, Va
Caveat.
Page 77

To The Honorable James Barbour
Your petitioner John McCullough, humbly
mar 1825
represents, that John Cottrill, who is on the Pension list as a Soldier of the Revolutionary War, he believes has been placed there by misrepresentation and fraud; that the said John has for upwards of Thirty Years been his near neighbor, and the said John, has informed your petitioner, that he was only in said service for a short time, and that was as a substitute in the Militia, and that he never performed any other service in said War. Your petitioner further represents, that he has been informed that the said John, is not on the rolls of the Army, as a regular; he further begs leave to represent, that the said John is not in such poverty or indigence as to need the assistance of the Government all of which foregoing statements can be abundantly proven by many respectable witnesses.
Your petitioner is aware that it is impossible for your department to prevent impositions of this sort from taking place, and is convinced it is the duty of all the Citizens of this Government to give aid and facility to its Officers to prevent impositions and frauds of this sort, he will suggest to you the propriety of appointing some person here that will take testimony, or giving said Cottrill, notice thereof, in Order that the same may be laid before your Department; and if such testimony furnishes the proof of your petitioner has stated can be had that the said John Cottrill may be stricken of the Pension list.
John McCullough

Virginia Harrison County To Wit
John McCullough of said County personally
Page 78

appeared before me Benjamin J Brice a Justice of the peace for said County and made oath that the foregoing petition is true    Given under my hand this 25th day of August 1826
B.J. Brice
Page 79

John Davisson Esqr being first saworn saith that he has been aquainted with John Cotterrell upwards of 30 years and and the the said Cotterrill has been in good circumstance as a torable good liver but since the late war the said Cotterrell was in debt and intirely broke up his land has been sold an a deed of trust given to pay a certain Jacob Israel and other $400 Dollars  
The said Cotterrill and a certain John McCullough who bought said land cald on me to gather with Major T Haymond and Sotha Richmond to make a final settlement of there accounts   We gave McCullough 75 acres of the land and gave Cotterrill 25 as we supposed a corner of rough hils which the said Cotterrill now lives on but McCullough has the Deed under the said on the deed of trust and refused to convey to said Cotterrill.  Cotterrill is old and very poor  has no means to support his family if his pention is taken away  he has no horse but one cow  his sheep has been sold to pay his debts  the charge of his being in good circumstances is utterly fals and unfounded as to his being in the United States servis this Deponent does not know  he saud he conversed with one Aderson  Corbin
Page 80

he was in the servis with the said Cotterrill Corbin states Cottirrell was a good soldier and deserved his pention  this deponent understood they served at the taken of Cornwallis   Cotterrill on conversing with him states he was returning from the south when Cornwallis was taken off his tour as a Regular Soldier.  This deponent further states that Cotterrell has no means of support if his pention is taken from him

Sworn to before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace for Harrison County Virginia this 20 day of October 1826
Joseph Morris JP
Page 81

Jackson Cotterril of full age and being first sworn Deposeth and states that he allways heard John Cotterrill say that he was in the united states servis as a regular soldier  the said Cotterrill is old and very poor   he has been maintained by his children who is poor   none of them owns land  the said Cotterril has no property within the reach of even a constable  if the united states should with hold there support the said Cotterrill and wife must suffer
Sworn to before me a Justice of the peace for Harrison County and state of Virginia this 18th day Oct 1826
John Davisson JP
Page 82

Harrison County Virginia Ss
Personally appeared before me, Thomas Haymond, a Justice of the peace in & for said County, John McCullough, who is certifed to be credible as to character and of full age, who being duly sworn states, that John Cottrill many years ago purchased of him the land on which he lived and the purchase money was not all paid,  That the said John Cottrill was otherwise indebted to him, and was also indebted as security for his son to one Jacob Israel & Co.  in two sums amounting to upwards of $100 which was transferred to some merchants in Baltimore.  that suits were instituted & Judgements obtained on the same to secure the payment of which, and also to secure to this affiant the sum of $301.75 the said John Cottrill did convey in trust the land aforesaid to William Bell which authority if the said debts were not paid to sell the land after due notice & publication, which was accordingly done on the third Monday of September 1822, and this affiant having bid the sum of $120 which was the highest bid, became the purchaser & recieved a convenance therefore, which is duly recorded in the  Clerks office of the county aforesaid.  This affiant further states that Colo. James Kindall attorney at Law of Clarksburg of the County aforesaid was the agent of the said Baltimore merchants viz Calhoun, and Aldridge
Page 83

and Higdon.  That being so their agent and also [illegible] this affiants bond for the payment of the said debts due those respective merchants and credited Cottrill for the said $120 on the said judgements against him & his son
This affiant further states that the said John Cottrill, many years ago, the time not recollected, gave him a Bill of sale on his personal goods & chattels & household furniture, to secure him a part the debts due him, also gave up two cows, six sheep, one heifer & some [illegible] to secure a debt of about thirty five dollars as will appear by the subjoined certificate of Joseph Morris one of the Justices in & for the county aforesaid
This affiant states that all the debts aforesaid are, as far as he knows & believes bone fide, were contracted honestly, that the sales, convenances & delivery of property referred to were made and done in good faith and not with any view to come within the provisions of the acts of Congress for the relief of indigent revolutionary soldiers
Given under my hand this 31st day of January 1825
Tho. Haymond JP

I do hereby certify that the Judment given by me in favour of John McCullough against John Cottrill for which Cottrill has given property in securing of payment is to the amount of $35 debt interest and cost and it was in good faith and without fraud 
Given under my hand January 19th 1825
Joseph Morris JP
[illegible]
Page 84

Mr John Wilson Jr Clerk of the County Court of Harrison County Virginia
Sir
You will make out a copy of the Deed of Trust given by me on the 6th day of August 1821 to William Bell on ninety nine acres & three fourths of an acre of land to secure a debt of $64.18 due by me to James Calhoun, also a debt of $76.58 due by me to Andrew Aldridge & Benjamin Downing Higdon in which John McCullough was my security  also a debt due to John McCullough of $301-75
Yu will also make out a copy of the Bill of sale given by me, to John McCullough of personal goods & chattels to secure thirty and odd dollars of the date of the    day of   in the year of
Also a copy of the Deed of convenance from William Bell Trustee to John McCullough of the tract of land conveyed in Trust to the said bill to secure the payment of certain debts therein mentioned which land was sold on the third Monday in September 1822 for the sum of $120 and he said McCullough became the purchaser, all of which said several deed of convenance and Bill of Sale are of Record in you office
January 31st 1825
John Cottrill
Page 85

Harrison County Court Clerks Office
Mr John Cottrill
I am instructed by Mr. Wilson the Clerk &c in whose office I write not to give you copies of the papers you call for which are of Record in this Office unless you give security for the fees for such copies, as you are insolvent and unable to pay the fees already due to him
Th. P Britton DC
for J Wilson Jr CHC
31 Jany 1825

Harrison County Virginia Ss   8
Personally appeared before me Thomas Haymond a Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid John Cottrill who made oath that he made the foregoing requisition on the clerk of the County of Harrison for copies of certain papers required by the War Department.  and that he received for answer the above written refusal, and that owing to his poverty and to the impracticability of procuring security he is unable to pay or secure the fees, which is certified to the War Department.
Given under my hand and seal this 31st day of January 1825
Tho. Haymond JP
Page 86

D of B.  No 106.  1848
C 15

John Patton
Grass Land, Harrison Co Va
August 29, 1848
Recd Sept 3rd 1848

Claim of Jno Cottrell
Rev Pen
and Peter Ambler for
Invalid Pen
Page 87

Recd Sept 3rd
Grass Land: Barber County Va. August 29th 1842
We David L Bishop, General Agent for pentions, I am glad that you have out out in writing those that has not the means of paper Instructions and have been unable to obtain from government these justices that you are willing And desirous to attend to the investigation and prosecution of these Claims for revolutionary pentions with promptness-
These two cases in my neighborhood, which stands in need of such services as you are willing to render to the ignorant and untrained, One is an Old Man by the name of John Cottrill, about 88 years of age who drawed a pention in under the old Law for regulars he names ten 10 years $76 dollars per year, one under some new Law of Congress And some investigation to his claims, he was unable to prove that he served as a regular in the Revolution war. but he did proove by some a good Man i the Country that he did serve 3 or 4 Tours as a Militia soldier
And was at the surrender of Cornwallace, that he did serve nearly throughout the war as substitute and also drafted, I written to Edwards, the Pention Agent, some four or five years ago in relation to his pention and how he was stricken off. he, wrote to me that he was not entitled to draw in under the Old Law as a Regular, but he was in under the Act of 31 or 2 that he has resided some 9 or 10 years pay under the Old pention law, and it would amount to more than he was entitled to up to the time I wrote to him, but he is yet living, and his wife, And is verry poor, lives on the Charity of one of his sons, who is also poor. I think he has received some small pitance from the County, that had been taking from home, with Out he would be Kept at the poor house which he objects to, if you will udner take his Case you will find all his papers at the pention Office, if you will examine his papers And see for yourself, And write to me upon
Page 88

upon the subject, if you Can do anything that will reinstate him on the pention List, you shall be honestly [illegible] for your Services, it would be a verry short time till the pay would be over he is Verry Old And has lost his site, initrely Blind. he is Justly entitled to draw something. And, I wish that Justice could Meted out to him, it was the intention of the Law, And it is a great pitty that Pld best soldiers should be ronged out of it;
The Other Case is a man of the name of Peter Ambler, he served in the last war with England or the war of 1812, in northwestern Army, his papers is also, at the war department, or the petition office he never has received Any thing he is an object of pitty, Ought it [illegible] and the benefit unto his heirs, And he cant moove about in Any way only by the help of 2 Crotches One in under each arm
Peter Ambler inlisted in the 1812, the 5th day of May, under Zachariah Morgan, Served under Thomas Moore Capt, till the 9th day of May 1814. And then was dischard upon the account of ill health or inibility to serve or perform the duty of a soldier. And inibility has still remained with me, I can proove My service by Phillip Huffman Isaac Cooper - Levi Tucker, Samuel McCroy, Hanslp H Watsort Elijah Hawk Capt., Thomas Langlin Lieutenant, W. C. Parker and Abraham Bogard
My discharge with All My other papers was sent on to Pention Office, I exsp. you will able to find them on their, they did not do me any good or they ware something wrong, As I never did
Page 89

receive Any thing, if you will Examine in to my Case and Can supposed in geting me a pention by my help or Any thing that I Can do, Or Any of My Neighbours, you shall be recompend for all your service, I will pay all necessary Expence that it will require in the pursuit in Each Case, if you write back on the subject, your address will be grass Land P. Office Harrison County, I have nothing more at present, but hope I will hear from you
John Patton
N.B. I received my Anjury by the recoil of a Cannon it was fixed And rushed back on me then over my hips, Abraham Bogard stood by And pick me up, I lay on the field of Battle, all night, the battle was fough on river Shlarence 12 miles below Ogdens bend the Long sum (or sodiers) I was taken to Ogdenburg the next day, And there I layd for a bout three Months
Peter Ambler