Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W.4161, Robert Cochran, Vt.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Vt
CONTENTS
Cochran, Robert
Thankful
NUMBER
W. 4161
Page 2

Ohio   Pittsburgh  3080
-------------
Thankful Cochran
widow of Robert Cochran, decd.
who died on  ________1807_____
of Huron Co. in the State of Ohio
who was a private in the com. commanded
by Captain Robinson of the regt. commanded by Col Robinson in the Vermont line for 9 mos. 10 dy
--------
Inscribed on the Roll of Pittsburgh at the rate of 31 Dollars 10 Cents [er annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.
-------
Certificate of pension issued the 10 day of Octr 1839 & sent to Hon L.B. Sturges
1839, Norwalk, Ohio.
-------
Arrears to the
4th of Sept 1839 $264.35
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 40
15.55 ┃
$279.90

Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836
Section the 3d

Recorded by D. McCurdy, clerk
Book A Vol. 2 Page 176
Page 3

4490
Thankful Cochran of Robert Ohio

aomd
9 mo 10 days
pri
$31.10
No deductions

Hon. L.B. Sturges
Norwalk Ohio

Written across left side of paper in opposing direction
Thankful Cochran
Declaration
No. 4490
Page 4

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third Section of the act of
Congress of the 4th of July 1836
State of Ohio County of Huron S
On this 27
day of May AD 1839 personally appeared
before the Court of Common Pleas held at Newark in & for
said County Thankful Cockran a Resident of Milan in
said County aged Eighty years who being torn according to
Law doth on her Oath declare make the following declaration
 in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by
the act of Congress passed July 4, 1836. That she is the widow
of Robert Cockran deceased living residing in Benington
State of Vermont engaged & enlisted as a minute man in the
Militia in the first instance in the year 1775 into a
Company commanded by Captain Samuel Robinson
in a Regiment commanded by Colonel Moses Robinson
that he soon after served as he
was first engaged in the Battle of Lexington & Bunker Hill
That in the year 1776 he was at and assisting in taking
Ticonderoga, that in 1777 he was in the retreat from Zion
rage was in the Battle and
 that he was in
the service of the United States in militia services in the
years of 1776. 1779, 1780 & 1781 for four years at least
That he served at Fort George White Hall Castleton
other places, & was out in almost every 
that he was also in the Battle of Saratoga
said Thankful further
is that at said Benington
he was in the month of December 1777 married to said
Robert by the Reverend Mr. Dewey a minister of the
Gospel the Parish Settled Pastor that her said Husband
the aforesaid
Robert Cochran died in the month of September in the
year 1807. That the said Robert was a widower at the
time she was married to him and that she has
made a widow ever since the period of his death
as will more fully appear by reference to the proof
hereto annexed that she has now a son named John
Cockran living as she believes being in Tioga County
the State of Pennsylvania to hundred miles distant
aged sixty years the 2d of January last past who was
born yea & one week after her said marriage
as afore named Robert Cockran
nine years the seventeenth of instant say that she has
son and Seth Cockran & daughter and
Page 5

Polly the wife of Sarah Lock another Son James
liberan he has now no Family of the
with of her children but had memorandum of the
which are now lost messing that her said Husband
having died in the year AD Tray ever applied for a
Pension and who says he has no Documentary Evidence
of her said Husband, Severe said John from the
2d day of January 1779 & Robert & as born the 17th day of May
1780. she does not know whether he had a day of
served in a minute on an amount of the Vermont did
the Declarant says that owing to her old age & consequent
loss of memory though he cannot remember monthly every
Gastrenton respecting her said Husbands service
is confident that that she in substance
at
the aforesaid Declaration that he knows of her and other
it appears that her quarter & Grantment 
of General Parks at Bonington even upon the Farms of
that upon the aforesaid Declaration being read to her
the upon reflection cannot say that her said
Husband was in the Battle of Lexington Bunker
Hill, they having taken place before her marriage
to her said Husband she that said Mr. Dewey one years
and the Twenty years old when he was
Son
this 27 day of May AD 1889
her before the long
Thankful Cockran
Timothy Baker
Witness Lewis
Judge of Sharon Com Pleas
And said Court do certify and find that above named
Thankful Cockran aged Eighty years is the widow of Robert
now deceased a Revolutionary Soldier who enlisted
served as a minute man in the Revolutionary war
into a company commanded by Captain Jonathan Robinson
in a Regiment commanded by Colonel Moses Robinson
of the Vermont Militia that said Robert served for as
many as four years & as a Lieutenant that he died
in September 1807. that said Thankful was married to
said Robert in the month of December AD 1777 that the
is now the widow & has continued the widow of said Robert
from the time of his death that her said marriage
was previous to the expiration of said Robert's services
that said Robert served in the Battles of Land said war
as mentioned in said Thankful declaration excepting
those of Lexington & Bunker Hill and the said Court
Page 6

further find that said Thankful William Henry
Silas Walbridge William Gilmore Jonathan Robinson
Sarah Lee and Robert Cockran, the Declarant 
Deponents whose depositions are hereunto annexed
and also, David Underhill
are credible & are persons of truth and veracity. Bowen Prest Mary
State of Ohio 
Huron County
I David Gibbs Clerk of the Court of Common pleas
for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing
are the proceedings of said Court in the case of
Thankful Cockran Widow of Robert Cockran deceased
in an application for a Pension and that the Hon
Bowen is the President Judge for said Court in
the second Judicial District or Circuit in said States
that Timothy Baker is
Judge of said Court.
Common please & that the signatures of said Seven
Baker purporting to be their are their genuine
Signatures
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand affixed the Seal of
office of said Court this 27th day of
AD
Gibbs Clk. H.C. P.
Page 7

State of Ohio Huron County ss
Before the Court of common pleas held in Norwalk
in & for said County on the 27th of May 1839 personally
appeared Robert Cockran residing & living in Milan
in said Court aged Fifty-one years who was born in
Benington State of Vermont on the 17th of May 1780
That he is the son of Robert Cockran & Thankful
Cochran the said Robert was a revolutionary Soldier
served for most of the war as a minute man and
as a Lieutenant in various Battles- That he always
understood that his said Father & mother were named
as early as the year 1777 or 1778. That he has
a Commission or Commissions which were given to his
said Father He don't recollect having seen his
discharge from the army, but that all the papers be
documents of his services having for a long time missing
are lost & not to be found.
That he supposes
he has now a brother living in the State of Pennsylvania
named John Corker who is a son of said Robert
deceased & said Thankful now aged Sixty years
the 2d of January 1539 & must have been born on
the 2d of January 1779. That what he has heard
from different convention heretofore he believes
his said Father must have served at least four
years during said Revolutionary war that her
said mother is now a widow & has never been married since
the death of his said Father
Sworn to & subscribed this
27th May A D 1839
Robt Cochran
before the Court
Timothy Baker
Judge of there on Com Pleas
Page 8

April 11, 1936
Robert Cochran, W. 4161
BA-J/ McS
Mrs. D. L. Strickland
20 Lockwood Road
Scarsdale, New York
Dear Madam:
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in
pension claim, W. 4161, based upon the Revolutionary War service
of Robert Cochran.
While living at Bennington, Bennington County, Vermont, he
served at various times from 1775 until sometime in 1781 as private
in Captain Samuel Robinson's company in Colonel Moses Robinson's
Vermont regiment and as lieutenant of Vermont militia. It was stated
he was in the battle of Lexington, at the taking of Ticonderoga, in
the battle of Bunker Hill, in the retreat from Ticonderoga and in the
battles of Bennington and Saratoga.
He married in December 1777, at Bennington, Vermont, Thankful
Rice. At the time of this marriage, he was a widower and this was his
second marriage, name of first wife and date of first marriage not
given.
Robert Cochran died in September 1807.
His widow, Thankful, was allowed pension on her application
executed May 27, 1839, at which time she was eighty years of age
and a resident of Milan, Huron County, Ohio.
In 1839 Sarah Lee, aged sixty-nine years and a resident of
Jericho, Vermont, stated that she was a daughter of Robert Cochran
by his first marriage.
Page 9

May 17, 1780, in Bennington, Vermont, and a resident of Milan.
Ohio, in 1839; Seth; Polly who married Isaiah Leech; and Abner
The papers in this claim contain no further data relative
Reference was made to the following children of Robert and
Thankful Cochran: John who was born January 2, 1779, and a resident
of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, in 1839; Robert who was born
to the soldier's family,
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 10

Rev
WIDOW, & c.
File No. 4161
Thankful Cochran
Widow
Robert Cochran
Pr. Vt line
Act: July 4th 36, Sec. 30 
Index: -Vol. A, Page 143 
Arrangement of 1870.}
25. Aug 18. Hist to not June A.D.
Strickland, 
Rev. Jr. Robt Cockran B L.
Page 11

4490
Thankful Cochran
17 June 1839
Suspended
Act 15 Jan 1839
L B Sturgess & C L Knapp
Sec of State office
let: 23 Sept 1839
L B Sturgess
Acy 6 July 1836
Page 12


L Edwards Esqr-
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 13

Commissioner of Pensions
Norwalk Ohio Oct
Six
1839
I have received your Letter of 23d Ult
relative to Thankful Cockran's Pension
I confess my disappointment in learning that upon the whole
of the testimony furnished you in the case you
cannot attests
her more than nine months & 10 days for her late Husband
services and I think it my duty to request of you a
review of the deposition. I have a summary of 
the Contents and
Silas Walbridge aged 79 as Lieu Cockran 
marched with the Militia troops assisted in taking Ticonderoga again 1774
was there as much as two months Sept & Act in 1777
was in the Battle of Benington - in 1778-79 until & including
81 was in actual duty at different for 4 years"
William Henry aged 77 years knows he was in Capt. Samuel
Robinson's company in Col Moses Robinson's regiment in
Bennington Battle Served at Fort George White Hall Castleton
other places, was out in almost all the alarm
Jonah aged 83 years days lived with him in
1775. says he was a minute man & Lieu that he was present
Ticonderoga
at the taking of Benington & was at the battle of Saratoga
 was out in every alarm engaged in almost every engagement
in actual serve for as much as from 2 to years that the
reason he knows it is that he lived with for 7 years
beginning in 1775. which enable him to be positive of his
Page 14

service in 1777 which was the year of his marriage
Sarah Lee 16 years old who swears she is the daughter
of Robert Cockran and at his marriage in 1777 says she knows
he was in the Battle of Bennington and other places
David Underhill aged about 70 years was well acquainted with
R Cockran knows of his long services Into his
deposition
So far as for testimony other than record evidence to be
credited at all I think there cannot be a doubt that he
served a much longer time than you mention in addition
I observed- that the State of Vermont was not admitted into
the union and their records of the services of their Citizens
in those confined times must have been a great degree low
in accurate
as to his having served as a Lieutenant we have not at
present any documentary proof but I cannot doubt from
the evidence that he served or such
But not withstand the foregoing upon a review you
continue of the same opinion I am authorized to say
to you that Mrs. Thankful Cockran does consent to
receive the allowance you have mentioned in your
said Letter & I will thank you to send to me the certificate
as soon as convenient
I am respectfully
Your O. To
Lewis B Stanger
Permit me to us to the question is there no satisfactory evidence that
R. Corkson served in other years then 1780 & 81 the only years
which it seems you have taken into consideration
Page 15

State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office
Montpelier Aug. 8. 1837
I hereby certify that there is on file in
this office a paper purporting to be a Pay Roll of Capt.
Samuel Robinson's Company of Militia in Col. Saml Herrick's
 Regiment for service done the State of Vermont
on alarm which commenced the 11th day of October 1780,
on which Roll is the name of "Robert Cochran, in the list
of privates with an allowance for 14 days service annexed.
Also, a paper purporting to be "A Pay Roll of
Capt. Blakeslee's Company in Col. Fletcher's Battalion
& Gen. Enos Brigade in the service of the State of Vermont.
on which paper, in the list of privates, is the name of Robert
Cochran, with an allowance for 14 days service annexed
commencing July 1st and ending November 25th, 1781.
Also, a paper purporting to be a List of the names
sums Capt. James Blakeslee's Pay Roll for himself and
Company in the service of the State of Vermont from the
beginning of the Campaign 1781 to the 30th of June in said
year inclusive, taken from the original in the Pay Masters
Office, on which roll in the list of privates, is the name of
Robt Cochran, with an allowance of $4.7.4 for service
annexed.
Also, a paper purporting to be a Pay Roll of Capt.
Page 16

Noble's Company in Maj. Ebenezer Allen's Company
detachment in the service of the State of Vermont from the
16th of August 1780 to the 21st of November following, both days
included, on which Roll, in the list of privates, is the name of
Robt Cochran, with an allowance for 66 days service annexed.
Also, a paper purporting to be a Pay Roll of Capt. Joseph
Safford's Company of Militia in Col. Ebenezer Walbridge's Regiment 
on an alarm commencing 2d Aug. 1781 and ending the eighth
both days included, on which roll, in the list of privates, is the
name of "Robbert Cochran, with an allowance for 2 days service
Also, a paper purporting to be a Pay Roll of Capt. Joseph
Safford's Company of Militia in Col. Ebenezer Walbridge's Regiment
in an alarm to Castleton commencing the 14th of October 1781 and ending
1st both days included, on which roll, in the list of privates, is the
name of Robert Cochran, with an allowance for 11 days service
I further certify that all said Pay Rolls appear to have
been allowed, and ordered to be paid, by the authorities of this
state, and to have been paid accordingly
Given under my hand and the seal
of this office this Eighth day of August
Ferrand F. Merrill
A.D. 1839
Deputy Sec of State
Page 17

Aug 14
AL
Addl proof
Mr. Cochran
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 18

State of Vermont
Secretary
of States Office
Sir
Montpelier Aug. 8. 1839
Enclosed I send you the proof relation
to the service of Robert Cochran which is to be found
in this office, in compliance with your request.
With high respect
J.L. Edwards Esq.
F. F. Merrill
Dept of State
Page 19

Jonathan Ransom of Jerico of Eighty-three
years of age do depose and say that I was
well acquainted with Robert Cockran of
Bennington in the County of Bennington and
State of Vermont that I lived with him ┃
in Bennington in the year 1775 and that he
stood as it minute man that he was it side
tenant of the militia and that he was present
at the taking of Ticonderoga and in the battle
at Bennington and also at Saratoga and the ┃
he was out and served in all as almost every
lar and that he was engaged I think in ┃
about every engagement during the Revolu
tionary was I know he was in the scene of ┃
the Revolutionary and in actual service for
as much as from two to the year and the ┃
Reason why I know it is I lived with him
Seven-year Beginning in 1775 which enables me 
to be positive as to the time he was in Serve
and in December 1777 while I was there, he was put
publish and Married Thankful Rice in Pennington
although I did not furthermore, I lived
there and know they lived together as husband
and wife for something like five year and 
that had several children while I was there
and acquainted with them
State of Vermont
Jonathan Ransom
Chittenden
at Jerico on the fifth day of
January Personally appeared Jonathan Ranson
the signer of the above deposition and after it
Ot
Carefull nomination made solemn oath that
it contains nothing but the truth
Byrne Truman Barney Justice
I hereby certify that the above-named Jonathon
Ransom is a man of strict integrity of truth
and veracity
Truman Barney
Page 20

Jonathan Ranson
from 2 to 3 years
Page 21

Sarah Lee of Jerico of Sixty-nine years of age 
do depose and say that I am the Reputed daughter
of Robert Cochran and that I was living at home
with my father in Bennington in the County of
Bennington and State of Vermont in the year 
and that I was present and see my Farther make
to thankful Rice Sometime in the month of deceased
AD 1777 they were married at my father's house in 
Bennington aforesaid and I know that my Forth
was in the service of the Revolutionary war and 
that he was in the Battle at Bennington and ┃
I know he was frequently call out during that
season into the service and frequently after
time to time as occasion requested
Sarah Lee
State of Vermont
Chittenden ss
let Jones on the 11th of January
AD 1839 Personally appeared Sarah Lee the Signer
of the foregoing deposition and after a full
examination made solemn oath that it contained
nothing but the truth
Before me Truman Barney Justice ┃
I certify that Sarah Lee the signer of the above
Affidavit is a woman of strict integrity and a war
of truth and veracity
State of Vermont
Chittenden County, SS.
In testimony when
of said Court at
D. 1839
Truman Barney
I William Noble, Clerk of Chittenden County Court
do hereby certify that human Barney before ┃
whom the foregoing Depositions of Jonathan Ransom
Sarah Lee was taken, was at the time of taking
the same & still is a Justice of the Peace within 
County of Chittenden aforesaid, duly qualified acting and
the authority of this State, & that his name thereto
scribed is I believe his own proper signature
I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal
Burlington in said County this day Carman
Page 22

Silas Walbridge of Bennington in the County of
of Bennington & State of Vermont, aged 79 years
being duly sworn, depose testify and say, That I
well acquainted with Lieut. Robert Cochran, from
my boyhood until his removal from this town, and
was intimate with him. In the year 1775, I was not
in service, but I know that Lieut. Cochran, then a
Lieutenant, marched with the troops of this vicinity
for the purpose of taking Ticonderoga, and have no
doubt he assisted in its capture.
In 1776, I was in actual service, and on duty
at Ticonderoga its vicinity and my best recol
lection is, that Lieut Cochran was there on duty
as much as two months, September and October
In 1777, Lt Cochran, according to my best recol
lection, was in service with us at the time of our
retreat from Ticonderoga. I soon after enlisted
into another Regiment, but I recollect that again
at the battle of Bennington, Lt Cochran was aranged
with the troops, where I was, and in the
battle with us.-
In 1778, 1779, and untill I have no doubt of
Licut Cochran's being in service, and on actual duty
the four years last mentioned, but the particular per
rods & length of his service I do not remember as a
partition of the time
I belonged to another regiment, and was under the
command of other officers. I do not hesitate to say
he was esteemed a worthy man and an efficient
officer, an ardent man in the cause, & forward
& enterprising in his public duty. And I have no
doubt he was out in actual service, as often and
as long in every year of this war as any other officer
for he was always ready and I have no manner of
doubt but that I saw him in service in each year
of the four last mentioned years
and further saith not.
Silas Walbridge
Page 23

State of Vermont
Bennington County Bennington, February 28 A.D. 1839
Then personally appeared before me, Silas Wat
bridge signer of the within and foregoing deposition
and made solemn oath that the facts therein contained
related are the truth and nothing but the truth, according
to his best knowledge, recollection and belief.
Attest- O.C. Merrill, Justice of the Race
further certify that Silas Walbridge the signer
of the within deposition is a man of respectability
and truth & veracity, and that his testimony is 
titled to credit.
Attest A.C. Merrill, Justice of the Peace
 of Vermont &
Bennington County Henry Robinson Clerk of 
Court, hereby any
that O C Merrill Esq was at the 
date of the taking of the above desponding
 still is, a Justice of the peace in &
for the County of Bennington, duly qualified
 & commissioned, & that his signature is
genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my
name & affixed the seal of Our sd County Court
at Bennington this 11th day of March A.D. 1839
Page 24

I William Henry of Bennington, County of
Bennington, and State of Vermont, aged 77
years, being duly sworn, depose testify & say
That I was well and for a number of years acquaint
ed with Lieutenant Robert Cochran, and lived
only about half a mile distant from him until
he removed from this town. That I know
Robert Cochran as a Lieutenant in Capt.
Samuel Robinson's company, and in the Regt
commanded by Col. Moses Robinson. That I
know he was frequently out in service during the
revolutionary war, I did not see him
out of Bennington in service - But March
with the troops, and know of his going from
home, frequently, and of his being from home
two or three months each season during this
war, as I should think. But I cannot state
any particular periods of his service in the
different years of this war, I know he was
forward, active sufficient officer. I saw him
go out with the troops on the morning of Benning
ton battle and have heard related that he fought
in that battle. I know he was acting as Lieu
tenant at this time
I always understood that he left his home to
into actual service, and did a good deal
of service in the different years of the war, at
Fort George, White Hall and Castleton and other
places. and that he was out in almost every
alarm,
not
I further testify, that I did see Lieut. Robert
Page 25

Cochran married to Thankful Rice, but I heard
of their being married either in November or December
 1777, and I think it was in the month of 
December of this year. - I know they lived together
in good repute as husband and wife, and
that they had, and raised up a number of
 children
And further saith not. Wm Henry
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss Bennington, February 27, 1839
Then personally appeared William Hen
signer of the foregoing deposition, and made
solemn oath that the relation he therein gives and
the facts therein stated are true
Before me -
O. C. Merrill, Justice of the Peace
I further certify that William Henry is a cite
Ten of first respectability truth and that all his
statements are entitled to full credit.
Attest- O.C. Merrill, Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont
Bennington County
I Henry Robinson Clerk of Benning
ton County Court hereby certify that
Orasmus C. Merrill Esq was at the
date of the taking of the afore said depo
sition & State is a Justice of the peace
in & for the County of Bennington &
that his foregoing signature is gen
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed
my name & affixed the Seal of Our sd Court at
Bennington this 11th day of March A.D. 1839
Page 26


Wm Gillmore
Page 27

I William Gilmore of White Creek, County of
Washington and State of New York, and at this
time on a visit to Bennington, in the County of
Bennington, and State of Vermont, aged 88 years
being duly sworn, depose testify and say- That I
was acquainted with Robert Cochran of
 Bennington aforesaid before the revolutionary war,
and during that period, and was knowing to
some of his services in said war.
In 1776, I was in service at Ticonderoga and its
vicinity, I saw Robert Cochran in service there doing
duty as a Lieutenant, I was not in the same regiment
but understood, & have no doubt of it, that he in the
company commanded by Capt. Samuel Robinson
and in the Regiment commanded by Col. Moses
Robinson I cannot recalled the precise time he serv
but I well remember he was there in the month
of September, and in the month of October in this
year. I am the more certain of these things, because
I remember an accident that took place, which in
substance was this Lt Cochran was crossing Lake
Champlain from Fort Independence in a battery or
boat with others, holding three guns, and was sitting
on the edge, or the near the edge of the batteaux, when
he was tipped overboard- he lost the three guns, but
by swimming saved himself from drowning, and
was soon after taken up by boats crew, and I saw him
brought a share pretty thoroughly drenched
In the year 1777, I knew Lt Cochran in service in
der Gen. Stark's command, & in the Battle of Bennington
Lieu was well acquainted with all the country
adjacent, and around the battle fields, and was so
Page 28

to the rear of the enemy, and St Cochran & the 
men with him were among the first that commenced
the battle. And I have always understood Lieut.
Cochran was in service at the time of the 
surrender of Burgoyne - but as I was not present, I cannot
speak with certainty about it, and yet I have no
doubt of his being then in service.
I remember Lt Cochran suffered very considerable
loss of property this year, lost all the crops 
upon the farm, & other injuries were done to his property.
the Headquarters of Gen. Stark was upon his
farm, and all the encampment, or station of the
troops under Gen. Starks were upon the farm 
of Lieu Cochran & St Henry
In the years 1778, 1779, 1780, and 1781 I knew
that Lieu Cochran was out in service each of
these years at Lake George White Hall, and
at Castleton, I cannot remember the particulars
or precise time of service in each of these years. I
know that Lieut. Cochran was a very forward
active enterprising officer, and always ready
to go upon duty when his services were required
I have no doubt in my knowledge all his tours of service lieutenant
Cochran was out in actual service during the 
Revolutionary struggle at the least one full year, and
I should think it probable; he was out for a longer period. 
I was not present at the second marriage of
Lieut. Cochran with Thankful Rice, but I knew
they lived together as husband & wife and had
children born to them. I heard from them, and
otherwise, that they were married either in the
Page 29


months of November or December, in the year
1777, and I think it took place in December of
this year
And further deponent saith not.
William Gilmore
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss Bennington, February 27, A.D. 1839
Then personally appeared William Gilmore
who subscribed in my presence the foregoing 
deposition, and made solemn oath to the truth of the
facts therein stated according to his best knowledge recollection and belief
Before me O.C. Merrill, Justice of the Peace
I further certify that William Gilmore is a
respectable and credible man, and that his 
evidence is entitled to credit.
attest
ate of Vermont
C. C. Merrill, Justice of the Peace
Bennington County
Henry Robinson Clerk of Bennington
County Court hereby certify that Orsamus
Merrill Justice of the peace in & for 
the County of Bennington, duly qualified
& Commissioned & that his afore signature
is given
testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name
affixed the seal of our Court at Bennington this 11th
of March AD. 1839
Henry Robinson
Page 30

David Underhill
Page 31

State of Ohio Huron County
Before the Court of Common pleas held at Norwalk within and
for said County on the 27 May 1839. Personally appeared
David Underhill of Ridgefield in said County aged
Seventy-four years and being duly sworn on his
oath declares & says that he lived & resided in Vermont
this first part & the whole of the Revolutionary war in the
Town of Direct in the County of Bennington that he was particularly
acquainted with many of the officers & Soldiers who were
active & aid in the operations of said war
That the present State of Vermont not then being in the Union
as a State many enlisted & served in minutemen that
his impression that a Robinson commanded a Regiment
of Troops in said war that he knew that Robert Cockran
was a soldier in the beginning of said war & was afterwards
called a Major & supposes he had a commission for
said office that he was out in active service in
the whole or most of said war & was ever considered as an
active & spirited Soldier & Hero in the same
That he always understood from his acquaintance with
his history that he served for most of the war & for
four years at least for he never seen him out of the
service according to his best recollection & considering the
age of the Deponent he was intimately acquainted with
said Cochran that he cannot now recollect the particular
Battles in which said Johnson was engaged, but he
always understood he was engaged in almost all which
took place in that quarter of the County
that the Deponent respect the following for relating to
said Cockran there being a disputed contest between
the claimants in Vermont under the title of New Hampshire
the claimant under new York that said Cockran the
for our than when Seth Warner afterwards Colonel in
the Army & Remember Baker headed & were the Leaders
of those who were claimants under New Hampshire
That the Deponent Father Abraham Underhill on
acquaintance
intimate friend of said Cockran
Davis Underhill
& subscribed in
Court the 29th of May 1839
Timothy Baker
Judge of the Com Pleas
Page 32

Mrs. D. L. Strickland
20 Lockwood Road
Scarsdale, New York
Dear Madam:
April 11, 1936
BA-J/ECS
Robert Cochran, W. 4161
Robert Cockran
B. L. Wt. 389-450
from Vermont.
Reference is made to your letter requesting information
relative to Robert Cochran who served in the Revolutionary War
You are furnished herewith, the records of the only soldiers
named Robert Cochran or Cockran who served from Vermont or vicinity
that are found in the Revolutionary War records of this office,
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 33

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
Mrs. A. R. Joy
2209 Twelfth St.
Troy, N.Y.
Madam:
August 18, 1925
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War
pension claim, W. 4161, it appears that ROBERT COCHRAN, while living
at Bennington, Bennington County, Vermont, stood as a minute man in
1775, he also served as a private in Captain Samuel Robinson's Company
, Colonel Moses Robinson's Vermont Regiment, and as Lieutenant
of Vermont Militia at various times between 1775 and 1781. He was
at the taking of Ticonderoga, the battle of Bunker Hill, in the
retreat from Ticonderoga, and at the battles of Bennington and
Saratoga.
He married in December 1777, at Bennington, Vermont, Thankful
Rice. He died in September 1807. His widow, Thankful, was allowed
pension on her application executed May 27, 1839, at which time she
was eighty years of age and a resident of Milan, Huron County, Ohio.
They had the following children: John, born January 2, 1779,
and a resident of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, in 1839; Robert, born
May 17, 1780; Beth; Polly who married Isaiah Leach; and Abner
.
Page 34

In 1839 Sarah Lee, a daughter of Robert Cochran by his first
marriage (name of wife and date of this marriage not stated) was
sixty-nine years of age and a resident of Jericho, Vermont.
The above noted is the only Robert Cochran who served with
the Vermont Troops, found on the Revolutionary War records of this
Bureau, and there is no record of a John Cochran as described by
you:
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner
I did not use the report from Vt. in case for
this service as it was at variance with
statements of witnesses
This one, called Sint, is undoubtedly the
person reported as Captain in the bookas

he participated in all the events described
that said captain was engaged in
There were undoubtedly
recorded in K. Cook
two named Robert
and
Aug. 18.20
Page 35

2209 Twelfth St., Troy, N. Y.
June 25, 1925
Office of the Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen: --
In an old history of the Hoosac ( Hoosick ) Valley,
I find under, "First muster roll of Ft. Massachusetts, a M. R.
of the Co. in H. M. Service under the command of Ephrim Williams
, Jr. Capt. Viz. Dec. 10, 1745 to June 6, 1748 " the names
of Robert and John Cochran,
Also under " Muster Roll of East Bennington Co.
under command of Capt. Samuel Robinson, Aug. 16, 1777, " I
find the name of Robert Cochran,
Can you give me or tell me where to find the Revolutionary
record if any, of John and Robert Cochran? They probably
came from around Bennington, Vt. or Cambridge, H. Y.
I enclose a self-addressed envelope, and will greatly
appreciate any information you may be able to give me.
Very truly yours,
Mary McKennon Joy
(Mrs. A.R.)