Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2,272, John Cook, Penn.
Page 1

(S-1776)

SERVICE NUMBER

[handwritten Penn. Cook, John (or John Anthony) R. 2272
Rachel]

CONTENTS
Page 2

The State of Ohio
Morrow County SS
Be it remembered that on this 9th day of December 1854 Before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said county of Morrow and State of Ohio personally appeared Rachael Cook a resident of Franklin township Morrow County Ohio, and makes oath according to law that she is the widdow of John Cook deceased who was a Soldier in the revolutionary war that said deceased was in the Battle of Sandy Hook & Germantown as she has often heard him say.  And that he died in the year 1822 that she is directly interested as claimant in said pention {pension}
Rachel Cook {X is her mark}
Sam'l Van Cleve
Loveina Cook witness

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above  And I do hereby certify that I believe the said Rachel Cook to be directly {illegible} in said claim as sett forth and to be the identical party therein alleged in whos claim I am in no wise interested
Samuel Van Cleve J. P. {seal}

State of Ohio Morrow County SS
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me Clerk of the court of Common pleas of Morrow County Ohio.  that John Cook was a Revolutionary soldier and that {he died} the 11th day of August A D 1822 leaving Rachel Cook his widdow, And it is farther certified that Samuel Van Cleve Esq before whom the preceding affidavits were made was at the time of so doing a duly authorized Justice of the Peace in and for said county and that his signature thereto is genuine & that I am in no wise interested in said claim, In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of office this 7th day of December A D 1834.
Samuel Poland Pro tem clerk
Morrow County Common Pleas
Page 3

These lines May Certify that on the Eleventh Day of February in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and Six the {illegible} John Coock and Miss Rachel Brison Both of the county of Bedford and State of Penslyvania were joined Together in the Holy bands of Marrage by me Thomas Runyan Minnister of the {illegible} witness my hand and Others {illegible}
Tho's Runyan
Arch I Bryson senior
Wm. Lavering
Arch'd Bryson junior

State of Ohio
Morrow County SS}
Before me Samuel Van Cleve a Justice of the Peace in and for said county personally came William Lavering who being duly sworn according to law says that he is the man whos signature is to the above Marriage Certificate as witness.  And that it is all true as sett forth in said certificate that he was present at the Marriage
William Lavering
Sworn to and subscribed this 13th day of December A D 1854 before me
Samuel Van Cleve J. P. {seal}
Page 4

These lines May Certify that on the Eleventh Day of February in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and Six the {illegible} John Coock and Miss Rachel Brison Both of the county of Bedford and State of Penslyvania were joined Together in the Holy bands of Marrage by me Thomas Runyan Minnister of the {illegible} witness my hand and Others {illegible} 
Tho's Runyan 
Arch I Bryson senior 
Wm. Lavering 
Arch'd Bryson junior  

State of Ohio Morrow County SS} Before me Samuel Van Cleve a Justice of the Peace in and for said county personally came William Lavering who being duly sworn according to law says that he is the man whos signature is to the above Marriage Certificate as witness. And that it is all true as sett forth in said certificate that he was present at the Marriage 
William Lavering 
Sworn to and subscribed this 13th day of December A D 1854 before me Samuel Van Cleve J. P. {seal}
Page 5

v.&1812 Wars Section. [handwritten A.D.Y]

March 11, 1939.

Bertha E. Frank,
Box 375,
Granville, Ohio.

Madam:
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 2272, it appears that John, or John Anthony, Cook was born and raised in Monmouth County, New Jersey, date of birth not stated.
He married February 11, 1806, Mrs. Rachel Brison, both of then of Bedford County, Pennsylvania. He died August 11, 1832. He was a minister of the Gospel.
His widow, said Rachel, applied for pension December 9, 1854 on account of the following services of John Cook in the Revolutionary War.
It is alleged that he enlisted in 1776, served in the Pennsylvania volunteers and was in the battles of Flatbush, White Plains, Germantown, Stony Point and at the capture of Cornwallis. It is not stated that he served in the New Jersey Troops.
The claim was not allowed as proof of service, as required by the pension laws, was not furnished.
Page 6

Re

Soldier's sons, William P. Cook and Henry Cook, were living in 1854; the latter was later of Van Wert County, Ohio.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.
Page 7

June 11, 1928.

Mrs. William A. Ackerman, 
601 East High Street
Mount Vernon, Ohio.

Madam:
In response to your letter of the 9th instant, I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 2272, it appears that John, or John Anthony, Cook was born and raised in Monmouth County, New Jersey, date of birth not stated.
He married February 11, 1806, Mrs. Rachel Brison, both then of Bedford County, Pennsylvania. He died August 11, 1822. He was a minister of the Gospel.
His widow, said Rachel, applied for pension December 9, 1854 on account of the following services of John Cook in the Revolutionary War.
It is alleged that he enlisted in 1776, served in the Pennsylvania volunteers and was in the battles of Flatbush, White Plains, Germantown, Stony Point and at the capture of Cornwallis. It is not stated that he served in the New Jersey Troops. 
The claim was not allowed as proof of service, as re-
Page 8

ev. War

quired by the pension laws, was not furnished.
Soldier's sons, William P. Cook and Henry Cook, were living in 1854; the latter was later of Van Wert County,Ohio.
Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.

COPIED BY ADY
Page 9

War Section.

March 11, 1916.

Mrs. Constance Cook, 
Rudolph, Ohio.

Madam:-
In response to your letter received the third instant, you are advised that in the Revolutionary War pension claim, Rejected File No. 3272, it is alleged that John or John Anthony Cook, was born and raised in Monmouth County, New Jersey, no date given, that he enlisted in 1776, served in Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was in the battles of Flatbush, White Plains, Germantown, Stony Point, and the capture of Cornwallis.
He married February 11, 1806, Mrs. Rachel Brison of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and died August 11, 1822. Sons William R. and Henry survived him. His widow Rachel applied for pension December 9, 1854, while residing in Franklin Township Morrow County, Ohio. The claim was not allowed for lack of proof of service and marriage.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to William Hardgrove or Hargrove described by you.
Very respectfully, 
[signed] Wm Saltzgaber
Commissioner
Page 10

Isaac N. Alexander
Apr 22/06




53
Page 11

Sir
Pension Office
April 22 1856
An informal claim has been asserted by Rachel Cook upon the ground that her husband John Cook served in the War of the Revolution, but she has not given any definite description of his services, furnished no record to show that he served nor furnishes the affidavits of witnesses who had any knowledge of such fact.
She must describe and prove his services as well as her marriage to him.
531
Isaac N. Alexander Esq
Van West
Ohio
Page 12

Chesterville Manors County Ohio Dec 25 1854

Commissioner of pensions Washington City
Sir enclosed you will find the evidence in the case of Rachel Cook who is the claimant of a pension if any thing further is needed please forward to me what is necessary & direct to Chesterville Morrow County Ohio

Yours truly
Samuel Van Cleve
Page 13

No5 342
Rachel Cook
Wid: of
John,
Ohio
[Set: to Vancleve, Jany: 5/55
Issac Alexander
Apl 22 1856 - Struck Thru]
2272
Oct/53
Page 14

Jan. 5/55
Page 15

57
Ky Pension Office
January, 5" 1855,
Sir:
The claim of Mrs. Rachel Cook, for a pension
it has been examined & Suspended.
No evidence whatever of [ the -- Struck Thru] her alleged husbands service has been filed. She should file evidence of his Revolutionary Service, then make a new declaration "before a court of record", or before a Judge or Justice of such a court, who should certify her inability from bodily infirmity to attend in Open Court. Her {Illegible] & husbands' death should be proven & her widowhood situation more clearly established. Her Witnesses should be Certified to be credible
I have

Samuel Van Cleve Esq.
Chesterville
Morrow, Co: Ohio
Page 16

Milwaukee Wis
Oct 17 - 1927
Department Interion
Washington D.C.
Gentlemen:
I sent money as requested and received photostatic copies of affidavits filed in rejected pension claim 2272
Rachel Cook

[Departmental Stamp}
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
R
OCT 21 1927

Page 2. Affidavit of Benjamin Hart was not placed properly on the paper and was cut short. Will you please tell me what followed after the
Name Hannah Pittman
Page 17

Can you give me the reason why her claim Rachel Bryson was refused?
Her marriage certificate is filed with her claim.
John Cooks mil is filed in Knox Co. Court of Probate.
Morrow Co. was a part of Knox until 1848 when the boundaries were changed.
John Cooks tomb stone says revolutionary soldier
Morrow Co. history mentions him Many times "Minute man" as a "plucky sort of man", "intelligent & generally useful man". possessing surveying instruments & running out the lines also as a leader and a "faithful pastor of his flock until his death".  He left a widow & ten children. He died when he was 64 yrs old.
The children "cleared the forest land" cared for their mother well after she had a stroke of paralysis then asked for a pension but were refused.  (I {illegible} heard that they had a poor lawyer)
Page 18

The papers of Henry Cook must belong to another John Cook according to Family Bibles & 
Ohio histories there was no Henry in our John Cooks family.

Thus far we have not found his military record.
He fought, lived, served, prayed and is remembered but not recorded. My brother & I hope to get the tangle untangled before we die.
Sincerely
Bernice Cook Wells
549 Maryland Ave
Milwaukee
Law
[Departmental Stamp]
LAW DIVISION
OCT 22 1927
RECEIVED
Page 19

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

October 25, 1927

Bernice Cook Wells
549 Maryland Ave.,
Milwaukee, Wisc.

Madam:
I have to advise you relative to the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 2272, Rachel Cook, widow of John (or John Anthony) Cook, that you were furnished on the 11th instant, photostatic copy of the whole page containing affidavit of Benjamin Hart, which page ends with the signature of Hannah Pittman.
The widow Rachel's claim for pension was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of the alleged service of her husband, John Cook, as was required by the pension laws.
Respectfully,
Winfield Scott
Commissioner.
Page 20

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.   1-681   PHONE Branch 476

All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 17982

Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications.
Room G 137.
September 29, 1927    192

Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering PENSION
Deliver to Room No. 5033

(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE,
EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)

Title and description of job - photostatic copies of 3 pages from Rev. War pension claim of Rachel Cook, Widow of John R. 2272.

No. of copies 1 of each page

Shall form be kept standing?   days

For further information see M.M.H. Finch, Room No. 5033  Phone No. 541

Approved - G. Gambird
Chief clerk of Bureau.

Margaret M. H. Finch
Acting Chief of Branch

NOTE: No order made ""SPECIAL"" unless statement showing necessity is written
below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering

CHECK WORK DESIRED

Duplicate
Multigraph    single or double space? Facsimile signature?

Mimeograph   single or double space? Facsimile signature?
Folding
Assembling
Stapling   Once?  Twice? Side?  End?

Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size    Cards, size
Proof list   Pay rolls
Lables (submit sample)    Corrections
Fill in letters    Tabulation sheets

Photostat x   Size - actual   Official use?  Repay?  yes $1.20
blue Print   Size   Official use?  Repay?

Remarks
(OVER)

DVSON OF PUBLICATION
SEP 30 1927
DEPT OF THE INTERIOR
Page 21

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without for reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerk bureaus.
___________ 192 __
( Date )

INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
Make new addressograph plate
Change present addressograph plate
Destroy present addressograph plate  on list ________
as follows:

Now reads 
1 ___________
2 ___________
3 ___________
4 ___________
5 ___________

Should read
1 ___________
2 ___________
3 ___________
4 ___________
5 ___________


FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION

ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made _____ 192 __
Operator _______________

MULTIGRAPH
Operator ___________ Date _____ Type set by __________
Remarks: ___________
Date
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator ___________ Date _____ Cut by __________
Remarks: ___________
Page 22

3 - 2233
15822
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
SEP 26 1827  192 __

Chief Rev. War Section 
I have this day received from Bernice Cook Wells money order in the amount of $1.45 requesting
photostat copy as per letter herewith.

Copies mailed & Finance Division notified MMF )ct 14 1927

O J. RANDALL
Chief, Finance Division.
H. C. L.
M.C.C. Sept 20 1927
(ctf)

[right side]
Milwaukee Wis
Page 23

Milwaukee Wis
Sept 23 -1927.

Secretary of the Interior
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir. Enclosed please find money order for $1.45 One dollar & forty five cents for photostat and certification of the original papers in Revolutionary War Pension claim R. 2272
Rachel Cook widow of John Cook-
-
I understand that some of these papers do not relate to the John Cook husband of Rachel
Bryson Cook. He never had a son Henry. His children were Polly, Dinah, John, Asher, William P., Elizabeth, Idah, Stephen, Joseph, Nathan, Ruth

His widow Rachel did not file claim for pension until 32 yrs after his death. At that time she had
become helpless so could not sign her name.


Money Order $1.45

[3 stamps]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
RECEIVED SEP 28 1927
TO BUREAU PENSIONS
SECYS OFFICE OF APPTS MAILS & FILES

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK
SEP 26 1927
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

US PENSION OFFICE
SEP 26 1927
Page 24

History of Morrow County states " she was a lady of refinement and culture"

The claim was denied I understand on account of lack of proof or discharge.

His son stated he had had his father tell of doing guard duty in front of Gen George Washington's tent & that he had heard him pray as he never heard anyone pray

I cannot find his military record but his tomb stone is marked "revolutionary soldier" I am trying to straighten out the tangle before I die

Sincerely
Bernice Cook Wells
549 Maryland Ave
Milwaukee Wis

[stamp]
FINANCE DIVISION
BOOK-KEEPER'S DESK
SEP 26 1927
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 25

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

July 18, 1927

Mrs. George B. Wells
549 Maryland Ave.,
Milwaukee, Wisc.

Madam, 
I have to advise you that if you desire photostat copies of original papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 2272, of Rachel Cook, widow of John Cook of the Pennsylvania Troops, the same will be furnished you at the rate of fifteen cents a page and twenty-five extra for certification if that is desired, under the provisions of the Act of August 24, 1912.
The number of pages to be copied is eight.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau by Money Order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior (not to the Commissioner of Pensions).
Respectfully, 

Winfield Scott 
Commissioner
Page 26

[?].     Milwaukee Wis
               July 7- 1927

[missing] Dept.
[Was]hington D.C.

Dear Sir:-
         I am told that in Pension Dept. Register File 2272. There are some old papers concerning my great grand father & his wife. I find that he died Aug 22. 1822 & the claim was made 1854. His widow was then past 80 yso f[sic] age. perhaps that accounts for her signature X mark. What would be the cost of a photograph or photo stated copy of that claim, the marriage certificate and the affidavits bearing seal of Ohio— also copy [inserted: written or type written] letter written by Henry Cook? Are there any other papers filed with these? I do not think [underlined: Henry] Cook is any kin of of ours but of course am not sure.
John Cook was the father of eleven children six by Ida Van Lien- five by Rachel Bryson His will was probated Aug 27– Mt Vernon Knox Co. Ohio. In it he mentions his wife Rachel & ten children. (Ira Asher died)
John Cook was plaster of a Baptist Church Konoloway Pa. from 1802 to 1812. purchased 320 acres of land in Knox Co. Ohio. & is buried in Owl Creek Cemetary
Page 27

Can you give me information how I can find the name & number of the Regiment or Regiments in which he served.
I understand that many men enlisted several times. short term Enlistments
Morrow Co. Ohio history states he was a “minute man”.
Family tradition says that he wintered at Valley Forge. & that after the surrender of Cornwallis in 1781 he deserted that is left for home without a discharge.
Thanking you for any information I am
                  Yours sincerely
                            Bernice Cook Wells.

Mrs Geo. Byron Wells
    549 Maryland Ave
       Milwaukee
                Wis
Page 28

List of Photos to B.C. Wells-
Widow's decl 1 page
Marriage record 1 "
Idah Ackerman affid - 1 p
Benj. Hart's " 1 p
W. R Cook's affid 1 page
Wm Blair's affid- 1 "
Henry Cook's request 2 pages
Page 29

Bot 375
Granville O. 
Dec. 1 - 1928

Dept of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:
Please will you Cook up the record of John Cook Chaplain of '76. He was born March 12 1758 and died 1822 (Aug 11)
He enlisted in New Jersey probably at Valley Forge or Elizabeth N.J. It is said that he wintered at Valley Forge. His wife
Page 30

Rachel Bryson born Oct 20 - 1774 died Jan. 31 - 1855 and applied for pension in 1854 She signed her papers with an x mark.
He was a resident at one time at Elizabeth N.J. and a member of the Baptist Church at Middleton 
In 1795 he was ordained into the Baptist ministry Konolloway Bedford Co Pa. In 1810 came to Ohio Knox County
Page 31

we have all the dates in Ohio.
May I ask you to give me sufficient data so I can send it in to the D.A.R. in Washington?"
Thanking you, I am, 
Yours Very Truly,
(Miss) Bertha E. Frank
Page 32

Mount Vernon, Ohio.
June 9, 1928.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir - I am seeking the military record of John Cook, a soldier of the Revolution. If it is not found in your department, kindly advise me where I may find it. In 1776, at the age of 18, John Cook enlisted with the Monmouth Co. N.J. Militia, and fought at Monmouth, Cowpens, Saratoga, and was at Valley Forge. He fought under John Schener, Asher Holmes and Nathaniel Scudder. He died in 1822, and 52 years later, his second wife, Rachel Bryson applied for a pension, which was not allowed. I wish his military record - dates, battles and
Page 33

officers under whom he fought.
If there is a fee for his information, please advise me.
Very sincerely yours,
Mildred Cooper Ackerman.

Mrs. Wm. A. Ackerman ,
601 East High Street
Mount Vernon, Ohio.

[stamped] Office of the Commissioner June 11 1928 U.S. Bureau of Pensions
Page 34

Dept of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen :-
Replying to your letter of Feb 7 I hand you herewith what information I am able to obtain in reference to the names mentioned.
Trusting same will comply with your desire and thanking you. I am
Very truly yours
(Miss) Constance Cook
Rudolph
Ohio

[stamped] U.S. Pension Office Mar 8 1916
Page 35

Rev Sec. FDV
John Cook born Mch 3, 1758 died near Fredericktown, O. Aug. 22, 1822. He lived at time of his enlistment in no. part of N.J. near New York City.

Enlisted at the age 18. Was in battle of Monmouth C.H. Was at Valley Forge and at Yorktown, Va. He received U.S. pension. He lived after the war in N.J. until 1796, removed to Hancock Washington Co., Md. and from there to Fredericktown O. in 1812

He belonged to the Infantry. He was under Washington but cannot tell names of the officers

He was married in N.J. in 1786 Six children were born his wife died in 1804. In 1806 he married Rachel Bryson in Washington Co Md. Rachel B. Cook died in 1855 in Morrow
Co. Ohio
.
W. Hardgrove or Hargrove
Died in Washington Co Pa. about 1827. Enlisted from East shore of Md. in War of Rev. 1776 and was discharged at close of war

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE
MAR 3 1916
Page 36

[left side]
1916 Mch. 11 Hist. to Mrs. Constance Cook
1927. Oct. 11. Photos to Mrs. Geo. W Wells- M.M. F.
1927 Oct-25- Bernice Cook We advised as to photos & also cause of disallowance 
1927. Nov. 25 Mrs. Geo. B. Wells advised photos sent & cause of rej. explained. See this
corres in regt files under the surname Scott (with no given name. M. M. F
1928 June 11. Hist. to Mrs. W.A. Acker
1929 Mar. 11. Hist. to Bertha E. Frank A.D.Y.

[right side]
2272
P.O.
Rachel Cook
Service: _____
Enlisted: ______ , 18
Discharged: ______, 18 __
Application filed: REJECTED [stamp]
Alleges: _____
re-enlisted: ______
attorney: _______
P.O.
no service [handwritten] 
______ Recognized. _____ Contr
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____ 18
Page 37

2.99.

Van Wert. Ohio
Apl 1st/56
J. N. Alexander,
Recd Ap. 8th/56
Send 14 Apl 56

John Cook
Revy army

Respectfully referred to the Commissioner of Pensions and the writer so informed
3rd auditors Office
April 14/56
Robt Sommer Auditor
[illegible]
Page 38

Van Wert Ohio April 1st 1836
3rd Aud Office
W.C. D. C.
Sir please find enclosed a power of attorney of Henry Cook Heir of John Cook Decd. who served in the war of the Revolution, all through the war as a volunteer

The Information which we are able to give you is not as definite as we would like (Pennsylvania Volunteers) 
1st he was at the Battle of Stony Point under Gen Mayne the colonel not Known though it was Either Col Flury, Col Febige or Col Meigs
2nd he was at the Battle of White Plains. 
3 He also was at the taking of of Cornwallis on Oct 19th 1781
4 He was a prisoner in the St Pauls Church Philadelphia at the close of the war

Now this is the information that we are able to give and we hope that you will examined and
Page 39

let us know whether his name can be found or not. his name was John Anthony Cook
but as he never used the second name it is thought the Roles Will show but the first
Yours W
Isaac Nabors
Van Wert Ohio

[sideways]
Van Wert Ohio Apr 1st /56
J.N. Alexander
rec'd April 8/56
sent 14 Apr 56

John Cook Rev'y Army

Respectfully referred to the Commissioner of Pensions and writer so informed
3rd Auditors office
April 14/56
Robt [illegible] Auditor
[illegible]
Page 40

State of Ohio
Morrow County SS
Before me Samuel Van Cleve a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally came Idah Acreman who being duly sworn according to law says that she was well acquainted with the Rev. John Cook and often heard him say that he was a revolutionary soldier and the hardship they (the soldiers) endured, and herd him say that he was in the Battles of Sandy hook, Flatbush, Long Island and further that he was always considered a man of truth and that she is not interested.
[signed] Idah Ackerman
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11th day of December AD 1854
[signed] Samuel Van Cleve J.P.
[handdrawn seal]
Page 41

The State of Ohio
Morrow County SS
Before me Samuel Van Cleve a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally came Benjamin Hart.
Who being duly sworn according to law says that his was well acquainted with Rev John Cook and knew him to be a man of truth, and says he often herd the said John Cook talk of having a soldier in the revolutionary war and of the hardships they endured in said war and further that he had herd him the said John Cook say of being in some battles but the names he could not recollect as it has been a long time since this death and further that he is in no wise interested in the matter.
[signed] Benjamin Hart x his mark
attest Samuel Van Cleve
[signed] Hannah Pittman
Page 42

The within affidavit sworn to and subscribed this 11th day of December AD 1854
Samuel Van Cleve J P 
[handdrawn seal]
Page 43

State of Ohio
Menaw County ⎬ Before me Samuell Vallen
a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally came William Cook who being duly sworn according to law, says that he is the son of John Cook and that he often gave him a history of his life as follows, that he was born and raised in Monmonth County New Jersey and that he enlisted in the army of the revolutionary war in the year of 1776
that he was under the command of Gen Washington at the Battle of Flatbush or Sandy Hook on Long Island (the first landing
of the British, after the declaration of Independence, on Long Island), and retreated into New Jersey, and was in the Battle of Germantown, White Plains,  skirmishes and
various other battles, and further that he was always considered a man of truth and a minister of the Gospel.

W P Cook

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11th day of December 1854

Samuel Vanlee J.P.   Seal
Page 44

The State of Ohio
Morrow County SS
Before me Samuel Van Cleve a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared William Blair Sr who being duly Sworn according to law says that he was well acquainted with John Cook whom he believes to be a revolutionary soldier, that he has often herd him, talk about hardships he endured in the army of the United States & farther that he has herd his father Abraham Blair sey a revolutionary soldier, & John Acreman a revolutionary soldier, talk about his John Cook being a soldier in the revolutionary war but in what engagement he could not recollect and farther that he believes said John Cook was a man of truth & veracity
and farther the the said William Blair is and interested in the pension matter
[signed] William Blair
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th day of December AD 1854
[signed] Samuel Van Cleve JP 
[handdrawn seal]
Page 45

Know all men by these present, I, Henry Cook of Van Wert County Ohio do hereby constitute and appoint Isaac N Abrander of Van Wert Ohio my attorney for me and in my name to and for my use to collect by suit or otherwise and upon payment to him to receipt for all debts and Deed and especially all claims held by me on the United States as heir of my Father, John Cook, who was under the Employ of the United States in the war of the Revolution for which he never recd pay.

Whatsoever my said attorney shall lawfully
do in the premises I do hereby confirm the same as if I was personally present and did the same in witness whereof I hereunto set my
hand and seal this 1st day of April AD 1856

Henry Cook

I, William Anderson, Justice of the Peace with
in and for the Township  of Pleasant County
of Van Mert & State of Ohio Certify that the
foregoing Power of Atorny was signed
and acknowledged by Henry Cook before
me and in my presence this 1st Day of April
AD 1836.

William Anderson J P

J M McDonald Clerk of the Court of
common pleas of Van Mert
County certify that Wm Anderson
Page 46

before whom the foregoing acknowledgement was taken (?) at the time of taking the same an acting justice of the peace within and for the county of  Van Mert duly elected and qualified to act as Justice of the peace and that full faith and credit are to be given to all his official note as such and that has signature is genuine as I surely belong.

In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of my office dated at Van Mer this 1st day of April AD 1856

Wm. McDonald, clerk
VMGP