Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,835, William Cook, R.I.
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SERVICE
R. I.
Cook, William
 Ruth
Number W. 23,835
B.L. Wt. 16253-160-55
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15.698 
Rhode Island

William Cook of Newport in the State of R. Island who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Manchester of the Rgt commanded by [lut?] Crary in the R Island line for 20 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 66 Dollars 67 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of July 1833 and sent John Cross Portsmouth R. Island

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $133.34
 Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. 33.33
$166.67
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by D.D. Addison Clerk, Book [E?] Vol. 2a Page 104
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2497
Rhode Island
Ruth Cook widow of William Cook who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 66 Dollars 67 cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the [8?] day of Dec. 1848 and sent to Hon R.B. Cranston
H of R [House of Representatives]

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2 1848 Page 6 Vol 3.

Reported Dec. 19/48
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No. 16253 [illegible] 8/55
134.792 [illegible] [11?]/55

Ruth Cook Wd of
William Cook Private

Capt. Manchester
Ruth Cook wid of William  Priv
[?] War

R. State Troops
Col. Crary,

Pensioner
R.I. July 48-2497

AD 160 ACres, Feb: 15/56
Boynton

Asa Gray
Tiverton
R.I.

Vol. E2-14.8
[written across page] No 16253 iss[ued] Feb 19/56
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DECLARATION.
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS, PASSED JUNE 7, 1832. STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, COUNTY OF Newport }ss.
On this Eighth day of September 1832, personally appeared in open Court before the Judges or Justices of the Court of Probate of the Town of Tiverton now sitting, William Cook a resident of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island aged Seventy Seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.

That is to say -: He in the early part part of the 1777 enlisted, at said Tiverton, into Capt. Christopher Manchester's Company, Col.  Crary's Regiment of the state line for the terms of fifteen months.~ Philip Palmer was 1st Lieutenant - Aaron Willborn was 2nd Lieutenant and Benjamin Willcox was ensign of said company and WIlliams Was Lieutenant Col. of the Regiment -

Soon after he was marched to Bristol and was stationed in that town and vicinity untill some time in the latter part of the Summer or Autumn of 1777 when we were marched back to Tiverton, in order, as he understood, to cross over to the Island of Rhode Island, and drive the enemy from that place - on our arriving at Tiverton we joined the American Army at that place. Composed of Regular Soldiers - volunteers and militia, then under the Command of  General Spencer a continental officer - here we staid till late in the fall. The expedition was given up as inpracticable, at the time- and we were thus marched Back to Bristol to guard that section of Narragansett Bay more directly between the enemy situation on Rhode Island and the Town of Providence where large quantities of Provision and Military stores were collected, for the use of the army and when it was feared the enemy would make a descent- at Bristol we staid all winter, and untill the middle of March 1778 when the fifteen months from which we enlisted, having expired, he was then and then discharged ~

He then returned home to Tiverton and was immediately enrolled int eh first or lower Company of  Militia in said town then under the Command of Capt. Issac Cook. Phillip Cory was Lieutenant and Phillip Manchester  was ensign of said Company- that at the time he was enrolled in said company as aforesaid, after his return from the fifteen months service. He was drafted therefrom to
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stand guard on the eastern shore of Narragansett Bay bordering on said Tiverton- and from the time that he was so enrolled and and drafted from said Company in March 1778 to November 1779 when the Enemy evacuated Rhode Island. He continued to be drafted for a month at a time, and according to the best of his recollection and belief, served for one half of this time for the period aforesaid on his own account- and for this time he solemnly declares ~ besides the time that he said on his own account in manner aforesaid. he further served as a substitute for one John Davenport a private, in  said Company of Militia, for one month, in the guard service, this he thinks was in the month of May 1778, as it was just before Sullivans Expedition.

He then served the next month on his own account. and the next Month sometime in July 1778, he with four or five others were hired by the Town Council of said Town of Tiverton, for one month to take the place of certain "tender conscious men" as they were then called, and who refused to do military duty- for this months wage the town gave him their obligation- and the amount was afterward collected of them "tender conscious men" by warrant of distress as he was informed- during this month he was crossed over to Rhode Island in Sullivans Expedition- under Capt. Isaac Cook and was attached to the Regt. Commanded by Col. Nathan Miller - and Lieut. Col. Gray- this month expired while he was on the Island- and he next had to serve a month on his own account - he did not return home from the Island, but was attached to the Company of Captain Joseph Sandford and Colonel John Cook  now took the command of the Regiment. He was under Capt. Sandford, in the last mentioned month, when the action was fought on Rhode Island. and when the Americans [Retracted?] from the Island. In the month of June 1781 he was again drafted from said Militia Company one month and were marched on to Rhode Island , and were stationed near to Butt's Hill in Portsmouth on sd Island - He at this time saw the French Troops who were then on the Island - at this time Peleg Simmons was Capt. of said Company- and who else had the Command on the Island - and he thinks Col. Bailey had the Command of the Regt. again in August 1781 he was drafted again from said Company for one month and was marched on to Rhode Island - and stationed near Butts Hill as before - he does not recollect the officers at this time, they were strangers to him - the Regt was composed of men from different parts of the State - he served his time out and was discharged and returned home - In the service performed as guard as before mentioned he was stationed at divers places, during said time from March 1778 to Nov. 1779 on the Shores of Tiverton from [Hagland?] ferry North to [blotched] [River?] - one month he was stationed at Tiverton four corners - he drew pay and rations for all the time that he served as a [mutitier?] soldier - when he was called out in the drafts as aforesaid - he was sometimes under the [Capt?]
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of his own Company, sometimes under Lieut Cory, and sometimes under Ensign Manchester, and sometimes under officers of other companys, who had the command at the
place for the time. In this guard service they were not in Regt but the company
he believes attached to Col Cook Reg- And said Cook avers that he truly and 
faithfully performed the aforesaid service-(being fourteen months in the Militia, besides his 
services in the State line) for his country in the war of the Revolution. 
And he further declares that he was born at Tiverton aforesaid on the 7th
day of November 1755, where he always resided and still does live, and that he hath
a record of his age - that he never received any written discharge 
from the services aforesaid but was verbally discharged by his commanding 
officers at the time - that he has no documentary evidence of any
of said services- that he refers to Job Durfee and Charles Durfee
Esquires who are his neighbours and citizens of said Town of
Tiverton who testify to his character for veracity and to the
belief that he was a soldier of the Revolution and also
to the accompanying Depositions.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his
name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
William Cook
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Asa Gray Clerk
We, Job Durfee, Esq. residing in the Town of Tiverton aforesaid
Charles Durfee Esq. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted 
[obscured by overlaid page] who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we
[obscured] that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood
[obscured]
do hereby certify that [obscured]
tion of William Cook of said [obscured]
[seal] In testimony whereof [obscured] and seal of office
this Eighth day of September in the
year of our Lord One thousand Eight
hundred & thirty two - And of American
Independence the fifty seventh -
Asa Gray Clerk of Court
of Probate
[begin overlaid page]
State of Rhode Island &c.
Newport County
Town Clerk's Office, at Tiverton Sept 6th 1832
I hereby certify that William Cook, son of Walter
Cook & Elizabeth Cook his wife, was born on the seventh
day of November AD. 1755 as appears of Record in this
Office – Attest. Asa Gray Town Clerk
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of his own Company. sometimes under Lieut Cory, and sometimes under Ensign Manchester
and sometimes under officers of other companys, who had the command at the
place for the time. In this guard service they were not in Regt but the company
he believes were attached to Col Cook. Regt. And said Cook avers that he truly and
faithfully performed aforesaid services, (being fourteen months in the Militia, besides his 
services in the State line) for his country in the war of the Revolution
And he further declares that he was born at Tiverton aforesaid on the 7th
day of November 1755, where he always resided and still does live, and that he hath
a record of his age. that he never received any written discharge 
from the services aforesaid but was verbally discharged by his commanding
officers at the time - that he has no documentary evidence of any
of said services- that he refers to Job Durfee and Charles Durfee
Esquires who are his neighbours, and citizens of said Town of
Tiverton who testify to his character for veracity and to their
belief that he was a soldier of the Revolution and also
to the accompanying Depositions -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his
name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Asa Gray Clerk
William Cook
We, Job Durfee, Esq. residing in the Town of Tiverton aforesaid
And Charles Durfee Esq. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
William Cook who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we
Believe him to be seventy seven years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood
where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed the day aforesaid.
Asa Gray Clerk
Job Durfee
Charles Durfee
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and
served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Job Durfee Esq. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in the said Town of Tiverton and that Charles Durlee Esq. who has
also signed the same is a resident in the same Tiverton and credible persons, and
that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Asa Gray
Clerk of the Court of Probate for the Town of Tiverton in the County & State aforesaid, a Court of Record
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of William Cook of said Tiverton for a pension.
[seal]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office,
This eighth day of September in the
year of our Lord One thousand Eight
hundred & thirty two - And of American
Independence the fifty seventh-
Asa Gray Clerk of Court
of Probate
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Ruth Cook
9668
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State of Rhode Island County of Newport ss

On this 16th day of August AD 1843 personally appeared before me Joseph Childs aforesaid Justice of the court of Common Pleas within aforesaid county Ruth Cook of Tiverton in said county aged 82 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows" that she is the widow of William Cook late of said Tiverton deceased who served as a private during the War of the Revolution .That he was a pensioner under the act of Congress of June 7, 1832 on the roll of pensioners payable in Providence and to his declaration which he made to obtain said pension she refers per the amount & evidence of his services.

And she further declares that she was married to the said William on the eighth day of February AD 1782 as will appear by the records of said town a copy whereof is hereto annexed. Her husband the said William Cook departed this life on the fourth day of May AD 1843 and
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Since then she has remained unmarried
She was not married to him prior to his
leaving the service but the marriage
took place previous to the first of
January Seventeen hundred and ninety
four to wit at the time above mentioned.
Ruth Cook
Newport Ss Tiverton August 16 1843.
This day Came the above named Ruth
Cook and Made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by her signed before me
and I certify that from old age and infirmity
she is unable to attend Court and that full faith and credit is due to her statement
Joseph Childs Justis of C. C. [Jr? or Ss]
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State of Rhode Island County of Newport

I, Daniel C. Denham Clerk of this court of Common Pleas within and for the county of Newport (a court of record) do hereby certify that Joseph Childs is a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said county - and that Job Durfee is Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the state of Rhode Island and that they are duly qualified to act in their said capacities and that their signatures afore written are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court on this eighth day of September A.D. eighteen hundred forty three.

Daniel C. Denham Clerk
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Declaration in order to obtain the bounty land under act approved March 3, 1855"

State of Rhode Island County of Newport ss

On this twelfth day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county and state aforesaid Ruth Cook, aged ninety three years, a resident of Tiverton, in said county of Newport and state aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of William Cook of said Tiverton deceased, who was a private in the company commanded by Christopher Manchester in the regiment commanded by Coll. Crary in the Revolutionary War. That she does not know where nor when her said husband enlisted, nor the full time he was in the service, but he was more than fourteen days in actual service in the company and regiment aforesaid and that he served under the officers and in other companies she believes in said war and was honorably discharged, but she has not his discharge; that her said husband was a pensioner under the Act passed June 7, 1832. That she is a pensioner under the Act of February 2d, 1848. Her certificate bearing date the 19th day of December 1848 and numbered 2497.

She further states that she was married to the said William Cook in said Tiverton on eighth day of February AD. one thousand seven hundred and eighty two by one Peleg Burroughs a clergyman
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and that her name before her said marriage was Ruth Taber - that her said husband died at said Tiverton on the fourth day of May A.D. 1843 - and that she is now a widow. She respectively refers to the proof on file with her husband's declaration for proof of his services.

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855" she requests that her warrant be sent to Asa Gray Esq. at Tiverton, R.I.

Ruth Cook

We Benjamin Peabody and Caroline E. Peabody - residents of Fall River in the state of Massachusetts - upon our oaths declare that the aforesaid declaration was signed and acknowledged by Ruth Cook in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.

Benjamin Peabody
Caroline E. Peabody

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the applicants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim

Asa Gray Justice of the Peace
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State of Rhode Island Newport County ss.

Extract from the record of marriage in the office of the town clerk of Tiverton in said county

I hereby certify that William Cook of Tiverton son of Walter Cook Esq. and Ruth Taber of Tiverton daughter of Thomas Taber were lawfully joined together in marriage in said Tiverton on the eighth day of the second month called February one thousand seven hundred and eighty two.

By me, Peleg Burroughs Pastor of a Church

I certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date and figures which are expressed in the record in fair legible date and figures as follows. "The 8th day of the 2d month called February 1782"

Asa Gray Town Clerk of said town

I Asa Gray above named deponent say that I hold the office of town clerk of Tiverton in the county and state aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above named as accepted by me.

Asa Gray Town Clerk of said town

Newport County ss: In Tiverton
Subscribed and sworn to before me this sixteenth day of April A.D. 1855 and I certify that said Asa Gray is the town clerk of said town, that the above signatures purporting to be his are genuine, that I have no interest in the claim of Ruth Cook to bounty land and am not concerned in its prosecution

Joshua B. Rathbone Justice of the Peace
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State of Rhode Island &c
Newport Sc Clerks Office Supreme Court
I William Gilpin Clerk of the Supreme Court
within and for the County of Newport do hereby
certify that Asa Gray and Joshua B. Rathbone
are Justices of the Peace within & for the Town of
Tiverton in said County duly authorized by
law to administer oaths. and that their signatures
herein subscribed are their own proper hand writing.
[seal]
In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal
of said Court this nineteenth day
of April AD 1855
Wm. L. Gilpin
Clerk
134792
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24.764
William Cook
Rhode Island
Private 20 Mos
John Cross
Portsmouth R. I.
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WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
A statement, showing the service of William Cook
Newport County State of Rhode I.
Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the claimant's service. Years. Months. Days. | Rank of the claimant. | Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. | Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service. | Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Enlist 1777 | 1 Year 3 months | [illegible] | Capt Manchester Col Crary Col Miller | 77 years Tiverton R. Island | Living Witness
Draft & sub 1778 | 4 months | Capt Cook Col Gray | |
draft 1781 | 1 month | Capt Simmons Col Bailey | |
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line." "State troops," "militia," and 'volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832,
State, Territory, or District of
County of }ss.
On this _ day of _ personally appeared (a) before _ A. B. a resident (b) _ in the county of _ and State, Territory or District of _ aged (c) _ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the Unted States in the year (d) _, with _ and served in the _ (e) regiment of the _ line, under the following named officers: _
(Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service, (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers,) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service, the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.)
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. _ A. B.
(And then will follow the certificate of the Court.)
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
_ of the Court of _ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _ day of _ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (J) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers, or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, vis:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _ and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
(and then will follow the certificate of the Court.)
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _ Clerk of the Court of _ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal _ of office, this _ day of _ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State of Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[underline]
[a} The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: - For __ year __ months, and __ days, I served as a __. For __ months and __ days, I served as a __; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase [italicized] about three or four months, [end italics] is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions [illegible] state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape of narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers, and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
]m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department with the declaration.
Page 21

I Charles Durfee Town Clerk of the Town of
Tiverton County of Newport, do certify and say, that
by virtue of my Office, I have the custody of the records
of births and marriages of said Town, and further certify,
that it appears by the records, that William Cook and
Ruth Taber were lawfully joined in marriage on the
Eighth day of February in the year One thousand Seven
Hundred and Eighty two. The following is a copy of the
Record, word for word figure for figure as it stands.
“I Hereby Certify that William Cook of Tiverton son of
Walter Cook Esquire and Ruth Taber of Tiverton daughter
of Thomas Taber, were lawfully joined together in
Marriage in sd. Tiverton on the 8th day of the 2d month
called February 1782 By Me Peleg Burroughs, pastor of a Church.
All which duly appears.
Witness
Charles Durfee Town Clk
State of Rhode Island &c
Newport Sc. In Tiverton August 17th 1840-
Personally appeared before me the above named
Chas. Durfee, known to me as the Town Clerk of the
Town of Tiverton, and made oath to the truth of
the above certificate by him subscribed-
Job Durfee Chief Justice
of the supreme Court
of the State of
Rhode Island and Providence
Plantations
Page 22

Pens Act 2d Feb:48/  Boynton
Page 23

16.253
[Wm Cook?]
Page 24

May 12 Free
Department of the Interior
Pension Office
Washington (D.C.)
Page 25

7920.
Rhode Island
Ruth Cook widow of Wm Cook who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 4th May, 1843 of Newport in the State of R. Island who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Manchester of the Regt. commanded by Col. Crary in the R.I. line for 20 months. 
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 66 Dollars & 64 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of Nov. 1843 and sent to Benjn. Cowell Providence, R.I.
Total amount, $333.35.
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Tho Lumpkin Clerk,
Book D. Vol. 1. Page 105.

Rep Not 25
Page 26

Reported

5768
Rhode Island
Ruth Cook widow of Wm Cook who was a Private in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 66 Dollars 64 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of March, 1844 and sent to 
sent to B. Cowell Esq. Providence R.I.

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 page 86.
Page 27

Rev Widow, &c. own
File No. 23835
Ruth Cook Widow of William Cook Priv. Rev. War
Act Feb 2nd 1848 
Index: Vol ___, Page ____
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 28

Wm Cook 
24764
Page 29

The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Clerk's office of the Court of Probate of the town of Tiverton in the county of Newport and state aforesaid

I Asa Gray clerk of said Court of Probate do hereby certify that Abner Simmons whose signature is affixed to the enclosed depositions of Godfrey King and Ichabod Willistone is one of the Justices of the Peace for the town of Tiverton in the county of Newport and state aforesaid duly commissioned under the seal of said state and qualified to act in his said capacity and I further certify that the signatures of his name to said depositions are his proper handwriting. I do further certify that I myself am one of the Justices of the Peace for the town of Tiverton in said county and state duly commissioned under the seal of said state and otherwise qualified to act in said capacity and that the enclosed depositions of Solomon Davids and Thomas Remington to which my signature is affixed were duly taken before me.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this twentieth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty three and of American Independence the fifty seventh.

Asa Gray Clerk of Court of Probate
Page 30

I Solomon Davids residing in Tiverton in the county of Newport and state of Rhode Island aged seventy six years being first duly sworn according to law do on my oath make and give the following deposition.

I am now and was during the War of the Revolution well acquainted with William Cook residing in Tiverton aforesaid an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress passed June 7th, 1832. I served in Capt. Christopher Manchester Company of Rhode Island troops, stationed part of the time in Tiverton and a part of the time Bristol in the year of Spencer's expedition and I will recollect that said William Cook served in the same company at the same time that I served; according to the best of my recollection and belief he served in said company something over a year.

Solomon Davids ("x" his mark)

Newport ss. At Tiverton on the 7th day of Septemr. 1832 personally came the above named Solomon Davids and made solemn oath to the truth of his aforegoing deposition and subscribed the same in my presence; And I further certify that said deponent is personally known to me and sustains a good character for truth & veracity.

Before me Asa Gray Justice of the Peace
Page 31

I Thomas Remington residing in Tiverton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island aged Seventy two years, being first duly sworn according to Law do on my oath made and give the following deposition. I am now and was during the war of the Revolution well acquainted with William Cook residing in the Town of Tiverton aforesaid and applicant for a Pension under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. I enlisted at Tiverton, into the fifteen months service, in a Company of Rhode Island State troops commanded by Capt. Christopher Manchester, in the spring or winter of the year one thousand Seven hundred and Seventy seven, and I perfectly recollect that said William Cook joined said Company shortly after I had enlisted, and served in said Company until discharged, on Poppasquash, near Bristol, the year following; during said time we were stationed a part of the time in Bristol and a part in Tiverton, and was engaged in Spencer's expedition. Thomas Remington

Newport Sc. at Tiverton on the 7th day of September AD 1832. personally came the above named Thomas Remington and made solemn oath to the truth of his aforegoing Deposition and subscribed the same. And I further certify that said Deponent is personally known to me and sustains a good character for truth & veracity. Before me, Asa Gray Justice of the Peace
Page 32

I Godfrey King of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island &c. of lawful age on solemn oath depose that I am now and have been for more than seventy years acquainted with William Cook who is now an applicant for a pension under the late act of Congress. In the time of the Revolutionary War, and I think during the years 1778 and 1779 said Cook belonged to the first Company of Militia of said Tiverton under the command of Captain Cook. during these years the enemy occupied Rhode Island and the militia of said Company were regularly called out, into the public service, for the defense of the borders of the Bay. The services were for one month at a time and during these years I know that said Cook was in the service in the monthly drafts many times on his own account. I also understood at that time, that besides performing his own share of service he served as a substitute for others, at diverse times. Though I cannot now tell the exact number of months that said Cook served in the years aforesaid yet from my best recollection I have no doubt but that he served at least for twelve months. Again in year 1781 I was was with him for one month in a draft from said Company of militia on the Island of Rhode Island after the French Troops left the Islands. We were there under Captain Simmons and I think Lt. Col. Baily commanded the militia. Said Cook was on Rhode Island in Sullivan's Expedition during the whole campaign. Godfrey King

State of Rhode Island County of Newport Sc. Be it known that on the 12th day of March 1833 Before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County, personally appeared the above named Godfrey King and made Solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed. And I do hereby certify that the Deponent is a Credible Person. Abner Simmons Justice Peace
Page 33

I Ichabod Williston of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations of lawful age on solemn oath depose and say, that I am now and have been from my earliest recollection which is more than sixty years past, acquainted with William Cook of Tiverton, an applicant for a pension under the late act of Congress. We have always lived in the same town, and near neighbors to each other. In the Revolutionary War, and some time in the Spring of the year 1778, as it was the Spring before Sullivan's Expedition on Rhode Island, I then belonged to the Company of Militia in Tiverton aforesaid under the Command of Captain Isaac Cook. This was the first or lower Company of Militia in the town. It was at this time that said Cook, having returned home out of the state service, was enrolled in and drafted from said Company in the drafts that were then made from the Company to guard the shores of Tiverton from the continual excursions of the English who were then on the Island of Rhode Island. From this time till the Enemy left Rhode Island in the latter part of the year 1779, said Cook belonged to said Company of Militia and many times was drafted therefrom for one month at a time, to stand guard on the shores. I have been with him on duty in said service at diverse times, and at different places on the shores from Howland's Ferry to Fogland Ferry. Besides the times that every one of the Company had to serve on his own account, which was for half the time, it was common for young men without families to take the place of other, when it came their month to serve. And your deponent understood at the time and verily believes that sd. Cook, besides performing his own tours of duty, acted in the place of others, as he then had no family. He was with sd. Cook on the Island of Rhode Island in Sullivan's Expedition. He further saith not. Ichabod Williston

State of Rhode Island County of Newport Sc. Be it known that on the 12th day of November AD 1832 Before the Subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Ichabod Williston, the deponent and made solemn oath to the Truth of the above Deposition by him Subscribed. And I do hereby Certify that the Deponent is a Credible Person. Abner Simmons Justice Peace
Page 34

I Walter Cook of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island aged seventy four years I am well acquainted with Ruth Cook who has signed and sworn to the preceding declaration her husband William Cook was my Brother. He sd. William Departed this life on the fourth Day of May Last and since then she has remained unmarried and is now a widow. Walter Cook.

Newport Sc. Tiverton August 16 1843 Then came Walter Cook and Made oath to the above affidavit Before me and I certify that sd Walter is a creditable Witness Joseph Childs Justice C. C. Pleas
Page 35

5580
Ruth Cook
act '43

$66:67 per an

B. Cowell
Providence R.I.
Page 36

STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND. County of Providence On this twentieth of Febry A. D. 1844 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in said County Ruth Cook now resident in Tiverton in said County, aged Eighty three years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress, passed March 3d, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, viz: That she is the Widow of William Cook deceased, who served in said War as a Private That she received a pension under the Act of July 7, 1838, at the rate of $66.67 per annum, payable at the Agency for paying pensions at Providence. Ruth Cook.
Providence Sc. In Providence Feb. 20 A.D, 1844 Personally came before me the above named Ruth Cook and made oath to the truth of the above declaration by her signed. I also certify that her statement is entitled to credit, I also certify she is personally known to me & was a pensioner under the act of July 7 1838 as she has above stated.
Franklin Greene Jus. Peace
Page 37

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence Sc. I Albert G. Greene, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Providence, in said State, do hereby certify, that Franklin Greene, who has signed the within certificate, is a Justice of the Peace, within & for said City of Providence, duly elected. In attestation whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and have affixed the seal of said Court, this 20th day of February A.D. 1844. Albert G. Greene Clerk.
Page 38

AM
5768 
C
Page 39

State of Rhode Island, County of Newport SS. On this Twelfth day of September 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Newport Ruth Cook a resident of Tiverton in the county of Newport aged Eighty Six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d of February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War: That she is the Widow of William Cook who was a Private Soldier in the War of the Revolution, and that she received a pension of Sixty Six dollars & Sixty Seven cents per annum, under the act of 17th of June, 1844. She further declares that she is still a widow. Ruth Cook.
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me SS. Asa Gray Justice of the Peace.
Subscribed in my presence Thomas Brightman
I certify that the above named affiant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing affidavit.
Asa Gray Justice of the Peace.

State of Rhode Island, County of Newport SS. I William Gilpin Clerk of the Supreme Court in the county aforesaid, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify, that Asa Gray is a Justice of the Peace in the county aforesaid, and is fully authorized to act in said capacity, and that his signatures above written are genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at Newport on this Sixteenth day of September 1848 Wm Gilpin Clerk Supreme Court
Page 40

9668
Ruth Cook
R.Isld.
Act July 7th 38
Admd
20 mo priv.
$66.67 per an.
Benja Cowell
Providence R.I.
Page 41

Providence Feb 11 1844
Sir
I herewith enclose the applications of Esther Stine formerly widow of Benja Tery & Ruth Cook widow of William for pensions under the act of March 3d 1843. I am respectfully your obt svt. Benja Cowell
J L Edwards Esq.
Page 42

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
From VAN-51
12-5-41
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

NAME Cook, William GRADE Private LINE Virginia WARRANT NUMBER 12018 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED August 29, 1791 to not shown

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.