Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 2135, John Cole, New Jersey.
Page 1

New Jersey     Cole, John    Number S. 2135.

Carded
Page 2

33028
New Jersey
John Cole Decd.
of [blank] in the State of [blank] who was a Teamster in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the [blank] the for Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Trenton
rate of 80 Dollars [blank] cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. + Ending 25. Sept. 1840.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of July 1852 and sent to Hon. J.W. Miller U.S. Senate
Arrears to the 4th of [blank]
Semi-annual allowance ending [blank]

Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by R. McRae, Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 3. Page 120
[right of fold]
J.G. Shipman Sept 1./53
Same Apl. 12/55
Page 3

State of New Jersey
County of Hunterdon

On this 23d day of May, 1834 Personally appeared before me the subscribed one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County. . . John Cole a resident of the Township of Bethlehem in the County and State aforesaid aged 82 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 7th, 1832. That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
Saith he was Born in the county of Summerset in the State of New Jersey on the 23d day of February 1752 and lived in that County untill he was nine years of age, and then moved with his Father (John Cole) in the Township of Kingwood in the County of Hunterdon where he lived three years, then he moved with his Father in the Township of Burlingtown in the same county of Hunterdon where they lived four years, they then moved to the Township of Bethlehem, in the Same county where they lived two years, they then moved to the Township of Greenswich in the County of Sussex now sworn - they lived three years, they then moved back to the Township of Bethlehem where he has lived ever since. In the winter of 1775  he turned out a Volunteer. under Capt. Dan'l Vliet and marched to Flemington where they stayed a few days, when it hapened [sic] he was not wanting, was sent back. His tour was about four days, then the next Spring or Summer, he was called out, under John Pittenger, Capt. Abraham Bonnell Col. Marsted, from Col. West, in Greenwich) to Elizabeth Town by the way of black river, Morristown, to Elizabethtown this tour was one month. then in June same year, was called out under Capt. Abraham Cline when they got to Potterstown the alarm was over was order back, this tour was three days then in the fall of the same year, was called out, and was first in Capt. Johnsons Company, Col. Beavers + Bonnell moved to Elizabeth town. This tour one month, then the next march was called out under [C, right margin of page missing] Danl. Vliet, marched to Middleton. Col. White commanded his one batt[le] with the brittish [sic]. which this deponent was in, this tour was not quite a month say 24 days then in the Begining [sic] of the winter  thinks 1776 he entered the waggon service of the United States to drive a train during the War thinks by enlistment, the team he drove belonged to Capt John Gardner, the team was appraised by appraisers in two instances one horse of the team got lame when he drawed a [load but word is cut off] from the publick at Trenton, he continued in the publick service but not -
Page 4

Quite all the time in the same brigade, but all the time in the publick he was at no time under private contract, by any man or set of men. Drawed his provisions from the publick officers,  officers, some time for a short time and some to for a longer time according to the distance they had to go and likewise for his Horses, always from the Publick, the waggon master generally drew my pay of the paymaster and paid me - it was in Continental money and when I got it it done me but little good - in regard to my services, after I enlisted, on Christmas day, in Gardner's brigade started from rocksburg to the Township of Greenwich. from there to Boston by the way of Sussex Courthouse where we got Provender for our horses + our selves to new ingen from thence to Newburg, to cross the river, in consequence of the Ice and cold- from thence to fish kills. to Hartford and so on the plainest road to Boston where we had to stay nearly a week to recruit our horses + get them shod and in this way was sent by the officers from one plan to another was with the army and under the directions of officers for the whole force, and suffered more than his tounge [sic] can tell, was engaged in carting forrage, hay and all things he was ordered frequently the sick and after a battle many times the wounded was some times near to some SM (?) Battles so as to be Ready when,  called for, was in several of the States with the Army, when the four years was expired or about that time a number of the teams was discharged  Remembers of frequently seeing Genls. Washington, Lee, Maxwell, Dickerson, Cols Bonnell, Beavers, White, Majors Gronindyke, White, Capt. Opdycke, Vliet, Cline, Johnson, Pettenger, and a number more, no now reiotered (?) this deponent, further saith that it is so long ago, and that old age & infirmity is comming [sic] on and recolection [sic] fails . .. does not recolect of having written discharge, but after he was discharged from the waggon service he was called out under alert of Opdycke Capt marched to Morristown, Springfield, was there as a guard when there are, thrice men hung- this town was three weeks or more says the whole of his publick service was not less than four years + four months, all this time was in the publick service under the command of the officers of the army that he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his services except James Gardner the rest all being dead or moved out of the knowledge of this deponent. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the
Page 5

pension roll of the agency of any Sta [significant water damage over the next three lines of the original]
the agency of the State of New Jersey (rest of line not there)
Sworn to and subscribed, this day and year aforesaid. John Cole
Before me Benj'mn Egbert

We, William Younge, residing in the Township of Bethlehem, County and State aforesaid, and Christopher Shrope, residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Cole, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declarations that we believe him to be eighty-two years of age and 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 27th day of May, 1836
before me William Young Christopher Strope

Benjmn Egbert, Judge

I Benjmn Egbert one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Hunterdon state aforesaid do hereby certify and declare my oppinion [sic] that the above named John Cole the said aplicant [sic], was a revolutionary Soldier and served as he states, and I do further state that in consequence of old age, and bodily infirmity that he cannot posibly [sic] get to where the county court is held, that he is an old man, very infirm and very poor and very disputable, and that Benjn Younge and Christopher Srope who has signed the preceding certification both residents of the Township of Bethlehem both my near Neighbors they are both credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to Credit, and it would be inconvenient for him to procure a Clergeman [sic] + the voice of the whole neighborhood, is united to the same attest. I have a never heard a single daunting voice.   

Benjmn Egbert Judge
Page 6

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County

Before me Benjn Egbert one of the Judges of this Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County; Personally appeared James Gardner aged Seventy two years, who being duly sworn on his oath, saith he is well acquainted with John Cole who is now applying for a pention [sic] of the United States, and has been well acquainted with him fifty-five or sixty years, that he knew him in the old Revolutionary War, that they was a good deal together + was together thinks in the latter part of 1776- started with each a team on Christmas day at a place now called Rocksbury in the Township of Greenwich County of Warn in the State aforesaid, went together first to Sussex Courthouse, from thence to Newenger where we found the North River to much froze. + dangerous that we went and crossed at Newburge, from there to Boston where we stayed several days, to recruit and get the horses shod. when we came back from Bostin [sic] we came higher up the river and crossed on the ice he was at least four years to amt (?) -in in the publick waggon service that or near as he can  tell, they both enlisted in the Service in the begining [sic] of the winter of 1776. During the War, that John Gardner entered the team and was one of the Capt. or Waggonmasters of the brigade the most part of the time, that Benjaman Simmons was master of brigade a part of the time. That they both served under these two men anationally [sic] they was lent, trips in other Brigades, by their officers they was kept very busy all the time we was together. Which was at least four years, when we entered the Service, our teams was appraised our Services was all Publick we was at no time engaged in any other Service but the publick, served a great part of the time with the army, all the time, our services was hard we suffered much when we first started it was in the winter a great deal of snow to encounter we took them to Bostin [sic] and brought salt back we was engaged for the Army the whole of the time they drawed provender + provisions just the same as the regular soldiers. When we come back from Bostin, we went from Eastern Pensylvania [sic] to Reading, Valey [sic] Forge, and was very busy the whole time that John Cole served the whole of the time he has been Stated has frequintly heard other people say he was in the fool service , also.
Sworn and Subscribed the twenty-23d-third day of May, 1834

James Gardner
his mark X
Page 7

To the Commissioner of Pensions.

The Petition of John Higgins + Mary his wife. Robert Milroy + Eleanor his wife, Elizabeth Bird, William Fishbough + Sarah his wife of the County of Warren in the State of New Jersey and Catharine Cole of the County of Hunterdon in the State aforesd + Jacob Cole late of the county of Hunterdon + state aforesaid, now of the state of Ohio, by his legally constituted atty I.G. Shipman Respectfully Sheweth unto Your Honor, that Mary Higgins, Elizabeth Bird, Sarah Fispough, Eleanor Milroy, Catharine + Jacob Cole, Petitioners above named are the children + legal representations together with one John Cole of John Cole late of the County of Hunterdon in the State of New Jersey deceased, that their father was a teamster in the Revolutionary War, + who as your petitioners are informed has been declared entitled to a pension from the 4 March 1831 to 29 September 1840, at which time your petitioners (?____father?) died leaving your Petitioners last above named + the decd John Cole his [carat pointing to word not on this image] children surviving him, that John Cole your petitioners brother has on the fifteenth October last without the knowledge or consent of your Petitioners obtained letters of administration on the Estate of their father. Said John Cole did, merely for the purpose of securing this pension as their father left his other Estate, + your Petitioners are satisfied that if the money passes through the hands of the said John Cole that your Petitioners will never receive but a very trifling portion if any at all of it, + they are therefore certainly unwilling that the money should be paid to him. I.G. Shipman of Belvidere New Jersey-- the lawful attorney whom we have legally authorized to collect certain pension + we humbly therefore petition that your Honors will direct the money to be paid to our atty I.G. Shipman for our benefit or to each of us separately as you shall think best.
July 13th 1852      I.G. Shipman atty of
Jacob Cole. John Higgins. Mary Higgins (herX mark) .  Elizabeth Bird (her x mark). Catharine Cole (her x mark). William Fishbough. Sarah Fishbough (her x mark). Robert Milroy (his x mark). Elenor Milroy (her x mark).
Witness Present
Benj Shackelton
Page 8

State of New Jersey
Warren County SS
John Higgins + Mary Higgins, Eleanor Milroy, Elizabeth Bird, Catharine Cole + William Fishbough + Sarah his Wife. Seven
The within named Petitioners make oath that the matters set forth in the foregoing petition are true in substance + in fact according to the best of their knowledge + belief. Sworn + Subscribed Before me this 13th day of July 1852
Benj Shackelton Judge etc.
John Higgins
Mary Higgins (her x mark)
Elizabeth Bird (her x mark)
Catharine Cole (her x mark)
William Fishbough
Sarah Fishbough (her x mark)
Elenor Milroy (her x mark)

State of New Jersey
Warren County, Benjamin J. Opdyke being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith that he has been personally acquainted with John Cole late of the county of Hunterdon in the State of New Jersey, deceased. That he left at his death seven children to wit: Mary Higgins wife of John Higgins, Elizabeth wife of Elijah Bird now deceased, leaving said Elizabeth Bird a widow, Sarah wife of William Fishbough, Catharine Cole, Jacob Cole, John Cole, Eleanor Milroy wife of Robert Milroy, that the said John Higgins and Mary his wife Elizabeth Bird + Eleanor Milroy + husband William Fishbough + Sarah his wife reside in the County of Warren State of New Jersey + Catharine Cole resides in the County of Hunterdon in said State that Jacob Cole somewhere about the tenth of May last (?) past a deponent as informed + truly believes removed from the County of Warren in said State of New Jersey to the State
Page 9

of Ohio that deposes is well acquainted with all the said children of the said John Cole deceased + believes that the several children named in the foregoing petition as being the children of the said John Cole dec'd are the identical children of the said John Cole dec'd, who was a teamster in the Revolutionary War.

Benjamin J. Opdyke

Sworn + subscribed before me this 13th day of July AD 1852
Benj. O. Shackelton Judge
of the Court of Common Pleas of Warren County N.J.

State of New Jersey
Warren County SS
I Simeon Cooke Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Warren in the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that Benjamin Shackelton before whom the foregoing affidavits are taken was at the time of the taking thereof + still is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Warren in the State of New Jersey, fully authorized by law to administer oaths and affirmations in the State of New Jersey + that I am well acquainted with handwriting of the said Benjamin Shackelton, + that the signature Benj Shackelton to the Jurat of the said affidavits are in his own hand writing. In witness whereof I have hereto set
Page 10

my hand + affixed the Seal of the said Court his [ink blot] day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred + fifty two.
Simeon Cooke Clerk

[vertically written below Clerk's note above]

Hon. J.W. Miller
U.S. Senate
Page 11

John Cole
John Cole
John Cole

John Cole

[upside down]
Anna Cole was born
Page 12

Extract A
January 19, 1855
H.D. Swayze JP
Page 13

John born Mayth 29-1804
Theadore was  Born Auguste 8 in the year of our Lord 1833
Page 14

John Cole was maried [sic] to Margrit Vannest the 16 day of October in the year 1783.
Anne Cole was born the 22 day of September of 1784
Elizabeth Born August the 12 1786
Mary Born November the 15 1788
Sophia Born February the 17 1791
Elanor Born November the 17 1792
Sarah Born January the 3 1796
Jane Born July the 1 1799
Jane Cole Died the 9 day of february in the year 1800
Aged Seven months and nine Days
Jacob Born January the 4 1801
Cate born October 26 1804
Page 15

Anne departed this life January the 5 1828 aged 44 years 3 month and 13 days
Sophia departed this Life July 16 1829 aged 28 years 4 months and 21 days
Page 16

John Cole was Born the 28 of febuary [sic] in the year of our lord 1752=3
Page 17

Major Heston R. Cole
Corps of Engineers
Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

BA-J/ILL
John Cole
S. 2135

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Cole, who was born in 1752, in Somerset County, New Jersey, and died in that state in 1840.

The data which follow are found in the papers on file in pension claim, S. 2135, based upon service in the Revolutionary War of John Cole.

John Cole, the son of John Cole, was born February 28, 1752 in Somerset County, New Jersey; the name of his mother is not shown. He moved at the age of nine years with his father to Kingwood township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, where he resided about three years, after which he resided in Readington and Bethlehem townships in that same county, moved thence to Greenwich township, Sussex County, New Jersey, where he resided three years, then returned to Bethlehem township in Hunterdon County, where he resided at the beginning of the Revolutionary War.

John Cole, the son, enlisted and served in the New Jersey troops at different times, shown as follow: in the winter of 1775, four days under Captain Daniel Vliet; the next spring or summer, one month under Captain John Pittenger and Colonel Abraham Bonnell, and in June of that same year, three days under Captain Abraham Cline; in the fall of that year, one month under Captain Johnston, Colonels Beavers and Bonnell; from March next, twenty-four days under Captain Daniel Vliet and Colonel White, during which he was in an engagement with the enemy. From December 1777, he served over a period of four years as a wagoner under John Gardner, Benjamin Ewing, Alexander White and Benjamin Humans, during which service he suffered greatly while driving his wagon in the different states.  Afterwards, he served three weeks in Captain Albert Opdycke's New Jersey company, in the vicinity of Morristown and Springfield.

The soldier married October 16, 1783, Margaret Vannest, also
Page 18

of New Jersey; the date and place of her birth and the names of her parents are not shown.  They lived for many years in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.

John Cole, the soldier, died September 25, 1840 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. His widow, Margaret Cole, died there in August or September 1842. It was stated that she lived two years and three days after the death of her husband.

John Cole and his wife, Margaret, had a large family of children. The following data are shown pertaining to them:
Anne Cole born September 22, 1784; married Benjamin Opdyke, she died Jan. 5, 1828.
Elizabeth Cole born August 12, 1786; married Elijah Bird, or Burd.
Mary Cole born November 15, 1788; married in 1897, John Higgins.
Sophia Cole born February 17, 1791; married Archibald McCrea, she died July 10, 1829.
Eleanor Cole born November 17, 1792; married Robert Melroy.
Sarah Cole born January 3, 1796; married William Fishbaugh, or Fishbough.
Jane Cole born July 1, 1799; died February 9, 1800.
Jacob Cole born January 4, 1801.
Catharine Cole born October 26, 1804.
John Cole born May 29, 1807 or 1809.

In 1851, John Cole (the son listed above) was a resident of Bethlehem township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. He applied then in behalf of himself and his six brothers and sisters for the pension which was due on account of their father, John Cole, in the Revolutionary War. The claim was allowed. The names of said children to whom the pension was paid were-- John Cole, Mary Higgins, Elizabeth Bird (Burd), widow of Elijah, Eleanor Melroy, Sarah Fishbaugh (Fishbough), Jacob Cole and Catharine Cole.

In 1852, John Higgins and his wife, Mary, resided in Belvidere, New Jersey. All of the other surviving children lived in that state then except

  -2-
Page 19

Jacob Cole, who was referred to as late of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, his residence then Ohio.

In 1854, one Marshall P. Burd (as he signed his name) made affidavit in Warren County, New Jersey, regarding the soldier's family, but did not state any relationship to that family.

In 1852, one Benjamin J. Opdyke stated in Warren County, New Jersey, that he had been acquainted with the soldier, John Cole, and with his family; he did not state any relationship the the [sic] family.

Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

3.
Page 20

[left side of fold]
J.G. Shipman
Sept. 1/53.
J.G. Shipman Ap'l 12/55.

[Right side of fold]

33.028

New Jersey
John Cole dec'd, of [blank] in the State of [blank] who was a Teamster, in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the line for Revolution
Insc[ribed] (hole in paper) on the Roll of Trenton at the rate of 80. Dollars xx Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. + Ending 25th September 1840.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of July 1852 and Sent to
Hon. J.W. Miller, N.J. Senate.
Arrears to the 4th of [blank]
Semi-annual allowance ending  [blank]

Revolutionary Clerk
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by R. McRae, Clerk. Book E Vol. 3 Page 120
Page 21

[left side of fold]
Hon. J.W. Miller July 2, 1852.

[right side of fold]

33,028

New Jersey-
John Cole decd

of [blank] in the State of [blank] who was a teamster in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the [blank] line for Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Trenton at the rate of 80 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, To commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Ending 23 Sep. 1840. Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of June 18 [illegible] and Sent to Hon. J.W. MIller U.S.S
Arrears to the 4th of [blank] Semi-annual allowance ending [blank]

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
by R.McRae Clerk, Book E2, Vol. 3, Page 120.

(Handwritten "Cancelled" vertically across above text)
Page 22

Bethlehem Township
Hunterden [sic] County
State of New Jersey SS

On this nineteenth day of July eighteen hundred and fifty one, personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid John Cole who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath state that he is a son of John Cole Dec'd, that during the lifetime of his father an application was made by him for a pension for services rendered by him in the War of the Revolution, that he filed in the pension Office evidence of his service, but his claim was not allowed. That his father died in September 1840 but the day he is unable to state leaving a widow (his mother) and seven children viz. Mary-married to John Higgins. Elizabeth-married to Elijah Bird. Elinor married Robt Melroy. Sarah married to William Fishbaugh. Jacob, Catharine not married and John and that his mother whose name was Margaret died on the 8th day of August 1842.

Now the object of this declaration being made is to ask on behalf of his sisters, his brother and himself, a reexamination of the evidence filed by his father.

Sworn and subscribed on this day and year above written before me.
John Cole
Witness
Sylvester H. Smith Justice of the Peace
Page 23

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County SS

I William Emery Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, do hereby certify that Sylvester H. Smith Esquire before whom the within affidavit was taken, is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and authorized to take the same. That full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such Justice, and that his signature to the same is genine.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my haand affixed the seal of the said court at Flemington this 21st day of July A.D. 1851.

Wm Emery Clerk
Page 24

[left side of fold]
1909 Mch.13. Hist to E.B. Henderson copy

1922 Oct. 2 Hist to Rev. H.L. Bowlby au

1939-Feb. 9. Hist. to Maj. Heston R. Cole. ILL.

[right side of fold]
2135
(faint handwriting vertical before "Invalid")Rec. War
INVALID.
File No. 2135
John Cole
Teamster Rev. War

Act: June 7, 1832
Index: __Vol. A., Page 72
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 25

did not saved as copy.
+ kept the original

Pension Office
April 10, 1850.

Sir.

The application of the heirs of John Cole, decd. formerly of N. Jersey, for pension has been received & filed.

The claim having been rejected more than five years since to wit, in 1835 and no additional evidence having been presented the claim cannot now be considered.

Very Respectfully Yo. Obt. Srv,
FFC Triplett
For Commissioner

A. Ray, Esq.
present          H. H. gis
Page 26

John Cole
Action '32 New Jersey
Triplett
Reported Johnson
Page 27

Mch. 8, 1909

Benjamin Opdyke
New Jersey
and
John Cole
Pvt. N.J. of
Hunterdon Col
For
Mr. E.B. Henderson
Room 257
Indian Office
City.
Thro' Mr. Tansill's desk.
Page 28

Belvidere June 29. 1852--
Hon. J.W. Miller,
D Sir: I recieved [sic] yours yesterday morning enclosing certificate of Pension in case of Cole. I feel grateful to you for your kind exertions. But I believe we are just now to begin + fight the battle I mentioned immediately to my client living in Town here Mr Higgins what I had received from you, + that we would go immediately + see Cole. Before we started a man by the name of Hazle called on me as he said from Maryland near Baltimore, representing himself as Mr. Cole's agent, + that he had procured the pension. I told him it was a mistake altogether + stated the substance of your letter + that I was fully acquainted with all that had been done, but I was willing on part of my clients to pay him a fair compensation for all trouble + expense. He said he was entitled to one half + Cole had agreed to pay it I told him Cole no authority from the other children to make such an agreement that it was unjust + would never be paid. He then He left shortly after + Higgins + myself went to see Cole. He refused to let me
Page 29

draw the money. Said Hazle had been to other heirs + didnt want him to do to which Hazle also said, That he had agree with Hazle Not (underlined) as Administrator but as heir to give him one half + knew he had no power to make such an agreement. I offered him his own full share, $108. I offered that he should pay this Hazle $75.00 out of my clients, + I would give him that amount + I would draw the balance for my clients + I would give him an acquittance as administrator, for our Thans (??).  I could prevail nothing, only he said he would come to Belvidere on Saturday + go to Trenton with me on Sunday, which is all folly. He will never do so. I presume I consider this whole proceeding on the part of Mr. Hazle very much out of character that he should without any authority from any but one of the parties interested + be utterly irresponsible draw such a contract, struggle through letters of Administration + get 1/2 that pension for nothing is taking pretty serious liberties. It will be no better than robbery + it seems to me the Government can never tolerate it. If this Certificate goes through the hands of Mr John Cole + Mr Hazle my clients will never receive the first cent of it + I am determined to protect them as far as I can. Mr Hazle threatened to go to Washington + get a new certificate
Page 30

issued, I want to stop that, or else get a new one dericted [sic] to me or some person else to draw the money. I shall apply to the orphan's Court of Hunterdon at next term (2 Tuesday in September) to revoke the Cole letters of administration+ I have not the least doubt that I shall get it done, not the least, + will get letters issued to a party who has some responsibility, until I do that I wish you to get all action on the part of Mr. Hazle stopped. Let him be kept from getting hold of the certificate until I can displace Mr Cole + if the Department withdraws this certificate let it not issue a new one to them.

All I ask for my clients is what is reasonable + fair, + I hold it very clear they are entitled to that. There can be but very little Equity in letting this itinerant pension hunter carry off one half + the administrator of his appointing the other half of this money.

I enclose two affidavits showing the justice of this matter. You will see if they are of any use. Let me hear from you.

Yours truly,
.JG. Shipman
Page 31

Belvidere March 12, 1852

Hon J.W. Miller

Sir, yours of 10 before me + contents duly noted, I enclose the Power of Attorney, + shall feel under very great obligation such (?) if you will press the thing to a speedy conclusion. As some of these persons are actually suffering for want of it.

I wish we could only have got hold of Evidence Cole + a man by the name of Gardner or Garner from this County were out together in the War + their cases I think from what I can learn were precisely similar. They made application for a pension many years ago. They were witnesses for each other + I understand their claims were then both rejected. Under the administration of Mr Fillmore Garner heirs have made a new application + on the same evidence as to the Right of Garner to receive a pension + the new application was successful + they have got the money. These heirs say that there is no reason why their father should not have had it. These are all the heirs except one John Cole, who was figuring on his own hook but is as the heirs say, unworthy to be trusted. Please let me hear from you, when you have anything to communicate.

Very truly yours,
JG Shipman
Page 32

Bethlehem New Jersey March 6th 1852
I.E.H.

Dear Sir some time last summer Mr Hazel called on me one of the Heirs of John Cole to engage to get a pension that he said John Cole was entitled to Mr. Hazel agreed with one of the of the heirs to try to get the pension that was due and the price that he was to receive for his trouble Mr Hazel sent me a letter in the month of October last, stating that he had succeeded in getting about one Thousand Dollars and that he would come on  saith the money soon Some of the Heirs are in want of the money as the are about removing West and they would like to know something about the circumstance if Mr Hazel has got the pension so that it can be had it is all wright so if he has not got it so that it can be had. Here is a gentleman that some of the heirs have been talking of employing to try to get the money his name is J. Shipman of Belvidere that will be on to Washington City in some time this month if Mr H. has got it in such a form as he sent me word that he had then inform him if you please to come on with the money as soon as he can. Mr. John Cole Administrator of John Cole Decd
Page 33

is the person that is legally authorized to receive the money from Mr Hazel as John Cole administrator of the Estate of John Cole Deceased, is the person that employed Mr Hazel to get the money pleas [sic] let Mr J. Cole know by a line as soon as you receive this and Direct to Bethlehem Post Office Hunterdon County New Jersy [sic]. By request of the Adm I subscribe this letter.

Sylvester H. Smith J. Peace
that the witnesses to the depositions  that Mr Hazel took with him

John Cole N.J. post

2135 Teamster
2458 Md
[struck through] 43348 NY
Page 34

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon Co. SS

Before me Benj. Egbert one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the Said County, personally appeared John Cole Aged eighty-two year, an old Revolutionary Soldier, who being duly sworn according to law, Saith, that in December 1777 he made an engagement with Col. Vliet and Cooper to cart for the army during the War or as long as he should be [interlined text: John Gardner and I was in partnership with  the team but I drove it all the time] wanted that he then had the Teams appraised, and drew ration, at Easton, and drove on to Rocksburge and got provender at McKys (Could be another word McKyle) mills and started on for Boston as before related, he considered the engagement + he then considered himself enlisted, which might be the cause of the mistake in his former affidavit, he continued with the army drawed his rashions [sic], provender for his Horses and pay regular, during the time he served, from the regular or publick paymaster Quartermaster NJ he suffered very much with cold snows + that during the four years he served he was not at any time engaged by Private contract, with any person or persons . The first waggon master that he served under, Benj. Ewing, when he went to Boston, he also served under John Garner + Alexander White.
John Cole

Sworn + Subscribed before me this 19th day of Jan. 1835
Benj. Egbert
Page 35

[left side of fold]
Canceld this 4 June in the name of the heirs.
Kirby July 20 /52

[right side of fold]
Payment to be made at Trenton N.J. by P. Dickinson
Agent for Paying pensioners, in the Agency of New Jersey

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E2. Volume 3 Page 120 by R McRae Clerk
Page 36

Cancelled + new certificate issued by Chief Clerks direction
Page 37

Department of the Interior.
Claim for Military Service

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7 June 1832, John Cole deceased who was a Teamster in the Revolution, was entitled to a pension of Eighty Dollars per annum commencing 4 March 1831 + ending 23 September 1840 when he died.

And that the amount due is payable to John Cole, Administrator of said John Cole decd., for the benefit of himself + the other only surviving children, viz. Mary Higgins, Elizabeth Bird, Eleanor Melroy, Sarah Fishbaugh, Facob Cole + Catharine Cole.

Given at the Department of the Interior,
this 11th day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
Alex H.H. Stuart
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
JE Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 38

Warren County SS

State of New Jersey
Personally appeared before me one of the Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Warren, Benjamin H. Opdyke so he being of full age upon his oath saith I knew John Cole + Margret Cole of the Township of Bethlehem Hunterdon County + State of New Jersey to live together as man + wife at least fifty four years and further saith not.

Sworn + Subscribed before me this 20th day of September 1854.
Jacob A. Wilson, Justice of the Peace

Benjamin H. Opdyke
Page 39

Com. of Pensions
Page 40

April 5, 1855
Belvidere Warren Co. N. Jersey

To the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D.C.

Sir, I enclose some papers for the purpose of procuring a pension for the children of Margaret Cole. I suppose strictly there should have been a petition or Claim from the heirs, but I suppose the case as it stands will not require it. The case is this. John Cole was a teamster in the Revolutionary War. He applied for a pension in his life time which was for some cause refused.
In 1851 I applied for his heirs (the same persons now applying) + the pension was obtained + an order or certificate given by which the amount due John Cole was paid to his children. John Cole (who was a native of the County of Hunterdon in this State) died in 1840. His wife Margaret Cole survived him some time (the length of time is given in Higgins affidavit herewith sent the purpose of this application is to.
Page 41

obtain for these same children the amount which their mother Margaret Cole ought to have received from the time of her husband's death up to the time of her own death.

The right of the husband to a pension having been acknowledged the right of his wife to it up to her death I suppose follows, + she having died without, her children take it.

The papers are all up in your files. The affidavits herewith sent show the marriage children + the death of the widow + I suppose that these taken in connection with the papers on file are all that will be required + will enable you to grant or reject the application if any informality or anything lacking, I will endeavor to correct it + supply.

May I respectfully ask for a speedy examination of the case.  These parties are exceedingly poor, and they stand greatly in need of it if it can be had at least some of them
Page 42

I have delayed the matter a good deal myself owing to a severe pressure of professional business- + now have to send it in great confusion. It is business in which I have had very little experience, + have done this + the other more as an act of charity + friendship than anything else.  I will be greatly obliged if you will let me hear from you soon.

Truly yours
J.G. Shipman
Page 43

Senate Chamber
Jay [January] 24/52

Jas E Heath Esq
Com of Pensions
Sir
The enclosed letter relates to the pension case of John Coles [sic]. Please give me the information asked for as may be compatible with the rules of the office.
Mr Shipman the writer of this letter is a worthy man + I have no doubt he wants the information for the purpose shown.

Yours respectfully
J.W. Miller
Page 44

Brief in the case of John Cole, dec'd
County and State of New Jersey,
act 7 June 1832.

Claim, ("original," or "for increase.") ["for increase" struck through]
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Parole--a pensioner who served with him

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Page 45

Ans? That the evidence is not necessarily conclusive of service--but must be re-examined. The marriage to be proven + certf of Ct of Heirship
Page 46

Belvidere
Warren County New Jersey
June 22--1853

To Commissioner of Pensions--
D Sir:
About a year ago or more, I applied as the agent of the heirs of John Cole, Dcd, a teamster in the Revolutionary War of Hunterdon County New Jersey, to obtain a pension due said Joh Cole. The application was successful + the pension granted + paid. The papers are all upon file, in your department to which I beg leave to refer you the pension was allowed under the act of "7 June 1832,"  commenced from 4. March 1831. to 25. Sept. 1840 when he died. His widow survived him about 3 years + I suppose will be entitled to draw a pension up to her death, + that right goes to their children + they
Page 47

are entitled to draw the amount due the mother, Am I right?
If so, I would beg to be informed if consistent with your rules, whether the evidence on file in your office will not be sufficient to prove the right of John Cole to a pension + all other matters except his marriage + whether proof of the marriage, together with proof of heirship will not be sufficient to entitle the children to the pension?

I trust I do not infringe any rules of your Department in submitting these Enquiries + that I will not trespass upon your precious time. The parties are very poor, + I preferred addressing a line directly to you rather than employ an agent in the ucon (??) of Congress as Washington who would eat up the cash in pers.,
Page 48

I shall be very glad to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

Very respectfully, truly yours
J.G. Shipman
Page 49

Senate Chamber
March 31/52

J.E. Heath Esq
Comr of Pensions

Sir

Rec enclose relate to the certificate of Pension of John Cole decd. later exam by the Dept to his administrator for the benefit of the children of John Cole. 

I sent the certificate to the attorney of the children who is a highly respectable and responsible man but the administrator is in collusion with a Mr Hazle/a pension agent
Page 50

who demands half the pension for himself + refuses to allow the children to control the payment of the pension. The enclosed papers state  that if said administrator gets the money the other children will lose their share.

I write to ask that the Dept will not give the adm'r or Mr Hazle any other without a claim  this money.  Also to ensure whether the certificate for (??) to sar may not
Page 51

be so corrected, as to permit the children for whose benefit it is granted to claim the money that their attorney in fact will net their result after the certificate granted be a sufficient voucher for the money.

Yours respectfully
JW Miller
Page 52

Washington
Aug. 2. 1857

J.E. Heath Esq
Com' of Pension
Sir

You will receive herewith an application in the case of John Cole de'd late of New Jersey.

We made claim to a pension under Act 7 Mar 1837. as I am informed for his service in the revolution as a Teamster.

Will you do me the favor to examine the paper files in the case, and give me a response thereon.

I remain Yours Most respectfully
Alex. Ray

Proof of death
+ the names of the Surv children also enclosed
Page 53

Senate Chamber
April 12/52

JE Heath Esq
Com'r of Pensions

Sir

The enclosed papers, those of att. + latter from Mr Shipman, relate to the claim, of Pension, of John Cole which has been suspended for further information etc. The attorney Mr. Shipman is a highly respected lawyer in N.J. and I have no doubt he represents truly the wishes and interest of the parties concerned.

If you can give me
Page 54

an early + confidential (?)  acceptance (?) upon the case  it will much oblige. 

Yours respectfully
J.W. Miller
Page 55

[left side of fold]
John Cole, dec.d
N. Jersey
Act 7 June 1832.
adm.d
2 yrs teamster. $80.
per an. to 25 Sept 1840
when he died.
Payable to John Cole, adm.r for the benefit of himself, Mary Higgins, Elizabeth Bird, Eleanor Melroy, Sara Fishbaugh, Jacob Cole + Catharine Cole, only surviving children

cert to
Hon J.W. Miller
U.S. Senate

[right side of fold at top]
Orig. family record herewith, Mch 12, 1909--copy
Page 56

Bethlehem N. Jersey July 16th 1852
James E Heath Com'r of pensions
Washington

Sir
The Pension certificuit [sic] you lately issued in the name of my Father John Cole dec'd late of New Jersey under act June 7th 1832 and sent to Senator Miller who forwarded the certifcate [sic] to Mr Shipman of New Jersey. He holds on to the pension certificate and refuses to deliver it to me unless I come into certin [sic] terms and conditions which I have refused to do. In taking out letters of Administration on the Estate of my late Father Satisfactory Security has been given for the disposition of the pension money as awarded by you. I have therefore to request under the facts above stated that a duplicate pension certificaite [sic] be made out to me as the Administrator in lieu of the one now held by Mr. Shipman.

I am very Respectfully your obeident [sic] servant.
John Cole

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County SS.
Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said county and State aforesaid, John Cole Son and Administrator of the estate of John Cole dec'd and being first duly sworn according to law doeth on his oath declare the Statement contained in the above letter to the commissioner of Pensions is true.

John Cole

Sworn and Subscribed to Before me this 16th day of July AD 1852
Sylvester H. Smith Justice of the peace
Page 57

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County SS

I William Emery Clerk of the Court of Common pleas in and for said county do hereby certify that Sylvester H. Smith Esquire whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit, is one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned + sworn according to law, and duly authorized to take the same + that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such justice.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court at Flemington this 20th day of July A.D. 1852.

Wm. Emery Clerk
[seal]
Page 58

State of New Jersey
Warren County SS.

Peter Smith of full age being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith that he is at this time a resident of Belvidere in the county of Warren + State of New Jersey aged about Seventy five years. That he was personally acquainted with John Cole in his life time of the County of Hunterdon in said State that he knew him before he was married to his wife, that he knew the time when the said John Cole was married, that he thinks it was in the year Seventeen hundred eighty three that he was married to Margaret Vannest with whom deponent was also personally acquainted for many years, that he knew them for many years after they were married that he knows they lived together as man + wife until separated by death + never heard it doubted but they were man + wife that by their marriage they had children, to wit Anna Cole who married James Opdycke who has been dead several years, Elizabeth wife of Elijah Bird still living Mary wife of John Higgins still living Sophia, who married Arch. McCrea, + is since deceased. Eleanor now wife of Robert Milroy Sarah now wife of William Fishbough living Jane Cole Now deceased Jacob Cole now living Catharine Cole now living + John Cole still living.

That said John Cole + Margaret Cole his wife are now dead + have been dead for a number of years, and upon being shown a book attached to this deposition + marked Exhibit A, containing the date of said John Cole's marriage, + the birth of his children, saith
Page 59

+ was acquainted with the hand writing of John Cole in his life time + had seen him write often many times, + would know it yet + when looking the said Book marked Exhibit A saith from my knowledge of the hand writing, of John Cole from having seen him write I am satisfied the handwriting recording his marriage with Margaret Vannest + the births of his children is the proper handwriting of the said John Cole.

Peter Smith

Sworn + Subscribed before me this 19th day of January AD 1855

HD Swayze Justice of the Peace

State of New Jersey
Warren County SS

John Higgins of full age being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith, that he is a resident of the Town of Belvidere in the County of Warren + State of New Jersey aged near sixty nine years, that deponent was personally acquainted with John Cole late of the County of Hunterdon in said state of New Jersey deceased, that deponent was acquainted with said John Cole for about thirty years before his death, that deponent knew he was a married man + was personally acquainted with his wife whose maiden name was Margaret Vannest, that deponent knew them to live together from his first acquaintance with them as man + wife + never  heard it doubted or questioned that they were man + wife, that they had issue by there marriage to wit, Anna who intermarried with Benj. Opdycke + who is deceased
Page 60

Elizabeth who intermarried with Elijah Bird + who is still living, Mary wife of this deponent still living, Sophia McCrea who is dead, Eleanor Milroy wife of Robert Millroy [sic] still living, Sarah wife of William Fishbough still living, Jane, who is dead, Jacob Cole still living Catharine Cole still living + John Cole also living, that deponent married Mary daughter of said John + Elizabeth Cole in the year Eighteen hundred + seven, that deponent knowd [sic], the said John Cole + Margaret his wife lived together as man + wife until the death of the said John Cole which occurred on or about the Twenty fifth day of September AD Eighteen hundred + forty, leaving his said wife Margaret him surviving, that the said Margaret Cole lived after the death of her husband the said John Cole a widow up to the time of her own death, which occurred on or about the Twenty Eighth September AD Eighteen hundred + forty two, two years + three days after the death of her husband the said John Cole, Deponent further saith that said John Cole in his life time applied for a pension which was not allowed by the United States Government during his life time that after the death of the said John Cole application was made by his children for the pension due the said John Cole, and that on or about the Twentieth day of July AD Eighteen hundred + fifty two, a certificate was issued by Alex. H.H. Stuart then Secretary of the Interior allowing to the said John Cole a pension of Eighty Dollars per annum, commencing on the fourth
Page 61

day of March AD Eighteen hundred + thirty one + ending on the Twenty fifth day of September AD Eighteen hundred + forty when said John Cole died + directing that said pension be paid to John Cole Mary Higgins Elizabeth Bird Eleanor Melroy Sarah Fishbough Jacob Cole + Catharine Cole, Surviving Children of the said John Cole deceased, by virtue of which the said several children received the pension so due said John Cole, and deponent further saith that the children ast above named are still living + are entitled by law as deponent believes to any pension that might be due to Margaret Cole wife of said John Cole during the time she survived her said husband John Cole.

John Higgins

Sworn + subscribed before me this 22d day of January AD Eighteen hundred + fifty-two
HD Swayze Justice of the Peace

State of New Jersey
Warren County SS
I Simeon Cooke Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Warren do hereby certify that Henry D. Swayze, before whom the foregoing affidavits were made was at the time of the making thereof + state is a justice of the peace of the County of Warren + fully authorized by law to administer oaths + affirmations that the hand writing of the same Henry D Swayze is in his own proper hand writing + also that the words "by act of January 19th 1855. H.D. Swayze J.P. is the proper hand writing of said Henry D Swayze --

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand affixed the seal of said Court this fourth day of April AD 1855,
Simeon Cooke Clerk
[seal]
Page 62

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County, SS.

I William Emery Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas holden at Flemington, in and for said county, and State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that John Cole of said County deceased, was reputed to have been a revolutionary soldier, and made claim to a pension from the United States during his life time and died in said County on the 25th day of September 1840, leaving a widow, Margaret Cole. She also died in said County on the 7th day of August 1842 leaving the following and only children and now survive her, to wit: Mary Higgins, Elizabeth Bird, Elinor Melroy, Sarah Fishbough, and Jacob Cole, Catharine Cole, and John Cole.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Flemington this 30th day of July A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty one.

Wm. Emery Clerk
Page 63

John Cole
31.101


Ref'd

Hon. I. Parker
direct to B. Egbert [struck through]
Sangderl (??) NJ [struck through]
Page 64

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County SS

On this 27th day of May 1834 Personally appeared before me the subscribed one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the Said County, Christopher Srope aged 75 years or thereabouts, who first being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith he is well acquainted with John Cole, that he has known him this sixty years that he well remembers to have seen him often in the Revolutionary War was both in the Publick Waggon Service, was in the same Brigade together Commanded by John Gardner, was a considerable time together, suffered together, went from place to place together, our Services was all for the Publick, time by private contract, Rec'd or drew rations very often together the exact time he served I cannot now tell I left the army or was discharg'd before he was.

Christopher Srope

Sworn to and subscribed the date above written before me 
Benj'n Egert

I Benj'n Egbert one of the Judges of this Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Hunterdon aforesaid do hereby certify that Christopher Srope is a Credible Person, and that his statement is entitled to Credit.  Benj'n Egbert

Please to refer to John Cole's Evidence in regard to Christopher Sropes Services as it was put there through a mistake, I mean in E Petty's Declaration.
B. Egbert

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County SS

I Isaac G. Farlee clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Hunterdon do hereby certify that Benjamin Egbert esquire before whom the foregoing declaration of John Cole for a Pension, and the affidavits accompanying, were serving then was and now is one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County duly commissioned and Sworn, and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such and that his signature is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at Flemington this 5th day of June AD 1834

Isaac G. Farlee Clk

[seal]
Page 65

John Cole
Hunterdon Co
N.J.
family record for
Rev. H.L. Bowlby
340 N Maple Ave
E. Orange N.J.

[stamp] Chief Clerk Sep 29 1922 Bureau of Pensions

served 7 yrs in Revolu. War
Page 66

[top of this page is the label from the foregoing page 65/84 already transcribed]

Rev. H.L. Bowlby
340 N. Maple Ave.
East Orange, N.J.

Sir:

In response to your ersonal inquiry of the 29th ultimo, you are advised that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. File No. 2135, it appears that John Cole, (who was the son of John Cole) was born February 28, 1752, in Somerset County, New Jersey, and resided in Hunterdon County, New Jersey when he served in the New Jersey Troops as follows:

In the winter of 1775, for four days, under Captain Daniel Vliet.
The next spring, or summer, for one months, under Captain John Pittenger and Colonel Abraham Bonnell.
June, of the same year, three days, under Captain Abraham Cline.
Fall of the same year, for one month, under Captain Johnson and Colonels Beavers and Bonnell.
The next March, for twenty-four days, under Captain Daniel Vliet, and Colonel White.
From December 1777, for four years as a Wagoner, under John Gardner, Benjamin Ewing, Alexander White and Benjamin Humans.
After the above, he served under Captain Albert Opdyke, for three weeks.
Page 67

Soldier married October 16, 1783, Margaret Vannest, and their children were:
Anne born September 22, 1784, (died January 5, 1828. mar. Benjamin Opdyke.
Elizabeth born August 12, 1786, mar. Elijah Bird.
Mary born November 15, 1788, mar. John Higgins.
Sophia born February 17, 1791 (died July 10, 1829, mar. Archibald McCrea.
Eleanor born November 17, 1792, mar. Robert Melroy.
Sarah born January 3, 1796, mar. William Fishbaugh.
Jane born July 1, 1799, died February 9, 1800.
Jacob born January 4, 1801.
Catharine born October 26, 1804.
John born May 29, 1807 or 1809.

John Cole died September 25, 1840, in Hunterdon Col New Jersey, where his widow Margaret died in August or September 1842, and pension was allowed in 1852, for the benefit of their surviving children: John, Jacob and Catharine Cole, and Mary Higgins, Elizabeth Bird, Sarah Fishbaugh and Eleanor Melroy.

Very respectfully,
Hays Haymaker
Chief Clerk
Page 68

Record Division.

March 12, 1909.

Mr. E.B. Henderson,
Room # 257, Indian Office, 
Department of the Interior,
Washington, D.C.

Sir

In reply to a personal inquiry of the 8th instant, you are advised that from the papers in pension claim Sur. File No. 2,135, it appears that John Cole (who was the son of John Cole) was born February 28, 1752, in Somerset County, New Jersey, and resided in Hunterdon County, New Jersey when he served in the New Jersey troops as follows. [struck through "alleged May 23, 1834"]

Volunteered int he Winter of 1775, under Captain Daniel Vliet; served four days.
Next Spring or Summer, under Captain John Pittenger, Colonel Abraham Bonnel, one month.
June, same year, under Captain Abraham Cline, three days.
Fall, same year, under Captain Johnston, Colonels Beavers and Bonnell; one month.
Next March, under Captain Daniel Vliet and Colonel White; twenty-four days.
December 1777, as Wagoner, under John Gardner, Benjamin Ewing, Alexander White and Benjamin Humans; four years.
After above, he served under Captain Albert Opdyke; three weeks.
Page 69

Soldier married October 16, 1783 Margaret Vannest, and their children are:
Anne, born September 22, 1783, died January 5, 1828, married Benjamin Opdyke.
Elizabeth, born August 12, 1786.
Mary, born November 15, 1788, married 1807 John Higgins.
Sophia, born February 17, 1701, died July 10, 1829, married Archibald McCrea
Eleanor, born November 17, 1792.
Sarah, born January 3, 1796.
Jane, born July 1, 1799, died February 9, 1800.
Jacob, born January 4, 1801.
Cate, born October 26, 1804.
John, born May 29, 1809.
John Cole died September 25, 1840 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, where his widow Margaret died August 7 or 8, or September 23, 1842, and pension was allowed in 1852 for the benefit of his surviving children; viz.
John, Jacob and Catharine Cole, Mary Higgins, Eleanor wife of Robert Melroy and Sarah wife of William Fishbaugh. [handwritten "Error" with pencil lines squiggled over the typescript cancelling out the typed page].
You are further advised that the Revolutionary War pension records fail to afford any information in regard to Benjamin Opdyke described by you.

Very respectfully,

Commissioner.
[handwritten] Corrected Oct 2 1922
Page 70

[letterhead] Headquarters the engineer school
Fort Belvoir, Virginia

[stamp] Received Feb 2 1939 Mail sub-div
Yet. Adm
Seabee

February 1, 1939

Sirs:

I am endeavoring to establish that I am a descendant of a Revolutionary soldier named John Cole.

From information already received I believe the following can be authenticated from your records:

Name: John Cole
Born: Somerset County, N.J., in 1752
Died: Hunterdon County, N.J., in 1840
Wife: Margaret Vannest
Service: Private in Spencer's Regiment, Continental Army

I would like a copy of any pension or service record showing the names of his children or other matters of record.

Thanking you for any information, I am

Yours truly,
Heston R. Cole (handwritten)
Heston R. Cole
Major, Corps of Engineers
Page 71

Power of attorney
Heirs of Magt Cole
to
JG Shipman
For a pension
Page 72

Know all men by these presents, that we Mary Higgins Elizabeth Bird, Helen Milroy + Sally Fishpough of the County of Warren + State of New Jersey, and Catharine Cole + John Cole of the County of Hunterdon + State aforesaid children + heirs at law of Margaret Cole late of the County of Hunterdon deceased who was the wife of John Cole late of the said County of Hunterdon + State aforesaid, deceased, do hereby make constitute + appoint Jehiel G. Shipman of Belvidere in the County of Warren + State of New Jersey, our true + lawful attorney to prosecute, before the Pension Office at Washington City a claim for a pension due to our late mother the said Margaret Cole as the widow of the said John Cole + due to us as her children + legal representatives + to use all all [sic] lawful + just means for the recovery of said claims [ink blot] receive any + all moneys that may be awarded to us, upon said claim + to do all other lawful acts + thins in the premises the same as if we were present acting in the premises.

Witness our hands + seals this first day of March in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred + fifty four. Sealed + delivered in the presence of Marshall P Burd

Elizabeth Burd her x mark
Elenor Melroy her x mark
Sarah Fishbough her x mark
Catharn [sic] Cole her x mark
John Cole
Mary Higgins her x mark
[seals affixed to the right of the signatures]
Page 73

State of New Jersey
Warren County SS

Be it remembered that on the fourteenth day of March Eighteen hundred + fifty four personally came before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in + for the County of Warren + State of New Jersey Marshall P.Bird who being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith that he saw the within named granters severally execute the within power of attorney, that he saw them sign seal + deliver the same as their voluntary act + deed, the said Elizabeth Bird Eleanor Milroy Sarah Fishpough Catharine Cole + Mary Higgins signing the said instrument by making their mark + the said John Cole writing his name in full + that the said Marshall P. Bird subscribed his name to the Same as an attesting witness .
Marshall P. Burd

Sworn + Subscribed before me this 14th day of March AD 1854.
H.D. Swayzy  Justice of the Peace
Page 74

State of New Jersey
Warren County SS

I Simeon Cooke Clerk of the Inferior [ink smudge] Court of Common Pleas of the County of Warren do hereby certify that Henry D. Swayze before whom the foregoing affidavit was made was at the time of the making thereof a Justice of the Peace of the County of Warren duly authorized to administer oaths + affirmations that the same Henry D Swayze + the attestation is in the proper hand writing of the said Henry D. Swayze.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand + affixed the Seal of said Court on this fifth day of April AD 1855

Simeon Cooke Clk
[seal]
Page 75

Know all men by these present that we the undersigned heirs at law of John Cole dec'd late of the County of Hunterdon do hereby constitute and appoint J.G. Shipman of Belvidere in the county of Warren + State of New Jersey, our true + lawful agent + attorney to prosecute a claim for a pension due from the United States Government to the said John Cole dec'd, a soldier in the Revolutionary War, + we do fully authorize him to collect all sum or sum of money due us by virtue of said pension + to use all lawful means in the prosecution of said claim before the Department at Washington + to conduct + transact the whole business for us according to the best of his skill + understanding . 
Witness our hands + seals this [illegible smear] day of January AD 1852
Robert Melroy
Eleanor her x mark Melroy
Elizabeth her x mark Burd
Cahrine [sic] her x mark Cole
William his x mark Fishbough
Sarah her x mark Fishbough
Jacob Cole
John Higgins
Mary her x mark Higgins

Sealed +delivered in presence of
Asbury, Matthew
Charles B. Miller
Bej Shackelton witness to the signature, of John Higgins + Mary Higgins

[seals to the right of signatures]
Page 76

State of New Jersey
Warren County SS.

Be it remembered that on this 17th day of Feby 1852 before me Benj Shackelton one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Warren Personally appeared John Higgins + Mary his wife to whom I first made known the contents of the written Power of Attorney, thereupon they did acknowledge that they signed sealed + delivered the same as there [sic] voluntary act + deed for the uses + purposes therein mentioned, and the said Mary being by me examined seperate [sic] + apart from her husband did acknowledge that she signed sealed + delivered the same as her voluntary act + deed for the uses + purposes therein mentioned without any fear threat or compulsion of her said Husband.
All of which is Certified by me

Benj. Shackelton
Page 77

State of New Jersey
Warren County SS

Charles Bowlby of full age being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith that he saw Elizabeth Burd, Catharine Cole, William Fishbaugh, Sarah Fishbaugh + Jacob Cole firs of the Granters within named Granters sign seal + deliver the within power of atty as their voluntary act and deed and that be the said Charles Bowlby at the same time signed his name as an attesting witness to the said instrument.

Charles Bowlby

Sworn + Subscribed before me this 23rd day of February AD 1852 

Benj Shackelton Justice
Page 78

State of New Jersey
Warren County SS

Asbury Matthews of full age on his oath saith that he saw Robert Melroy + Ellinor Melroy viz of the Grantors within named sign seal + deliver the within  power of attorney as their voluntary act + deed + that he the said Asbury Matthews subscribed his name to the same at the same time as a subscribing witness.

Asbury Matthews
Sworn + Subscribed before me February 23 1852
Benj Shackelton Judge +c [et cetera]

(bottom of page is the acknowledgement from page 77/84, Charles Bowlby's attestation)
Page 79

State of New Jersey,
Warren County, SS

I, Simeon Cooke do Certify that Benjamin Shackelton Esq., whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the annexed Instrument and thereon written was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement, a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to take the same, and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Benjamin Shackelton and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgement is genuine.

In witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County, at Belvidere, the 12 day of March A.D. 1852
Simeon Cooke Clerk of said County.

New Jersey
Warren County SS

New Jersey
Warren County SS

I Benjamin Shackelton Esqr Presiding Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Warren in the State of New Jersey do certify that Simeon Cooke who signed the foregoing certificate is clerk of the said Court of Common Pleas duly commissioned and sworn and the foregoing attestation by him made is in due form of law.

Witness my hand and seal this twelfth day of March in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and fifty-two--

Benj Shackelton
Page 80

State of New Jersey,
Warren County SS

Personally appeared before the subscriber Henry D. Swayze one of the Justices of the Peace of the County of Warren in the State of New Jersey John Higgins of full age who being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith, that he is a resident of Belvidere in the County of Warren, New Jersey, that he is the husband of Mary Higgins formerly Mary Cole who is the daughter and heir of John Cole deceased late of the County of Hunterdon, a teamster in the Revolutionary War + who has lately been declared entitled to a pension, from the fourth of March AD 1831 to Twenty fifth September AD 1840, that he is the brother-in-law of the John Cole of the County of Hunterdon in the State of New Jersey who claims to be the administrator of the said John Cole, deceased. That it was a matter well known among the children of the said John Cole, decd., of his having applied for a pension, + that this deponent mentioned the matter to me + two of the children + stated that he intended to stir the matter as he thought it could be got. That Early last summer he spoke of the matter to JG Shipman an atty + Counseller [sic] at law of Belvidere, New Jersey, that said Shipman said he would look into the matter + let him know. That some time after this this deponent heard that a certain man calling himself H. Hazle had called on the said John Cole + got him to permit his interferrence in
Page 81

the matter. That as soon as he ascertained this matter, by expart he immediately applied to his counsel Mr. Shipman + requested him to write to Washington + preamt [sic] any steps being taken in the matter through the said John Cole or his agency. That he was informed by Shipman shortly after this that he had written to Sen Jacob W. Miller U.S. Senator, + that the matter would receive proper attention. That shortly after this this deponent + his wife + all the other surviving children except John Cole executed a power of attorney to said Shipman for him to make proper application for the pension. That on the Twenty Eighth day of June instant he was informed by his counsel Mr. Shipman that he had received from Hon Mr Miller a certificate for the pension payable to John Cole as Administrator for the benefit of himself + other children of said John Cole dec'd + that it would be necessary to get John Cole's consent to our drawing the money. That this deponent on the Twenty eighth day of June instant went with the said Shipman to the residence of said John Cole + requested him to give a power of attorney to Mr Shipman to draw the moneys offering through his counsel to pay said Cole the said Cole the one seventh part of the whole pension in cash + to give him the money to pay all legal osts + necessary trouble expense he might have incurred that said Cole refused to execute any such power of atty, + said he had agreed to give H. Hazle as a child of said John Cole dec'd the one half of said claim to collect it that Hazle had come to his house + insisted
Page 82

upon undertaking the matter. That he finally consented to his doing it. That said Hazle afterward informed him he must take out letters of administration + took said services to have them taken out , + that he got a man by name of Emery to go his Security. 

And deponent further saith that said John Cole is the youngest son of the said John Cole decd. That he obtained letters of administration from the Surrogate of Hunterdon County without resort to any of the other children. That the said John Cole is certainly without means, + admitted his entire inability to pay the said Hazle the half of the amount of said pension until he took it from the pension money or to reimburse the children if he did take it. That he is fully + entirely satisfied that if the said John Cole receives the said claim the other children of the said John Cole dec'd will be wholly deprived of any part of the said money as the said John Cole wishes to pay one half to the said Hazle + the other half will be exhausted before they could get any portion of it from him. That deponent believes + is informed by his counsel that the claim of said Hazle is illegal + unjust, + can never be allowed, + that it is the purpose of this deponent to apply by his counsel in connection with his wife + other of the children to the Orphans Court of Hunterdon County to revoke the letters of administration of said John Cole at the next term thereof. Half a line interlined before being sworn.

John Higgins

Sworn + subscribed before me this 29th day of June AD 1856.
H.D. Swayze Justice of the Peace
Page 83

O.S. Baker of full age being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith, that on the Twenty=Eighth day of June instant a person calling himself Hazle came into the office of J.G. Shipman in Belvidere in which deponent is Engaged as a student at law, that he represented himself as the agent of John Cole, that he read from a paper which he said was a power of attorney from said Cole that the said John Cole empowered him on behalf of himself + his brothers + sisters to get a pension due John Cole decd. He further stated that he had called on said John Cole at his residence in the County of Hunterdon + told him about this pension, that Cole said he didn't know as he could do any thing.  That he offered to get it, + take half for collecting it, + Cole had finally agreed to give it. That he then informed Cole he must take out letters of administration. That Cole said he could not give security + that said Hazle had procured Mr Emery to go the his bond, + got him to take letters of administration on said Estate, that said Shipman informed said Hazle that it was through his agency by the efforts of Hon Sen Miller at Washington that the Pension had been allowed, but that if said Hazle had incurred any expense or been put to trouble he should receive a fair compensation for it + he would so advise his clients, but that he never could have the half neither one third of their pension.

O.S. Baker

Sworn + Subscribed before me this 29th day of June AD 1852

H.D. Swayze Justice of the peace
Page 84

State of New Jersey
Warren County SS

I Simeon Cooke Clerk of the Curt of Common Pleas of the County of Warren, the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify that Henry D. Swayze before whom the foregoing affidavits are taken is a Justice of the Peace duly authorized + commissioned residing at Belvidere in the County + State aforesaid. That he has full power + lawful authority to administer oaths + affirmations under + by virtue of the laws of the State of New Jersey. That I am well acquainted with the signature of the said Henry D. Swayze and that his signature attached to the Jurats of the foregoing affidavits is in his own proper hand writing.

In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand + affixed the Seal of said Court this Twenty-ninth of June AD Eighteen hundred + fifty-two at Belvidere in the County of Warren + State of New Jersey.

Simeon Cooke
Clerk
[seal]