Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 410, James Coffey, Penn.
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[notecard]
[upper left]
SERVICE
Penn.
[center]
Coffey, James
Mary
[upper right]
NUMBER
W.410
B.L.Wt.24986-160-55
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7297
West Tennessee
==================================
James Coffey
Bedford in the State of Kentucky
who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Murry of the Regt. commanded
by Col. Atley in the Pennsyl. line 
for 1 year & 9 months
==================================
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky
at the rate of 70 Dollars -- Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
==================================
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of March
1833 and Sent J McKisick
Shelbyville W Tennessee
==================================
Arrears to the 4th of March           $140.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept.  35.00
                                                             =======
                                                            $175.00

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk
Book E      Vol. 7      Page 74
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[Dark image, some words are illegible]
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 70 Dollars
Rate per annum, to commence on 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of August [illegible] and sent to 
Hon[?] G. W. Jones
[Illegible] of [Illegible]
Recorded no Roll of Pensioners under act February 2[?] 1848, Page 286 Vol. 3.
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Two sided document
left side

98324.   Act March 4/35
April 25/35
______________________________
Mary Coffey.   widow of
James Coffey.    priv.
______________________________
Cap McCracken she thinks
Col or Maj Henderson

Rev War
_____________________________
AO 160AC May 14/56
Tenn Feby. 48 (???)
____________________________
Hon: Geo. W. Jones
Ho: of Rep:
("John H Warner 
Chapel Hill
Marshall Co
Tenn" crossed through)

written accoss left side up to right side 
No 24986 iss. May 15/56

right side
Civ. J. A. Warner Dec 6/55

Vol C2--21
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832.
State of Tennessee
Bedford County Court} August  Term 1832

On this tenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court, before Samuel Phillips, John L. Neill and John B. Armstrong Esquires gentlemen justices of the peace Appointed to hold the court of pleas and quarter Sessions of said County James Coffey Sr. aged Seventy two years Eleven months and twenty four days a resident of Bedford County and State aforesaid who being first duly Sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain ("in order to obtain" crossed out) the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 that he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the county of Chester and State of Pennsylvania in the year 1776 in the Spring of the Year but the day and month he cannot recollect, he enlisted with Lieut. Finney and Ensign William Henderson who belonged to Captain Murry's company for one year and nine months he states he cannot recollect the No. of the Regiment he was attached to, but that it was commanded by Col. Atley, of the Pennsylvania State troops. He further States that he does not recollect the name of the Lieut. Col. of his regiment but that he was killed at the battle of Long Island.
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Deponant further States that he was marched from Chester county where he was enlisted to Philadelphia from that place to Trenton in the State of New Jersey thence to what is now called the city of New York And from that to Long Island. He States he was in the battle of Long Island at which place his Col. was taken prisoner the Americans retreated from that place to Fort Washington (by Way of New York) on the north River about 12 miles from New York at the above mentioned fort he States he was in Several Skirmishes and also in the main action fought at that place under Col. McGaugh he states that at this battle the Americans were all made prisoners and were marched to a little Town called Hartu( page torn) on East river, And from that place to New York and there confined in a Sugar house and were kept there Seven weeks and four days. he states they suffered very much with sicknesses in this place and were permitted after Signing what they called a Parroll not to take up arms until exchanged; to   return to his own troops then Stationed at the Valley Forge, he further States that he together with some other Soldiers were Sent to Allens Town in Northampton county Pennsylvania and was engaged in making cartridges and guarding Military Stores & until his term of Service expired, and then received an honorable discharge Signed by Col. Stewart. Some time he thinks in the winter of 1777-
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We hereby relinquish every claim whatsoever to a pension annuity except the present, and he discloses that his name is not the roll of any Agency in the United States. And that he knows of no person who can testify to his service. And that he has no documentary evidence whatsoever and derrogatories by the Court. 

                                        
                                       James Coffey

Inquiry :  1st. Where and what year were you born?

Answer:  I was born in Chester County State of Pennsylvania Newgarden Township at Kennett Square on the 17th day of August 1759 agreeable to my Fathers records. 

Inquiry: 2nd. Have you any record of your age, and if yes where is it?

Answer:  I have a record of my age at my dwelling house post card in Bedford County Township in my Bible

Inquiry: Where were you living, when called into service? Where have you lived since the Revolutionary War? And where do you now live --

Answer:  I lived in Chester County State of Pennsylvania when called into service and after i was discharged, returned to my Fathers, who had moved into
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[illegible]  l enlisted in what was called the Pennsylvania State Troops-
Entry 5th State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served, Such Continental and Militia Regiment as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service-
Intro 5th I recollect Cols Atley, and I think Hamilton and G. Smith.  My Capt Murry, Lieut Finny and Ensign Anderson, and recollect Col. Stewart and Capt Matthew Scott, at the Valley Forge; I saw a great many troops during my service  I saw what was called the Delaware blues and I think 3rd or 4th Regt. Maryland troops; I have given the general circumstances of my Service in my declaration
Intro my 6th-Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it;
Ansr. I received a discharge from the service signed by Colonel Stewart which was lost or mislaid may years since
7th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood who can testify to your Character for veracity- and their belief of your services as Soldier of the Revolution
Ansr.  The Rev. Thomas J Hall, William D. Orr Esquire William Williams and Col Robert Cannon-
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid; sworn to in open Court James Coffey  Jas McKisick Clk
We Thomas J Hall a clergyman residing in the State of Tennessee and county of Bedford and William D. Orr of the county and State aforesaid; Do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Coffey Sent who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy two years Eleven Months and twenty four days; also that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood
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where he resides, to have been a revolutionary soldier and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn to and subscribed this 1st day of August 1832.
Tho. J. Hall
William D. Orr

[Illegible] to open [Illegible] with
August 1832
J. McKisick

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and 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 the Rev. Thomas J. Hall, who has signed the preceeding certificate, is a Clergyman of good standing in the Presbyterian-Church in Bedford County, and also that William D. Orr Esquire, who has also signed the same, is at this time high Sheriff of said County of Bedford, and is a
credible person, and that that statement is entitled to credit.
J.S. Neill
Samuel Phillips
John B. Armstrong

I, James McKisick, Clerk of the Court of pleas
[Illegible] for the County of Bedford in
the State of Tennessee, do hereby certify
that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said County in the Matter of James Coffey for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal of office at office in Shelbyville will this 10th day of August 1832
J P McKisick
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4877
James Coffey
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838 entitled an Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows

State of Tennessee SS
On this 9th day of November 1839 personally appeared before the Subscribed a justice of the peace for the county of Marshall and State of Tennessee Mary Coffey a resident of Said Marshall county aged Seventy years who being duly Sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed July 7th 1838 entitled An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. That She is the widow of James Coffey who was a private in the army of the Revolution whose Services will fully appear by the papers on file in the pension office in the City of Washington, which papers the certificate upon which the Said James Coffey in his life time drew pension, will refer to
She further declares that She was married to the Said James Coffey in the fifth day of April Seventeen hundred and Eighty Seven that her husband the aforesaid James Coffey died on her twentieth day of December EIghteen hundred and thiry Six. that She was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service but the mariage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four viz at the time above Stated
Sworn to and Subscribed before me on the day and year above written
Site A Ewing Justice of the peace
[signed] Mary Coffey x her mark
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State of Tennessee SS
I Rebecca Leeper aged Sixty Six years and Elizabeth McCleary aged about Seventy three years, who being duly Sworn according to law Say that they were present when the rights of matrimony were solemnized between Mary Coffey who made the foregoing declaration and James Coffy therein named, Said rights of matrimony were performed by the Reverend Mr Cooper in the County of Cumberland and State of Pennsylvania, near the town of Shippensburg, which Said marriage was held and deemed to be a legal marriage, they then Said Rebecca Leaper and Elizabeth McCleary further say that said marriage took place about the time mentioned in the foregoing declaration that they are certain it was after the close of the Revolutionary War and the Service of James Coffey and before the year Seventeen hundred and ninety Six that they have both been acquatined with the Said James Coffey from the aforesaid Marriage up to his death on the twentieth day of December Eighteen hundred and thiryt Six, and with the said Mary Coffey from the itme of the marriage aforesaid until this date, that the Said James and Mary Coffey lived together as man and wife all the time until Separated by death and that the said Mary Coffey is now the widowe of the said James Coffey deceased.
[signed] Elizabeth McCleary
[signed] Rebekah Leaper

Swron to and Subscribed before me this 9th day of November 1839
Lile A Ewing Justice of the peace from Marshall County, Tennesee
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State of Tennessee. Marshall County SS
I, John Ewing, a justice of the peace for said
County, certify that from age and decrepitude, it would be inconvenient for Mary Coffey, who made the foregoing declaration to attend Court to make her declaration, and that Rebecca Leeper and Elizabeth McCleary, whose testimony accompanies said declaration, are persons with whom I am personally acquainted, and that they are persons of good credit and standing, whose statements ought to have full credit. Given under my hand this 9th day of November 1839
Lile A. Ewing
Justice of the peace for Marshall County

State of Tennessee
Marshall County
I, Rebekah Leeper, being duly Sworn, do say that in addition to the statement made
by me on the 9th day of November 1839, I can say that the reason or circumstance that brings duly to my mind the marriage of James and Mary Coffey, is that I was called upon and acted as Bridesmaid or waiter upon that occasion. I further say that I have no evidence of the precise day or which place by my memory but am certain it was on the day mentioned in Mary Coffey's declaration.
Made on the 9th November 1839 or near that time.
Rebekah Leeper

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6 day
of February 1840
Lile A Ewing Justice of the peace

The name "Lile A." in the first certificate on
this side and word "December" in the second certificate were blocked and scrawled, and "November" interlined before signing.
Lile A. Ewing, JP
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State of Tennessee
Marshall County SS
I, Martin W. Oakley, Clerk of the County Court of said Marshall County, do hereby certify that said County Court is a Court of Record, and that Lile A. Ewing, whose name appears to the foregoing declarations is and was at the date thereof one of the Justices of said Court duly elected, commissioned and qualified, and that the signatures proporting to his are genuine.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office this 24th day of February A.D. 1840
Martin W. Oakley
Clerk of said Court
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98304

Bounty Land Claim
of
Mrs. Mary wid, of James Coffey deceased
Page 16

State of Tennessee
County of Marshall
On this tenth day of April AD One thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Mary Coffey aged about 86 years a resident of Marshall County in the State of Tennessee who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of James Coffey deceased, who was a private in the Company Commanded by Captain (she thinks) McCrackin in the --- Regiment of Pennsylvania Regulars Commanded by Col, or Maj Henderson - in the Revolutionary War that her said husband enlisted at CosTodes Lancaster Co, on or about the (blank) day of (blank) A.D. (blank) for the term of twenty one months and continued in actual service in said war for the term of 15-20 months, and was taken prisoner by the enemy & reissued in CVaptivity to best of her recollection and information until the termination of the r, she believes he was discharged at Philadelphia, That his discharged has been lost or destroyed.
She further states that she was married to the said James Coffey in Cumberland County in the State of Pennsylvania on the fifth day of April A.D. 1781 and by one Robert Cooper a Minister of the Gospel and that her name before her said marriage was Mary Leeper that her said husband died in Bedford County Tennessee on the 29th day of December A.D. 1836, and that she is now a widow. That she has no knowledge of the existence of any public record of said marriage.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the county land to which she is entitled under the act passed March 3rd 1855. That she never received or applied for county land under any act of Congress.
[signed] Mary Coffey x her mark
[hand drawn seal]

State of Tennessee Marshall County
On this Seventh day of April A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty four, personally appeared before me, Robert J. Orr, a Justice of the Peace - Thomas B. Woods - and Lorenzo D Stockton residents of the County of Marshall in the State of Tennessee to me well known to be credible and disinterested person, who being duly sworn according to law, declare that they were present and saw and heard Mrs. Mary Coffey make and subscribe the foregoing declaration, and that she is the widow of James Coffey deceased, They having lived together as husband and wife for a number of years and were as such considered
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in the neighborhood in which they resided, and that she is still his widow and truly the person she represent herself to be, that she is the widow of the identical James Coffey who drew a pension in his life time, as a revolutionary soldier, that they are knowing to the fact of him the said James Coffey, drawing a pension and that she the Mary Coffey is at this time drawing a pension as the widow of the said James Coffey, who they are satisfied is the person represented to be Note the following is a true and correct copy of the Record of said marriage Jas Coffey and Mary Leeper was married April 5th 1787
[signed] Francis B Woods
[signed] Lorenzo D Stockton

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day and year above written, and I certify that the affiants are credible persons that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no in this claim all interlirations and erasures made before signing.
[signed] Robert J Orr {hand drawn seal] J.P. for Marshall County

State of Tennessee Marshall County
I Stephen Tally Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Robert J. Orr Esq before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit were made, is and was at the time of so doing an acting Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature thereto is genuine

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office as clerk aforesaid this 13th day of April A/D/ 1853
[signed] Stephen Tally 

Address John H. Warner
Chapel Hill 
Marshall Co.
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James Coffey was born in the year of our Lord 18[illegible]8 [illegible]
Mary Leaper was born [illegible]2d of June 1869-Jas Coffey & Mary Leaper was married April the fifth 1787 [smudged] William Coffey
was born the twenty fifth day of Seen in he 1769[mirrored image] 

[Written over the smudged writing:"] James  Coffey Departed this life on the 20th of December in the year of our Lord 1836
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Nicanar     II. MACCABEES.        is slain.

[left column:]  34  So every man praifed toward the heaven the glorious Lord [Illegible] that warn kept [illegible]'s head upon the [illegible],manner [illegible] unto all of the help of the Lord.
   36  And they ordained all with a common decree in[illegible] to [illegible] pass without solemnity, but to celebrate the thirteenth day of the twelfth month which in the [Syrian queue] is called A-dar, the day before [illegible]
   37 Thus went it with Nicanor : and

[right column:]

from that time forth the Hebrews had [illegible] in their power.  And here will I [illegible.
   38  And [illegible] [italicized: have done} well, and as is fitting the story, it is that which [illegible] -fire [illegible] eanly, it is that which I could attain unto.
   39 For it is humful to drink wine or water along [illegible] ine mingle [illegible] water is clean and delighteth the [illegible] even so speach  (only?) framed, delighteth [illegible]

THE END OF THE AP0CRYTHA.

[THE REST IS WRITTEN WITH STRONG INK:]

Thos Coffey was born the 17th of [illegible] Jany, in the year of Our Lord 1729.
____   __       ____   __   ___ ____ ____
Mary Coffey was born in [illegible] the twenty 
                                                               _______
third in the year of Our Lord 1727
_____  _______  _____ _______   _______
[Capt?] L. Coffey was born [illegible] [Decm?] in the year of Our Lord 1797

Martha Coffey was born the19th Day of March in the year of Our Lord 1794

Jane Coffey was born the 28th of March during the year of Our Lord - 1797

Wm Coffey was born the 26 of Sept, in the year of Our Lord 18[illegible]
Elizabeth Coffey was born the 8th Day of [illegible] in the year of Our Lord 1804
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James Coffey was born the 17th of August in the year of our Lord 1759 and departed this life. 20. of December  in the year of our Lord 1836
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4899
James Coffey
Tennessee

5.16.

p. 27

See let Nov 8 32 - 
J McKisick
Shelbyville Tenn
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4899

BRIEF in the case of James Coffee of Bedford County in the State of Tennessee. 
(Act 7 June, 1832.)

1.  Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  [handwritten] in open court.

2.  If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3.  How old is he?  [handwritten]  72 years 11 mths and 24 days

4.  State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

[A table with columns labeled as follows]

Period.  
     Enlisted in the spring of the year in 1776 for
1 year and 9 months

     Discharged in the winter he thinks 1777.

Duration of Service. [sub-columns for Years. Months. Days.]
     [All Blank]

Rank. As a    
     [All Blank]

Name and rank of Field officers under whom he served.
     Colo. Atley Pennaa State Troops
     Capt Murry's Compy.
     Lieut Fenney
     Colo. McGaugh

[End of Table]

5. In what battles was he engaged?  [handwritten]  Battle at Long Island -- Main action at Ft. Washington on North river & also several skirmishes.

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?  [handwritten]  Chester Coty Pennsylvania

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  [handwritten] Traditionary evidence.

8.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication?  and if so, in what respect?  

[A stylized mark] certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

Examining Clerk.
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James Coffey was born in the year of our Lord August 19, 1759
Mary Leeper was born 28 June 1769
James Coffey & Mary Leeper were married April the 5 1787
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An amendment to the declaration of James Coffey. Sworn to and subscribed on August term 1832 at Bedford County Court; in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832.

State of Tennessee
Bedford County}
Personally appeared before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the peace for said County James Coffey who being duly Sworn; Deposeth and saith, that by reason of old Age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot Swear positively to a day the precise length of his Service; But according to the best of his recollection he served not less than three years and nine months in the actual Service of the United States as a private Soldier in the  State troops of Pennsylvania, in Captain Murrys company, during the war of the Revolution for which he claims a pension.  Sworn to and Subscribed this 25 day of December 1832.
James Coffey
Before me James B. Lowry JP

State of Tennessee
Bedford County }
I James McKisick clerk of the court of pleas and guarding  Pennsylvania's for said County, do hereby certify that James B. Lowry before whom James Coffey was qualified to the foregoing [illegible] declaration is now and was at the time of qualifying him thereto an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and credit  (some words covered by seal) to all his official acts as such.  In Testimony  whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the Seal of Bedford County Court at office this 8th day of January 1833.
Jas McKisick Clerk
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1916.
State of Tennessee
Bedford County    Nov the 10th 1830
For the purpose of obtaining the benefit of
an act for the relief of certain surviving officers
and soldiers of the army of the revolution
approved on the 15th day of May 1828.
James Coffey of the County of Bedford
and State of Tennessee do hereby declare
that I enlisted in the Continental line of the
army of the revolution for and during the
term of one year and nine months
and continued in the service as a soldier and
a prisoner until the close of the war.  I
entered the service of the United States in
the year 1776 under the command of Capt.
Murry, who was attached to Col Atley's
regiment of the Pennsylvania Line, and after
was commanded by Col. Bull and lastly by Col. Stewart. During the time I was enlisted, I was taken a prisoner by the enemy at the battle of Fort Washington, and confined until the close of the war, except during that time I was on parole. When I was discharged, I was a private in Capt. Scott's company and received my discharge from Col. Stewart of the Pennsylvania line.  At the time there was an exchange of Prisoners by Gen. Washington, and I among others was exchanged and received my discharge. And I also declare that I was entitled to a certificate for the record of eighty dollars, to which I was entitled under a resolve of Congress passed on the 15th May 1778.
Page 26

I am of age sixty one years, all of which is Respectfully submitted.
And I further declare that I was not on the 15th day of March 1828 on the pension list of the United States.
James Coffey

Sworn to and subscribed before me, James B. Lowry, acting Justice of the Peace for the County of Bedford

State of Tennessee
Bedford County
Before me James B. Lowry, an acting Justice of the peace for the County of Bedford and State of Tennessee, do personally appeal William of truth and Respectability, who are both citizens of Bedford County and who decisively made under oath that James Coffey. by whom the forgoing declaration was subscribed, is
generally reputed and believed to have been
a soldier in the army of the Revolution in
manner as therein stated.
Witness my hand this10th day of Nov in the
year 1830.
James B Lowry
Wm Williams
John Orr
Page 27

State of Tennessee

I James McKisick, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Session for the County of Bedford in the state aforesaid do hereby Certify that James B Lowry Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn to is now and was at the date of said affidavits an acting Justice of the peace for Said County duly Commissioned and qualified as Such
[seal affixed left margin]
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Court at office in Shelbyville the 16th of November AD 1830
[signed] Jas McKisick Clerk of the Court aforesaid

State of Tennessee
Bedford County
I James Brettain presiding Justice of the Court of pleas and quarter session of the Court of Bedford and state aforesaid do hereby Certify that James McKisck whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate is Clerk of the Said Court over which I preside and was his attestation is in clear form of Law Given under my hand at office this the Lower of Shelbyville this 16th day of November AD 1830
[signed] James Brettain
Chairman of Bedford County Court
Page 28

[A wholly illegible document but for]

Act 7 July 18[illegible]
Page 29

[A wholly illegible document]
Page 30

as is 
Eight M 1862
[Illegible]
Mary Coffey
widow of James
Tennessee
Act of 7 July 1838
[Illegible] resolution of 23
Marry 1845
Adm 21 Mo
$170
from 4 March 1836 to 4 March 1841
Admin Act 3 March 43
17 months 44 days to July 48
$70th per an
and 4 March 1843
Hon Geo W Jones
House [Illegible]
Page 31

Rev WIDOW, &c.

File No. 410
Mary Coffey
Widow
James Coffey
Private. Rev. War

Act Feb 2, 1848
Index Vol A Page 141

(Arrangement of 1870)
Page 32

[First three lines are illegible]
C [illegible]
Suspended
let 29 Apl, 1840
Hon. H.M. Watterson
let 21 Sep 1841 to J.N.Parker
let [illegible] March 8th to G.H. Parker
[illegible] Halstand Jany [illegible]
Act 7 July 1838
Page 33

[checkmark]
24.986



Nov [illegible]
Page 34

[A file jacket, on the left side]

8390
Tennessee  Nashville

Mary Coffey widow of James Coffey who was a Private in the Revolution 
Husband died 20th Dec. 1836

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 70 Dollars ----------- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of August ’48 and sent to Hon G. W. Jones House of Reps

[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844.]

Recorded in Book D Vol. 2 Page 190

[on the right side]

Re[illegible]
Page 35

10465
Tennessee
Mary Coffey, Widow of James
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 20 Dec. 1826, of Marshall in the State of Tennessee, who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Murry
of the Regt commanded by Col Atley in
the Revolution for 21 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Nashville at the rate of
70 Dollars 0 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
-
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of
August 1868, and sent to them
G. W Jones 
Justice of Peace
Total amount, $350.00
[Act July &, 1838]
Recorded by [Illegible], Clerk
Book C, Vol 1, Page 343
Page 36

State of Tennessee
County of Marshall
On this 31 day October 1844 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace Mrs Mary Coffey formerly Mary Leeper a resident of Tennessee in the County of Marshall aged 74 years who being first duly Sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7, 1838. entitled an act granting half-pay and pensions to certain widows that She is the widow of James Coffey who was a pensioner of the United States and that he drew Seventy Dollars and (blank) cents per annum at the agency in Nashville Tennessee untill his death - which occured on the 20th day of December 1836. She further declares that She was Married to the Said James Coffey in Cumberland County State of Pennsylvanmia on the fifth day of April one Thousand Seven Hundred and Eight Seven. That 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 viz at the time above Stated and that She has remained a widow ever Since the death of her Husband James Coffey which will appear by the proof that will be annexed.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
[signed] Mary Coffey
[signed] L D Stockton
Justice of the peace for Sd County
Page 37

I do hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Mrs. Mary Coffey, who hath sworn and
subscribed to the within declaration for the
last twelve years in consequence of old age
and being a cripple by her leg having been
broken besides other infirmities, she is
unable to attend in open Court that she is a
woman of high standing and respectability
and that I never heard of the [Illegible] of the marriage of James Coffey, deceased, and now his widow Mary Coffey, disproved.
disposed
L.D. Stockton, JP
Marshall County

State of Tennessee
Marshall County
On this the 8th day of November 1844, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace of the County of Marshall and State aforesaid Mrs. Elizabeth McClaney, aged Seventy-Six years, doth certify that she knew Mrs. Mary Coffey, formerly Mary Leiper, who hath subscribed to the within declaration, and James Coffey, deceased, her husband for the last Sixty-five years, that she knew them before
they was married and after they was Married in Cumberland County, State of Pennsylvania, and was at the Marriage and saw them lawfully Married, and that Mary Coffey still continues, the widow of James Coffey deceased.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year both within the writing before me.

J W Walker 
Justice of the peace for Marshall County

Elizabeth McClaney
Page 38

State of Tennessee
Marshall County
On this the 8th day of November 1844 personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace of the County of Marshall and State aforesaid Mrs Rebecca Leeper aged Seventy years doth Certify that She knew Miss Mary Leeper now Mrs Mary Coffey and James Coffey for the last fifty eight years that she knew them before they was married and ever since they was married in Cumberland County State of Pennsylvania and that She was at the Marriage of James Coffey now deceased and now his surviving widow Mary Coffey and Saw them Lawfully Married by one Parson Cooper and that the Same Mary Coffey I saw married to James Coffey who hath subscribed to the within declaration is the identical person I say Married in Cumberland County State of Pennsylvania
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year both within written before me
[signed] J W Walker Justice of the peace for Marshall County
[signed] Robert Leeper

I do certify that I am personally acquainted with Mrs. Elizabeth M Cleary & Rebecca Leeper & that they are old ladies of as high standing & respectability as any in the County of Marshall & that the words and James Coffee was interlined before the above was assigned

J.W. Walker Justice of the peace for Marshall County
Page 39

State of Tennessee Marshall County  } S.S.

I Martin W. Oakley Clerk of the County Court of said Marshall County hereby Certify J. W. Walker and L. D. Stockton are acting Justices of the peace for the aforesaid County and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine;

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office at Lewisburg this 8th day of November A.D. 1844

Martin W. Oakley Clerk of said Court 

By his Deputy John Elliott

[Written vertically]

11,495 [crossed out]
[illegible] 11.495
Page 40

State of Tennessee
Marshal County
Martin W. Oakley
Clerk of the county court of Marshal County in the state of Tennessee, do hereby certify that Lorenzo D. Stockston, the person before whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed and sworn to, was at that time & still is an acting
Justice of the peace in & for Marshall County in the State aforesaid, appointed and qualified
by the constitution & laws of the state aforesaid, and that full faith and credit are 
given to all his official acts as such. Done at office this 16th day of August 1845

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and public seal of office
Martin W. Oakley Clerk
By his deputy John Elliott

State of Tennessee
Marshall County
J. Burgess Harden
Chairman of the County Court of
Marshall County in the state
Page 41

aforesaid, do hereby certify that Martin W. Oakley, the person who made the foregoing certificate, was at that time, and still is, the clerk of the county court of Marshal County in
the state aforesaid, appointed and qualified by the constitution & laws of the state aforesaid,
and that his attestation is in due form of law. Done at office This 16 of August 1842.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my
hand and private seal of office
Burgess Hardin JP
chairman of Marshall County Court
Page 42

Declaration of Mary Coffey
Page 43

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act
of Congress of the 7 July 1838 entitled
act, granting half pay and pension to certain widows and likewise to obtain the benefit of other acts of Congress.

State of Tennessee
Marshal County
On this 5th day of August 1845, personally
appeared before me L.D. Stockston, one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for Marshal County in the State aforesaid, and one of the members of the county court in the county of Marshall & state aforesaid. 
Mary Coffey a resident of the County of
Marshal & State aforesaid, aged seventy-six years, who being first duly sworn according to
law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of
the provision made by the act of Congress
Page 44

passed July 7,1838, entitled "An act granting
half pay and pensions to certain widows."
That she is the widow of James Coffey, who was a soldier of the revolutionary war. That in the year 1776 in Lancaster County in the state
of Pennsylvania, her husband, the said James Coffey, enlisted as a regular soldier and a private, and went into the service of the United States. (She does not at this time recollect the captain's name at the time he entered the service.) But during his service, one of his kin was his captain. That she does not at this time recollect his other officers' names, except George Washington was his General. That said James Coffey, her husband, resided in Lancaster County in the State of Pennsylvania at the time he enlisted and went into the service of the United States. That soon after he entered said service, he marched to the city of
Philadelphia, and afterwards he marched through different parts of the
Page 45

United States, and during said service, he was in the Battle of Brandywine, and in the battle at the cowpens, and in the battle of the Eutaugh Springs in the State of New Jersey, and in the
battle at Longland he was taken a prisoner and retained by the British a little more than two months, at the expiration of which time, he was given a parole by the British and then returned 
to the American army, but was not permitted to go into service, and continued under his parole until his tour of service expired. That he
enlisting for one year and nine months. That
he served one tour & that tour was one year and nine months, which was the time he
was enlisted for. That at the expiration of
the tour aforesaid, he received a discharge from his proper officer, but the discharge has been destroyed. That the said James Coffey, her husband, died on the 20th day
Page 46

of December 1836. That several years previous to his death, he applied for and obtained a pension from the government of the United States. That she does not at this time recollect the amount he drew per month, but believes it was six dollars, or a little more than six dollars per month. That he continued to draw a pension until the time of his death. That on the 5th day of April in the year of our Lord 1797 in Cumberland County in the state of Pennsylvania, she intermarried with the said James Coffey and continued to live with him
as his wife till the day of his death. And that she has never married any other person whatever since his death. That soon after she married the said James Coffey, her marriage was written down in Jame Coffey's family bible.
by the said James Coffey himself, after which 
the record of the marriage which was written down in the bible was retrieved and kept by James Coffey himself until his death, and after his death was retained and kept by this declarant till about two years ago. She delivered the same
Page 47

a certain gentleman to try and get a pension for his service at which time the gentleman, nor she does not know where the record is at. That time that was previous to the delivery of the record aforesaid. That she obtained a copy of the same which copy is marked B. and set on with this declaration to the pension office.
That said James Coffey has been dead eight years, seven months and sixteen days.
That so James Coffey departed this life in Bedford County in the State of Tennessee. That he died in the same house in which this declarant at this time resides since his death. A new county has been organized here, named Marshall County, and her residence has fallen into Marchall County. That she advised and believing that the pension certificate which her husband James Coffey obtained has been set up to the pension office as she is advised
and believes. That she has no
Page 48

momentary evidence in support of her claim, except that which is accounted to in her declaration. She prays for a pension.
Mary Coffey

Sworn to and subscribed to this 5th day of August 1845
Loranzo D. Stockston
Justice of the Peace in and for Marshall County

State of Tennessee
Marshall County
I hereby do certify that said Mary Coffey who has sworn to the above declaration is a woman of good standing and respectability and a person entitled to full credit. And owing to her
infirmity, she is unable to attend Court to
swear to her declaration without suffering
all conveniences.
This 5 day of August 1835
Lorenzo D Stockton
Justice of the piece in and for Marshall County
grate
Page 49

Murfreesborough Rutherford County
Tennessee August 22nd. 1845
Sir
I have enclosed in this letter the declaration of Mrs Mary Coffey and the affidavits and records.  It appears that I never have seen a stronger and better case made out for a pension in my life,  I have been at a great deal of trouble, and have taken great pains in order to have her papers correct Sir I hope a pension will be granted to her. I hope some way to have an introduction to you and have an opportunity of paying that respect and attention to you which is so justly due for that respect and attention which you have allways extended to me ever since we first commenced a communication with each other.  
I am with sentiments of great respect and essterem your friend and obedient servant, John. Bruce

The Honorable G. J. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 50

State of Tennessee
Marshall County  This day being the 29th day of April A.D. 1846 personly [sic] appeared before Mr. Wilson P. Davis Charman [Chairman] and presiding Magistrate of Marshall;; County Court Mary Coffey who in order to obtain the bennefit [benefit] of the provisions Made by the act of congress passed July the 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widdows [widows] after being duly Sworn makes the following declaration She is 76 years of age and from her age and bodily infirmity She is unable to appear in oppen [open] court that she is the widdow [widow] of James Coffey who was a private in the  regular armay [army] in the revolutionary war that he continued in the army for one year and 9 months and was regularly discharged Said applicant States that her [illegible] husband was a prisoner at the time peace was Made he was taken prisoner in or Neare [near]  Philadelphia that he enlisted in the Yeare [year] 1776 under Col Henderson in Lancaster County at Newlondon crossrodes Pennsylvania the first captain under whom he served Since applicant dos not recollect at this time but believes it was Capt Peoples but applicant well recollects  that the last was Capt McCrackin applicant further States that the countries [sic] through which he marched were New Jersey Delaware and
Page 51

Pennsylvania and was taken prisoner as above Stated applicant further states the battles in which he was engaged were many (Viz) Long Island Stratons Island and others, she further states that she was married to the said James Coffey on the 5th day of Aprile in the year 1787 and that her husband the said James Coffey died on the 20th day of December 1836 that she was not married to him prior to his Leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the  1st day of January 1794 [illegible] at the time above stated applicant further states that her said husband was a Pensioner of the United States of America at the time of his death which took place as above stated and had been for three years and some months and that all the evidence upon which his pension was granted she supposed to be on file in the proper department, at the time said James Coffey obtained the benefit of the pension Law he was described as a citizen of Bedford County Tennessee your applicant states further that she has not got the original records of her Marriage with the said James Coffey as it was taken out by a gentleman who was to make an Effort to obtain a pension for her which gentleman she has not heard from since but states she retained a true copy of the
Page 52

Original record which coppy [copy] is eclosed [enclosed] Marked No 3 the only other Evidence is the recollection of persons who witnessed. their mariage and further States She is a citizen of Marshall County Tennessee 
Mary ^her U Coffey
           Mark
Acknolledged [Acknowledged] Subscribed
and Sworn to before Me 
the day and date above
written 
Wilson P. Davis  [illegible and circled]
Chairman and presiding Magistrate of Marshall County Court Tennessee
[written in different script:] 
State of Tessessee Marshall County, Scyt
I John Elliotte Clerk of the County Court of Said Marshall County hereby Certify that Wilson P. Davis is Chairman and [presiding Magistrate of Marshall County Court he having been duly elected Commissioner and qualified as Such and that full faith and Credit is due all his official acts as Such and that the signature to the foregoing declaration purporting to be his 
is genuine - 
In testimony whereof I [illegible] [illegible] sat set my hand and affixed my Seal of office at office in Lewisburg this 30th day of April A.D. 1846. John Elliotte Clerk of the County Court of Marshall County
Page 53

Declaration of Mary Coffey
In order to obtain the benefits of this act of Congress of 2nd February 1848. entitled "An act making further provisions for Surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution.
State of Tennessee
County of Marshall  SS
On this 27th day of July,, 1848 personally appeared before [illegible] undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State Mary Coffey a resident of Said Marshall County in the State of Tennessee aged Seventy nine years who being first duly sworn accordingly to law doth [two words crossed out and illegible] oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the promiscing made by this act of Congress passed on the 2nd February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary 
war. That she is the widow of James Coffey ^late of Bedford County State of Tennessee, who was in his lifetime placed upon the pension roles of the United States under the act of Congress p[assed June 7th 1832 at the rate of
Page 54

Seventy Dollars per annnum
She declares that she is still a widow
Sworn to and substantiated            Mary ^her Coffey
                                                                   mark
before me [illegible - smudged] day and year above written.
A.D. McAdams ''  Justice of the Peace.

State of Tennessee
County of Marshall
     I John Elliott Clerk of the County Court of Said Marshall County, Certify that A.D. McAdams before whom the above affidavit was service to war at the time of attesting this same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State duly elected Commissioned and qualified as appeared remaining of record in my office and that the Signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In listening:  whereof I have hereunto [smudged out[ subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 27th day of July    1848
John Elliott [CHE circled]
Page 55

[Illegible] Mrs Coffey


Hon H.M. Watterson
HR
Page 56

About two weeks ago I received a letter from Benj Williams of Lewisburg, Marshall County Tenn - informing me that he had transmitted to the Pension office, some pension Documents. When the cases are examined into, and decided upon, Mr. Edwards, will send the papers to me , ande oblige his         . 
   obt svt
A.M.Watterson

Mary Coffey   rev 10 March
Andrew Neill     "  30
Page 57

Lewisburg Marshall County Tennessee
Feby 4 1840

John L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Enclosed is the declaration and evidence of Mary Coffey, Widow of James Coffey decd late Pensioner. I have written to Mr. John Cooper of Peoria Illinois and will send you his answer when obtained if necessary but from the best information I have I don't think he has any record
If any other evidence should be wanting write to me at this place
The warrant upon which James Coffey (the husband of Mary Coffey) drew pension was dated the 17th March 1833, and I refer you to his proof for services
Your obt Servt
B Williams
Page 58

South Harpeth Tennessee
Nov 25th 1844

J.L. Edwards Esq
Dear Sir
Enclosed you will receive the application of Mrs Mary Coffey of Marshall County Ten. widow of James Coffey who was a pensioner on the agency at Nashville - 
Should her papers be sufficiently authenticated you will please remit her pension certificate to me at South Harpeth Davidson County Tennessee, or should there be any objections you will please notify me of the same by writing me as above directed
Respectfully
Your Obt Servant
Ezra Holstead
Page 59

Shippensburg PA Jany 16th 1840

Mr. B. Williams

D Sir
Yours of 28th rein last was recd - I have made every exertion to be enabled to give you the desired information but as yet, have not been able to get hold of anything that will be of service to you - there was a law passed in Penna requiring licence to be obtained for Marriage, but never went into operation, and the only records of Marriage that has ever been kept any where in Penna. were those kept by the Clergy who perform'd the ceremony - I cannot learn whether the Rev'd Doct Cooper ever kept such record or not - at his death, all his effects (Books, papers, KK) fell into the hands of his son - who I think would be the most proper person to apply to - He left this section of country las fall - His address is - John Cooper - Peoria - Peona County Illinois - From the best information I can get, Mr John Cooper has all his Fathers papers with him now - I think you had better make enquiry at him, and in the mean time, if I can get anything
Page 60

that I think will be of service to you, I will forward it forthwith
Respectfully yours
J. Wundertich P. No
Shippensburg
Page 61

State of Tenn
Marshall SS

Declaration of Mary Coffey in order to obtain the benefit of act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to Certain widows...

On this 27day of July 1840 personally appeared before Thomas Cummings one of the Justices of the Court of Marshall County in the State of Tenn Mary Coffey a resident of the county of Manhattan state aforesaid who often having been 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 July Seventh 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pension to certain widows That the widow of James Coffee who was a soldier of the Pennsylvania line (enlisted from Lancaster County) of the Army of the revolution and was a pensioner under the act of congress of 7th June 1832 was in the battles of Brandywine & Monmouth and was taken prisoner and confined four times in New York, She further declares that she was married to the said James Coffey on the fifth day of April Seventeen hundred and eighty seven: that her husband the aforesaid James Coffey died on the 20th Dec 1836; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of Jan Seventeen hundred and ninety four viz at the time above written
[signed] Mary Coffey x her mark [hand drawn seal]
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and date above written before
[signed] Thomas Cumming JP for said County [hand drawn seal]
Page 62

State of Tenn
Marshall County SS

I Thomas Cummings the Justice of the Court of Marshall County do hereby certify that Mary Coffey whose name is subscribed to the within declaration is a lady of good repute and entitled to full credit on her oath in any court of Justice and I Further certify that on account of bodily infirmity she is unable to appear before the Court
Given under my hand and seal this 27th day of July 1840
[signed] Thomas Cummings [handdrawn seal] JP for said County 

State of Tenn
Marshall County
Sec No 6862
 Martin N Oakley Clerk of the Marshall County Court hereby certify that Thomas Cummings Esq whose name is subscribed to the within declaration as Justice of the Peace is now and was at the date of subscribing his name as such one of the acting Justices of the peace and (also a Justice of the County Court of said County said court being a court of record) in and for said county duly commissioned and sworn to act as such that full faith and credit is due and should be given to all his official acts and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my names and affixed my seal of office this 31 July 1846
[signed] Martin W Oakley Clerk of Marshall County Court by his deputy John Ellicott
Page 63

Durden Aug 14, 1840
Concerning moniesr of Pensions
Sir
I enclose the within claims for your investigation. By examination herein, the clerk has made a mistake in his certificate to the declaration of Elizabeth Morron which I
hope will not be considered material. She relies entirely on the rolls of the Army for proof of her husbands' services. Should he be sustained there in her claim, the other testimony can be made complete.
The case of Mary Coffey you will perceive
has been transferred by mutual consent for
Mr Williams as agent to me. I could not
learn precisely what objection is now in the
mind of the Commissioner. I have sent the
Family record, which together with the affidavit
of Mrs Leiper set among the former papers
will be sufficient, I presume as to the marriage.
The husband was a pensioner and I suppose
that the evidence on which he drew his pension ought to be sufficient. The rule adopted by the department under the act of 1832 I presume cannot be departed from in the case of the Widow. Eight years have past,
and the difficulty of obtaining the testimony
of living witnesses as to services must have
vastly increased in that time, and to adopt the riged will of requiring positive proof in regard to Services of the pensioner from the Widow
would be an injustice, and effectually exclude
a vast number who ought to receive pensions
from the provisions of the act of 1838.
Page 64

This case is again submitted to the Commissioner with the additional testimony of the family record.
The case of Elizabeth Walker was submitted
to the department claiming under the act of 1836 and rejected with the admonition of the commissioner that she might be entitled under the act of 1838.  The papers herewith submitted are made out claiming under that act.  The enclosed family record together
with the testimony of a living witness formerly submitted will, it is presumed, be sufficient or to the Marriage
An ordination of these papers is requested.
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant,
Geo H. Parker

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Dere

Geo H Parker
Dunden Weakley County
Tennessee
Page 65

State of Tennessee
Marshall County
Know all men by these present that I, Mary Coffey of Marshall County, State of Tennessee, do hereby Constitute and appoint Geo H Parker of Weakley County, State aforesaid, my true and lawful Attorney, and hereby authorize
him to prosecute my claim for pension under the act of Congress passed July 7th,1838
entitled an "Act granting half pay and pension
to certain widows" before the Commissioner of
pension at Washington, and receive my pension Certificate if granted
Given under my hand and seal this 27th day of July 1840
Mary Coffey
Her mark X

State of Tennessee
Marshall County
I, Thomas Cummings, one of the Justices of the Court of Marshall County, State of Tennessee, 
hereby certify that Mary Coffey, whose name
is subscribed to the above power of Attorney,
personally appeared before me and acknowledged the same to be her act and did for the purposes therein contained.
Given under my hand and seal this 27 day of July 1840
Thomas Cummings
JP for said County
Page 66

State of Tenn
Marshall County
I Martin W Oakley Clerk of the Marshall County Court hereby certify that Thomas Cummings whose name is subscribed to the within acknowledgement of a power of attorney is now and was at the time of subscribing his name as such an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly Commissioned and sworn as such that full faith and credit is due and should be given to all his official acts and that his signature subscribed to the within instrument is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 30th July 1840
Martin W Oakley Clerk of Marshall County Court By his Deputy John Elliott

State of Tennessee
Marshall County

I Benjamin Williams Chairman and presiding magistrate of the County Court of Said Marshall County, do certify that Martin W Oakly whose nane appeared to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time the same was signed the clerk of our said court duly elected and qualified and that John Elliott is his regular sworn Deputy and that the Signature and Seal is genuine. Given under my hand and seal this 31st day of July A.D. 1840 
[signed] B Williams [handdrawn seal]
Chairman Marshall County Court
Page 67

Feb 1 1846

[stamped] Jan 30

Rec'd Mary Coffey

The Honourable J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 68

Murphreesborough
January 29. 1846.
Sir
Your letter of the 26th of September last in the case of Mrs Mary Coffey is at this time before me. In said letter you stated that the papers sent to you afforded no evidence whatever of her husband James Coffey,s services. Sir when I sent on the first papers in such case it clearly appeared to  *  me that I have done every thing that could be done, and had not left one stone unturned. Sir it seemed to me that she had proven every thing that was necessary. But sir to my great surprise I at length received the letter which is at this time before me requiring further proof. And soon after the reception of said letter I complyed [sic] with your request by [illegible] to obtain such proof, but all in vain. As I have stated heretofore I have great confidence in the Department. But with great respect and essteem [sic] to the opinion of the Department , I differ with them as to one very important matter and that is as to the proof of the services of the husband in his wife ,s case where the husband drew a pension in his lifetime In a case where the husband has all ready proven his services, and has been put down on the pension Roll, received his certificate, and received a stipend
Page 69

and to the day of his death and after the death of the husband, when his wife applies for a pension. I am verily at a great loss to determine for what reason it is that the Department requires the wife to prove 
those services over again. It is like the requirement of a Jury who call upon a party to prove the same fact over again before they will
bring in a verdict in his favor. In the 13 rule of
 the 9th of July 1836 presented by the president of the United States, and accepted by the Secretary of War, I find the following words (to wit): In every case in which the deceased officer or soldier was a pensioner, the fact who will be so stated, and the deceased pensioner so described as to enable
the Department to refer immediately to the evidence upon which he was pensioned and thus facilitate the investigation of the claim of the widow or children. James Coffey proved his service in his lifetime to the full satisfaction
of the department, enrolled n the pension Roll, received his certificated, and drew a pension to the time of his death.  His widow, in her valuation, stated that he was a pensioner, and specifically described him. She has proven her
marriage in proper time and proved that he is dead and that she is still a widow.
Sir, in my judgment, said time is fully made out And, urgently, I hope frequently I hope the Department will reconsider the matter, and grant her a pension. Sir, I now present to the 
Department a {illegible] woman, whose husband served his country.
Page 70

faithfully, but is now gone go his grave But she still lingers and hovers withiin the narrow limits of life, and owe in [illegible] her great [illegible] has thrown herself upon the [generocity] of a friend for a support. I have done every thing I can for her and now I submit her case into the hands of the Department, hoping of trusting for a favourable decision. I am truly sorry that it is so long after I write to you before I get any return. I am respectfully your obedient servant
John Bruce.
The Honourable
JL Edwards
Commissioner of 
Pensions.
Washington City
Page 71

[right top corner - illegible]

James Coffey and Mary Leeper was maried on the 5 day april A.D. 1787

State of Tennessee
Marshall County
This day personly appeared before Mr. Wilson P. Davis one of the acting justices of the peace in and for said County Lorenzo D Stockton and made oath in due form of Law that he some three or four yeares ago was called on by Mary Coffey to take a coppy of her family record and that the above is a true coppy which family record was in the hand writing of James Coffey as kept by him in his family Bible the reasons it was taken on in that there came a man to Mary Coffey and stated he would try to get her a pension and in order to enable him to do so he was inforced to take the leaf out of the Bible that contained said record and he has not seen or herd of said man or record since the record attended to was the marrage of James and Mary Coffey and that the Said James Coffey above attracted to was a revolutionary pensioner
Subscribed and Sworn to before me this 30th day of April 1846
[signed] L D Stockton
[signed] Wilson P Davis JP for said County
Page 72

House of Representatives Mar 11th 1846
I G George W Jones of Lincoln County in the State of Tennessee hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Wilson P Davis Esq and throw him to a justice of the peace at within uprewded I also certify that I am personally acquainted with Lorenzo D Stockton the within named affiant and know him to be a man of truth and veracity whose statements an entitled to full and unqualified credit and reliance - 
G.W. Jones
Page 73

Ho of Reps
May 11th 1846
Sir
Herewith I enclose to you the Declaration and proof of Mary Coffey to enable her to obtain a pension which you will please examine and advise me of the result at your earliest convenience.
Respectfully
GW Jones

Col J.L. Edwards Com of Pensions
Page 74

J Coffey

Returned cases - 
from 1776 private 1 year & 9 month
$70

J McKisick
Page 75

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of [handwritten James Coffey] which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show were the applicant resides? [handwritten yes.]

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? [handwritten yes]

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? [handwritten yes]

V. Has he mentioned 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? [handwritten No]

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? [handwritten yes]

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? [handwritten yes]

VII. Has the Court given their opinion? [handwritten yes]

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? [yes]

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? [handwritten yes & has a device.]
Page 76

2 [centered page number] 

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?  [handwritten Yes]

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? [handwritten Yes]

XIV. [a stylized cross] If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?

XVI. [two stylized crosses] Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? [handwritten no]

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? [handwritten yes]

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. 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."
Page 77

3 [centered page number] 

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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 about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In evert instance where this certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, then end of which must pass under the seal off office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Page 78

[An envelope or cover for a letter addressed to]

Col James L Edwards
Comm,r of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

[A stamp reading “FREE”]

[A round stamp, with location around the edge and date in the center]
NASHVILLE Te.  Feb 15

[Written vertically]
Marry Coffey
1187-48
cmr
Page 79

Nashville, Tennessee Feb 14th AD 1849
Sir
Under the act of Congress approved July 11th 1848, that in all cases where a pension may have been granted to any officer or Soldier of the Revolution in his lifetime, the evidence
upon which such pension was granted
shall be conclusive of the service of such
officer or soldier in the application of
any widow or women who may have
been the widow of such officers or 
Soldier for a pension, and upon proof by
her that she was married to any such
officer or soldier prior to January first
Seventeen Hundred and ninety-four and
she is a widow, she shall thereupon be placed
on the pension rolls at the same rate that such
officer or soldier received during his lifetime.
In the case of Mary Coffee of Marshall
Tennessee, sent to you by Ezra Holsted of
South Harpeth Tennessee, the Marriage
was admitted by you, but the proof of services
could not be proven the second time. Her Husband drew a pension at the agency in Nashville until his death.
Page 80

Now Sir, please to have the goodness to inform me if Mrs. Mary Coffee will have to make a new declaration and prove her Marriage by the same persons she did before, and if the witnesses be dead, what other proof would be necessary, or whether the first proof of her Marriage will be
sufficient.  
By giving me the information required, I will be thankful to you, and be 
Your Obedient Servant,
Jubal Richardson

Col. James L. Edwards
Commisioner of Pensions
Page 81

State of Tennessee
Marshall County
 [illegible] this 15 Day of August. 1845 personnally appeared before me James Brown [signature underlined] An acting Justice of the peace for Marshall county, in the state of Ten,ne 24 and one of the members of the county court of Marshal county in the state [illegible] said Rebecca Leaper a resident of the county and state aforesaid aged seventy-one   years, who being first deposed according to law and states as follows [illegible] 1797 
[illegible] 
State of Pennsylvania house of James Leaper she was present and saw James Coffey [illegible] Mary Leeper & married to each other by       Cooper a presbyterian minister. Affidavit states that
Page 82

2 [centered]
she was one of the witnesses who witnessed [illegible] James Coffy and Mary Leeper when they were married. She states she believes the record of the said marriage which is marked But is at this time before her is correct. She further states that after the marriage aforesaid that [illegible] James Coffy and Mary Coffy lived together as man & wife till the 20 Day of December 1836 at which at time said James Coffy departed this life in Bedford County in the same house in which the said Mary Coffy at this time resides. But since his departure a new county has been organised there married for about [illegible] the residence of said Mary Coffy has fallen into Marshall County she states that the record with regard to the death of the said James Coffy & marked C. [illegible initial] is not at this time before her is correct States[crossed out] she states that after the death of said James Coffy that said Mary Coffy never
Page 83

3. [centered]

never married any other person whatever. and is at this time residding in Marshall county in the state of Tennessee.
[signature] Rebekah Leeper
Swornto and subscribed before me this 14th of August ]illegible]   James Brown [illegible , circled] Justice of the peace for Mar [Marshall] County
Page 84

Sate of Tennessee   }       
Marshall County     }

I do herby [illegible] that Rebecca Leeper, who has sworn to the foregoing Affidavit is a person of respectability and witness intitled to Credit in testimony

whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 14th day of August 1845 - - - 


James Brown      [The word “Seal” in a doodle]  
Justice of the peace for Marshall County

[Written vertically]
Affidavit of Rebecca Leeper
Page 85

State of Tennessee
Marshall County
I, Martin W. Oakley, Clerk of the county in the county of Marshall in the State of Tennessee,  do hereby certify that James Brown, the person before whom the foregoing affidavit was subscribed and sworn to, was at that time and still is an acting justice of the peace in and for Marshall County in the State aforesaid ,appointed and qualified by the constitution and laws of the State aforesaid, and that full faith and credit are to be given to all his official acts as such done at office, this 4th day of August 1845.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and public seal of office
Martin W. Oakley
By his deputy John Elliott

State of Tennessee
Marshall County
I, Burgess Hardin, Chairman of the County Court for Marshall County in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Martin W. Oakley be the person who made the foregoing certificate, was at that time and still is the clerk of the County Court
Page 86

of Marshall county in the State aforesaid appointed and qualified by the constituion and laws of the state aforesaid and that his attestation is in due form of law done at office this 16th day of August 1845 In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal of office
Burgess Hardin [hand drawn sea]
Chairman of Marshall County Court
Page 87

Affidavit of Lorenzo D Stockton
Page 88


State of Tennessee
Marshall County
This day personally appeared before me Hugh A. Hall, one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for Marshall County and State aforesaid, and one of the members of County Court at Marshall County and State aforesaid, and L.D Stockton, and after being duly sworn, deposed and saith as follows:
In the short time after said James Coffey departed this life, afficant wrote down the time of his death in my own Family bible. This Bible, with the recorded time of his death, has been kept and retained by afficant down to the time which the record of his death is marked and sent with the other papers to the War Department, and is the original record of his death,
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th
day of August 1845
Hugh A. Hall
Justice of the peace for Marshall County
Page 89

State of
Tennessee
Marshal County
S
Martin W Ockly
clerk of
the coun
by Court of War
shall County in the
that
aforesaid do hereby certify
Hugh H. Hall
the person by
the whom
the
foregoing affidavit
was subscribed and sworn to
was at that time and still
is an acting Justice of the peace
in & for Marshall County in the State
aforesaid and that full faith & credit
are to be given to all his office
cial acts as such one at office
This
State of Tennessee
Marshall County
I, martin W. Oakley, clerk of the county court of Marshall County in the state aforesaid, do hereby certify that Hugh A. Hall, the person before whom the following affidavit was subscribed and sworn to, was at that time and still is and acting Justice of the Peace in and for Marshall County in the state aforesaid. And that full faith and credit are to be given to all his office and such done at office.
This 16th day of August, 1845
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and public seal.

Martin W. Oakley
By his deputy John Elliott

State of Tennessee
Marshall County
I, Burgess Hardin, chairman of the county court for Marshall County in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Martin W. Oakley,  the person who made the foregoing certificate, was at that time and still is
Page 90

the clerk of the county court of Marshall county in the State aforesaid appointed and qualified by the constitution and laws of the State aforesaid and that his attestation is in due form of law done at office this 16th day of August 1805 In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal of office
Burgess Hardin
Chairman of Marshall County Court
Page 91

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription] 	 

State of Tennessee     }
Marshall County        }
 
I Martin W. Oakley clerk of the County Court of the county of Marshal in the State of Tennessee, do hereby certify that James Brown the person before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn to and subscribed was at that time and still is an acting justice of the peace in and for Marshal county in the state aforesaid appointed and qualified by the constitution and laws of the state aforesaid   And that full faith & credit are to be given to all his official acts as such 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto put my hand and publick
Page 92

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription] 	 

seal of office.  Done at office on this 16th day of August 1845

Martin W. Oakley   Clerk
By his Deputy John Elliott

[An illegible seal]

State of Tennessee     }
Marshal County         }

I Burgess Hardin Chairman of the County Court of Marshal county in the state aforesaid do hereby certify that Martin W. Oakley the person who made the foregoing certificate was at that time and still is the clerk of the County court of Marshal County in the state aforesaid appointed and qualified by the constitution & laws of the state aforesaid.  And that his attestation is in due form of law 

Done at office this 16 of Aug 1845 In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & private seal of office. 

Burgess Hardin 	[The word “Seal” in a doodle]
Chairman of Marshall County Court
Page 93

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription] 	 

State of Tennessee     }         
Marshal County         }

On this 15 day of August 1845 personally appeared before me James Brown an acting for
Justice of the peace for Marshall County in the state aforesaid and one of the members of the County court of Marshall county in the state aforesaid Elizabeth McClarey aged seventy seven years and is a resident of the county and state aforesaid.  And who being first duly sworn according to law deposeth & says as follows.  

That on the 5 day of April 1787 in Cumberland county in the State of Pennsylvania at the house of James Leeper she was present and saw James Coffy and Mary Leeper married to each other by [illegible] Cooper a presbyterian minister.  

Affiant states that she [illegible] the record of the marriage aforesaid which is marked B. [crossed out words] and is at this time before her is correct.  She further states
Page 94

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]   

2 [A page number, centered]

That after his marriage aforesaid that the said James Coffy and Mary Coffy his wife lived together as man & wife till the 20th day of December ---- 1836:  at which time the sd James Coffy departed this life in Bedford County in the state of Tennessee, that he died in the same house in which the sd Mary Coffy at this time resides.

But since his death a new County has been organized there named Marshall County and the residence of sd Mary Coffy has falled into Marshal County   she states that that the record with regard to the death of the sd James Coffy and marked C. and is at this time before her is correct.  

She states that after the death of the sd James Coffy that the sd Mary Coffy  never married any other person whatever and is residing at this time in Marshall County in the state of Tennessee

Elizabeth McClarey

              her 
Elizabeth McClarey
             mark

Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 15th day of August 1845
James Brown   [The word “Seal” in a doodle] Justice of the peace for Marshall County
Page 95

3

State of Tennessee   ⎬
Marshall County       ⎬

I do hereby certify that Elizabeth McLary, who has sworn to the foregoing Afadavit is a person of respectability and a witness who is intitled to credit__   This 15th day of August 1845

James Brown      [The word “Seal” in a doodle]  
Justice of the Peace for the County

[written vertically]

Afadavit of Elizabeth McLeary
Page 96

[two scraps of paper, on the first] 

Mrs Elizabeth McClarey and Mrs Rebecca Luper who proved the Marriage of Mrs Mary Coffee Resides near Lewisburg Marshall County Tennessee

[On the second]

James Coffey W. T. act 7 June 1832
to what time [illegible] :-

$70.            Pen office 	Apl 17.40

Died 20th Decr 1836 paid to that pend
Page 97

George Foster lives in Crags Bend of Duck River in Hickman County his affidavit proves both service of Coffee and his marriage the declaration was made in Maury County-- See the Honble W Walker

Representative from Hickman County who stated to me that Foster might be relied on

H Claiborne
Page 98

State of Tenn Marshall County Ss

On this 27 day of July 1840 personally appeared me the Subscriber Thomas Cummings one of the Justices of the Court of Marshall County State of Tenn L D Stockton known to me to be a man of good repute and entitled to full credit and belief on his oath and after having been duly sworn according to law on his oath deposes and says that he cut the leaf herewith enclosed from the family Bible now in his possession that it contains the family record of James Coffey deceased and to his personal knowledge having been well acquainted with his said James Coffeys hand writing the record is in the hand writing of said James Coffey deceased that said James Coffey was a pensioner and the husband of Mary Coffey who is applying for a pension through her agent Geo H Parker
[signed] L.D. Stockton [hand drawn seal]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and date above written before
Thomas Cummings [hand drawn seal] JP for said County

State of Tenn
Marshall County
I Martin W Oakley Clerk of the court of Marshall County state aforesaid hereby certify that Thomas Cummings whose name is Subscribed to the foregoing affidavit is now and was a Justice of the peace at the time of subscribing the same duly commissioned and acting as such and also a Justice of the county court said court being a court of record, that full credit is due and should be given to all his official acts and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County Court at office in Lewesburg this 20 day of July
Page 99

AD 1840 and of our Independence of the United States of America the 65 year test
[seal affixed]
Martin W Oakley Clerk of Marshall County Court by his Deputy John Elliott

State of Tennessee
Marshall County
I Benjamin Williams Chairman and presiding magistrate of the county court of said Marshall County, do certify that Martin W Oakley whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate is and was at the time the same was signed the clerk of our said court duly elected and qualified and that John Elliott at his regular sworn Deputy, and the Signature and Seal Genuine given under my hand and seal this 31st day of July A.D. 1840
B Williams [hand drawn seal]
Chairman Marshall County Court
Page 100

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]   

State of Tennessee   }
Marshall County       }

This day personally appeared before me Lorenzo D Stockton an acting Justice of the piec in and for said Marshall County one Martha Woods formerly Martty Leeper age 71 [“years” inserted] and after being first duly sworn says as of follows to viz

ar you acquainted with Mary Coffey [illegible words inserted above] the present aplicant and if so how long have you been line so.    I am acquainted with her and have been some sixty two or three years

did you see her marid to James Coffey     I did.   How long since I do not no precisely but think it was in the spring of 1787

had they lived together from that time as husband and wife    until his death they had 

when did he die    I think it was in the winter of 1836

do you no how old there oldest child is is.     Not precisley but I think between fifty five and Sixty   near Sixty,

Mary Coffey the aforesant aplicant is still living is she not   She is and further depant saith not

this 25 day of April 1846

              her
Martha    +   Woods
              mark

State of Tennessee ⎬ 
Marshall County     ⎬

I hereby certify that the above Deposition was taken before me on the day and date above dated and that the above Witness in intitled to full credit and belieff this 25 day of April 1846

Loungo D. Stockton [The word “Seal” in a doodle]
Justice of the peace in and for Marshall County
Page 101

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]   

No 2  D

State of Tennessee      }
Marshall County          }

On this day the 21st of April 1846 Rebecca Leeper a resident of the said County & State personally appeared before me Lorenzo D Stockton an acting justice of the peace in & for said County & State, who being sworn according to law makes the following statement viz.  

witness says she was acquainted with Mary Coffey formerly Mary Leeper before her intermarriage with James Coffee decd that said Mary & James were married in Cumberland County in the State of Pennsylvania    Witness [an illegible crossed out word] was at the wedding and acted as Bridesmaid 

she witnessed the ceremony which was performed by the Rev Mr Cooper at the house of [words crossed out] James Leeper the father of said Mary--  Witness does not distinctly recollect the year when the marriage took place, she will state however that the witness was married in the month of January 1795.   she knows that Mary & James Coffey were married before she was show long she cant at this distance of time distinctly recollect but thinks it was some six or seven years – [several words crossed out]
Page 102

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]       

Witness [“states” crossed out] he says that since the marriages of said James & Mary Coffey they lived together as man & wife till his death which took place in Marshalls County some several years ago   witness States [“that since Mary Coffey” inserted above] has not married since the death of her said husband, and is still a widow as she [“believes” crossed out] is advised and believes - and further this deponent saith not

Rebekah Leeper

State of Tennessee   }
Marshall County       }

I hereby certify that the above deposition was taken before me on the day and date above written and that the witness is intitled to full credit and beliff this 25 day of April 1846

Lorenzo S D Stockton [The word “Seal” in a doodle]

Justice of the piece for Marshall Co
Page 103

State of Tennissee
Marshall County

on this the 21st day of april 1846 Elizabeth M. Cleary a resident of Marshall County Tennessee personally appeared before me Lorenzo D. Stockton as an acting justice of the peace for said County.
Page 104

[illegible] and court by reasons of bodily infirmity [illegible] this second [illegible][illegible] to and [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] by these in presence said [illegible] [illegible] way contacted to credit. 
Lorenzo D. Stockton [illegible] county 
justice of the peace in and for Marshall
State of Tennisee Marshall County 
I John Elliott Clerk of the County Courts of said Marshall County hereby certify that Lorenzo D. Stockton is a justice of the peace as above and [illegible] the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix my seal of office in Leesburg?? this 25th day of April A.D. 1846
John Elliott clerk of the county courts of Marshall County