Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2,360, John Couch, Conn.
Page 1

Conn.     Couch, John          R. 2360
                        Prudence
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State of New York
Montgomery County} ss.
On this 11th day of June 1841, personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Judges of the county court in and for the county aforesaid, Prudence Couch a resident of the town of Amsterdam in the county of Montgomery, aged seventy eight 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 passed July 7, 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows; That she is the widow of John Couch, who was a private in the war of the Revolution, and served as stated in the certificates of the comptroller of the state of Connecticut hereunto attached. She further declares that she was married to the said John Couch on the 5th day of April in the year seventeen hundred and eighty at New Milford in Litchfield County Connecticut by Abel Hyne a Justice of the Peace. That her husband the aforesaid John Couch, died on the 27th day of June 1827. 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 at the time above states.
Prudence Couch
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before
James Voorhes
Judge of Montgomery County Courts
Page 3

Montgomery County Clerk's Office}
I Henry Cook Clerk of the county of Montgomery do hereby certify that James Voorhees, whose name is subscribed to the jurat of the within affidavit, was at the date of said jurat and affidavit a judge in and for the county aforesaid, dwelling in said county commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to act as such Judge and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge and verily believe that the signature to the within jurat of affidavit purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said county the 14th day of June 1841.
H. Cook Clerk

State of New York
Montgomery County} ss. I, James Voorhees one of the Judges of the county courts of the county aforesaid do hereby give my opinion after examining the declaration and affidavits hereunto annexed, that Prudence Couch named as applicant for a pension therein, is the widow of John Couch & that she was married to the said John Couch at the time mentioned in said declaration, and that he died at the time mentioned therein, and that she has remained the widow of the said John Couch ever since the day of his death. And I further certify that claimant cannot attend any of the courts of record in said county
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by reason of bodily infirmity to all of which I certify.
James Voorhees
Judge of Montgomery County Courts

Amsterdam, June 11, 1841

Montgomery County Clerk's Office} ss.
I, Henry Cook, clerk of the county of Montgomery, do certify that James Voorhees, whose names is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, was at the date of said certificate, a Judge in and for the county aforesaid, dwelling in the said county, duly commissioned and sworn, and authorized to act as such judge, and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such judge and [unk] believe that the signature to said certificate is genuine.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county, this 14th day of June 1841.
H. Cook, Clerk

State of New York
Montgomery County} ss. Personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Judges of the County Courts, in and for the county aforesaid, Marietta Sperlock a resident of the town of Amsterdam and county aforesaid, who being duly sworn deposes and says that she if the sixth child of John and Prudence Couch and that
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her eldest sisters name is Rebekah and was born as deponent believes in 1781, and that her oldest sisters name was Laura, and deponent further says that her oldest brother's names was Oliver and the second brother's name was William. deponent further says that Prudence Couch is now a widow and has been ever since the death of her said father and further says not.
Marietta Sparlock
Sworn and subscribed before me this 11th day of June 1841.
James Voorhees
Judge f Montgomery County Courts

I certify that deponent is reputable and that her statements are entitled to full credit.
James Voorhees
Judge of Montgomery County Courts

Montgomery County Clerk's Office} ss. I, Henry Cook, clerk of the county of Montgomery, do hereby certify, that James Voorhees, whose name is subscribed to the jurat of the foregoing affidavit, was at the date of said affidavit, a judge in and for the county of Montgomery, dwelling in the said county, commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to act as such judge, and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing if such judge,  and verily believe that the signature to said jurat of affidavit is genuine. In testimony
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whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said county, the 14th day of June 1841.
H. Cook, Clerk

I, Noah Porter, Twnp of New Milford, Litchfield County and state of Connecticut, depose and say, that I am pastor of the Congregational church and society in said New Milford and have the custody and keeping of the records of said church, that in said records under the head of "A Record of Baptisms by N Taylor, Reg on Sept 6, 1767" I find the following entries- to wit: "March 25th 1781 a daughter f John Couch called Rebekah"
"Sept 18, 1785, a daughter of John Couch called Laura"
"Sept 23, 1787 a son of John Couch called William"
That said records and entries purport to have been made and I verily believe were made by the Revd. Nathaniel Taylor (now decd) formerly pastor of said church and society.
Noah Porter, Junr
Pastor of said church

State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield
Probate District of Nw Milford ss.
Sworn to and subscribed by the said Noah Porter Junr in open court before the court of Pro-
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bate for said district this 20th day of October AD 1840.
Nathaniel Perry
Judge of said Court

I, Joel W. Northrop of New Milford, Litchfield County and State of Connecticut depose and say that I am clerk of said town of New Milford, and have the custody and keeping of the records thereof; that I have made diligent search of said records for the marriage of John Couch to Prudence Warner and cannot find said marriage or said records and verily believe that such marriage is not on the records of said town.
Joel W. Northrop
Clerk of said Town

State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield} 
Probate District of New Milford ss.
Sworn to and subscribed by the said Joel W. Northrop in open court, before the court of Probate for said district, this 20th day of October AD 1840.
Nathaniel Perry
Judge of sd Court

I, Noble S. Bennett, Clerk of the said court of Probate do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in ta-
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king the affidavits of Revd Neal Porter Jr and Joel W Northrop.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court, this 20th day of October AD 1840.
Noble S Bennett, Clerk


Comptroller's Officer
Hartford June 7, 1841
I certify that an application for evidence of the services of John Couch in the Revolutionary War, I have examined the records of settlements made with the Connecticut Line of the Continental army and find in a settlement with the 2d Connecticut Regiment, Zebulon Butler, Esq Colonel, before Jan. 1, 1780, the name of John Couch a private who commenced service March 1, 1777. Time of the settlement Jan. 1, 1780 having served two years and ten months. Again same Regiment commenced service Jan. 1, 1780 as fifer. Time of settlement March 1, 1780, having served two months.
Henry Kilbourn
Comptroller
From March 1, 1777 to Jan. 1, 1780 3(y) 10(m) 0(dys) as private
From July 1, 1780 to March 1, 1780  2(m) 0(dy) as fifer
                                            39(yr) 0(m) 0(dy)

A certificate of the service was given to M. Perry, Esq of New Milford in 1778 of which this is a copy.
H. Kilbourn Compt
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State of New York
Montgomery County} ss.
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and before the county aforesaid, Prudence Couch of Amsterdam & County aforesaid, aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn says that she is the widow of John Couch, deceased, who was a soldier of the Revolution and served as stated in claimants original papers, claimant further says that she has no knowledge of any person or persons by the name of Couch serving in the Revolution. Deponent further says that her husband had two brothers whose names were [unk] and Stephen, but does not know that either of them served in the war of the Revolution, claimant further says that she knows of no person now living who can testify as to the services of her said husband. Claimant further says that she was born in New Milford, Conn. and lived in that place until after the war had closed. And she further says that her said husband John Couch lived in the time of the war in the town of Redding Connecticut and further this deponent saith not.
Prudence Couch

Sworn and subscribed before me this 27th day of August 1841.
Andrew Thatcher, Justice of the Peace

I certify that deponent is reputable and that her statements are entitled to full credit.
Andrew Thatcher, Justice of the Peace
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I Noah Porter Jr of New Milford, Litchfield County & State of Connecticut, depose and say, that I am Pastor of the Congregational  Church & Society in said New Milford and have the custody & keeping of the records of said Church, that, on said records under the head of "A Record of Baptisms by N. Taylor began Sept 6, 1767" I find the following entries- to wit
"March 25th 1781 a daughter of John Couch called Rebekah"
"Sept 18, 1785 a daughter of John Couch called Laura"
"Sept 23, 1787 a son of John Couch called William"
That said Records & entries purport to have been made & I verily believe were made by the Reverend Nathaniel Taylor (now dead) formerly pastor of said Church and Society.
Noah Porter Junr- Pastor of said Church

State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield
Probate District of New Milford ss:
Sworn to and subscribed by the said Noah Porter Junr in open Court before the Court of Probate for said District this 20th day of October AD 1840
Nathaniel Perry Judge of said Court
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I Joel W. Northrop of New Milford, Litchfield County & State of Connecticut depose and say that I am Clerk of said Town of New Milford and have the custody & keeping of the records thereof, that I have made diligent search of said records for the marriage of John Couch to Prudence Warner and cannot find said marriage on said records & verily believe that such marriage is not on the records of said town.
Joel W Northrop Clerk of sd Town

State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield
Probate District of New Milford ss:
Sworn to and subscribed by the said Joel W. Northrop in open Court before the Court of Probate for said District this 20th day of October AD 1840
Nathaniel Perry Judge of sd Court

I Noble S. Bennett Clerk of the said Court of Probate do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in taking the affidavits of Revd Noah Porter Junr and Joel W. Northrop.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 20th day of October AD 1840
Noble S Bennett Clerk
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State of New York
Montgomery County} ss.
Personally appeared before the Subscriber one of the Judges of the County Courts in and for the County aforesaid Marietta Sporlock a resident of the town of Amsterdam and County aforesaid who being duly sworn deposes and saus that she is the sixth child of John & Prudence Couch and that her oldest sister's name is Rebekah and was born as deponent believes in 1781 & that her second oldest sister's name was Laura & deponent further says that her oldest brother's name was Oliver and the second brother's name was William- deponent further says that Prudence Couch is now a widow and has been ever since the death of her said Father and further says not.
Mariette Sporlock

Sworn and subscribed before me this 11th day of June 1841,
James Voorhees Judge of Montgomery County Courts

I certify that deponent is respectable and that her statements are entitled to full credit.
James Voorhees Judge of Montgomery County Courts

Montgomery County Clerk's Office} ss.
I Henry Cook Clerk of the county of Montgomery do hereby certify that James Voorhees whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the foregoing affidavit was at the date of the said affidavit a Judge in and for the County of Montgomery, dwelling in the said County, commissioned & sworn and duly authorized to act as such Judge, and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Judge, and verily believe that the signatures to said Jurat of affidavit is genuine. In testimony whe-
Page 13

application of Prudence
Couch for pension
No 7872
Prudence Couch
NY
act 7 July '38
m 80 d 27


Hon. J Sanford
HR
Page 14

27th CONGRESS            Ho. of REPS.
2d Session

Rep. No. 797

PRUDENCE COUCH
{To accompany bill H. R. No. 451}

May 26, 1842

Mr. FORNANCE,  from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, submitted the following

REPORT:
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions to whom was referred the petition of Prudence Couch, report:
That a certificate from the comptroller's office at Hartford, Connecticut, proves that John Couch had served three years during the war of the Revolution. The petitioner also produces the affidavit of one of her children to prove the death of their father, and the names and reputed age of the children. She has also produced a certificate from the records of the congregational church in New Milford, Connecticut, from which it appears that, in the 25th day of March, 1781, a daughter of John Couch, called Rebecca, was baptized. The Commissioner of Pensions refused her a pension, because she did not establish her identity. The committee, however, think there can be but little doubt of her identity, especially as there appears but one John Couch on the rolls. They therefore recommend a bill granting her a pension under the act of 1838.
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STATE OF NEW YORK
MONTGOMERY COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE} ss.
I, J. W. VAN DUVEER, Clerk of the said County, do hereby certify that John Everson Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgement to which this is annexed, was on the date of the same a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, in and for said County, and dwelling in said County, duly qualified, and authorized by law to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said JUSTICE, and verily believe his signature to the said Certificate is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed my official seal, at FONDA, this 25th day of Sept 1852.
J W Van Duveer Clerk
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TO THE HON. THE COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS:
I hereby appoint Mr. Giles F. Yates, of Schenectady, N.Y., my true and lawful attorney, with power of substitution, to prosecute before you the claim if Prudence Couch widow of John Couch of NY for a pension under the act of 7th July 1832 and I hereby revoke all powers of attorney by me at any time heretofore made.
You will be pleased to allow him, or his substitute, to examine the papers on file in your office, relating to this claim. Witness my hand and seal. this twenty fifth day of September 1852.
William Couch

Signed, sealed, and acknowledged before me
John Everson Justice of the Peace of Montgomery County
Page 17

2360- Rej
John Couch
June 11, 1841- 78
Amsterdam NY
married Prudence Warren
Apl 5, 1780-New Milford Ct
died June 27, 1827
Mch 1, 77 Redding Ct
Capt -
Col Z. Butler
pvt. 2 ys 10 mos
Ct                 Do
                     Do
Fifer 2 m
no Bal
Page 18

No 7872       2360
Prudence Couch
N. York             John 
Let. Hon. J. Fornance Apl 8 '40
" J Sanford June 24 '41
" M J Bovee Augt 21 '41
"   do    Sept 15 '41
" J. Servon   Mar 30 '42
" J Fornance May 17 '43
" M J Bovee   Apl 27 '43
" L Sherman   Jany 16 '45
" M J Bovee  March 27th '45
" Sea [unk] Mar 27 '45
" M L Bovee Apl 27 '45
to Arad Joy Oct 8 '45
Let Hon J D Doty
February 1/50
Hon C Durkee Apr 25 '51
[unk] See  Aug 13 '51
M J Bovee Nov 25 '43
Sec of Int Jany 13 '54
M J Bovee " 23 "
Hon C Durkee Dec 24 '55
" P R Horn Mar 1 '36
" S [unk] Nov 15 '36
Page 19

John Couch's
Revolutioner
Widow applied from
NY law of 1836
an old case of mine
I have no new power
He was conductor of teams in Ct
I ask a search of the papers in State Depart
Feb 3 1852
from 
Arad joy

I have old authority from the children, appointing me their agent, my only object now is, to ask a search of the State Department as he was conductor of teams
Page 20

HR 451
Prudence Couch


let to M J Bovee Mar 29 1843
Page 21

State of New York
Montgomery County} ss.
I, James Voorhees, one of the Judges of the County Courts of the County aforesaid do hereby  give my opinion after examining the declaration and affidavits hereunto annexed. That Prudence Couch named as applicant for a pension herein is the widow of John Couch & that she was married to the said John Couch at the time mentioned in said declaration and that he died at the time mentioned therein and that she has remained the widow of the said John Couch ever since the day of his death, and I further certify that claimant cannot attend any of the Courts of record of said County by reason of bodily infirmity. To all of [unk] I certify. Amsterdam June 11, 1841
James Voorhees Judge of Montgomery County Courts

Montgomery County Clerk's Office} ss. I, Henry Cook, Clerk of the County of Montgomery, do certify that James Voorhees whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, a Judge in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, duly commissioned & sworn, and authorized to act as such Judge, and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Judge and verily believe that the signature to said certificate is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County the 14th day of June 1841.
H. Cook, Clerk
Page 22

copy
Prudence Couch

1
Page 23

I hereby certify, That the accompanying pages ------------ numbered from one to nine, inclusive are truly copied from the original papers in the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions, Department of War.

J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Be it remembered, That James L. Edwards, who has signed the foregoing certificate, is Commissioner of Pensions; and that to his attestations full faith and credit are and ought to be given.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the seal of the Department to be affixed, on this twenty sixth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two.
John A Spencer
Secretary of War
Page 24

Comptrollers Office
Hartford June 7, 1841
I certify that on application for evidence of the services of John Couch in the Revolutionary War, I have examined the words of settlements made with the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army and find in a settlement with the 2nd
[whole line is unreadable]
of John Couch a private who commenced service March 1777 Time of settlement July 1 1780 having served two years and ten months again same Regiment commenced service Jany 1780 as Fifier Term of settlement March 1 1780 having served two months.
Henry Kilbourn Compt

from March 1777 to Jany 1780 3.10.0 as private
from July 1780 to March 1780  2.0 Fifer
                                                  1.0.0
a certificate of this service was given to N. Percy Esq of New Milford in 1778 of which this is copy.
H. Kilbourn Comp
Page 25

State of New York
Montgomery County} ss.
On this 11th day of June 1841, personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Judges of the County Court in and for the County aforesaid Prudence Couch a resident of the Town of Amsterdam in the County of Montgomery aged seventy eight 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 John Couch who was a Private in the War of the Revolution, and served as stated in the certificate of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut hereunto attached. She further declares that she was married to the said John Couch on the 5th day of April in the year seventeen hundred and eighty at New Milford, Litchfield County, Connecticut by Abel Hyne a Justice of the Peace. That he husband the aforesaid John Couch died in the 27th day of June 1827; That she 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 LJJ at the time above stated.
Prudence Couch

Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before
James Voorhees Judge of Montgomery County Courts
Page 26

Montgomery County Clerk's Office
I Henry Cook Clerk of the County of Montgomery, do hereby certify that James Voorhees whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the within affidavit was at the date of said Jurat & affidavit a Judge in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in said County, commissioned & sworn and duly authenticated to act as such Judge, and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Judge and verily believe that the signature to the within Jurat of affidavit purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County the 16th day of June 1841.
H. Cook, Clerk
Page 27

State of New York
Montgomery County Clerk's Office} ss.
I, Henry Cook, Clerk of the county of Montgomery, do hereby certify that Andrew Thatcher Esq whose name is subscribed to the within Jurat of affidavit and certificate, was at the date of the said Jurat and certificate a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Montgomery, duly elected and qualified to act as such Justice, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the within Jurat of affidavit and certificate is the genuine hand writing of the said Andrew Thatcher.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the county of Montgomery the 28th day of August 1841.
H Cook, Clerk
Page 28

John Couch
Col Zeb Balter
Mar. 27 1777 -- 2. 10.0
?. 1 1780  2 

Captain Couch
Couch Mill Jan 5 77 ? Oct. 78
Buler Co.l Sept 78
In pris. July 1 77 Phil 78 Oct Sept 78
left ? March 1780
Abraham} May 1 77 ? for March Sept 78
Page 29

Jas Beebe Aug 79
Ma '77 Jn Couch ?
? Abraham Couch fifer
paid 23 Dec. '78                ? Dec. 18 '78
Abraham Couch ?
Jn Couch in Beebe Co. 1st term Sept 78
Abraham Couch
C Chubb
Page 30

REJECTED
2360
P.O.    
Prudence Couch
Service: wid. of John Couch
Enlisted:                        , 18
Discharged:                  , 18

Application filed                           , 18

Alleges:

Re-enlisted:

Attorney:
P.O.
------ Recognized ------------- Contract
------ Cert. of Dis.  Searched for -----------, 18
Page 31

H. Reps
Washington Feb 29th '56
Hon. J. Minot
I am requested to ascertain whether the name of John Couch appears on the Revolutionary Pension Roll, and of so whether within the last two or three years he has or any one for him, received any back pay or additional pension.
It is feared that his attorney has played foul with him or his representatives.
Yours truly
T. R. Horton

New York
Page 32

Washington DC
Mar 24/56

Sir:
The com. on Pension of the Senate have directed me to request of you such information as your files may afford in regard to the enclosed petition of Mrs. Prudence Couch.
With much respect your obt servt
Geo. W. Jones
ohr. sec. comm. pen


Hon. J. Minot
Commr Pensions
Present
Page 33

Washn. Mch 27 '45
M. J. Bovee
appeals one Prudence
Couch's claim
B. 107 Rec Mch 27 '45
Pension Office
Page 34

Washington March 27, 1845
Sir
I have taken an appeal from the decision of the Commr. of Pensions in the case of Prudence Couch, widow of John Couch who asks a Pension under the act of July 7, 1838 to be examined before you.
I am yours respectfully
Matthias J Bovee

Hon. W. L. Marcy
Secretary of War
Page 35

Testim in the Case of Prudence Couch July 7 '38
Page 36

Sept 18, 1845
Recd
Prudence Couch
be Mary Brown
Jermone
admd care
Benj West


Hon J L Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington
DC
Page 37

Ovid N.Y. Sept 8th 1845
Sir
I write in behalf of the children of Prudence Couch, widow of John Couch who applied for a pension from Amsterdam Montgomery Co New York, under law of 1836 through her agent Mr. Bover, or a name much like it, he having left the State, I beg you leave to ask the favor of you, to please give me a history of this case, or the objection to granting the pension, or what further you may require to grant the pension, the widow is decd as I am informed & the children cannot give the desired information, & the agent has left the State.
Respectfully yours
Mon Ad Servt
Arad Joy

Hon J L Edwards
Coms of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 38

[illegible] 7 '45
M.J. Bover
Prudence Couch's
Pension Claim
13710 New Apl 1/45
P [illegible] Office
Page 39

Washington March 27, 1845
Sir
In order that you may hear my reasons for the offence in the case of Prudence Couch W. of John Couch for a pension under the Act of July 1838 1 st, I will say that Prudence Couch calld in one & made a statement on which statement of hers I obtained the Certificate of the Comptroller of Ours, Identity is the trouble in this case, is it not to be foresworn or a supposable case to say that there were two [illegible] by the name of John Couch who were fifers, her husband was one, I consider her case a clear one. she is a first [illegible] Woman but poor, in things of this life, but Rich in spiritual things being a Member of the Baptist Church, Hon J.L. Edwards said he [illegible] this case would be allowed.
I am your respectfully
Mathias J. Bovee
Hon M.L. Marcy
Secretary of War
P.S. let this be filed with her papers, and let the subject of to the care of Hon Henry Dodge
M.G. B
Page 40

May 13, 1842
Mary Elder
Prudence Couch

Hon. J. Fornance
H. R.

Formance HR

J L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Present
Page 41

May 12th 1842
To J L Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions}
Dear Sir
In your letter dated April 23d 1842, you state that the application of Mary Elder, widow of John Elder was refused, because her husband was not enlisted, nor acting under the authority of the State, but engaged in a predatory warfare against the Indians, and that when a pension was granted you had best an imperfect knowledge of the Penna Service. The committee had requested me to obtain the evidence upon which you now decide the character of his service.

Also in the case of Prudence Couch now of New York; who claims to be the widow of John Couch, a revolutionary soldier in the Connecticut line. In a letter of yours addressed to Hon J Sanford dated June 24, 1841, you state that the evidence of Identity is not sufficient.
The committee direct me to enquire whether there is more than one John Couch, known to you as a soldier of the revolution.
Will you do us the favour to furnish this information.
With great respect,
Yours,
J Fornance
Page 42

Eagle Wisconsin
M.J. Bovee
Appeal from decision of Comm of Pensions in the case of Prudence Couch widow of John Couch-
claim for Pension under act of July 1838
Respectfully referred by Commr of Pensions for report
Dept. Into
Jany 7 /'53
Geo Whiting
Niles
[illegible]
7 Jay 1854
Page 43

Eagle Waukesha Co. Wis.
Respected Friend
owing to our acquaintance & our devotion to democratic principals I address you feely on a subject I feel a deep interest in. I take on appeal from the Commr of Pensions to your office, in the case of Prudence Couch, widow of John Couch under the Act of July 1838 for a Pension. The objections received to her case is the service, among the papers is the Comptrollers certificates as to all his services, & it is a clear case. And I want you to examine it in person. And your obliging will be satisfactory to me, you can forward the certificate to me in the name of the widow, & believing as ever your friend
Matthias J. Bowe

Hon. Robert McClellan

P. S. Application of Widow taken in the state of N. York
M. J. Bowe
Page 44

Cover
Pension Office
Sir
March 27 45
In the case of Prudence Couch in which
Mr Bover has appealed from the decision of this office I have the honor to make the following report. This case was presented in 1840 upon a Declaration of Claimant in which she asserted the service in these terms that her husband" was a private [underlined] in the war of the revolution and served as stated in the certificate of the Compt of Count hereto attached". She was required to produce proof of the identity
of her husband with the soldier designated in that certificate. This proof might consist either of the deposition of surviving witnesses [crossed out] comrades [illegible] the testifying directly
to the service or of others who have known him soon after the war as a Continental [underlined] soldier or of claim and details of the service particularly as to officers messmates as derived from her husband _ No parol proof has been furnished of comrades or old associates and no designation of officers which [illegible] enable the Dept by reference to the muster Rolls understandly [understandably] to determine. Mr Bovee [Bover] has made a deposition stating in general terms that the Claims furnished the names of the officers under whom
She understood her husband had served which
were communicated to the Compt in the application for record proof _ and that the certificate was
Page 45

recd [received] upon that information. This he argues affords the required proof of identity. Waiving any objection to the precedent of recognizing a witness and agent the in the same person I would respectfully [caret] repeat the [superscript] remark that no designation of the officers has been furnished to this office and that such designation to the Comptroller would not afford the requisite proof because his books do not shew [show] under what officers the service is rendered, except the Coll of the Regiment in which the soldier terminated the enlistment. In this Case the Coll designated in the Comptroller's certificate obtained command of the 2d a Reg very short time before his enlistment expired _ He served five sixths of his term in a different Coll
Hon. W L Marcy
Sec of war.
Page 46

Department of the Interior
Washington January 20th 1854
Sir
Your decision upon the claim of Prudence Couch widow of John Couch, for a Pension under the act of July 7, 1838, has been affirmed; and the papers accompanying your report in the case, are herewith returned to your office.
I am, respectfully, your obdt servt
R Mc Clelland
Secretary

Hon Loren P Waldo
Comm of Pensions
Page 47

Pension Office 
Augt 5th 1857
Sir,
The enclosed copy of a letter addressed to the Secretary of War, on the 27th of March 1848 shows that state of the case of Prudence Couch claiming a pension under the act of July 7, 1838 at the time when it was written. This letter contains a full report of the case for the consideration of the Secretary and was written by the late Chief Clerk Dr. Crump than whom a more intelligent examiner can scarcely be found. The Secretary confirmed the action had by this office and there has been no proof subsequently produced to allow the completion of the case. You will find all of the testimony in the case in the papers marked in pension 1, 2, 3 & 4 folded by themselves. The balance of the papers consists of correspondence. I need scarcely add that, in my opinion, the former decision of this office, confirmed by Secretary Marcy, is correct, as none of the regulations have been complied with in stating the service and there is no shadow of evidence of the identity of the claimant's husband with the person names in the certificate of the Comptroller of Connecti
Page 48

cut
I have the honor  to be very respectfully yr obt Servt 
F H Davidge

Jas E Heath
Commr of Pensions
Page 49

Pension Office
March 30th 1842
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose herewith copies of the papers in the case of Prudence Couch and of my letter to the Hon. J. Sanford of the 24th of June last in which you will perceive that the only objection to the admission of her claim rests upon the insufficiency of the proof of service.

I have the honor to me very respectfully yr mo obt st
J L Edwards


Honble Samuel Gordon
House of Representatives
Page 50

Pension Office
March 1, 1842
Sir,
In the case of Prudence Couch, I have the honor to state that consistently in the rules the original papers cannot be sent from the files, but certified copies will be furnished as soon as practicable. A number of copies must however first be prepared for other members of Congress who made application before the receipt of your letter.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obt servt,
J L Edwards


Hon. S. Gordomn
House of Representatives
Page 51

(copy)
Pension Office
June 24th 1841
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the claim of Mrs. Prudence Couch has been examined and her papers filed under the act of July 7th 1838.
The proof of the date of the marriage is satisfactory but no statements or proof of the service as required by the regulations is furnished. The Comptrollers certificates show that there was a soldier of the Connecticut Line bearing the same name of her late husband but in order to establish their identity it will be necessary to adduce credible testimony founded upon personal knowledge of the enlistment service and discharge names of officers &c under whom he served and of such soldier being the husband of said claimant. This proof will be the more insisted upon as his failure to apply under the act of March 18, 1818 affords a very strong inference that he was not the soldier of the same name who rendered the service.
I have the honor to ne &c &c
(signed) J L Edwards


Hon. J. Sanford
House of Representatives
Page 52

Lansingburgh
December 24 1844

Sir
Will pleas to inform us [illegible] the claims of Pond
Page 53

Pension Office
March 25, 1836
Sir,
In compliance with the request contained in your letter of yesterday's date, I have the honor to return the petition of Prudence Couch, and to enclose with it all the papers filed in support of her application as widow of John Couch of New York, for a pension, under the act of July 7th 1838.
With much respect, your obdt servt
J Minot
Commr

Hon. George W. Jones
chr committee on Pensions
U. S. Senate
Page 54

Com. on Pensions SWS
Washington  Feb 5/58

Sir
I herewith enclose the petition & papers of Prudence Couch for Rev Pension 

with Great Respect
Your Obt. Svt.
H.H. Heath
Clk Com. Pens. Lur.

Hon. Geo. C. Whiting}
Com. Pens}
Page 55

Amsterdam Sept 20 1844

Sir
In reply to yours of the 15th [2 illegible words] the Case of Mrs. Prudence Couch widow of John Couch claiming a Pension under the Act of July 1838. I would say that the Claimant cannot identify further than she has . There is one fact in this case which should have an important bracing in her case with the department, and that is the fact that her Husband did not serve after the marriage say in 1779 or 1780. when I was first called to examine her case she informed me that her husband had [illegible word] dissatisfied with the Army of some of its Officers & had sworn after the marriage performed any services in the War and on examining her case found the facts as she had stated. I have no doubt about her case
I am yours respectfully
Matthias J. Bovey


Hon J.L. Edwards
Page 56

Amsterdam Sept. 2, 1841
Sir
Enclosed I forward you the affidavit of Mrs Prudence Couch a claimant for a pension under the act of July 1838, you will discover that claimant and her husband John Couch were born and lived until after the War in the place of their nativity, what puts this claim beyond a doubt in my opinion is the fact that this claimant stated to me the first time I was called to examine her case that her husband John Couch more  rendered any services after the year 1780 or in other words after the marriage took place, at which time I had in knowledge of her case. I hope her case will be allowed as she is old and poor, but intelligent.
Page 57

Amsterdam August 16, 1841

Sir
You raise an objection to this case of Prudence Couch widow of John Couch & say it is singular that he had not applied for a Pension under the Act of March 1818, in reply to that objection I would say that I am informed that John Couch had property and did not fall under the Law of 1818. I [illegible word] discover that he was married in the very place he lived & when the enlistment too place. I do nay see any objection to this case being allowed
I am yours respectfully
Matthias J Bovee

Hon. J. L. Edwards

under the Act of July 1838
Page 58

Eagle Waukesha Co. Wis.
Nov 15, 1853

Sir
I have not attended to the case of Prudence Couch widow of John Couch. I took the papers of Claimant in N. York under the Act of 1838. The reasons of my delay are that Edwards wanted me to dig up this soldier * present him before him, for so it seemed to me, the case of Prudence Couch is beyond as per Advection a certificate of his services and comparing the papers of Claimant, that puts it beyond a doubt, I think you will join and issue her certificate as soon as you seen this case.
I am yours Respectfully
Matthias J Bovee

hon. Waldo
Comr of Pensions
Page 59

35 Cong
1 Sess
Petition of Prudence
Couch praying
Congress to grant her a
pension for service rendered
by her husband John Couch in the
Revolutionary War
=====================
1856 March 18 Referred to
the Com. on Pensions.
======================
1858 Feby 3, Referred to the
Com: on Pensions

17
Durkee
Pension
Retained for call from
agent.


Mr. Durkee
Page 60

To the Honorable Senate & House of Representatives
in Congress Assembled

? Petitioner asks your House bodies to ? a leave granting to her a pension for the Revolutionary Services of her husbund John Couch, under the Act of July 1838. Petitioner's case ? taken the State of N York and her papers are now on file in the War Office at Washington D.C. & as in clearly ? your Petitioner resides was ?
dated at Eagle March 1856
Prudence Couch by her Attorney Matthias J. Bovee
Page 61

[SENATE] [171]
27th Congress,
3d Session

HR451 IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 15, 1843
Ordered to be printed--to accompany bill H.R. 451

Mr. Bates made the following REPORT:

The Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the House bill (No. 451), for the relief of Prudence Couch, report:
The evidence of the identity of the petitioner's late husband and the soldier whose service is proved, is not sufficient. The fact that her husband died in 1827, and made no application for a pension under the act of 1818, to which he was clearly entitled, if he was the soldier referred to and was unable to support himself (and how this was can be shown), justified the department in requiring further evidence, and makes it still doubtful whether the petitioner is entitled to the relief sought. Wherefore, Resolved, That the bill be indefinitely postponed.
Thiomas Allen, print
Page 62

?
April 22, 1843

Sir
When at Washington your pension said to make care examination in a person of the papers of Prudence Couch Widow of John Couch which I stated to you to be a case beyond a doubt as I understood the laws and regulations in such cases. I should be pleasedd to have you examine it & if we agree of which I have no doubt-- you will forward a certificate for 5 years pay under the Act of July 7, 1838.
I am yours respectfully
Matthias J. Bovee
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Page 63

No. 2

Deposition of Bovee Agt. Why was not the original letter to the Prudence couch of Connecticut as to why he never produced or a certificate copy?
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 64

Washington City D.C.

Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the City of Washington Matthias J. Bove of Eagle Prairie Milwaukee County, Wisconsin Territory, who being duly sworn according to the Law, deposes and says that some time in the Spring of 1841, that this said deponent was was called on by Mrs. Prudence Couch of Amsterdam, Montgomery County State of N. York. Widow of a John Couch deceased to know if she could obtain a Pension under the Act of July 7, 1838. This deponent called on Mrs. Couch & she gave to this deponent the names of the officers her said husband had served under, and this information this deponent rec'd from Mrs. Couch & which this deponent forwarded to the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut & that information the certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut, was rec'd. by this deponent, which certificate is attached to her papers and on file & received by this department, & further this deponent saith not.
Matthias B. Bovee
Subscribed & Sworn to this 21st March 1845 before J.D. Clark J of Peace
I hereby certify that deponent is reputable and that his statements are entitled to full credit.
J.D. Clark JP
Page 65

State of New York
Montgomergy County } Ss

Personally appeared before this Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of aforesaid Prudence Couch of Amsterdam & County aforesaid aged Seventy Eight years who being duly sworn says that she is the Widow of John couch deceased who was a Soldier of the Revolution and served as stated in Claimants original papers. Claimant further says the she has no knowledge of any person or persons by the names of Couch serving in the Revolution. Deponent further says that  her husband had ? Brothers whose names were Sam'l & Stephen but does not know that either of them served in the War of the Revolution. Claimaint further says that she knows of no person now living who can testify as to the services of her said Husband. Claimant further says the she was born in New Milford Conn. & lived in that place until after the War had closed & she further says that her said Husband John Couch lived in time of the War in the Town of Redding Connecticut & more this deponent saith not.
Prudence Couch
Sworn and subscribed before me this 27th day of August 1841 Andrew Thatcher Justice of the Peace
I certify that deponent is reputable & that her statesments are entitled to full credit.
Andrew Thatcher Justice of the Peace
Page 66

State of New York
Montgomery County
Clerks Office} Ss

I Henry Cook Clerk of the County of Montgomery do hereby certify that Andrew Thatcher Esq. whose name is Subscribed to the within Jurat of affidavit and certificate, was at the date of said affidavit & certificate a Justice of the peace in and for the county of Montgomery, duly Elected and qualified to act as such Justice, and that I am well acquianted with the hand writing of Said Justice and Verily believe that the Signature to the within Jurat of Affidavit & Certificate, is the genuine hand writing of the Said Andrew Thatcher,
In testimony whereof I have herunto Set my hand and affixed the Seal of the County of Montgomery the 28th day of August 1841
H. Cook, Clerk
Page 67

Petition of 
Prudence Couch
March 14 1842
Refd to the Committee on Rev. Pensions
May 26, 1842- Bill No. 451

13-14
Dates print reported
14
164
Gordon Rev Pen
Page 68

To the Honorable ? Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of Americca in Congress assembled

Your Petitioner would ? to your Honorable body that She is the Widow of John Couch deceased who was a Soldier of the Revollution. Your Petitioner made an application for a Pension under the Act of July 7, 1838 to the Hon. J. L.. Edward Commissioner of Pensions & your Petitioner established her marriage and the services of her said Husband and  then the Commissioner called on  your Petitioner to show by some person living that John Couch was the identical Soldier named in the certificate of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut. Your Petitoner is Eighty years of age and has made diligent search for some person living who knew her said Husband but can find no one living. Your Petitioner would  refer your Honorable body to the papers which are now on file in the Office of the Commissiioner of Pensions for all the facts in her case. Your Petitioner would further ? that She is in indigent circumstances & prays that She may be allowed five years pay and Your Petitioner will ?
Prudence Couch
Amsterdam
February 1st 1842