Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25917, Levi P Cole, Navy R.I.

Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Navy
R.I.

Cole, Levi P.
Watkins Anna
Former widow

NUMBER
W.25917

CONTENTS

Page 2

Maryland
5,092
Dist: of Columbia

Levi Cole
Mariner
4
Ship Providence
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War

Inscribed on the Roll of the Dist: of Columbia at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 20th of May 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 26 of Decr. 1818, and delivered to the pensioner

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1818 - 28.15
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Mar: 1819 48~
3 ms. 12/31 & 4/30th $76.13

4 March 1819 {Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818}

11 months
[illegible] Point

Page 3

6272

New York Albany
Anna Watkins decd
Former widow of Levi Cole
RI
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Mariner

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. 1st July 184[illegible] & End 6th April 1854.

Certificate of Pension issued the 26th day of June, 1854 and sent to A. L. Lynde
Warsaw
New York

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 244. Vol. 4

Page 4

Hon D. Marcy
Feb. 20, '64

Copies of papers of Levi Cole (within) sent to Hon. J. F. Perin Clk Com. Plea. Pen: H. of Reps - May 14/60

Page 5

District of Columbia}
Washington County} ss

On this twentieth day of May in the year of our Lord, Eighteen hundred and Eighteen, before me the Subscriber, on of the Judges of the Circuit Court of the United States for the said District, personally appears Levi Cole, aged fifty four years, resident at Greenleafs point in the City of Washington, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war."  That he, the said Cole entered the service of the said United States on or about the first of September (the year he cannot now distinctly remember) in the town of Boston in the State of Massachusetts, as a marine in the Company commanded by Captain William Jones, late the Governor of the State of Rhode Island, and was put on board the Ship Providence commanded by Commodore Abraham Whipple__that after serving a short time as a  marine he was put down on the Ships books as a Waister or Gun man, and Ships Corporal, in which capacities he afterwards continued to perform duty__that the said Ship, saild [sic], in Company with the Ships "Queen of France __ Boston & Ranger, from Boston -----about the first of December following_ all under the orders of Commodore Whipple_that that afterwards-------, entered the harbour of Charleston in South Carolina, and assisted in the defense of that place, and were taken by the British upon its Surrender by General Lincoln on the 12th of May following, to the British forces under the Command of Sir Henry Clinton__that he was detained in captivity till some time in the summer, and daily resisted the Solicitations of the British officers

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to enter the Service of the King of Great Britain, when he was sent to Philadelphia and there exchanged and transferred to the public barracks in that City where he staid until about the month of August and was then furloughed with permission to return to his native State (Rhode Island) to see his friend__ that the Ship and fleet to which he belonged having fallen into the hands of the Enemy, he was not afterwards called into the Continental Service, but continued during the whole of the remaining time of the War in Service, either as a Volunteer, militia, or boat-man, and was particularly and actively engaged in the expeditions in Rhode Island of Generals Sullivan and Varnum__that from the time of his entering the Service to his being furloughed was about eleven months__ that he is in educed circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for Support, having no other means of obtaining a livelihood for himself and family but his own personal labour, and that by reason of the great distance from his residence of Commodore Whipple and Capt Jones the former residing in Ohio, the latter in Rhode Island, he has no other evidence which he now has in his power or is about to obtain, of his said Servers.__[illegible] annexed affidavit.
Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid.

B. Thurston

I Buckner Thruston, one of the associate Judges of the Circuit Court for the District of Columbia, as aforesaid, do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Levi Cole did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the Common Enemy, and also that he is in reduced circumstances, & stands in need of assistance from his country, and I now transit the above testimony taken before me to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant

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to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress__
May the twentieth 1818
B. Thurston

District of Columbia  SS
Personally appears before me the subscriber Samuel Burch, and makes oath that he is well acquainted with the declarant Levi Cole, that he believes him to be a man of Character and honesty, and has full confidence in the truth of the preceding declaration; and that he has seen in the Journals of the old Congress, mention made of a ship of the United States call the PROVIDENCE.  Given under my hand this 20th May 1818
B. Thurston

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3[underlined]

5092
con

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Service
Navy
R.I. 
Cole, Levi P.
Watkins, Anna
former widow
NUMBER
W. 25917

Page 10

District of Columbia}
County of Washington} 

Personally appeared in open county, Samuel Burch of the City of Washington who being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say that he is well acquainted with the Circumstances of Levi P. Cole, and that he the said Burch this day attended at the house of said Cole and Examined the property mentioned in the within schedule, and that it is his , the deponent, opinion that the same is not worth a sum exceeding fifty dollars__ The deponent also says that it is his opinion, from his knowledge of the character & circumstances of said Cole, that he has no other property than that mentioned in Said Schedule.__
S Burch [signature]
Sworn to in open court this 24th day of April 1821}    Wm Brent Clk

Page 11

Service
Navy
R.I. 
Cole, Levi P.
Watkins, Anna
former widow
NUMBER
W. 25917

Page 12

I Andrew A Richmond do hereby certify that I am Town Clerk of Adams Berkshire County Massachusetts and that by virtue of my office I have custody of the records of said town: that I have examined the records of marriages in my custody as aforesaid: and the upon the said records : I find one of the marriage of  Levi Cole and Anna Camp on the Twenty third day of December one thousand seven hundred and eighty two: and which is expressed upon sd records in plain legible word and figures of which the following is an exact copy.

December 23" 1782.  "Levi Cole Resident in Adams was married to Anna Camp of Adams in open court by James Barker Justice of the Peace"

Attest_
Andrew A Richmond
Town Clerk

State of Massachusetts }
Berkshire County ss}

on this Tenth day of September Eighteen hundred & forty nine before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County personally appeared Andrew A Richmond to me well known to be the Town Clerk of the Town of Adams avove-mentioned [sic]and made oath in due form of law: that the avove [sic] certificate by him subscribed is just and true.

R. R. Brigg } Justice of the Peace

Page 13

I Samuel Jenks do on my oath depose and say that i am Eighty six years of age and have resided in the Town of Adams Berkshire county Massachusetts since the year Seventeen Hundred and seventy nine.  That I formerly well knew one Levi Cole  and his wife whose name before marriage was Ann Camp who resided in said Town.  That for several years after their marriage the said Levi and Anna lived together as husband & wife and most of the time in said town of Adams.  That in the year Seventeen Hundred & ninety four or five the said Levi Cole left his family their residing in said town of Adams and went to parts unknown:  And never to my knowledge returned to them.  That the said Levi Cole never to my knowledge or so far as I have ever heard commenced any preceding whatever to procure a divorce from his wife the said Anna.  Neither did the said Anna to procure a divorce from the said Cole.
Samuel Jenks



State of Massachusetts }
Berkshire county ss}
Before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County in this Eleventh day of September Eighteen Hundred and forty nine personally appeared Samuel Jenks above named to me well known to be a person of good moral character and a credible witness: and made oath in due form of law that the above certificate by him subscribed is just and true.
Wm. C. Plunkett  Justice of the Peace

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Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Berkshire ss  Sup. Jud Court

I Charles Sedgwick Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for said County of Berkshire do certify that Robert R. Briggs Esq & William C Plunkett before where the within Certificate of Andrew A. Richmond & Samuel Jenks were sworn to by said Richmond & Jenks are sworn on the day of administering said oath Justices of the Peace within aforesaid County only commissioned & qualified & acting under the authority of said Commonwealth & that I verily believe that the signatures purporting to be them are genuine__ I also certify that I have the care & keeping of said Supreme Judicial Court for said County since the 1797. & that I find on examination no record of Divorce or application therefor between the said Levi Cole & Anna his wife
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand of the seal of said Court this 22d day of September 1829
Charles Sedgwick Clk

Page 15

13.896

Anna Watkins
formerly widow of 
Levi Cole
New York 

Act 7 July 1838
A. L. Lynde
Warsaw
N. Y.

Page 16


State of New York}
Allegany County ss}

Be it known that before me William G Augel County Judge of Allegany County personally came Anna Watkins aged 84 years who having been by me duly sworn according to law on her oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 and its supplements.  That her maiden name was Anna Camp and that she is widow of Levi Cole who served in the American Revolutionary Army & navy & was at the time of his death, which occurred on the 7th day of January 1846 at Annapolis in the State Maryland, a Pensioner of the Untied States.  That the said Levi Cole was at the date of the Revolution a resident of the State of Rhode Island and Son of Edy or Eddy Cole and Ruth his wife who at the date of intermarriage with said Levi resided at Scituate or Foster in that State.  That she was married to the Said Levi Cole at Lanesborough in the State of Massachusetts according to her best recollection in the month of December 1782 & she & her said husband at the time of said marriage were residents of Adams a town near Lanesborough  That soon after her marriage with the said Levi Cole she went with hi to Rhode Island to visit his parents and staid there some months & then returned to Adams & the parents of the said Levi also removed to said Adams & resided there about 2 or 3 years & then removed to Pittstown in the State of New York  That she lived with the said Levi Cole at Adams aforesaid until the year 1792 and until she had 5 children when the said Levi Cole left her and went to parts unknown and after he had been absent about eleven years she supposing him to be dead & having heard nothing from him, married Rev John Watkins & lived with him until the year 1812 when he died and since his death she has not intermarried but remains a widow  that

Page 17

in the year 1825 according to her best recollection she, being then a resident of Albany in the State of New York, heard the the said Levi Cole was living at Washington City and the mother of said Levi Cole who then resided at Troy, came about that time to visit her at her residence in Albany aforesaid and upon learning the information which she (the declarant) had obtained in relation to the said Levi the said Ruth requested her (the declarant) to write to the said Levi for her & she did at that time prepare for the said Ruth a letter in her name & send to the said Levi at Washington City D. C. informing him as to the health &c of his mother the said Ruth & his children.  That soon after she received from said Levi Cole a letter addressed to the said Ruth in which among other things the said Levi stated that he was living at Washington & receiving a pension for his services in the Revolution under Commander Whipple and others.  That about one year afterward he son Levi Cole Jr who lived then at Albany received a letter from his father the said Levi Cole which is the last information which she (the declarant) has had from the said Levi Cole until she has lately been informed that he had died as herein before mentioned That she has a family record which is hereunto annexed & which is in the handwriting of Amos Watkins & was made about 40 years ago.

Subscribed & sworn in open Court}
this 12th day of January 1849}
Anna Watkins
her X mark

W. G. Augel
County Judge

State of New York }
Allegany Count }
Clerks Office ss}

I hereby certify that W G Augel before whom the above affidavit was taken.

Page 18

the above affidavit was taken was at the date of the same County Judge in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified and authorized to take the same and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name Subscribed thereto is his proper hand writing.

Witness my hand and the seal of seal of said county this 13th day of January A. D. 1849
Martin Butts Clerk of said county

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SERVICE

Navy
R.I.

Cole, Levi P.
Watkins, Anna
former widow

NUMBER
W. 25917

Page 20

State of New York}
Allegany County ss }

Anna Watkins being duly sworn deposit & says that she on the 12th day of January last made a declaration in order to obtain a pension before Hon Willian G Augel County Judge of said County and now makes this supplemental declaration for the same purpose   That in her original declaration she stated that after her return from Rhode Island to Adams she lived with said Levi Cole at Adams aforesaid until the year 1792 &c. & she omitted to make the following exception which should have been made.  "In March 1788 she removed with said Cole. her daughter Amy being at that date about 2 years and 2 months old from Adams t0 Cherry Valley in the State of New York and lived there until after her son Edy or Eddy was born & then removed to Cauagohane & lived there until after Betsey was born & until she was about 5 months old when we returned to Adams having been absent about two years and nine months."  My oldest son Zaben was born while we were at Rhode Island among the relative & friends of said Cole and after his birth we returned to Adams & resided there with the exception above mentioned until said Cole finally left in 1792.
Anna Watkins
her  X  mark

Subscribed & Sworn before me this 12" day of March 1849
Witness Nathaniel E Mills
E E Harding
Justice of the peace

I certify that the above named Anna Wakins [sic] is unable to write in consequence of age & infirmity 
Dated at [illegible] March 12. 1849
E. E Harding
Justice of the Peace

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State of New York}
Allegany County }
Clerks office ss}

I Martin Butts, Clerk of Said County Do hereby Certify that E. E. Harding Esquire before where the foregoing affidavit purports to have been taken was the date of the same a Justice of the peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified and authorized to take the same
And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to be his proper handwriting__ Witness my hand and the Seal of said County this 17th day of March A. D. 1849.  Martin Butts Clerk

Page 22

State of New York }
Otsego County ss }

Before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the said county of Otsego personally came Joseph Camp a resident in the town of Hartwick in said county & on his oath by me to him duly administered according to law deposeth & says that he is 88 years old and upwards and formerly resided with his parents at Adams Berkshire County Massachusetts ,  That he had a sister whose name was Anna Camp & who married Levi Cole.  That said marriage took place about the year 1782 or 1783 & in the latter part of the Year.  That he was not present at the marriage but knew well when the parties went away from his father
house for that purpose and were said to have been married & that after that time they lived together as husband & wife & were treated as & reputed to e such.  That said marriage took place when deponent was about 22 or 23 years old
Soon after said marriage the said Levi & Anna went to the State of Rhode Island to visit the parents & other relatives of the said Levi who resided there as said Cole had done previously to his coming to Adams where he had not resided long previous to said marriage.  That not long thereafter the said Levi & Anna returned to Adams & commenced housekeeping there & for six or eight years lived in the same house with deponent.  That after the said return of the said Levi & Anna as aforesaid from Rhode Island, the parents of the said Levi whose names were Edy Cole and Ruth Cole moved from Rhode Island to said town of Adams where they resided for some time & were neighbors of deponent & with them he was well & intimately acquainted for several years.  After the said Levi

Page 23

and Anna had lived together as husband & wife as aforesaid for about the space of 10 years tho said Anna having at the time five children whose names were Zaben, Amy, Edy, Betsy, & Levi Cole.  the said Levi Cole left his said family & went to parts unknown & never returned to live with his  said family.  That after he had been absent several years the said Anna married Reverend John Watkins with whom she lived several years when he died & since his death the said Anna has remained a widow  That Zaben Cole the oldest child of the Said Levi & Anna was born in Rhode Island while they were down there as herein before mentioned.  That in the year 1788 according to his best recollection the said Levi & Annan removed from Adams to Cherry Valley in the state of New York & then returned to said Adams.
Joseph Camp
his X mark

Subscribed & sworn before be this 20th day of March 1849 & I certify that the said Joseph Camp is well know to me to be a person of good moral character & entitled to credit as a witness

Torry J Luce Justice of the Peace
Marshall Pearce witness }

Page 24

and Anna had lived together as husband & wife as aforesaid for about the space of 10 years the said Ann having at the time five children whose names were Zaben, Amy, Edy, Betsy & Levi Cole. the said Levi Cole left his said family went to parts unknown & never returned to live with his said family. That after he had been absent several years the said Anna married Reverend John Watkins with whom she lived several years when he died & since his death the said Anna has remained a widow that Zaben Cole the oldest child of the said Levi & Anna was born in Rhode Island while they were down there as herein before mentioned. That in the year 1788 according to his best recollection the said Levi & Anna removed from Adams to Cherry Valley in the State of New York & resided there & at Canajohane nearly 2 years & then returned to said Adams Subscribed sworn before me Joseph Camp mark this 20th day of March 1849 & I certify that the said Joseph Camp is well known to me to be a person of good moral character & entitled to credit as a witness Joseph Camp x his mark
 Tony Luce Justice of the Peace 
Marshall Pearse witness

Page 25

Subscribed & sworn before me this 20th day of March 1849 & I certify that the said Joseph Camp is well know to me to be a person of good moral character & entitled to credit
[remainder covered by following printed document with fill ins]

[image of eagle]

STATE OF NEW-YORK}
Otsego County, ss. }
I, CHARLES McLEAN, Clerk of said county, do hereby certify that Torry J. Luce the person subscribing the foregoing  pfft and before whom the same was taken, was on the 20 day of March 1849 therein mentioned, a Justice of the Peace  in and for said County of Otsego, and the I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the name subscribed to the said Afft, is his proper and genuine signature.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have caused the seal of the said County to be hereunto affixed this 21, day of March A. D., 1849
Chas. McLean Clerk.

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[top right corner]
aw [handwritten]

[typed document]

Rev. & 1812 Wars
Section

April 22, 1927.

Mrs. W. N. Harris,
Pelican Rapids, Minn.

Madam:
In response to your letter of the sixteenth instant, I have to advise you, that from the papers in the pension claim, W. 25917, it appears that Levi Cole, or Levi P. Cole, who signed both ways, was born in Rhode Island in 1761.  He was the son of Ruth and Eddy Cole, of Foster, or Scituate, Rhode Island.

He entered at Boston, Massachusetts , in September 1779, as a Marine under Captain William Jones, on the Ship "Providence", Commodore Abraham Whipple in command.  In November 1779, he was transferred from the marine and served as gunman and ship's corporal.  He was captured when the ship surrendered in the harbour of Charleston, South Carolina, May 12, 1780 and held a prisoner until the summer of 1780, when exchanged in Philadelphia and returned to Rhode Island.

He also served as a boatman and militia man during the rest of the war and was engaged in Generals Sullivan's and Varnum's Rhode Island Expeditions, no other officers or [illegible] stated.

Page 27

He married at Lanesborough, Massachusetts , in December 1782, Anna Camp. who was born March 7, 1761.

He was allowed pension on his application execute May 20, 1818, while living a Greenleaf's Point, Washington, District of Columbia and died at Annapolis, Maryland, January 7, 1846.

His widow Anna was also allowed pension and she died April 6, 1854 , in Hume, New York, at the home of Richard Smith.

Levi and Anna Cole hand the following children:
Zaben, born May 16, 1784, at Foster, Rhode Island.
Amy, born January 20, 1786, at Adams Massachusetts , she married----Smith and lived at Hume, New York in 1854.
Eddy, born August 28, 1787, at Cherry Valley, New York.  and married Lady---.
Betsy, born July 14, 1789, at Canajoharia, New York
Levi, born August 27, 1791, at Adams, Massachusetts .

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner

[typed upside down at bottom]
Rev.

April 22, 1927.

[handwritten note written vertically along left edge]
1782 used as mar date, as first child born May 1784.  This is a statement of soldier, his legitimate wife & their legitimate heirs only__
as she was allowed pension as his widow.  no mention made of his disappeance or her mar. during his life __ no legal bearing on claim nor does it affect their legitimate decedents .

Page 28

Levi Cole Md act March 1818.
to what time paid 
Pen officer
July 16, '49
W.S.A.

Died 7" Jan. 1846.  Pd. to his death
BLB

Page 29

Proofs in case of Anna Watkins
act July 7. 1838

A. L. Lynde
Warsaw, N. Yk
Atty for claimant [underlined]

Page 30

State of New York
Wyoming County ss

I Albertus S. Lynde being duly sworn according to law to on my oath depose & say that I am attorney of Mrs Anna Watkins widow of Levi Cole for prosecuting her claim to a revolutionary pension & that on the 5th day of August instant I proceeded from Washington City to Annapolis & there found Mrs Elizabeth Cole who claims a pension as the widow of said Levi Cole under the act of 3d February 1853  That on the aid 5th day of August I delivered to the said Elizabeth Cole a notice of which a true copy is hereunto annexed marked (A). That at the same time I had a conversation with said Elizabeth Cole in which she stated to me that the Said Levi Cole was a native of Rhode Island & had resided at Foster or Scituate & that he had a sister whose name after her marriage was Mary Phillips.  the said Cole informed her that he had lived with a woman at the north & by her had several children & that the names of two of them were Eddy & Levi & that he had given one of them to his parents.  That said Cole had represented to her that he was not married to said woman but she the said Elizabeth believed that he had deceived her in relation to that matter.  The said Elizabeth Cole furthers sated to me the after her intermarriage with said Cole he was at Baltimore & there met an old acquaintance from Rhode Iland & learned from him that his sister Mary Phillips was there living in Foster & Cole wrote a letter & sent to her by his said acquaintance & subsequently received a letter from aid Mary in which she informed him among other things that her first husband Phillips had died &Y she had married again.  That his (Coles) Mother was dead & that said Levi Cole's first wife had married a man named Watkins.  The said Elizabeth Cole also informed me that the matters of said Levi Cole & his two children Eddy & Levi Cole aforementioned had lived at Albany or Troy New York.  that on learning through Mr Revell the late Post Master at Annapolis or his son that said Levi Coles first wife

Page 31

was yet living & that she was requested to make an affidavit in relation to said Cole & deliver certain letters left by him at his decease & then in her possession she was so much exasperated that she destroyed all of said letters  declined making any affidavit & she then & there informed me that she would not make any affidavit in relation to the matter.
A. L. Lynde

Subscribed & sworn before me this 19th day of August 1853 & I certify said deponent to be a credible witness & that I am not interested in the result of the application of Anna Watkins for a pension or concerned in prosecuting the same
Seth Smith Justice of the Peace

[printed document with fill ins]
STATE OF NEW YORK,}
WYOMING COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, }  ss. 
I CERTIFY that L. M. Smith Esquire, was, at the 
date of the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, a Justice o the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe the the signature to said certificate is genuine;  and that the annexed instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this State.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set may hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 19th day of August A. D. 1853.
N R Currier Clerk

Page 32

(A)

Copy of notice referred to in the annexed affidavit

To Mrs Elizabeth Cole of Annapolis
You will please to take notice that you are required to forward or deliver to the Commissioner of Pensions to be filed in that office a certain letter written or purporting to be written by Mrs Ruth Cole to her son Levi Cole in or about the year 1825 and sent to him at Washington City said letter is dated and postmarked either at Troy or Albany in the state of New York & is the same which was exhibited by you to Martin F Revell Esq their Post Master at Annapolis on or about the 24th Nov 1848  The said letter is delinquent when so filed to be used as evidence of the right of Anna Watkins the first wife of said Cole to a pension 

Dated Aug 5. 1853

Your the
A. L. Lynde
Atty for Anna Watkins

Page 33

State of New York
Albany County ss.

Lany Cole being duly sworn according to law on her oath deposit & says that she is the wife of Edy Cole of West Troy New York.  That she is 66 years of age and was well acquainted with Ruth Cole the grandmother of her husband who died in West Troy over 20 years ago  That she was also well acquainted with Anna Watkins  the mother of deponents husband.  That her husband had a brother whose name was Levi Cole Jr who died in Troy New York & formerly resided in Albany New York.  That the name of the father of Edy Cole & Levi Cole Jr was Levi Cole and he resided where last heard of at Washington City D. C.   That the said Ruth Cole & the said Levi Cole Jr both informed deponent that they had received from said Levi Cole while he resided at Washington a letter or letters & she has no doubt of the truth of said statements.  that she does not recollect that she ever saw the said Letter that the name of the husband of said Ruth Cole was Edy Cole and as deponent was informed by said Ruth they once resided at Foster or Scituate in the state of Rhode Island and subsequently at Adams in the state of Massachusetts 

Lany Cole

Subscribed & sworn before me this 28th day of July 1853 & I certify the deponent to be a person of good character & entitled to credit the word graced interlined before sequing?

Martine Winne Justice of the Peace

Page 34

State of New York
Albany County ss

Eddy Cole being duly sworn according to law on his oath deposit & says that he is 66 years of age & is son of Levi Cole & Anna his wife that when he was two years old he was given by his parents to the Father & matters of said Levi Cole whose names were Eddy & Ruth Cole.  That he continued with his grandparents the said Eddy & Ruth until he was 19 years old.  That the said Eddy Cole died at Northampton N. Y. about 40 years ago & the said Ruth Cole died at West Troy N. Y. about 27 years ago & they formerly resided in the state of Rhode Island at Foster or Scituate.  That his father the said Levi Cole left his mother the said Anna & went to Canada & elsewhere & the said Ruth Cole had in her possession before & at her death a letter from her son the said Levi Cole which deponent supposes to be lost but is unable to say what became of it.  That deponent is unable to remember the date of said letter or where it was written or dated.  That I was informed by one Caleb Hammell who is dead that he had seen the said Levi Cole at Washington City.  Hammell was an old acquaintance of s^d Levi

Eddy Cole

Subscribed & sworn before me this 28th day of July 1853 & I certify the deponent to be a person of good character & entitled to credit

Martin Winne  Justice of the Peace

Page 35

I certify the words ["erased"- crossed out] at "Scituate or Foster" were interlined before this affidavit was signed.
Martine Winne  Justice


[typed document with fill ins]
STATE OF NEW YORK,
CITY AND COUNTY OF ALBANY, CLERK'S OFFICE, } SS:

I, Robert Harper, clerk of the said City and County, do hereby CERTIFY, that Martin Winne, whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, and endorsed thereon, was, at the time of taking such Proof or Acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, and duly authorized to take the same:  That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment is genuine:  And that the said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of New York.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, this 28 day of July 1853.
R Harper, Clerk.

Page 36

State of New York
Allegany County, ss.

Anna Watkins being duly sworn on her oath deposit & says That she is the widow of Levi Cole lately deceased at Annapolis Maryland who was a Pensioner of the United States.  That she is now an applicant for a pension under
the act of 7th July 1838 & its supplements   That there was never to her knowledge any proceeding in any court or before any Judicial Officer of any of the United States or any act of any Legislature of any of said States for a divorce of her said husband from her or in her favor as against him.  and that she fully believes that the said Levi Cole was at the date of his decease her lawful husband.  That for several years next preceding & next after the abandonment of her by her said husband as in her original declaration by her alleged she continued to reside at Adams in the State of Massachusetts 

Anna Watkins
Her  X mark


Subscribed & sworn in before me this 30 day of August 1849
E. E. Harding
Justice of the peace

Witness
Richard Smith

The above named Anna Watkins cannot [illegible] by reason of old age  infirmity.
E. E. Harding
Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Allegany County   I Martin Butts clerk of the Court of Records held in and for said County

Page 37

do hereby certify, that E. E. Harding Esquire, before whom the proceeding affidavit was taken, and by whom the proceeding certificate was made, is, a justice of the peace in and for said County:  and I further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said justice and verily believe that his signature to said affidavit and certificate is genuine .

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal at Angelica in said County this 3rd day of December 1869
Martin Butts Clerk

Page 38

[left side of page]
1915 Dec. 11  Hist. to Miss Georgina Cole
& Mrs F. D. Dassett  c
1927 Apr. 22. Hist to Mrs. W. W. Harris  aw

[ right side of page]

Revy 
WIDOW, &c.

File Not.  25,917
Anna Watkins
former Wid. of Levi Cole
Maine's Rev. War

Act    Feb 2d 1848.
Index:  W,  Page   314

[Arrangement of 1870.]

Page 39

[printed document with fill ins]

749
New York Albany
===========
Anna Watkins dec^d
widow of Levi Cole
who was a Mariner
in the Revolution
________________
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 44 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the [crossed out] 4th day of March, 1843. [/crossed] 7th January 1946, and end 30th June 1848. [written in]
================
Certificate of Pension issued the 26th day of June 1854 and sent to A. L. Lynde  Warsaw New York

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

Recorded in Book  a  
Vol.  2    Page  92

Page 40

Anna Watkins, deceased
widow of Levi Cole
New York 

Adm^d act July 7. 1838 &c 11 months as mariner at rate of $44 per annum from January 7. 1846, when he died, to  30th June 1848, and at rate of $96 per annum from last July, 1848 to 6th April 1854, when she died__

Pay to Amy Smith, Administratrix, in trust for Zaben Cole, Eddy Cole, and said Amy Smith, only surviving children of Anna Watkins.

Certificate to A. L. Lynde Esqr
Warsaw, New York

Page 41

This may Certify that I stand by my journal commenced Onboard the Providence Frigate September 20th 1779. Among the names of the firemen on board, that one Levi Cole of the State of Rhode Island, a marine on the fourth day of November I find I remarked that the same Levi Cole being a handy fellow among the Seamen he was taken from the marines & placed to the gun in the wars & to assist the master atttacking. The tenth of January [inserted] 1780. Is also remarked that Levi Cole was found to be a faithful man I placed him in the Com. Barge on the 28th of March I find his name enrolled among the same, in the Exchange Battery at Charlestown which I commended and I further certify that I have received a letter from one Levi Cole at the City of Washington dated November 27th 1818 
In forming in some many  Corcomstance of his serving on that expedition that I can with safety certify that he is the above named Levi Cole that was in the Providence Frigate on that cruise & Expedition to Charlestown South Carolina and that he served in faithfully  nine months in the Continental service in the War of the Revolution and from his account of himself he needs the assistance of his Country Portsmouth Rhode Island Benjin Pages December 7th 1818  Portsmouth December AD 1818 Personly apeard the Above written testimony named Benjamin Page and made Solom  oath  to the above witness testimony before me Robert Lawton, Justice of the  Court of Com Please

Page 42

[printed document with fill ins]

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.

County of Washington ss.
On this eighth day of September, 1830 before me, the subscriber, a Notary Public for the said county of Washington personally appeared  Levi Cole who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Ship Providence commanded by Captain Abraham Whipple in the Navy in the service of the United States: that his name was placed on the pension roll of the Deistrcti of Columbia from whence he was lately removed;  that he now reside in the city of Annapolis where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future.  The following is the reason he [illegible] removing from the District of Columbia to Annapolis, that the business he was engaged here having ceased, & he was under the necessity of providing for himself elsewhere.

Levi Cole

Sworn and subscribed to, before me, the, day and year aforesaid.}
Henry Whetcroft
Notary Public
Wash. City
___________
[pointing finger] The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrate, whose official character and signature must be properly authenticated.  The county Clerk, Secretary of State, or some other officer, must certify, under his seal of office, that the officer who administered the oath is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, Mayor, Alderman, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.

[pointing finger]The oath must be supported by the testimony of some respectable person, as to the Pensioner's identity.  He must swear, that the person who has taken the above oath is the person described in the affidavit.  The Magistrate just certify, that the witness is a person of veracity; and the affidavit must also be authenticated in the manner above directed.

Page 43

Baltimore July 27, 1841

J. L. Edward Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir

Mr Levi Cole, now a resident of Annapolis, a imagine or Naval Pensioner of the U. S.,
at the Maryland Agency at the rate of 8 ¢ per month commencing in 1818 - has requested me to state to you that he believes himself entitled to a higher rate of Pension.  He states that in the War of the Revolution, in or about the year 1780 he shipped, at Boston, on the Board of the U States Ship of War Providence, Com Whipple, as a mariner - but was soon promoted to the rank of Corporal of Marines, wages 18¢ per month (but that neither wages nor prize money were paid him).  Now I would most respectfully enquire whether Mr Coke is not entitled under the act of Congress of June 7 1832
to a higher rate of Pension than 8¢, the amount allowed him under the act of March 18 1818.

He is aged and needy; and if he is justly entitled to a hight rate of Pension I am sure it will afford you pleasure to grant it to him.

Very respectfully
Your out Servt
Alexr Yearley

Page 44

Rushford    Oct. 25th 1849.

Sir.

Will you be so good as to give me an answer in the following case____
Anna Watkins, widow of John Watkins was formally married in the year 1785. to Levi Cole at Lanesborough. Berkshire County Massachusetts _  Her first husband the said Levi Cole was in the Naval service in the War of the Revolution under Commodore Whipple.  he resided then in the town of Situate in the State of Rhodiland [sic]__  She lived with him about twelve years and had four or five children by him when he became intemperate and left her in the mose retched state of poverty__
She has since learned that he went to Navy head Washington City & that he obtained a Pension from the United States Government & that he is now dead__
Her second husband died in the year 1812. and she has since remained his widow
If there should be proof of his having drawn a Pension and also of his death on file in your office would she be entitled to her first husband's Pension by proving her marriage to him at the time above stated.
I have  the honor to be very respectfully your Obt. Servt.
A J Lyon

Hon J. L. Edwards. 
Com. of Pensions

Page 45

Hume Allegany Co NY
26th Decr 1864

To the Hon
A. L. Edward Com. of Pensions

Will you be so good as to give me a Decision in the following case
I am now 81 years old and was married to Levi Cole in the year 1784 after the close of the war and lived with him between nine and ten years   was Knowing to his being in the service by Land and Sea about 2 years if I recollect and had five children by him and about the year 1793 he left me and went away and has not lived with me since nor supported me nor have I know about him and about the year 1804 I was married to John Watkins with whom I lived until the year 1812 when he died and I have since remained his widow   I have Learned that Cole my first husband went to Washington and got his Pension under the act of 1818 of 9? Dollars per annum that he drew a pension for 10 or 15 years and is now dead.  if these facts can be proved am I not entitled to a Pension
please inform me if my first husbands name is on the list he served under Com Abraham Whipple in the old Ship Providence
Your answer to this will much oblige 
Your Humble Servant
Anna Watkins

Page 46

Warsaw New York
16th June 1847.

J. L. Edwards Esq

Levi Cole late a Pensioner of the United States & paid at Albany, married Anna Camp at Lanesborough Massachusetts  January 23d 1784

After they had lived together several years and the wife had become the mother of 5 children Mr Cole left his family & went to parts to them unknown & after he had been absent some 10 years without being heard from by his wife she supposing him to be dead married John Watkins with whom she lived some 8 years when he died & after his decease the widow heard that her first husband Cole was still living & has since died 

Is this woman entitled under the act of July 7th 1838 to a Pension as the widow of Cole on proving her marriage with him and clearly establishing the above statement in relation to his leaving and his absence & her consequent marriage with Watkins

Will you do me the favor of Your [illegible] on this question & your reasons or the [illegible]
Very Respectfully Yours
A. L. Lynde

Page 47

Augst 21. 48.
[illegible] Anna Watkins
case.
A. J. Lyons

Levi Cole
& 
Fish

Page 48

Free

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.

[written vertically left side]
Mrs Ames

[round stamp]
[illegible]
AUG 14 
N. Y.
[/stamp]

Page 49

Rushdford  Lugt 14" 1848,
Sir
I take the liberty of asking you to inform me whether the act of 2d February , 1848, changes the claim of Anna Watkins, who was married to Levi Cole previous to first of January 1794, with whom she lived some fifteen years, when he ranaway or went off and left her with four or five children, and in about six years thereafter she married to Watkins who died about twenty years ago; the said Levi Cole obtained a pension in or about the year 1832, and is now dead.  she is now a widow and was a widow on the 7 July 1838__is she entitled to a pension on account of the revolutionary service of her husband the aforesaid Levi Cole?   You wrote me some time ago that, she having married during the lifetime of Cole debared her claim to a pension as she would others have been entitled.

I would also call your attention the claim of Ella Fish and other heirs claiming arrears of pension due their mother at the time of her decease whose papers are on file in the Pension Office under the act of July 7, 1838, does the late act allow them the said pension or are they entitled?
Has the act passed allowing pensions to widows of person who served during the revolutionary war, that were married prior to the year 1800.

Very much Oblige
Respectfully your
Ott. Servt
A J Lyon

Hon J L Edwards
Com of Pensions

Page 50

A. L. Lynde
July 14, 1849

[written vertically along left side]

A L. Lynde Esq
Warsaw
N. Y.

Page 51

SERVICE
Navy
R.I.

Cole, Levi P.
Watkins, Anna
former widow

NUMBER
W. 25917

Page 52

will admit of should be ______ (predenied?)
there was not a divorce between herself
husband

[remainder is struck through, right side of page is incomplete]

should be prod is requis
Evidence is also required as to the g
character ^and respectable standing of claimant at the time
her husband having left her

Page 53

Pension Office
Decor 17th 1849
I have the honor to inform you
that the additional evidence in the case of  
Anna Mathews who claims a pension under
the act of 7 July 1838, as the widow of Levi
Cole, has been [illegible] and placed in file.

We are not at all satisfied that Claimant is the widow of [crossed out] the late pensioner & [/crossed out] Levi Cole late a pensioner in the war of Maryland and  the District of Columbia under the act of 18 March 1818.

In her declaration Mrs Watkins states that she was married to Levi Cole in 1782, that after living together until sometime in 1792 her husband the said Cole left her, that not having heard from him for about eleven years, she supposes him to be dead, she married the Rev John  Watkins and lived with him until his death which took place in 1812.  Levi Cole in his schedule required under the act of 1st May 1820, in giving an account of his family says he had a wife and two children [illegible] with him.

The evidence filed does not show to the [2 illegible words crossed out]

Page 54

[illegible]
of this Deponent that Levi Cole the late pensioner [2 illegible words crossed out]
herein referred to was eve the husband of Mrs Watkins, or that they were legally married.  But should these objections be [illegible] as [ 11 illegible words crossed out]  Mrs Watkins having married another man during the lifetime
of her first husband & she [illegible]  herself of any claim she might otherwise have had to a pension on account of his revolutionary services.

[written vertically along right edge]
17 Dec 1849

Page 55

[image of a seal]
Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Suffolk ss

I Geo. C. Wilde, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court in & for said County of Suffolk, hereby certify, that I have carefully examined the records of the Supreme Judicial Court for the County of Berkshire in said Commonwealth from the year 1782 to the year 1797, & that during that time I do not find therein the record of any proceedings for divorce between Levi Cole & Anna Cole.

In witness thereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this fourteenth day of November A. D. 1849.

Geo. C. Wilde, Clerk

Page 56

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 

I Lemuel Shaw, Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of said Commonwealth, do certify, that Geo. C. Wilde Esquire whose signature is affixed to the paper hereto annexed, is Clerk of said Court holden at Boston within & for the County of Suffolk, & hath the keeping of the ancient Files, Records and Proceedings of said Court throughout the Commonwealth, down to the first day of August A. D. 1797, as well as the Files, Records & Proceedings of said Court, holden as aforesaid for said County of Suffolk, subsequent to that time;  & is by law the proper person to make out & to certify Copies of All the Records and Proceedings of the said Court previous to the said first day of August, as well as of all Records & Proceedings of the said Court of Suffolk, subsequent to that time; & that full faith credit is & ought to be given to his Acts & Attestations done as aforesaid.  
In Testimony

Page 57

whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed this fifteenth day of November A. D. eighteen hundred & forty nine.
Lemuel Shaw ck. [illegible]
Sup Jud Cout

Page 58

Warsaw New York
Dec 27. 1849

J L Edwards Esq
DrSir [sic]

Your letter of the 17th December inst in the case of Anna Watkins widow of Ldvi Cole claiming a pension under the act of July 17th 1844 is received

Before commencing the prosecution of his claim I in 1847 addressed to you a letter informing you fully as to the claim of Mrs Watkins as the widow of Levi Cole a deceased pensioner.  also as to Cole's desertion of her and her second marriage with Watkins and I requested you to inform me whether she was entitled to a pension on account of the services of Cole

I then considered the question of the effect of her second marriage upon her claim settled and commenced proceedings accordingly

In the original declaration in this case Mrs Watkins detailed at length the facts in this case of Cole's desertion of her and of her second marriage with Watkins and in your letter of the 14th July last in reply you do no take any exception whatever to the second marriage but barely require further proof of her first husband having abandoned her and if the fact that there was no divorce between the parties

Page 59

This proof I have procured at considerable expense and you now fall back upon an objection which if valid should have been interposed at the earliest possible moment instead of allowing the claimant & her attorney to incur a large expense as the prosecution of a claim which was upon its face invalid

I do not deem this objection well taken Cole deserted who wife and remarried absent from her some eleven years without her having received any tidings from him.  This would [last word crossed out] was difficult to create a legal presumptions of his death and the second carriage of his wife under the circumstances was in the eye of the law an innocent transaction.  If any body is to be deemed responsible for any impropriety in this transaction the blame must attach to Cole who instead of discharging the duties volunteerly assumed by him as a husband & father abandoned his wife and five small children to a life of destitution and great hardship

As to the question of identity raised I though that can be satisfactorily  settled. but I do not wish to incur any further expense in that direction unless the other posit is first settled in [illegible] of the claimant I therefore respectfully request that your decision of that postman be reconsidered and your final decision  [illegible] communicated to me at an early day
Very Respectfully
A. L. Lynde

I forward the above [illegible] to request of Mr Lynde 
H Putman

[written vertically along the left side of last paragraph margin & into the last paragraph there written also]

Submitted to [illegible]
18 Jan. and decided 
that the [illegible] fact of her
having married a second time
while her first husband
was living does not [illegible]
her of her right under
her first husband

Page 60

Hon. H. Pittman
Jan. 18/50

Page 61

454 Pension Office
January 18th. 1850

Sir,
In reply to the letter of A. L. Lynde Esq in the case of Anna Watkins formerly widow of Levi Cole under act of  7th July 1838, I have to state that upon a review of the case it is decided that her having married the second time under the belief that her first husband was dead who had deserted her, some eleven years previous to the time of her second marriage, does not deprive her of the benefits of the pension laws.  The [last word crossed out] Further evidence of identity should be produced.

Hon: H. Putnam.
H. R.

Page 62

66

Pension Office
June 11th 1850

Sir
I have the honor to return herewith Mr. Lynde's letter, and to state that the evidence in the case of Anna Watkins applicant under the act of 7 July 1838 from New York.  I've all but satisfied that she is the widow of Levi Cole late a pensioner on the Maryland Roll under the act of 18 March 1818.

Should however Mrs Watkins present the evidence which has been required to establish here identity as the widow of Levi Cole, she would not be entitled to the pension of the Act of 7 July 1838  she not being a widow at the date of its passage

The letter of the Post Master at Annapolis which you transmitted does not furnish such evidence as has been required in this case.  If the letters from Cole to his mother to which refer showed be [illegible] it may [illegible] [illegible] some 
[illegible] as to the [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] of his first wife.
Harry Putnam
House of Rep

Page 63

J. E. Heath Esq
Comm of Pensions
Washington 
DC

[written vertically along left edge]
Augt 2/52
M?? [illegible]

Page 64

Warsaw New York
July 17. 1852

J. E. Heath Esq.
Dr Sir
I wish to call your attention to the Pension claim of Anna Watkins formerly widow of Levi Cole a Revolutionary Pensioner who died at Annapolis Maryland and would respectfully request a reexamination of the claims & proofs.  The on point upon which further proof has been required is the identity of Cole the former husband of the claimant.  Mrs Watkins was married to Cole in 1782.  In 1792 Cole deserted her and after he has been absent some eleven years his wife having received no tidings from him & believing him to be dead married again.  Her second husband Watkins died in 1812 & she has since remained a widow.  In 1824 or 1825, Coles mother who resided at Troy New York learned that he was living at Washington City D. C. & being on a visit to her daughter in law Mrs. Watkins at Albany  dictated a letter to Cole which Mrs Watkins reduced to writing & signed the name of Mrs Cole.  that letter was ent to Cole and  in due time an answer was received from him in which he informed his mother that he was living at Washington City and recieving a Pension for his revolutionary service.  No further tidings except a letter to his son written soon after, had been received from him  When Mrs Watkins first applied to me to obtain a pension for her she related to me these circumstances and I immediately commenced a search for the said Levi Cole

Page 65

Having learned that he had been transferred to the Maryland agency for paying Pensioners I on application to the agent was informed when & where Cole died and then wrote to the Post Master at Annapolis detailing to him the circumstances in relation to Coles marriage-desertion of his wife & the facts about the letter abovementioned & asked him to learn if any evidence of Coles identity could be obtained at Annapolis   Mr Revell wrote to me on the 24th Nov 1848.  that he had called upon Mrs Cole the widow of Levi Cole & informed her of his errand  Mrs Cole expressed herself satisfied that her late husband was the man referred to in my letter and that a certain letter which she produced from his mother Ruth Cole written in 1825 & mailed at Troy or Albany N. Yk. was the identical letter described by me.  Afterwards I wrote to Mr Revell enclosing an affidavit to be made by Mrs Cole but on presenting it to her she refused to give any evidence whatever in the matter  Mr Revell the P M having died his son James Revell acted as my agent in the matter  Mrs Cole in her declaration has stated the facts in relation to the letter also the details as far as she could recollect them in relation to Coles services .  The letter of Martin F Revell the late Post Master at Annapolis to me relating to his interview with Mrs Cole is on the files of your office I enclose herewith two letters of his son James Revell relative to the refusal of Mrs Cole to testify   I can testify that I had no information in relation to Cole, his

Page 66

marriage-desertion of his family & the aforesaid letter except what I received from mrs Watkins herself until the letter of M F Revell of 24th Nov 1848 reached me and the Mrs Watkins did make the statements abovementioned substantially before I wrote Revell on the subject.

I respectfully submit that the various facts & circumstances detailed by Mrs Watkins will be found so fully to coincide with the evidence of Coles service on the files of your office & with the facts contained in Revells letter as to show that she must be the indentical person married to Cole at Adams Massachusetts in 1782 & that she is entitled to a pension.  I would respectfully as your attention to the statements of Mrs Cole (Watkins) as to his parentage place of residence at the date of his services & the nature of his services all of which were detailed to me by Mrs Watkins at my first interview with her    It would seem impossible under the circumstances of this case to make any better proof of identity  I have not a single doubt that Mrs Watkins is the widow of the said Levi Cole who died at Annapolis & I believe her to be entitled to a pension    Your early answer will greatly oblige
Respectfully 
A L Lynde

Page 67

Warsaw New York
Apl. 17. 1853

Hon L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions

Anna Watkins formerly widow of Levi Cole has applied for a pension, and he claim has be suspended for further proof of identity.

Cole deserted his wife in Massachusetts nearly 60 years ago and died at Annapolis Maryland in 1846 & there left a woman with whom he lived and who claims to have been married to him

This lady has had in her possession a letter written by Mrs Watkins for and in the name of her Mother in law the Mother of Cole which she once exhibited to the former Post Master at Annapolis and upon application for that letter to be used as evidence for Mrs Watkins in support of her claim for a pension the Lady at Annapolis refused to surrender the letter [underlined] on the ground that it might prejudice her won claims to a pension.[/underlined]  These facts will all appear & be fully explained by our examination

Page 68

of the papers on file in the case of Mrs Watkins among which will be found letters from Mr Revell late P. M. at Annapolis & from his son.

It has occurred to me that Mrs Cole of Annapolis would probably present her claim under the act of Feb 3 1853 & I would suggest that if she should be required to produce the letter in question it might determine the Justice of the claims of the two ladies who claim to be widows of said Levi Cole

Mrs Wtakins claims that the contents of that letter will so fully corroborate her claims as asserted by her & her family record as to remove all doubts as to her identity

Should Mrs Cole of Annapolis present her claims I have to request that a full & thorough examination of the whole matter may be had

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
A. L. Lynde

Page 69

[printed document with fill ins]

THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.

PROVIDENCE, SC.
[image of seal]

CLERK'S OFFICE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS,
PROVIDENCE, April 25th A. D. , 1854

I, Lew Salisbury Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said State, within and for the County of Providence:
DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Robert Wilson Henry H Hopkins and Nehemiah s Fenner are Justices of the Peace in the county of Providence in said State  duly appointed and qualified, and authorized to administer oaths and take depositions and the acknowledgement  of deeds and other instruments, and that the signature to the annexed Certificate, purporting to be his, is genuine.

IN ATTESTATION WHEREOF, I hereto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, the day and year above written.

Lew Salisbury, Clerk.

Page 70

I William W. Whitman of Foster in the County of Proficiency and State of Rhode Island do testify and say that I am no eighty two years of age and [illegible]  that I was very well acquainted with Levi Cole formerly of said Foster he was many years older than I was and had been a soldier in the revolution I was also acquainted with his wife her name was Anna Camp before he married her She came from Massachusetts after he married her he brought her to his father in said Foster  His father name was Eddy Cole and they lived here some time and I think she had a child there according to my best recollection he lived in Foster a year or two and then he and his family move back to Massachusetts and his fathers family moved there also after living there a number of years I understood that he deserted his family and it was so understood here in Foster the said Levi had a sister named Molly who married Nathaniel Phillip I was well acquainted with Nathaniel Phillip and his wife they were near neighbors me and Charles Phlips [sic] son said Foster was their oldest son I have also understood that said Lvi was a seaman as well as soldier and that he served as seaman under Commodore Whiple [sic] the above facts are within my distinct recollection  
William W Whitman

Page 71

State of Rhode Island Providence &c
In foster April 24th 1854

Personally appeared before me the above named William W Whitman and made solemn oath to the above deposition by him signed in my present and I further certify that he is a crdible [sic] witness and his testimony is entitled to full credit

Henry H Hospkins Justice of the Peace

Page 72

I Huldah Whitman of Foster in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island do testify and say that I am now almost seventy eight years of age that I am wife of William W Whitman  have lived lived [sic] with him upward of sixty years as his wife and have had sixteen children ten boys and six girls I was born in Foster and when I was about seven year of age I have a distinct recollection of seeing Levi Cole and his wife who was a very handsome woman and had fine black eyes her name was Anna Camp as I have always understood when he married her they use to come to my fathers very often after they move from Foster  back to Massachusetts  I have always understood that he deserted his family I also understood always that he was a seaman and soldier during the revolution 
Huldah Whitman
her  X  mar [sic]
Witness
Henry H Hopkins


State of Rhode Island Providence sc in Foster April 24th A. D. 1854  

Personally appeared before me the above named Huldah Whitman and made solemn oath to the above deposition by her signed in my presence and I certify that she is a credible witness and her evidence entitled to full credit
Henry H Hopkins Justice of the Peace

Page 73

I Anna Winson of Foster in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island now in the eighty second year of my age do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Levi Col formerly of said Foster he was a cousin of mine and lived a near neighbour of mine and lived not more than one fourth of a mile distant from the house I now live in  he was the sone of Eddy and Ruth Cole  he married Anna Camp who begged in some town in Massachusetts   I have a distinct recollection when be brought her home to this fathers where he lived and had one child   I have a distinct recollection how she looked although I was not more than ten or twelve years of age    she was a verry [sic] handsome looking woman  I have also always understood that he was a soldier and seaman during the Revolution that he served on board a United States vessel under Captain Whipple his child that was born jere was named Zaben from the circumstances that they lived in a house that belonged to Zaben Hopkins after being here some time he and his family  and his fathers family move away back to Massachusetts and I have understood that afterwards he deserted his family and went of and left them  I have not seen him from that time to this I well remember he was a quarrelsome ugly man and frequently got into quarrels and fights my name before I was married was

Page 74

Anna Salisbury Levi Coles Mother was my father's sister

Anna Winson

State of Rhod [sic] Island County of Providence April 24th A. D. 1854
Personally appeared before me the above named Anna Winson and made oath to the truth of the above deposition and I further certify that said Anna Winson is a credible and disinterested witness and her deposition entitled to full credit

Henry H Hopkins Justice of the Peace

Page 75

I Dorothy Cole of foster in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged eighty five years do testify and say that I knew a man by the name of Levi Cole formally of said Foster    he was the son of Eddy and Ruth Cole  he married a woman as I have understood by the name of Anna Camp who belonged [sic] in Massachusetts    I have understood he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war    he was a quarrelsome fellow and frequently got into fights    I never knew any other Levi Cole but him     I have understood that after he and his family left Foster and went back to Massachusetts that he deserted his family and I have not seen him since he was no relation of mine or my husband
Dorothy Cole
her  X  mark

Witness 
Henry H Hopkins



State of Rhode Island County of Providence  April 24th AD 1854

State of Rhode Island County of Providence  April 24th AD 1854

Personally appeared before me the above name Dorothy Cole and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by her signed [sic] and I further certify that  the said Dorothy Cole is a credible and disinterested witness
Henry H Hopkins  Justice of the Peace

Page 76

I Charles Phillips of Foster in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island in the 70th year of my age on oath do Testify and say that my mothers maiden name was Molly Cole    She was the Brother of [last 2 words crossed out] Sister of Levi Cole sometimes called Levi P Cole, my mother has been dead a little more than a year    I have often heard her say that she saw Levi married a woman by the name off Anna Camp of some town in the State of Massachusetts and after they were married they came to said Foster and lived with my Grandfather Eddy Cole and I have also heard my mother say that the said Levi went off and left his family and that worried my mother, and she often spoke of it on that account, after he had been gone many years   She received a  letter from him, I have also heard Her speak of His having been a Soldier in the war of the Revolution    may mother was in her 89th year when she died

Charles Phillips

State of Rhode Island, County of Providence February 24th, 1854      Personally appeared before me the above named Charles Phillips who signed

Page 77

I Charles Phillips of Foster in the County
of Providence and State of Rhode Island in 
the 70th year of my age on oath do testify and
say that my mothers maiden name was Molly
Cole She was the Brother of [crossed out] Sister of Levi Cole sometimes
called Levi P Cole, my mother has been dead a
little more than a year I have often heard her
say that the said Levi married a Woman by 
the name of Anna Camp of some town in the
State of Massachusetts and after they were married
they came to said Foster and lived with my 
Grandfather Eddy Cole and I have also heard my
mother say that the said Levi went off and left
his Family, and that worried my mother, and she
often spoke of it on that account, after He had
been gone many years she received a letter from
Him, I have also heard Her speak of His having been
a soldier in the war of the Revolution my mother
was in her 89th year when she died
Charles Phillips [signature]

State of Rhode Island, County of Providence
February 24th, 1854 Personally appeared before me
the above named Charles Phillips who signed

Page 78

and made oath to the above Deposition by me reduced to writing in his presence and I further Certify that said Charles is personally known to me and He is a credibe [sic] witness

Nehemiah S Fenner Justice Peace

Page 79

Hannah Hopkins of Johnston in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island do testify and say that I am now in the ninetieth year of may age, that I was born in Scituate in Said County & State,  before Scituate and Foster were divided, aft the Town was divided I lived in Foster and I further testify that I well remember Levi Cole of said Foster,  her was a near neighbor to me, he was the son of Eddy Cole, I also recollect that when he married be brought his wife home to his Fathers,  I have understood that her name was Anna Camp,  the lived together some time, and afterwards he and his wife and all of his family moved off up Country   And I have never seen him from that time to this
  I knew him before I was married, and before he was married,  he was old enough to have served in the war of the Revolution and believe he did__although I do not know it, after moved away I understood he deserted his family

Hannah Hopkins
her  X  mark

Attest Robert Wilson

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation's  @ Providence  County  ss

In Johnston this 24 day of April 1854  Then personally appeared Hannah Hopkins and made oath before me that the above statement by her Signed is true and correct, according to the best of her knowledge and belief__and I do certify that she is a credible witness 

Robert Wilson
Justice of the Peace

Page 80

A. C. Lynde
May 24/54

Page 81

440

Pension Office 
Mary 24 1856

Sir 
In reply to your note in relation to the case of Anna Watkins and of Levi Cole of NY, I would as if she is still alive?  If not when did she die? and what children survive her?

A. L. Lynde Esq
Warsaw
NY

Page 82

Affidavit of Hiram
Cole in case of
Anna Watkins
act of July 7. 1838

A  L  Lynde
Warsaw
N.Y/E.
Atty for Claimant

Page 83

State of New York
Oswego County  ss __
I Hiram Cole do on my oath depose and say that I am fifty two years of age and that I am the son of Eddy Cole deceased     That my father was sone of Eddy and Ruth Cole and died when I was about eighteen months of age and after his death I lived with my grandparents the said Eddy & Ruth untill I was about fifteen years of age    That as I was informed by the said Eddy & Ruth they had formerly resided at Foster in the state of Rhode Island and had four children whose names were Levi Eddy Patience and Mary and    That  the said Patience married a man named Monroe and died in the State of New York and Mary married one Nathan Phillips and lived in the State of Rhode Island at Foster or in that vicinity.    That the said Levi Cole married one Anna Camp and had by her several children whose names were Zaben Eddy Levi Betsey and Amy Cole and then left his family and went to parts unknown and was finally heard of at Washington D. C. and from there corresponded wit his mother the said Ruth Cole.  That somewhere between 25 and 30 years ago the said Ruth Cole resided for a time with deponent and at that time had one or two letters from her son the said Levi Cole which deponent at that time saw and read and in which the said Levi informed said Ruth that he was residing at Washington City D. C. and was at that time employed in a Bakehouse or workhouse, which deponent cannot positively state,    That the said Levi Cole in his said letters to his mother informed her that he had resided for some time in Canada    That the said Ruth Cole when she left the house

Page 84

of deponent went to West Troy to her Grandson Eddy Cole and subsequently died at his house     that when she went she took all her letters papers and other effects with her and deponent has not since that date seen said letters and does not know what has become of them    That deponent has been well acquainted with said Anna Cole who subsequently married on Watkins and with her children and has no doubt that the said Levi Cole who corresponded with the Said Ruth was her son and the husband of the said Anna and deponent also believes and has no doubt    That the information received of him from his said  grandparents as herein before stated is correct and true__

Hiram Cole

Subscribed and sworn before me this twelfth day of November A D 1853 and I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the deponent and   That he is a highly respectable citizen of good credit and character and that to his statements full faith and credit should be given and I do further Certify that I am not interested in the result or concerned in the prosecution of the pension claims of Anna Watkins

Timothy W. Skinner Justice of the Peace

Page 85

STATE OF NEW YORK,
Oswego County Clerk's Office.} ss. 

I E.M. Hill Clerk of Oswego County, Certify
that Timothy W. Skinner Esq., before whom the
annexed affidavit was taken, was at the time of the taking such
affidavit Justice of the Peace in and for said
County, duly authorized to take the same, and further, that I am
well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe that his
signature thereto is genuine.
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said
County, this the Ninth day of December 1853.
EM Hill Clerk

Page 86

June 3/54

Page 87

38

Pension Office
June 3 1854

Sir
In the case of Anna Watkins of NH__act of July 7 1838__ a certificate of Court must be furnished showing when she died, and the number and names of her children now surviving.  The court must furnish the evidence upon which it bases its certificate, giving the names and residence of the witness and certifying their credibility.  An administrator must be appointed and the amount of his official Bond must be certified to this office.

A  L Lynde Esq
Warsaw
NY

Page 88

Proof in case of Mrs
Anna Watkins
act July 7. 1838

A L Lynde
Warsaw
New York
Atty for Claimants

Page 89

State of New York}
Alligany County }
Surrogatews Office }

I Lucian P Wetherby County Judge of said County acting as Surrogate do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to me to show that Anna Watkins late of town of Hume in said County died in said town on the 6th day of April AD 1854.  that she left three children whose names are Zaben Cole  Eddy Cole  and Amy Smith each of whom is more than twenty one years of age and they are the only children of the said Anna Watkin's her surviving that said facts are established by the affidavits of Nathaniel E Mills & Richard Smith hereunto annexed and that the said Nathaniel & Richard are respectable citizens of the said town of Hume and entitled to full credit as witnesses

I do further certify that Amy Smith of Hume the daughter of said Anna Watkins has been by me duly appointed administratrix of the estate goods chattels & credits of the said Anna Watkins and that she has executed with two good & sufficient sureties an official bond in the  final summary of twelve hundred dollars conditioned upon the faithful performance of her said trust as executrix

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & official seal at Angelica in said County this 15th day of June 1854
L P Wetherby CO Judge
acting as Surrogate

[image of seal]

Page 90

State of New York
Allegany County ss

Nathaniel E Mills being duly sworn according to law on his oath deposeth & says the he was well acquainted with Anna Watkins late of the the town of Hume in said County deceased.  That the said Anna Watkins died in said town of Hume on the 6th day of April 1854 and deponent was present at her funeral.  That she left three children whose names are Zaben Cole  Eddy Cole and Amy Smith.  who are the only children of the said Anna her Surviving & each of whom is more than twenty one years of age.  That deponent has been acquainted with the family of said Anna Watkins for more than 40 years
Nath^l  E Mills

Subscribed & sworn before me this 15th day of June 1854
L P Wetherby
CO Judge

Page 91

State of New York
Allegany County  ss

Richard Smith being duly worn according to law deposeth & says that he was well acquainted with Anna Watkins late of the town of Hume in said County of Allegany deceased.  That said Anna died at Hume aforesaid on the 6th day of April 1854 & deponent was present at her death & funeral.  That the said Anna left three children whose names are Zaben Cole   Eddy Cole  and Amy Smith who are the only children of said Anna Watkins her surviving & each of whom is more than twenty one years of age.  That deponent has be acquainted with the family of said Anna Watkins for nearly 30 years & she resided with him the last 15 years of her life

Richard Smith 

Subscribed & sworn before me this 15th day off June 1854
L P Whetherly
Co Judge

Page 92

Warsaw N. Yk.
May 27, 1854

Hon L. P. Waldo

Dear Sir   In reply to your letter of the 24th inst in case of Anna Watkins widow of Levi Cole act July 4. 1836.  I answer that I am informed that Mrs Watkins died on the 6th day of April last & left 3 children Zaben & Eddy Cole & Amy Smith

Wherever this claim if allowed letters of administration will be taken out    Mrs Watkins left no other property than her right to this pension    It would be quite agreeable to all parties concerned if the certificate could be granted payable to an administrator to be hereafter appointed.

Respectfully A.L. Lynde

Page 93

Warsaw New York
May 5. 1849

J. L. Edwards Esq^r
Dr. Sir

Enclosed I send declaration & proof in the Pension case of Anna Watkins formerly widow of Levi Cole.  which please examine & file &c.
Respectfully Yours
A. L. Lynde

Page 94

Two Cases
_________
Anna Hinkson
under the act 1836
________
Anna Watkins 
Act of 1838
________
Both on the
Suspended
Roles of NY

Page 95

Warsaw N Yk
Oct 24, 1853

Hon L. P. Waldo
Dear Sir
Will you do me the favor to permit R. W Young Esq to examine the papers file by me in the case of Ann Hinkson under act of July 4. 1836 & in the case of Anna Watkins widow of Levi Cole under act of July 7 1838 also the papers upon which Levi Cole was pensioned

Restfully Yours
A L Lynde

Page 96

Service
Navy
R.I. 
Cole, Levi P.
Watkins, Anna
former widow
NUMBER
W. 25917

Page 97

In the matter of Anna Watkins__


Levi Cole -- the pensioner , says he was born & raised in in [sic] R. I. & in 1779 shipped from Boston__ under Com Whipple

Benj^n Page -- of Portsmouth R. I.   Certifies that one Levi Cole did ship with him in 1779 - from Boston - under Com Whipple

Levi Cole -- says_ He returned to R. I. about Augt 1781 or 2 to see his friends & there remained for sometime not being again called into the Continental service.

Record of Marriage -- says Levi Cole & Anna Camp - residents of Adams - Berkshire Col. Mass. were married Dec 2?, 1782__

Levi Cole -- said in 1821 - that he is 57 - Mrs Watkins family register shows her Levi Cole to be 60 in 1821.

Mrs. Watkins -- said that soon after her marriage with Levi Cole they visited his friends in Rhode Island.  where his first child was born.

Family record -- shows the birth of Zaben Cole in Foster R. Island May 16, 1784

Page 98

Committee Room
Revolutionary Pensions
27th April 1860

Sir,
I am directed to request you to furnish the Committee with papers in the car of Molly W. Hobbs, widow of Josiah of __________ in the papers of her husbands application.

I have the honor to be 
Very Respectfully
Your Servant
Arthur W. Fletcher
Clerk ________________

Page 99

Sir,
I am also directed to request you to forward the papers of Elizabeth Cole  ___ under Act of 1813 & her husband Levi Cole, under Act of 1818.

Very Respectfully,
_________
Author W. Fletcher
Clerk & ________
Hon Geo C. Whiting
_________

Page 100

Warsaw New York
May 18. 1854

Hon L P Waldo
Dear Sir

Enclosed I send proof of identity in case of Anna Watkins widow of Levi Cole which I hope will be 
deemed sufficient to establish that point

I sent to you in August or September last 3 affidavits & copy of notice to Mrs Elizabeth Cole of Annapolis from which I have received no return

Respectfully Yours
A. L. Lynde

Page 101

Washington Dec 13, 1849

Col JS. Edwards,

Sir, I am requested forward the enclosed papers and am desired to ask early attention the same.

Respectfully
__________
H. Putnam

Page 102

Pelican Rapids Minn.
Apr. 16, 1927.

Dear Miss Wilson, or
Miss Chamberlain, or
Whoever has charge of
the Revolutionary Claims
and Records:

Some years ago, when 
I was a stenographer and clerk
in The Reimbursement Section
of the Bureau, Miss Chamberlain 
made for me a transcript
from the Rev. Pension Claim of
Levi Cole, Seaman from Rhode
Island in the Revolution. He
was my ancestor, and I was
then expecting to join the
D.A.R., which I have not
yet done. Now I want to get
a copy of that paper for a
young cousin who has an

Page 103

2.

opportunity to join the D.A.R.
[illegible]. By this letter I hope
to establish contact with the
Revolutionary records, so that if
it is necessary for her to 
send to the Bureau for a tran-
script similar to mine, I can
give her the proper address
and directions.
If I had used the record
Miss Chamberlain made for
me, I presume a certified
copy could be obtained at
the headquarters of the D.A.R.
But in as much as I have
never used mine, I suppose
she could not use a certified 
copy of my record here as
evidence to establish her
eligibility. I sincerely wish 
I might be able to get this

Page 104

formation by a personal 
interview, but am very much
tied at home on accounts of
my aged father, who needs my
care and attention here.
I have never been able to 
learn whether the pension bureau
has been moved to another 
building as contemplated. I
hope not!
Please let me know
how to obtain a copy of
the Record of Levi Cole for
an aspiring cousin.
Very respectfully,
Georgina Cole Harris
(Mrs W.N. Harris,
Pelican Rapids,
Minnesota)

Page 105

Warsaw N. York
March 5 1847

Hon J. L. Edwards

Dr. Sir

Anna Watkins widow of Lelvi Cole applied for pension under act of July 7th 1838.  Will you do me the favor to furnish me with a statement of the objection to her claim & what further evidence will be required in her case.

Very Truly Yours
A. L. Lynde

Page 106

Washington May 30, 1850

Col J. L. Edwards

Sir,
 The letter of          fully incloses what he wants upon the       started.  I forward this ______ and also the letter _____ to __ him - both of which phase return to me with your answer _____ if may be important for you to retain them.

Most Respectfully
Lar___
H. Putnam

Page 107

Anna Watkins former
widow of Levi Cole 
NY

A L. Lynde July 11 1849 [strike thru]
Hon H Putnam 14 Dec 1849 [strike thru]
same Jny 18 1850 [strike thru]
same 4 June 1850 [strike thru]
A Lynde May 16, 1851 [strike thru]
same June 3 1854 [strike thru]

July 7 1838

Page 108


Wausaw New York
Sept. 29, 1852

Sir,
In the pension case of Mrs Anna Watkins widow of Levi Cole under act of July 7, 1838.  I have employed J. T. Neely. Esq of Washington to aid me in establishing the claim & he is authorized to act in the [     ].

Respectfully
A L Lyude
Atty for claimant

To Commissioner
of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Page 109

thru Miss Coles desk
309 Md. Ave. N.E.

Mrs. F. D. Dassett
3128 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, Minn

Histy of
Levi P. Cole    R.I. W. 25917
wed
Anna Watkins

Dec. 11. 1915

Page 110

In reply to your request of ______________, received ____________ for a a statement of the military history of Levi or Levi P. Cole, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment
Sept. 1779

Length of Service 
11 mos

Rank
Mariner
Gunman
Ships Corporal
Sailed from Boston in company with ["    of France" _ "Ranger"
Was captured at Charleston, S.C. May 12, 1780, held a prisoner until Aug. when he was exchanged at Philadelphia.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
Captain. William Jones
Colonel.  Ship Providence, Navy
Commodore Abraham Whipple

He continued to serve during the rest of the War, as Militiaman and Boatman and was engaged in Sullivan's and Varnum's expeditions in Rhode Is.  No other officers nor dates stated.

Battles engaged in, Siege of Charleston, S.C.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Rhode Island
Date of application for pension, May 20, 1818.  His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Greenleaf's Point, Washington, D.C.
Date at application, {born in 1761, native of R.I., son Eddy Cole & Ruth of Foster, R.I. or Sciluale

Remarks:  Solmar Lanesborough, Mass., Dec. - 1782   Anna Camp
In 1830 he resided at Annapolis, Md., where he died Jany. 7. 1846.  Children:  Zaben B. May16, 1784 at Foster, R.I; Amy b. Jany. 20, 1786 atAdams Mass; Eddy born Aug. 28, 1787 at Cherry Valley NY married Tamy ____; Betsey b. July 14, 1789 at Canajoharci, NY;  Levi b. Aug. 27, 1791 at Adams.  Anna died Sept. 6, 1854 at Home, N.Y. in the house of Richard Smith, leaving children: Zaben, Cole, Eddy Cole & Amy Smith.

Respectfully,
Parents {Eddy Cole d. at Northampton, NY
               {Ruth Cole d. at West Troy, NY
As this is a statement of the soldier's legal marriage and legal heirs, no reference is made to his disappearance or his wife's remarriage - 

Commissioner.
DW

Page 111

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAN-51
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD
Division of Veteran's Administration Archives

Name  Cole, Martin    Grade   Private   Line North Carolina

Warrant Number N12053 aud 12867   Acreage   100   Issued April 15, 1795 to Abishai Thawas, assignee