Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 723, Benjamin Cowl, Continental New York

Page 1


(3-1776)
SERVICE
 
Continental
New York

.
Cowl, Benjamin
Mahitable
Mehitable
Mahitabel
.
NUMBER
W.723
BLW1G108-160-55

Page 2

In let to John Fleming Esq Aug 12 1835    In let to Pensioner Aug 12 1835   In let to Pensioner Oct 14 1835
 New York Benjamin Cowl of Putnam Co in the State of New York who was a pr matross in the Company commanded by Captain Livingston of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Lamb in the New York militia for 1 mo for 8 mo matross Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 3/1 Dollars 1/ 1/ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of April 1833 and sent to J. Morehouse C. C. Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $73.32 Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Set in 18.33 $91.65 {Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.} Recorded by W.L. Williams Clerk, Book E Vol. 4 Page 49

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1657
New York City
Mahitable Cowl
widow of Benjamin Cowl
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a pri & Matross
N York Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 36 Dollars 66

Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February 1833
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 day of Aug/53
and sent to
John Holmes Patterson Putnam Co. N.Y.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act  Page 70 Vol A
3/53
Feb 3-1853

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20.408 Act Mar 2/55
May 12/55
Mehitable Cowl widow of Benjamin Cowl

Capt 
Revolutionary Pensioner
Matross Col Lamb
N.Y. Troops
NY Heb 53.1651

ad 160 ac's Feb 12/56
Dodge

John Holmes
Patterson
Putnam Co

no 16108 iss Feb 13/56

Vol. C2-13.

Page 5

12.058
Benjamin Cowl
Papers for pension

Patterson N.Y.

admitted
1 mo Private
8 mo Matross Artillary

not on roll of Capt Moodys Company
[illegible] 7. Feb 2

found on roll of Levies for '82 - see Bundle No 7 sub no 3.

Page 6

State of New York Putnam County ss On this eleventh day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Putnam now sitting Benjamin Cowl a resident of the Town of Pattison in the County of Putnam and State of New York aged seventy years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated, that he was born in the Town of Canaan in the State of Connecticut in the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty three, that he has no record of his age but that his information thereof is derived from the declaration of his parents. that he was away in the town of FredericksBurgh now the town of Patterson when called into service. that he has lived in the Town of Patterson since the Revolutionary war and now lives in said Town That in the year seventeen hundred and eighty two he volunteered in the Revolutionary service as a soldier and are the first of April of said year he joined the company under the command of Captain Livingston and was attached to a Regiment of the New York line under the command of Colonel Weisenphelt which at the time our company joined them at the town of Fishkill after laying about one month at Fishkill he volunteered with others to go and join Colonel John Lambs regiment of Artillery which there lay at West Point. That he there joined the company under the command of Captain Andrew Moody

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belonging to the Regiment under the command of Colonel Lamb as aforesaid and that he remained and did duty as a soldier until the first day of January at West Point when he received a written discharge from his Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Ebenezer Stevens having remained in the service of the United States as a soldier nine months from the time of his enlistment that he has lost his discharge and is unable to find it. that he knew general Knox when in service and that General Knox commanded at the Point where he was in the service that he knew General Huntington that he knew Major Bowman of his regiment and knew many officers in Colonel Gaines regiment of Artillery which lay at the time of his service at West Point that he is acquainted with Frederick Stone This Judge of Putnam Court of Pleas who can testify as to his character for truth and veracity. and that he lives in the neighborhood of the said Judge. That he is acquainted with Reuben D Barnum now a member of the Legislature of the State of New York who can testify as to his character for Truth and veracity and as to a belief of his services as a soldier in the Revolution that he has no documentary evidence to prove his service but that he served in the war with [unreadable] Nathan Bennett whose affidavit is hereunto annexed.  
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his is not on the pension role of the agency of any state Benjamin Cowl Subscribed & sworn this eleventh day of September 1832 before me Asher Gilbert Deputy clerk

Page 8

State of New York  Putnam County }    Nathan Bennett of the Town of Pauling and County of Dutchess being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he is well acquainted with Benjamin Cowl the person making the written declaration in order to entitle him to the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 that he knew the said Benjamin Cowl for the first time as soldier in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty two in the month of April at the village of Fishkill in Dutchess County, that he went with the said Cowl to West Point about the last of the month of April to join Colonel Lambs Regiment of Artillery that he knew the said Benjamin Cowl to serve in a Company under the Command of Captain Andrew Moody in Colonel John Lamb’s Regiment of Artillery until about the first of January thereafter that this deponent served with him as a soldier in the same Company and the same Regiment and was discharged from service about the same time that the said Benjamin Cowl was and has know the said Benjamin Cowl since the Revolution up to this date and further this deponent saith not.
Dated September 11th 1832
Nathan Bennett
Subscribed and sworn this Eleventh day of September 1832  Before me Asher Gilbert Deputy Clerk

Page 9

We Frederick Stone and Reuben D. Barnum residing in the County of Putnam hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Cowl who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and we concur with that opinion.
Subscribed and sworn this eleventh day of September 1832  Asher Gilbert Deputy Clerk
Reuben D. Barnum
Frederick Stone

And the said court to hereby declare this opinion after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the war Department and after this investigation of the matter; that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he States, and the Court further certifies that Reuben D. Barnum who signed the preceding certificate is a member of the Present Legislature of the State of New York and that his statement is entitled to credit and that Frederick Stone above named resides in the Town of Patterson and is the First judge of Putnam Court of Pleas as said Benjamin Cowl’s declaration stated.
Frederick Stone First Judge
Harry Garrison  Judge
Samuel Washburn  Judge

Page 10

I Johnathan Morehouse Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Putnam do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original procedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Cowl for a pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this eleventh day of September in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & thirty two
J. Morehouse

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State of New York
Putnam County
On this ninth day of May eighteen hundred and fifty three, personally appeared in open court before the Hon. John W Brown Judge of the circuit court held at Carmel in the said Putnam County and State of New York, Mahitable Cowl, a resident of Patterson in the County of Putnam and State of New York aged seventy-eight years. Who first being 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 3d day of February 1853.
That she is the widow of Benjamin Cowl deceased who was a private in the Revolutionary War, and was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of thirty six dollars per annum that he was a resident of the town of Patterson in Putnam county and State of New York, and that his pension was paid at the agency at New York and that his pension was paid at the agency at New York City. State of New York.
She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Cowl on the twenty eighty day of May eighteen hundred and forty three by Epenetus P. Benedict Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Patterson Putnam County, that her husband the aforesaid Benjamin Cowl died at Patterson. Putnam county and State of New York on the thirty first day of December, eighteen hundred and fifty one that she was married to him at the time above stated and that her name before marriage was Mahitable Craft.
The further swears that she was a widow at the passing of the act and is still widow. and that she has never before made application for a pension 
Mahitabel Cowl  her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before and made her mark by reason of old age and infirmity Ira Mead Clerk

Page 12

State of New York
Putnam County  On this first day of May 1855 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace authorised to administer  oaths for general purposes. within and for the county and state aforesaid Mehitable Cowl aged 80 years a resident of Patterson in Putnam County and State of New York. who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Benjamin Cowl deceased. who was a private and Matross in the revolutionary war That she now holds a certificate of Pension for thirty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum under the act of February 3 1853. dated August 31 1853. No 1651. and continued in actual service in said revolutionary war for fourteen days as will appear from the evidence proved and now on file at the pension office in Washington City. She further states that she was married to the said Benjamin Cowl in Patterson in Putnam County and State of New York on the 28th day of May 1843 by one Reverend Epenitus P. Benedict pastor of the Presbyterian Church and that her name before said marriage was Mehitable Craft and that her said husband died at Patterson in Putnam county and State of New York on the 31st day of December 1851. and that she is now a widow  it is interlined to read married on the 28th day of May 1843.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 8 1855. and further declares that she has never applied for nor received any bounty land under this or any other act of congress
Mehitable Cowl  her mark
Note married 28 day of May 1843
We Abraham Birdsell and Gilbert L. Heveland residents of Patterson and Putnam County and State of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Mehitable Cowl in our presence and that we believe from the appearance

Page 13

and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be
Abraham Birdsall Gilbert L. Havilland

The foregoing declaration and affidavit was sworn and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know of the affiants to be credible persons and that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in the claim and the reason of her making her mark is on account of old age and infirmity
John Lawrence Justice of the Peace

Mehitable Cowls
Declaration

Page 14

State of New York Putnam County ss I Epenetus P. Benedict Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Patterson in Putnam county and State of New York hereby certify that I officiated at the solemnization of the marriage of Benjamin Cowl to Mehitible Craft on the 28 day of May 1843 at Patterson in Putnam County, and also I officiated as a Clergyman at the funeral of the said Benjamin Cowl at Patterson Putnam County on the first day of January 1852 and consequently he must have died the 31s day of December 1851, and further I am well acquainted with Mehetible Cowl the widow of the said Benjamin Cowl deceased and that she has bore the name of the widow Mehetible Cowl and does now bear the name of the widow Mehitable Cowl of Benjamin Cowl deceased - and I have no doubt but that is the fact in the case.  Epenetus P. Benedict Pastor  
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 7th day of May 1855 Jacob Sunderlin Justice of the Peace 

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Epenetus P. Benedict Pastor and that his statements are entitled to full credit Jacob Sunderlin Justice of the Peace

Page 15

State of New York
Putnam County ss I Ira Mead clerk of the county court in and for said Putnam county do hereby certify that John Lawrence Esq and also Jacob Sunderlin Esq before whom the foregoing application and affidavits were taken was at the time of taking and subscribing the same were two Justices of the Peace residing in said county duly commissioned and sworn and authorised to take the same according to laws of the state, and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said John Lawrence esq and also the handwriting of said Jacob Sunderlin and verily believe that the signatures of the said justices are genuine  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court the 10th day of May 1855
Ira Mead Clerk
of the County Court

Page 16

12.058
Benjamin Cowl

admitted
1 mo private
8 mo. Mattross artillery


25
8.33
33.33

J Morehouse Clk
Putnam Co N.Y.

Page 17

BRIEF in the case of Benjamin Cowl county of Putnam in the State of N York (Act 7th June, 1832.)    
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  open court    
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?    
3. How old is he?  70 years    
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
Period:  April in 1782    Duration of Service:  9 Months   Rank:  Private   Names of Generals and Field Officers under whom he served:  Captain Livingston  Colonel Weisenphelt  Captain Moody  Colonel Lamb    
5. In what battles was he engaged? none 
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?   Patterson    
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?   by a living witness and others 
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? The papers are not attach as required 
* Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 
Richard Cutts
Examining Clerk.

Page 18

March 25, 1939

am

BA-J/AWF
Benjamin Cowl
W. 723

Mrs. Harry Klapper
23 Blackthorn Lane
White Plains, New York

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letters in which
you request the Revolutionary War record of
Benjamin Cowl of Patterson, New York.
The data which follow were obtained from
papers on file in claims for pension and bounty land, W. 723, based upon the military service of Benjamin Cowl in the Revolutionary War. Benjamin Cowl was born in the year 1763, in Canaan, Connecticut. The names of his parents are not given.
While a resident of Fredericksburgh (later
Patterson), Putnam County, New York, Benjamin Cowl volunteered and served from April 1, 1783, one month as private in Captain Livingston's company, Colonel Weisenfels' New York regiment, was transferred to Captain Andrew Moodie's company, Colonel
John Lamb's Regiment of Artillery, and served as matross, until January 1, 1783.
He was allowed pension on his application
executed September 11, 1833, at which time he was living in Patterson, New York. He died in Patterson, New York, December 31, 1851.
Benjamin Cowl married May 28, 1843, in Patterson, New York, Mahitable Craft. The date and place of her birth, and names of her parents are not given.

Page 19

Mahitable Cowl, widow of Benjamin Cowl, was
allowed pension on her application executed May 9. 1853, at which time she was seventy-eight years of age, and living in Patterson, New York. She was allowed one hundred sixty acres of bounty land on her application executed May 1, 1855, still a resident of Patterson.
There is no reference to children.
In 1853 Abraham Birdsall of Patterson, New
York, aged fifty-six years, stated that he was
present at the marriage of Benjamin Cowl, and Mahitable Craft, and the widow, Mahitable Cowl, had resided in his family "nearly ever since" the death of her husband, Benjamin Cowl; it was not shown that he was related to the family. 
In order to obtain the date of last payment
of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this widow, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data-
Mahitable Cowl, widow of Benjamin Cowl
Certificate # 1651
Issued August 31, 1853
Rate $36.66 per annum
Commenced February 3, 1853
Act of February 3, 1853
New York City Agency.
If you desire information relative to the
location of the land referred to above, you should address The Commissioner of the General Land Office, this city, and furnish the following data-
Warrent # 16108- 160 acres- Act of 1855.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

Page 20

State of New York
Putnam County   Epenetus P Benedict paster of the Presbyterian Church at Patterson in the county of Putnam and State of New York hereby certify that I officiated in the solemnization of the marriage of Benjamin Cowl to Mahitable Craft at Patterson Putnam County on the twenty eighth day of May eighteen hundred and forty three (May 28th 1843.) I also certify that I attended as the clergyman at the funeral of the said Benjamin Cowl on the first day of January eighteen hundred and fifty two. (January 1st 1852) consequently he died December 31st eighteen hundred and fifty one (December 31st 1851. and I further certify that I am fully satisfied of the said Benjamin Cowl Deceased and that he was a United Stated Pensioner 

Epenetus P. Benedict  Pastor

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5th day of May 1853
Cyrus H Fletcher Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted the above named Epenetus P Benedict that his statements are entitled to full credit
Cyrus H Fletcher Justice of the Peace

Page 21

haw
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
June 7, 1924.
Calvin D. Cowles,
Highland Court Hotel,
Hartford, Conn.
Sir:
I have to advise you that 11 you desire photostat
copies of the original papers in the Revolutionary War pension claims W. 723, of Benjamin Cowl and his widow Mahitabel, the same will be furnished you at the rate of fifteen cents 8. page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification, if that is desired.
The number of pages to be copied is twelve.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this
Bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
Respectfully,
Hays Haymaker
Acting Commissioner.

Page 22

Navy Bldg.
Registered Mail for Miss Finch from Mail Room
3-24-39 Gosch
1.
17 575
Mrs. Harry Klapper, White Plains, N. Y.
Cowl, Benjamin
Received
3-24-39

Page 23

Mrs. Harry Klapper
23 Blackthorn Tame
White Plains, New York
March 22, 1939
U. S. Pension Office
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
on March 2, 1939, I wrote to you asking for
information regarding Captain Benjamin Cowl's
declaration for a pension, but have received no
reply to date. Perhaps I am writing to the wrong
department. I understand that there is some means
that the Daughters of the American Revolution have
of obtaining this information. I am anxious to get
this material by the First of April for the purpose
of joining the Daughters of the American Revolution
as the work of Colonel Calvin Cowles is the only
proof that I have of Captain Benjamin Cowl's dec-
laration for a pension.
Enclosed you will find a copy of some data
from the book by Colonel Calvin Cowles.
Your assistance in this matter will be appre- 
ciated.
Very truly yours,
Ethel M Klapper
Mrs. Harry Klapper
-

Page 24

CAPTAIN BENJAMIN COWL, OF PATTERSON, N. Y. Vol. 11, p. 1199, Cowles Families in America, Col. C. D. Cowles. (Taken from Family Bible, Mother, Anna Mayhew (Cowl) d. Oct. 16, 1823 1. Benjamin Cowl, whose ancestry is unknown, was b. Mar. 11, 1763, in the town of Canaan, Conn., and d. Dec. 31, 1851, at Patterson, N. Y. He married (1) Elizabeth Gorham; b. Feb. 28, 1762; d. April 10, 1843; married (2) Mahitable Darling Craft, May 28, , at Patterson, N. Y. who d. May 5, 1866, age 91 yrs., 10 mos. He and both wives are buried in the village cemetery at Patterson. The following is a synopsis of his declaration for a pension, dated Putnam County, N. Y., Sept. 11, 1832. He states that he was born in the town of Canaan, Conn., in 1763; that he has no record of his age, but that his information thereof is derived from the declaration of his parents; that he was living in the town of Fredericksburgh, now the town of Putnam, when called into service; that he has lived in the town of Patterson since the Revolutionary war and now lives there; that in 1782 he volunteered in the Revolutionary service as a soldier, and on the first of April of said year, joined Captain Livingston's Company which was later attached to Col. Weisenphelt's regiment, New York Line, at Fishkill, N. Y.; that after lying there about a month he volunteered, with others to go and join Colonel John Lamb's regiment of artillery at West Point and there joined Captain Andrew Moody's Company of said regiment; that he served at West Point as a soldier until January lst and was discharged by his Lieutenant, Colonel Commandant, Ebenezer Stevens, having remained in the service of the United States as a soldier, nine months from the time of his enlistment. He served one month as private and eight months as matross. His name was placed on the U. S. Pension Roll, Putnam County, N. Y., April 30, 1833, and he was paid from March 4, 1831. His widow, Mahitable, was also pensioned (See File No. 723, U. S. Pension Office). He was promoted Lieutenant from Ensign, March 28, 1797; Captain, 1804, Dutchess County Militia, and resigned, 1809. Putnam was formed from Dutchess County in 1812.

Page 25

Navy Building, Mrs. Finch.
Registered Mail for Mrs. Finch from Mail Room  3-3-39  Sclar
1. 16075 Mrs. Harry Klapper, White Plains, NY.  Benjamin Cowl

RECEIVED  MMH Finch 3-4-39

Page 26

Mrs. Harry Klapper
23 Blackthorn Lane
White Plains, New Work

March 2, 1939

United States Pension Office
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
I am enclosing some information concerning
Captain Benjamin Cowl of Patterson, N. Y.
I should like very much to obtain more in-
formation in detail concerning this Captain Cowl.
Would you furnish me with this information and
also inform me what expense would be incurred for
such information?
An early reply to the above would be appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Ethel M Klapper
Mrs. Harry Klapper
prof

Page 27

CAPTAIN BENJANIN COWL, OF PATTERSON, N. Y,
Vol. 11, p. 1199, Cowles Families in America, Col. C. D. Cowle.
1.  Benjamin Cowl, whose ancestry is unknown, was b. Mar. 11, 1763, in the town of Canaan, Conn., and d. Dec. 31, 1851, at Patterson, N. Y. He married (1) Elizabeth Gorham; b. Feb. 28, , 1762; d. April 10, 1843;
married (2) Mahitable Darling Craft, May 28, , at Patterson, N. Y., who d, May 5, 1866, age 91 yrs., 10 mos. He and both wives are buried
in the village cemetery at Patterson.
The following is a synopsis of his declaration for a pension, dated Putnam County, N. Y., Sent. 11, 1832. He states that he was born
in the town of Canaan, Conn., in 1763; that he has no record of his age, but that his information thereof is derived from the declaration of his parents; that he was living in the town of Fredericksburgh, now the town of Putnam, when called into service; that he has lived in the town of Patterson since the Revolutionary war and now lives there; that
in 1782 he volunteered in the Revolutionary service as a soldier, and on the first of April of said year, joined Captain Livingston's Company which was Inter attached to Col. Weisenphelt's regiment, New York Line,
at Fishkill, N. Y.; that after lying there about a month he volunteered, with others to go and join Colonel John Lamb's regiment of artillery at West point and there Joined Captain Andrew Moody's Company of and regiment; that he served at West Point as a soldier until June lst and was discharged by his Lieutenant, Colonel Commandant, Ebenezer Stevens,
having remained in the service of the United States as a soldier, nine months from the time of his enlistment. He served one month as private and eight months as matross. His name was placed on the U. S. Pension Roll, Putnam County, M. Y., April 80, 1833, and he was paid from March 4, 1831. His widow, Mahitable, was also pensioned (See File No.
720, U. S. Pension office). He was promoted Lieutenant from Ensign, March 28, 1797; Captain, 1804, Dutchess County Militia, and resigned, 1809. Putnam was formed from Dutchess County in 1812.

Page 28

 
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON
 
March 4, 1939.
YOUR FILE REFERENCE:
IN REPLY REFER TO: BA-G

COWL, Benjamin

Mrs. Harry Klapper,
23 Blackthorh Lane,
White Plains, N.Y.
Dear Madam:
The postage enclosed with your letter of recent date
is herewith returned. No postage is required on replies to
official inquiries.
Your communication is being given attention.
By direction,
W. C. BLACK,
Chief Clerk.
Enclosure: (1) stamped envelope
Veterans Administration
Form 3158
Return of Postage

Page 29

TELEPHONE 3-0470

HIGHLAND COURT HOTEL
AN HOTEL FOR HOME LOVERS
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

June 20. 1924.

Commissioner of pensions
Washington D.C.
Sir:

Refering to Rev & 1812 wars section and your letter of June 7. 1924. I have received only eleven of the twelve photostat copies of the original papers in the Revolutionary War pension cliam W.7237 Benjamin Cowl and his widow Mahitabel. Some years ago I made a synopsis of the claim of the widow, in which Martha Delavan, a former wife of Benjamin Cowl was mentioned. Her name is not mentioned in the copies received. If this paper can be found I request a copy of it. My remittance of $1.80 June 9 was for twelve copies.
Very respectfully,
Calvin D Cowles

[STAMP]  US PENSION OFFICE  L JUN 21 1924

300 ROOMS - THE LARGEST HARTFORD HOTEL

Page 30

Request for Photostating
M 6
(To be prepared in duplicate)
Ex aw
1083
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK
Job No.
Subject Benj Cowl.  R W723.
Date June 26 24
1
copies of
pieces consisting of
1
pages to be
(No.)
(No.)
(No.
Rev. War Section
forwarded when completed to the
Division
Remarks:
Approved:
Chief Div. EAR
Chief clerk.

Page 31

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
aw
June 30, 1924.
Calvin D. Cowles
Highland Court Hotel
Hartford, Conn.
Sir:
You are herewith furnished a photostat copy of
a letter from John Holmes, Agent, addressed to Hon. J. E. Heath, Commissioner of Pensions, which is on file in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 723 of Benjamin Cowl and his widow Mahetable or Mahitabel, and to which claim the first paragraph only, of said letter refers.
The second and third paragraphs refer to the pension claim of Martha, widow of John Delavan, W. 15764 in which claim said John Holmes was also agent.
Respectfully,
Washington Gardiner
Commissioner

I am sure I put the twelve pages but as I cannot prove it I send copy of the letter especially as it is essential that Mr Cowles should see his own error in making notes

Page 32

TELEPHONE 3-0470
HIGHLAND COURT HOTEL
AN HOTEL FOR HOME LOVERS
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

June 9 1924

[stamp] FINANCE DIVISION JUN 11 1924 BUREAU OF PENSIONS

The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Sir.
I enclose herewith money order for $1.80 for which please send any photostat copies of the original papers in the Revolutionary War Pension claim W.723 of Benjamin Cowl and his widow Mehitabel mentioned in your letter of June 7, 1924, reference being made to Rev & 1812 wars section.
Very Respectfully.
Calvin D. Cowles.

Page 33

M 233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division

June 11, 1924.

Chief Rev Sect Division.
Sir:

I have this day received from Calvin D Cowles MO No 324139

for $1.80, requesting copy as per letter herewith.

Respectfully,
O.J. RANDALL

Chief Finance Div.
H.C.L.

Page 34

Highland Court Hotel Hartford Conn
June 1 1824

The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C. 

Sir:

Some weeks ago I requested to be informed of the sort of photostate copies of the pension papers of Benjamin Cowl who enlisted in 1786 and served as private and matross in the New York Continental Line and whose name was placed on the US Pension Roll, Putnam County NY April 30 1833, but I have received no reply
If the said papers are on file in your office I would like to know the cost of copies of same provided the are available.
Very Respectfully
Calvin D. Cowles.

U.S. PENSION OFFICE S JUNE 3 1924
May 23

Send
Cop. ap of Sept 11 1832 = 5 pages
of D Cool Aug 26 1835 = 3 pages
wid ap. of May 9, 1853 = 4 pages
& aff                            12

Page 35

TELEPHONE 3-0470
HIGHLAND COURT HOTEL
AN HOTEL FOR HOME LOVERS
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

May 5, 1924

Commisioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Sir:
If your files contain the pension papers of Benjamin Cowl whose name was placed on the pension rolls of Putnam County N.Y. April 30 1833. please inform me what photstat copies of same would cost and oblige.
Very Respectfully
Calvin D. Cowles

[stamp]  U.S. PENSION OFFICE MAY 7 1924


300 ROOMS - THE LARGEST HARTFORD HOTEL

Page 36

[column 1]
Revy WIDOW, & c.

File 732
Mahitable Cowl
Widow
Benjamin Cowl
Pri. Rev. War

Act:  Feb 3, 1853
Index: - Vol. A, Page 141
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[column 2]
examined by C.D. Cowles
Nov 2 1892

1924 June 7 C.D. Cowles aw mjf; of cost of copies
1924. June 17. Copies mailed to C.D. Cowles aw
June 30 24 copy of letter of John Holmes furnished to Mr. Cowles who was also adorsed that first paragraph only refers to this claim aw.
1939 Mcr 25 hist to Mrs. Harry Klapper aw

Page 37

s 16.108

Hr Ans

Page 38

May 14 1853
No 2160
Appl of Mahitable
Cowl widow of Benjamin

N.York
8799
Act 3d Feby 1853
$36.66
Revy

John Holmes Patterson Putnam Co NY

Nor OK
Evidence Good

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
PENSION OFFICE, OFFICIAL BUSINESS

Page 39

NAR Good      in open court     Putnum County New York on the 9 May 1853      
Married 28 May 1843 – NAR    certificate by clergyman who moved them  rec other witness present at marriage. 
Died 31 December 1857  NAR  Certificate of Clergyman who married then and attended his funeral on the 1st 1852 and continued widowhood- By an other death proven and continued widowhood

Page 40

pension office 29 July 1852

This case is respectfully refered to 3d auditor for date of death of Pension, and of lost payment

Very respectfully 
S Cole
Chief Clerk

Page 41

Benjamin Cowl, Act 1832
Died 31st Dec 1851, Paid to his death

F Burt
Auditor

Page 42

Mahitable Cowl
Wid of Benjamin Cowle
$36.66
Died 31 Decr 1857

Page 43

Brief in the case of Mahitable Cowl wid of Benjamin Cowl of Putnam County and State of New York under the act of 3d Febry 1853

claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Benjamin Cowl was a Revl Pensioner under the Act of June 7th 1832, at the rate of $36.66 per annum. and who died on the 31st Decer 1851.
Mahitable Cowle his widow on the 9 May 1853 in open court in the county & state aforesaid made application for a pension under 2d Lieut of the Act 3 Feb 1853-
(If for increase)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proven by the Certificate of the Clergyman who married them one ly an other person who was present
Death by the clergyman who married them and attended his funeral on the 1 Jany 1852. and ly an other person
Identity and widowhood proven
Pension allowed at $36.66 per annum commencing on the 3rd Feby 1853
August 14th 1853
David McCook

Name and residence of Agent
John Holmes
Patterson Putnam County
New York

Page 44

Patterson Putnam County
New York May 12 1855

Hon L. P. Waldo Coms
of Pension D.C

Sir
I forward the papers of Mrs Mary Parsels widow of Thos. Parsels [illegible] deceased also Mrs Mehetable Cowl widow of Benjamin Cowl deceased claiming bounty land under the act of 3 March 1855, and would refer to the papers on file in both cases
I am with respect your obt servt
John Holmes

Page 45

State of New York
Putnam County ss Darius Cook being duly sworn deposeth and saith that this deponent is aged eighty one years and resides in the town of Dover in the county of Dutchess and State of New York - that the deponent is well acquainted with Benjamin Cowl of Patterson in Putnam County and State aforesaid and has lived ever since the revolutionary war. That he is the same Benjamin Cowl mentioned in the pension certificate given at the war office of the United States that the thirteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty three under the law of the United States of the seventh of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty two-that the said Benjamin Cowl was in the service of the United States at West Point in Captain Andrew Moody's company of artillary in Colonel Lambs regiment for the term of eight months which term of service commenced the first of May one thousand seven hundred and eighty two and ended the first of January one thousand seven hundred and eight three - that this deponent served with the said Benjamin the whole of the said term and well knows that the said Benjamin served the whole of the said term - that this deponent never received a pension - that this deponent has no reason to believe that the said Benjamin ever received any pay for the said service until the receipt of his pension under the law of the United States aforesaid and this deponent further saith that the said Benjamin is a man of truth and his statements instilled to credit and further deponent saith not

Page 46

I certify that the above named David Cook duly appeared before me and subscribed and swore to the above affidavit the 26th da y of August 1835 before me

Darius Cook his mark

Benjamin Haviland Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Putnam County  Benjamin Cowl duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is the same Benjamin Cowl described in the annexed affidavit of Darius Cook that this deponent served as is therein stated and that this deponent never did receive any pay for the said service except the pension under the law of Congress of the seventh of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty two and further saith not

Benjamin Cowl

Subscribed & sworn the 26th August 1835 before me - Benjamin Haviland Justice of the peace

State of New York
County of Putnam  ss I Jonathan Morehouse Clerk, of the said county do certify that Benjamin Haviland before whom the foregoing affidavits purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said county and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed & the said affidavits is the proper handwriting and signature witness my hand and seal of office this 27th day of August 1835

J Morehouse clerk

Page 47

JL Edwards
War Department
Pension Office
Washington City
DC

Sept 3
Benj Cowl
NY
13 Apr 1833

Page 48

State of New York
Putnam County ss John Turner of Patterson in Putnam County duly sworn deposeth and saith that this deponent is well acquainted with Darius Cook the person who made the annexed affidavit and has [illegible] for many years that the said Darius Cook is a man of truth and veracity and his statements entitled to credit and further saith not

Subscribed and sworn the 28 day of August 1835

John Turner

I further certify that I am well acquainted with the aforesaid John Turner and that he is a man of truth and veracity and his statements entitled to credit
Benjamin Haviland Justices of the Peace

Sir
You will please to inform me my pension is continued and oblige your humble servant
Benjamin Cowl

JL Edwards Esq

Page 49

James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

NY Aug

Page 50

Mechanics Bank
New York 14th August, 1835

Sir

Benjamin Cowl a private & matross at $36.66 per annum, whose pension is suspended by your letter of the 12th Inst was pain to the 4th of March 1835, on the 19th of May last,

I am Respectfully your obt servt

Jno Fleming Pred your agt


James L Edwards Esq
Commisioner of Pension

Page 51

Benjn Cowl

Page 52

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Benjamin Cowl Putnam Co N York which require
further proof or explanation.
1.
Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason
assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when lie served? yes
v.
Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he
served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension
he is entitled ? yes

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of
June 7, 1832?
yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? the
IX. Has the Clerk given his
x. Is the Clerk's seal affixed ? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished
from any other seal? yes

Page 53


XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolu-
tienary service ?
no
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtain-
ing it ?
no
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one
living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had ?
XIV. if the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness
or witnesses as to his service? yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the
regulations direct? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age,
as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service ? yes
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily P
And,
if not, which of them is not so answered ? no
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*
QUERE v. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how
long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being
duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory. he
cannat swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recol-
lection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For
year
months. and
days, I served as a
For
months
and
days, I served as a ; and for such service I claim a pension.

Page 54

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, of the
and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pensien to be paid according to the grade
pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too in-
definite, state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the
and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions
merely and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objection-
officers, able. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served ; the duration the
of each term of engagement the particular place or places where the service was performed; that
applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either
in the field or in garrison and for the time during which the service / was performed, he was not em-
ployed in any civil pursuit.
IQUERE In XIV. case where Proof the of name Service. of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must of
a his sei vice by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time
prove the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the
regiment, must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magis-
company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths
trate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
:¿QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not
tificate written must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or norrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass
every on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the cer-
under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly
attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of
office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the
certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Page 55

[stamp] PATTERSON 11 MAY NY

Free

L P Waldo Comr of Pensions
Washington City
D.C. 

130.408

Page 56

State of New York Putnam County Abraham Birdsell of the Town of Patterson in the county of Putnam and State of New York aged fifty six years. personally appeared before John Lawrence a Justice of the peace in and for said county who first being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he is personally acquainted with Mahetable Cowl widow of Benjamin Cowl Deceased who was a United States pensioner and that he was known and was personally present at the marriage of the sd Benjamin Cowl to Mahetable Craft on the 28th day of May 1843. and also was knowing to the death of the said Benjamin Cowl which took place at Patterson Putnam County on the 31st day of December 1851. and further that the said Mahetable Cowl widow of Benjamin Cowl has resided in my family ever since the decease of the said Benjamin Cowl or nearly since that period. and therefore I know that the said Mahetable Cowl widow of Benjamin Cowl deceased has been and still is a widow ever since the decease of the Benjamin Cowl that took place December 31 1851. Abraham Beeson Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5th day of May 1853 before me John Lawrence Justice of the Peace I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Abraham Birdsell and that his statements are entitled to full credit. John Lawrence Justice of the Peace

Page 57

State of New York
County of Putnam ss
& Supreme Court  I Ira Mead clerk of the county court of Putnam County which are courts of record having general jurisdiction do hereby certify that the declaration of the within named Mahitabel Cowl was made in open court Hon. John W. Brown presiding and that Cyrus H Fletcher esq and John Lawrence esq before whom the within affidavits were taken were justices of the peace within & for said county duly commissioned & sworn & authorised to take the same & further that their signatures to be genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said courts this ninth day of May AD 1853
Ira Mead Clk