Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,902, John Cobb, N.C. Va.

Page 1

N.C. (North Carolina) Cobb, John W.20.902

Va. (Virginia) Frances

Born in Va (Virginia)

Page 2

South Carolina 27979
John Cobb
of Pickens in the State of So. Car: [South Carolina]
who was a pr [private] in the [left blank] commanded
by Captain [left blank] in the Rgt [regiment] commanded
by Col. Green in the Va* Milia. [militia]
for 11 mos [months]

* + N.C. [North Carolina]
W.D.G. Sept. 8, 1909

Inscribed on the Roll of South Carolina 
at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Oct
and [illegible] Col. Joseph
Grisham, Falls P.O. So. Ca [South Carolina]:

Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 34 [1834] 128..31
Semi-anl. [Semi-annual] allowance ending 4 Mar 35 [1835] 18.33
$146.64
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk,
Book E [?] Vol. 6 Page 66

Page 3

2421.
South Carolina
Frances Cobb
widow of John Cobb
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private*
*Va. + N.C. lines
W.D.G. Sept. 8, 1909

Reported
Decb 15/48 [December 15, 1848]

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
36 Dollars 66.
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the
15 day of Decb 1848
and sent to 
Miles M. Norton
Pickens, CH [Court House]
S.C [South Carolina]

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 307 Vol. 2

Page 4

State of South Carolina
Pickens District
March Term 1833.

On this eleventh day of March one thousand
eight hundred and thirty three. personally appeared
in open court before the Honorable Josiah J. Evans in
the Court of General Session, + Common Pleas of the
said State for the District aforesaid now sitting John
Cobb a resident of the District of Pickens aforesaid
aged Seventy four 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 as a volunteer under
Capt. James Cobb of Col. Green's Regt. [Regiment] of Militia in
Halifax County in the State of Virginia He was
marched down to Williamsburg and was there
put under the command of Capt. Rogers of Col. Washingtons
Regiment of Infantry __ He was marched to Norfolk 
as it was reported the British was there + [and] before the
American Troops arrived the British burned the
Town and retired on their vessels __ He was then
marched to James Town from there to Hampton
from there to Little York [Yorktown] part of which had been burned be-
fore he got there __ He then returned to Williamsburg he 
was then discharged after having served about four
months__ He returned home, his Father was fixing to
move to North Carolina to which place he moved 
with his Father + [and] settled in Lincoln County N.C.
Shortly after he settled there within perhaps less than a
fortnight he turned out Volunteer to go after the
Tories he was engaged principally in the County of
Lincoln under the command of Capt. [Luke] Boyer - he was 
in several skirmishes He afterward turned out under
Capt. [John] Sumpter (Sumter) as a volunteer and in fact he was
not home except at very short periods from the com-
mencement of the Revolutionary war in Virginia he 
was nearly all the time in the army.  He was

Page 5

with with Col. [Thomas] Sumpter [Sumter] of South Carolina for a
considerable time after the Tories, engaged in
patroling the country on what was called scouts,
many prisoners were taken and a number of 
the enemy killed __ He was on tour with Col.
[John] Severe [Sevier] against the Cherokee Indians he was
at the Valley Town, kill'd several on the route.
At the Battle of Guilford [Court House] he was guarding the
Bagage [Baggage] __ He was at the Seige at Little York [Yorktown]
when Lord Cornwallis surrendered, he was
there commanded by Col. Washington [General George Washington] - in 
so long a time the frequent changes of officers it
now is out of his power to relate the officers at
all times + [and] places __ This declarant was born
in Halifax County in the State of Virginia
resided there till the commencement of the was
after his first discharge he moved to North
Carolina, remained there till after the end of the
Revolutionary war he then moved to 
Spartan [Spartanburg] County in South Carolina where he lived for nine
years he then moved into Pendleton County afterward,
District which was divided + [and] now in Pickens 
District and State aforesaid where he has lived
for the last thirty six years as well as he now
recollects __ He hereby relinquishes every claim
claim whatever to a pension or annuity except 
the present, and declares that his name is not 
on the pension Roll of the Agency of any state.
Sworn to in Open Court               }     John [x] Cobb
and subscribed the day                }     his mark
and year aforesaid.                       }
William L. Keith C.C. [Court Clerk] }

Page 6

12,260
R Oct. 22, 1845
Frances Cobb
S.C. [South Carolina]
act of July '38 [1838]
m [married] 86 [1786] d. [deceased - John Cobb] 41 [1841] !
rejected
Acts 43 + 44 [1843 and 1844]
aoma
11 mos pri [11 months private]
$36.66
Direct answer to 
Col. Miles M. Norton
Pickens C.H. [Court House]
S.C. [South Carolina]

Page 7

Declaration
In order to attain the benefit of the act of Congress
of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An act granting half
pay and pensions to certain widows." and the several acts
in continuation thereof.
State of South Carolina}
District of Pickens         } SS.
On this tenth day of September 1845
personally appeared before William D. Steele
Judge of the Court of Ordinary for the District
and State aforesaid, Mrs. Frances Cobb, a
resident of the same District and State, aged Seventy five
years past; (whom I certify is unable by bodily infirm
ity to attend in open Court a distance of 15 miles + [and]
without great inconvenience) who being first duly
sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the
following declaration in order to obtain the benefit
of the provision made by the act of Congress pursued (?)
July 87th 1838, and the several acts in continuation
thereof.  That she is the widow of John Cobb
who was a private in the war of the Revolution, and
she supposes served as he stated in his declaration,
upon which she obtained a Pension, the certificate of 
which she now has in possession No 27.979 dated
20th October 1834. that he resided in North Carolina
when he done his service, at which time she did
not know him, and cannot therefore state what
service he done.  She further declares
that she was married to the said John Cobb in
Spartanburg District S.C. [South Carolina] by Col. Obediah
Trinnier who was then a magistrate, on the
twenty seventh day of August in the year (1786)
One thousand seven hundred and eighty six. her
maiden name was Frances Smith, she was sixteen
years old the 1st of May previous to her marriage, 
and she has a record of the birth the 1st May 1770,

Page 8

and that her husband the aforesaid John Cobb
died on the twenty first day of May 1841.
that she was not married to him prior to his 
leaving the service, but the marriage took place
previous to the first of January seventeen hundred
and ninety four, viz at the time before stated.
27th August 1786. when she was turned of
16 years and according to the record she has 
she was born the 1st May 1770.
Frances [her x mark] Cobb
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and
year above written before
William D. Steele
Judge of the Court of Ordinary 
for Pickens District So Ca [South Carolina]

South Carolina } Before me personally appeared William
Pickens District } Abbett an old and respectable truthful citizen of
this District and made oath in due form of law, that in his youth he knew
John Cobb (late of this District a Revolutionary Pensioner reputed Soldier) and
Frances Smith; that Cobb lived about a mile from him; + [and] Smith the Father
of Frances, lives about three miles from him; that the said Cobb was
married to the said Frances Smith as he understood at the time, + [and] by O.
Trinnier Esq. in Spartanburg District, tho' he was not at the wedding.
He thinks the marriage took place, from the best calculation he
can make by his own age either in the year 1788 or 1789. he is
certain it was previous to the first day of January 1794. and that
previous to that time, he thinks at the date above stated 1788 or 1789
the said John Cobb took the said Frances Smith to his house + [and]
they lived together as husband and wife ever since, until the death of
the old man which took place a few years ago; as this deponent
has known them ever since +[and] lived not far from them + [and] never heard
it doubted but that they were lawfully married.
Sworn to 13th September 1845 before }       Wm Abbett
Miles M. Norton, Notary Public             }         [his signature]
+[and] Ec. Off. M. P. D.                           }

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South Carolina } Before  me personally appeared William Watkins +[and] his wife
Pickens District} Elizabeth, who are old respectable truthful citizens 
made oath that they know John Cobb (who was a Revolutionary Pensioner + [and] 
reputed Soldier + [and] who died in this District a few years ago) and his wife Frances
Cobb (who has made the foregoing Declaration + [and] who is yet the widow of the said 
John Cobb) in Spartanburg District, that these deponents moved there soon
after they were themselves married, and found the said Cobb + [and] his wife Frances
living together as Husband + [and] Wife they think in the year 1788 or 1789
and understand that they had been a short time previous lawfully married,
that they have known them to live together ever since until the old
mans death as Husband + [and] Wife + [and] never heard the legality of their marriage
doubted, but believed they were legally married. they are sure they
lived together previous to the first of January 1794.
Sworn to 13th of September 1845 before }     William Watkins [his signature]
Miles M. Norton                                         }     E Watkins [her signature]
Notary Public + [and]                                }
Ec. off. M.P.D.                                             }

I, William L. Keith Clerk of the Court of
Pickens District S.C. [South Carolina] do certify that William
D. Steele is Judge of the Court of Ordinary, and
that Miles M. Norton is a magistrate + [and] that the 
foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are
genuine.  
In testimony whereof, I have
hereunto subscribed my name + [and]
affixed my seal of Office, this
13th day of October AD 1845
W L Keith
Clerk of the Court of
Pickens District
SoCa [South Carolina]

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23748
John Cobb
Pickens District
S. Carolina
R
Admit as
private 11 mo
d. e.
$36.66
Col. Joseph Grisham
Falls (?) Office
Pickens S.C. [South Carolina]

Page 11

WAR DEPARTMENT,
PENSION OFFICE.

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, 
before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done.  These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, 
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }).  You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with the request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

Table
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Cobb, Pickens District South Carolina

Period when the service was rendered. Volunteer [no period or dates stated for first tour of duty]
Duration of the claimant's service about 4 months.
Rank of the claimant.  private 
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.  Capt. James Cobb  Col. Green             
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.  74 Halifax county Virginia
Proof by which the declaration is supported.  tradition                  
                      
Period when the service was rendered.  Volunteer 1780
Duration of the claimant's service 3 months.
Rank of the claimant. (blank, but probably private)
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.  Capt. Rogers Col. Washington
Place of abode when he entered the service. [for his second tour of duty he was still a resident of Halifax County Virginia]
Proof by which the declaration is supported. (blank, but probably tradition)

Period when the service was rendered. do (sic. ditto) [Volunteer 1780?]
Duration of the claimant's service 6 months. 
Rank of the claimant. (blank, but probably private)
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Capt. [Luke] Boyer Capt. Sumter Col. Sumter of S.C.
Place of abode when he entered the service. Lincoln Co. [County] N.C. [North Carolina]
Proof by which the declaration is supported. (blank, but probably tradition)

Period when the service was rendered. do (sic. ditto) [Volunteer 1780? or 1781?] 
Duration of the claimant's service 3 months.
Rank of the claimant. (blank, but probably private)
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Col. [John] Sevier
Place of abode when he entered the service. (blank, but probably Lincoln Co., NC)
Proof by which the declaration is supported. (blank, but probably tradition)

Nearly all the war in service
the applicant avers.  
I am respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. [James] L. EDWARDS
Commissioner of Pensions.

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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832
     The following regulations have been adopted:
     This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound in military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c.  Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
                Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
                            1.  The Regular Troops.
                            2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
                            3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
                            4. Indian Spies.
      As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in the Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides.  And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
                                                    DECLARATION,
          In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th June, 1832.
                                State, Territory, or District} ss.
                                   County of                      }
     On this ___________ day of _________________personally appeared (a) before
            A. B. a resident (b) of ______________________   in the county of _____________________ and State, Territory or District of ____________ aged (c) _________ 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832.  That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _______, with _______ and served in the __________ (e) regiment of the ________________ line, under the following named officers :

     [Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers ; the time he left the service ; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of this officers ;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service ; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched.  [Small graphic of a hand pointing to the right] This form is to be varied to as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

     He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of ________________
     Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.                                         A.  B.

          [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

     And the said Court do hereby declare the opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
     I _______________________________ of the Court of ___________________________ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _________________________ for a pension.
          In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this ______________________ day of ___________ &c.

     If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
     Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
     (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _________________ and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____________________________, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be __________ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.  
                    Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.   
            [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
     And the Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.  And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the ____________________ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
     I, ____________________ Clerk of the Court of _________________ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _______________________ for a pension.
                                            In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
                                                           of office, this __________ day of __________ &c.

     Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power.  This is the original discharge of commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
     If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person

Page 13

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case  The facts stated will afford on eof the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be ex- expected.  All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
     The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
     1. Where and in what year were you born?
     2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it"
     3.  Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
     4.How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?  And if a substitute, for whom?
     5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
     6. {To a Soldier.  {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by 
         {                      {whom was it given, and what has become of it?
         {To an Officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it
         {                      { signed, and what has become of it?
     7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
     The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
     The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -- one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.  If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
      The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party.  And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
     Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
     Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
     No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

                           ____________________________________________________________

     [a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
     [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides.  If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
     [c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
     [d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
     [e] Every continental officer of soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had.  Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
     "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c, A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served no less than the periods mentioned below, and in the 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."
     It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement ; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the 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 employed in any civil pursuit.
     [f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
     [g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
     [h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
     [i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.

                                                  Mode of authenticating papers.
     In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

                                                               Proof of Service.  
     [j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in the affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line in which he belonged.  The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper office, under his seal of office.  
      (Small graphic of a hand pointing to the following text) The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops.  The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
     [k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
     [l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
     [m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

(Handwritten signature at the bottom center of the page is illegible.)

Page 14

In reply to your request of (blank) received (blank) 
for a statement of the military history of (Rev) John Cobb (underlined)
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below desired
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen-
sion on file in this Bureau.
W. File 20902

Table
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. 1779 or 1779    
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 4 mos. (sic. months)
RANK.   Pri  (sic. Private)
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.  James Cobb [no first name] Rogers    COLONEL. [no first names]  Green or Lacy Washington
STATE. Va. [Virginia]

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  1780
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 3 mos. (sic. months)
RANK. (blank)
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
CAPTAIN. Luke Boyer  COLONEL. John Sevier
STATE. N.C. [North Carolina]

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  1781
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 4 mos. (sic. months)
RANK. (blank)
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.  John Sumpter (sic. Sumter)  COLONEL. Joseph Dickson
STATE.  (blank)

[Handwritten text along right margin of table: (Could not verify officers)

Battles engaged in, Cowpens + [and] siege of Yorktown (underlined)
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Halifax Co. Va., 2nd enl. [enlistment] Lincoln Co. N.C.
Date of application for pension, Mch. (sic. March) 11, 1833.  His claim was allowed. (underlined)
Residence at date of application, Pickens Dist., S.C. (underlined)
Age at date of application, 74 years - born in Halifax Co., Va. (underlined)
     Remarks:  Soldier mar. (sic. married) in Spartanburg Dist., S.C., Aug. 27, 1786 Frances 
Smith born May 2, 1770; he died May 21,1841, in Pickens Dist., where
she resided when she applied for pension Sept. 10, 1845 -- her claim
was allowed.
                                 Very respectfully,

                                                                                               Commissioner.

Page 15

State of South Carolina {Personally appeared before
Pickens District              {me the under assigned a
Justice of the Peace in and for the District of 
Pickens and State affaresaid [aforesaid] Rev. John
Cobb and made oath in dur for [form] of law
and on oath deposeth and saith that by
reason of old age and bodily infirmity and
consequent loss of memory he cannot swear
positively to the precise length of his Service
but to the best of his recollection he served
not less than the periods mentioned below
and in the following grade to wit a private
he entered the service a volunteer in the state
of Virginia Halifax County under Capt James
Cobb of Col Greens Regiment (the dates of the years
he was in the service he cannot recollect being
illitterate) was march to Williamsburg and 
was there put under other officers and marched
to Norfolk and different other posts and 
back to Williamsburg and was there discharged 
affter serving a tour of four months he next
turned out volunteer in the State of North Carolina 
Lincoln County under Capt Boyer and 
Served a three months tour which service he 
done chiefly in said county _____

Page 16

he then turned out under Capt Sumpter [Sumter] and
Served a six months tour and from that time
he was scarcely out of the service for as soon
one time of service was up he would again
volunteer as it was not saffe for men to stay
home in them times in that part of the
country where he lived he was under the
command of Col Sumpter [Sumter] of South Carolina
for some time the precise length of time he
can not recollect but he was under Col
Severe [Sevier] in a Tour after the Cherokees he was
at the Valey [Valley] Towns he was one of the baggage guard
at the time of the battle of Guilford He
continued in the service untill the Siege of
Little York [Yorktown] where Cornwallis surrendered
he there ended his service after having served
under the command of Cols Severe [Sevier] and
Washington three months he is certain and
he thinks nearer six months he knows that he
did serve his country not less than the terms
above mentioned and he is confident a
great deal more for during five years he was
unable to follow any civil pursuit on account
of his frequent tours in the service.
Sworn to and subscribed before me { John  X  [his mark] Cobb
This 20th August 1834                      {
F N Garvin J.P. [Frederick N. Garvin Justice of the Peace]

Page 17

John Cobb
8th Oct. 1834

Page 18

The State of South Carolina {  ss.
Pickens District                     {   Before me personally
came the Rev. John Cobb of said District
and made Oath, That late at this period he can
not recollect dates nor many occurrances of 
the Revolutionary war with which he once
was familiar + [and] in past an actor ___ He has no
records to appeal to being illiterate ___ He does
not know of any living witness except the
two who have (illegible) for him Henry Hix (Henry Hicks) + [and]
Eliz. Watkins __ The first service he did was 
as a Volunteer under Capt James Cobb, Lieut.
William Hancock, Ensign Rich.d [Richard] Wammack under
Col. (he thinks) Lacy {Edward Lacey] __ They went to Williamsburg
and the Capt. became deranged or incapable of
duty, Capt. Rogers took command of the company 
and they were under Col. Washington.  They marched
to Norfolk and from there to a place below he 
thinks the Green Sea against the British, but 
they got in their vessels__  Before he got to Norfolk
the Town was burned by the British __ as they came
to Norfolk they passed Little York [Yorktown], Hampton ___
He then returned by Portsmouth, James Town to Willi-
amsburg, where he was discharged for four months
Service and this deponent is positive he did
serve not less than four months at this time.
In the year 1780 He was drafted in the
State of North Carolina His Father + [and] himself
having moved into Lincoln County N.C. and 
he turned out under Capt. Boyer (Luke B),
Major Jos. Tipton, Col. John Sevier was marched to the Bald Mtn.
against the Indians they found ____ few + [and] killd
some there went then to the Valley Towns in
the Cherokee nation burned their Towns + [and] then
caught + [and] killd a few of them the others escaped
was stationed on Nola Chuck (Nolichucky River) ___ he thinks it was
called the Blue Springs + [and] was there as well as
he recollects when he heard of the Battle 
of Kings Mountain __  many men was taken from
that section to Kings Mtn But some were left 
+ [and] he was one of them to Guard the Frontier.

Page 19

He was continued in the service + [and] marched to Col.
Seviers House on Nola Chucka (Nolichucky) River + [and]
was discharged by Col. Sevier after having 
served out the time of service which he
saith was not less than three months.
   He then returned to Lincoln County N.C.
and the British + Tories were then troublesome
And he turned out Volunteer under
Capt John Sumter under Col. Joseph 
Deckson [Dickson] and was marched to Mecklinburg
from there they went to reinforce Genl.
Morgan and followed him + overtook
him at the place called the Cow-
pens the evening before the Battle
and was at the Battle of the Cow-
pens under General Morgan when
Taleton [Tarleton] was Defeated.  They
pursued the British to the Widow
Tarrants where they had another
skirmish the British retreated.  They
pursued to Guilford Cour House, and
at the time of the Battle he was placed
to Guard to Baggage ____ otherwise
he would have been in that Battle.
from there they followed to Hillsboro' 
N.C. ___ and from there to Halifax
N.C. and from there to Little York [Yorktown]
where the decisive Battle was fought
This Deponent was there during the
Seige after he got there perhaps two
weeks when Cornwallis marched out
he was present + witnessed the sur=
render ___ After which he was
discharged ____ He is positive he was
way over, but he says not less than
Four months ___ And he saith in

Page 20

his first Tour 1778-1779    4 months
   Second. do 1780            3 do
   Third ______ 1781            4 do

He was in actual service 11 months
and was nearly all the time out *
in scouting partners ___ He was very 
little at home but cannot now 
recollect dates.

John (his X mark) Cobb

Sworn to before me {
the 8th Oct 1854      {
F N Garvin J.P. (Justice of the Peace)

I William L Keith Clerk of the Court of Pickens
District certify that FN Garvin is a Magistrate
as above and that the foregoing signature purporting
to be his, is genuine. In testimony whereof, I have her=
eunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my
 name this the Eighth day
of October in the year 1834
William L. Keith
Clerk of the Court of Pickens District

Page 21

John Cobb
8th Oct. 1834

Page 22

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office
October 31st, 1845.

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act
directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners,
and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United
States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending
the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pen-
sion agents, The widow of John Cobb, decd.,
a Pensioner on the Roll of the South Carolina
Agency, at the rate of Twenty Six ___ Dollars
and 66 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June
1802, has been paid at this Department, from the 
4th of March 1841, to the 21st May 1841.

Respectfully,  yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.


To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Page 23

Falls
8th Oct. 1834

Dear Sir,
I again return you
The Rev. John Cobbs 
papers ___ I do hope
this poor Old man
will now have given 
satisfactory explanations
Yours truly
Joseph Grisham

Page 24

Revy [Revolutionary?]
Widow, &c.

File No. 20,902
Frances Cobb
Wid. [widow] of
John Cobb
Priv. Rev. War [Private Revolutionary War]

Act: Feb. 2nd 1848,

Index:---Vol. A, Page 187

[Arrangement of 1870.]

(Handwritten text appearing at the top right column of the page)
1909 Sept. 1 - Hist. to Mrs. Emma J.
Prescott.
1913 Jan. 15 Mrs. Minnie E.
Hogan, letter in B.L.Wt
2276-150, James McCrory

Page 25

Henry Hicks
affidavit
Proof Service
John Cobb

Page 26

State of Georgia} ss.
Rabun County} Before me personally appeared
Henry Hicks of said county + [and]
made Oath as the law directs. That he was
one tour of duty with the Rev. John Cobb
who now living in Pickens District S.C. as
he is informed.  This deponent was with the said
John Cobb on a march from near Jonesborough
N.C. as well as he recollects to Gen. Marions
camp below Nelsons Ferry on Santee River
he saw a man throw one (illegible) on while they
were camped on Santee River, he believes that
Cobb was the man. He is sure that Cobb did
services in the said campaign and he is confident
the said John Cobb was a good soldier + [and] true
friend to his country, in the Revolutionary War.
Sworn to 7th July 1834
Before Rbt Brown JIC [Judge Inferior Court]
Henry Hicks (his signature)
I Certify that Henry Hicks above named
is a respectable man + worthy of credit
Rbt. Brown JIC [Judge Inferior Court]
I A. L. Barry do certify that Robert
Brown Esquire above named is an acting
Magistrate as one of the Judges of the 
Inferior Court of Rabun County and
that all due faith + credit is due to his
attestation as such.
Witness my hand and seal there
being no seal of the Court have put
my private seal 7th July 1834
A. L. Barry
C. C. I. C. [Court Clerk Inferior Court]
Rabun County, G [Georgia]

Page 27

Elizabeth Watkins
affidavit
Proof Service of
John Cobb

Page 28

South Carolina { Personally appeared before
Pickens District { me the under assigned
Justice of the Peace in and for the District
of Pickens and state afforesaid Elizabeth
Watkins and made oath in due form of law
and on her oath, deposeth and saith that
she was well acquainted with the Rev
John Cobb during the Revolutionary 
war and k ows (knows) that he went into the 
army and that he at that time lived in
Virginia and this deponent further
saith that she had three brothers in the
service with the said John Cobb as she
has frequently heard them say and
that she this deponent lived imme-
diately in the same house that he the
said John Cobb made his home at
when he was not in the service and that
she does believe that he served as
he has stated.
Sworn to before me and
subscribed this 17th August 1834
Elizabeth (her mark) Watkins
F N Garvin J.P. (Frederick N. Garvin Justice of the Peace)

Page 29

I F N Garvin a Justice of the Peace in and
for the Dist of Pickens and state of South
Carolina do here by certify that Elizabeth
Watkins who has sworn to and subscribed
to the with in affidavit is a woman
of good character and that her testimony
deserves full credit given under
my hand this 19th day of August 1832,
F.N. Garvin J.P. (Justice of the Peace)

I William L. Keith, Clerk of 
the Court for Pickens District ___
Do certify that Frederick N. Garvin
Esquire is a Magistrate as above
that the signature above and within
purporting to be his is geniune
and that all due faith + credit is due
his testimonial, as such.
Given under my hand and
seal the twenty first day of
August Anno Domini one
thousand eight hundred and
thirty four ____
William L. Keith
Clerk of the Court
Pickens District
S.C.

Page 30

The Rev. John Cobb
Affidavit

Return answer to
Col. Joseph Grisham
Falls P.O.
Pickens Dist
S.C.

Page 31

I William L. Keith Clerk of the
Court of Pickens District South Carolina
Do certify that Frederick N. Garvin
Esquire is a Magistrate as stated in
the foregoing affidavit. That the sig-
nature purporting to be his is genuine
and that all due faith _ credit is
and ought to be given to his testimonials
as such.
Given under my hand 
and seal of office this
twenty first day of
August Anno one 
thousand eight hundred
and thirty four
William L. Keith
Clerk of the Court
Pickens District
S.C.

Page 32

Pickens C.Hse (Court House)
14 Oct
12260
Oct. 22 / 45 (1845)
W
Frances Cobb.
Aug 7th 1838
Hon. (Honorable) J. L. Edwards
Com. (Commissioner)   of Pensions
Washington City D.C.

Page 33

We Thomas Morgan a Clergyman
residing in the District of Pickens and Joseph
Grisham residing in the same, hereby cer-
tify, that we are well acquainted with
the Revd. John Cobb who has subscribed
and sworn to the above declaration, that we
believe him to be seventy four years of age
that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood 
where he resides, to have been a soldier of the
revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed {     Thos Morgan
in open court the day {   Joseph Grisham
and year aforesaid {
William L. Keith C.C. (Clerk of the Court)

And the said Court do hereby declare that opinion
after the investigation of the matter and after putting
the interogatories prescribed by the War Department
that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier and served as he states.
And the Court further certifies that it
appears to them that Thomas Morgan who has si-
gned the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman
resident in the District of Pickens and that Col
Joseph Grisham who has also signed the same is a
resident in the District of Pickens and is a Credable
person and that there (sic. their) statement is entitled to credit.
Josiah J. Evans
(?) Judge
I Wm L Keith Clerk   of the Court for
Pickens District do hereby certify that the foreg-
oing Contains the Original procedings of the

Page 34

said Court in the matter of the application
of John Cobb for a pension
In testimony thereof I have hereunto set 
my hand and seal of Office this Eleventh 
day of March in the Year of our Lord one
Thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
William L. Keith
Clerk of the Court

Page 35

John Cobb.
23748

Send answer to Post Office
Falls, Picking Dist. S.C.
care Col. Joseph Grisham

Page 36

(Left column of Certificate)
7416
South Carolina
Frances Cobb,
widow of John Cobb,
who was a private,
in the Virginia* line.
* and N.C. Line
W. D. H. Sept. 8, 1909
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
36 Dollard 66
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
20. day of November, '45. (1845)
and sent to M.M. Norton,
Pickens C. (Court) House, 
So. Ca
[Acts of March 3, 1843.]
+ [and] of 17 June, 1844.
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2 Page 164.

(Right Column of Certificate)
Paid at Treasury, under
writ(?) 6 April, 1838, from
4th March 1841, to 21st May
1841 (?) notified 10th
April 18??

Page 37

South Carolina {
Pickens District { Matthew Abbett, who is 
an old and truthful citizen of this District, came
personally before me, and made oath in due form of 
law, that he knew John Cobb and Frances Smith whom
the said Cobb married, in his young days in Spartanburg
District in this State, that he moved from Spartanburg
to Greenville in the year 1784 and returned again to 
Spartanburg the next year 1785. and that a short time
after his return (some text crossed out), the said John Cobb 
was married to the said Frances Smith, by common repu-
tation. tho' he was not at the marriage, but lived
very near + is convinced they were lawfully married
+  has known them ever since until the old mans death 
+ they lived together as Husband + Wife he has never
heard the legality of their marriage doubted.
He further states that Mrs. Cobb's first son after marriage 
was born about two weeks previous to the birth of his own
oldest son, who was born 25 August 1790.
Sworn to 11th Oct. 1845 before { Matthew Abbett (his signature)
Miles M. Norton {
Notary Public + {
Ex. Off. M. P. D {
I, William L. Keith, Clerk of the Court of
Pickens District S.C. certify that Miles M. Norton
is a magistrate as above, and that the foregoing
signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have commit-
ted my hand + Seal of Office, this
13th day of October A.D. 1845
W. L. Keith
Clerk of the Court of
Pickens District
SoCa

Page 38

Mrs. Frances Cobb
aa 
7416

answer to
Miles M. Norton,
Pickens C. H. (Court House)
S.C.

Page 39

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of
2nd February 1848 entitled An act making further pre=
=visions for Surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution
State of South Carolina {
District of Pickens { SS.
On this nineteenth day of
September 1848 personally appeared before Miles M.
Norton a Not. Pub. (Notary Public) + Ex. Off. Magistrate for the District aforesaid.
Mrs. Frances Cobb a resident of the said District
(?) aged Seventy Eight years.  Who being first
duly sworn doth   on her    oath make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provis-
ion, made by act of Congress passed on the 2nd
February 1845 granting pensions to to Widows of persons who served
during the Revolutionary War.  That she is the 
widow of John Cobb who was a private in the
Revolution.
That She has received a pension under the
act of 17th June 1844 of Thirty Six Dollars + Sixty
Six cents per annum She further declares that
she is still a widow.
Frances (her mark) Cobb
Witness
Daniel Marphew
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year
above written before Miles M. Norton,
Not. Pub. (Notary Public) + 
Ex. Off. M.P.D.
I certify that I am acquainted with Mrs. Frances Cobb
the above declarant and know her to be the same who 
drew a pension under the act of 17th June 1844.
Miles M. Norton
Not. Pub +
Ex. Off. M.P.D.

Page 40

South Carolina {
Pickens District { I W. L. Keith Clerk of the
Court for the District aforesaid, certify that the
Mr. Norton is a Magistrate on the foregoing proseading;   
indicate and then the signatures thereto, purporting to 
to be his are genuine.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto
affixed my seal of Office and
subscribed my name.  This 20th day of September1848.
Wm. L. Keith
Clerk of the Court of 
Pickens District
So. Ca.

Page 41

John Cobb
wid. 7416
wid. 2421
The Carrollton Annex,
Carnegie Way,
Atlanta, GA
Aug 23, 1909

Commissioner of Pensions -
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:  Will you
kindly send me the Re-
cord of service in the Rev-
olutionary War of John 
Cobb, who was a Pension-, 
er aged 83, in Pickens
District, S.C. in 1840; and
also the record of Capt
Robert Jackson (if he drew
a pension) who lived in Mor-
gan Co. Ga in 1820 and prob-
ably died in Autanga Co.
Ala. Thank you in
advance for your kind-
ness I am
Yours Very Truly,
(Mrs.) Emma J. Prescott (Prescobb?)

Page 42

College Park, Ga __
Jan. 9, 1913
rec., Jan. 11.

Mrs. Minnie E. Hogan
(Letter with B.L. ht 2276-150
James McCrory.