Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6777, Stephen Costen, N.C.

Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
N. C.

Costen, Stephen
S.6777

carded
CONTENTS

Page 2

(3-1776)

SERVICE
N.C.

Costen, Stephen

NUMBER S.6777

carded
CONTENTS

Page 3

12. 186
North Carolina
Stephen Costen
of Onslow in the State of N. Car"
who was a pr: in the --- commanded
by Captain --- of the Regt. commanded
by Col: Mathews in the N. Car:
line for 9 months-

Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina
at the rate of 30 - Dollars --- Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 3d day of April
1833 - and sent to Jno. W. 
Stanley, Wilmington N.C-

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833         60
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept-     15
---                                                       $75.-
{ Revolutionary Claim, }
{ Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk,
Book C Vol. 6 Page 36

Duplicate Certificate issued
22 March 1845 and sent to
Patrick Murphy. Taylors
Bridge. N. Carolina

Letter to Pen. Agt. 14 June 1845.
Same  ----------     23 Sep 1846
Same -----------    20 Nov 1848.

Page 4

State of North Carolina
County of New Hanover
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions
September Term 1832
On this day of September in the year 1832 personally appeared in open court before the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the county of New Hanover now sitting at the court house in Wilmington, Stephen Costen of the county of Onslow and state aforesaid aged about seventy-seven 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 the 7th 1832
That he was born in the county of New Hanover State aforesaid some time in the year 1755
That he has no record of his age
That he lived in the county of Onslow N. Ca at the time he was called into service, and has lived there ever since.
That he was drafted and served three tours of three months each during the war under different officers, the particulars of which are as follow vis
That he first entered the service under

Page 5

[Declaration page 2]

Capt William Cray, Col Mathews, Genl. Lillington in the latter part of the year 1779.- That he marched under them from Wilmington N.C. by the way of Georgetown & Monk's Corner to a place called Dorchester in South Carolina.

That there being met by two United States officers Col Dickson & Major Sharpe he marched under them in conjunction with his own officers to Charleston - That he there served with the troops commanded by General  Lincoln seven or eight weeks & assisted in throwing up a breast-work or fortifications for the defence [defense] of the city-

At the expiration of which time, the militia under Genl Lillington being discharged he returned to Wilmington NC under the command of Capt William Cray where he was discharged in the year 1780 in March.

That he entered the service again in the year 1780 under Capt Danl Yates & Genl Lillington. That he marched from Duplin Court House N. Ca., their place of meeting or rendezvous to Fayetteville, from thence to Rocky River

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[Declaration page 3]

near a place called the shallow ford [Shallow Ford, near Huntsville, North Carolina] from  thence to Guilford Court House [North Carolina], & from thence to Dan river near Virginia for the purpose, as he supposed, of joining the army under the command of Genl Green [General Nathanael Greene] when intelligence was received that the british troops under the command of Major Craig [British Major James Henry Craig] had taken possession of Wilmington [North Carolina]

That he then crossed a little stream called the Alimance [Alamance Creek, North Carolina] & was marched down to the Big-Bridge within ten miles of Wilmington [North Carolina], where he was in a small engagement [Skirmish at Heron Bridge, North Carolina 1781] with the british troops under Major Craig [British Major James Henry Craig] in which the Americans were worsted & put to flight. 

shortly after this his term of service expiring he was discharged by Capt. Danl Yates [Daniel Yates] some time in the year 1780.

That he then returned to Onslow [North Carolina], was drafted & entered the service again in the early part of the fall or latter part of the summer of the year 1781 at the Richland Chapel in Onslow [NC] under Capt

Page 7

[Declaration page 4]

[Captain] Daniel Newton & Col John Spicer That he marched from thence to a place called Rutherfords Mills in Holly Shelter N.Ca. [a known landmark for military movements in the Cape Fear area] & from thence within ten miles of Wilmington [NC] scouting about the country in pursuit of Tories.

That about this time intelligence was received of the capture of Lord Cornwallis [General Charles Lord Cornwallis] [Surrender of Cornwallis] at Yorktown [Virginia]. Upon the receipt of which he was marched back to the richland chapel [Richland Chapel, Onslow County, North Carolina] & discharged in the fall of 1781.

That in addition to the above service he was called out for short periods at different times during the war. for the purpose of guarding defenceless [defenseless] points within the limits & on the coast of North Carolina.-

That the above is a faithful account of his service- his discharges he has lost- That he knows of no person living who can testify to any part of his service except James Coillins of the county of New Hanover North Carolina

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[Declaration page 5]

who served in the same company with him in his tour at Charleston So. Carolina Capt William Cray & whose testimony as to that portion of his service is herewith transmitted - 

That he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to an annuity or Pension except the present, &  declares that his name is not on the pension  roll of the agency of any 
state. 
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Stephen Costen [his mark] X

State of North Carolina
County of New Hanover
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions 
September Term 1832

I James Collins of the county of New Hanover do hereby certify that I served with the Stephen Costen,
who has signed the above declaration in one tour of three months under Capt. William Cray & Genl [John Alexander] Lillington, in which tour we marched to Charleston So. Co. & served with the troops commanded by Genl [Benjamin] Lincoln & I do hereby further certify that I have heard that part of his declaration read to

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[Declaration page 6]

me & that the statement there made by him is correct & true to the best of my knowledge & belief.
Sworn to & subscribed this 13th day of September 1832
James Collins [his mark] X

We John Howard senior & Nicholas N Nixon residing in the county of New Hanover & State of North Carolina Do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Stephen Costen who has subscribed & Sworn to the above declaration; that we believe that he to be seventy seven years of age; that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion-
Sworn & subscribed this 13th Sept 1832
John Howard senior
Nickolas N Nixon J.P. [Justice of the Peace]

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the intrrogatories [interrogatories] prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier & served as he states. and the court further certifies that it appears to them that John Howard senior who has signed the preceding certificate is a credible person resident in

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[Declaration page 7]

the county of New Haanover & State of North Carolina & that Nicholas N Nixon who has also signed the same is one of the Justices of the court for the county of New Hanover & state aforesaid is a credible person and that their statement  si entitled to crddit.

I John W Stanly, clerk of the court of Pleas & Quarter sessions for the county of New Hanover Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Stephen Costen for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 13th day of September A.D. 1832
John  W Stanly CLK

[illegible round seal affixed]

Page 11

17.709
Stephen Coston

admit for 9 months
[illeg] 1783 as  [illeg]
Ed Mathers, NC
[illeg]

In W. Stanley
Wilmington N.C.

Page 12

BRIEF in the case of Stephen Costen
of Onslow County in the State of N. Carolina
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court of a Judge?   Open Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?[blank]
3. How old is he? about 70 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
[Form headings: Period/ Duration of Service/Rank/ Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.]
[Line 1]
Period:  latter part of the year 1779   
Duration: 3 months 
Rank: Private 
Officers: Captain Wm. Cray, Col. Matthew 
[both of] N. Carolina
[Line 2]
Period: 1780 
Duration: 3 months
Rank: Private
Officers: Capt Danl [Daniel] Yates N. Carolina
[Line 3]
Period: 1781
Duration: 3 months
Rank: Private
Officers: Capt Dan [Daniel] Newton, Col. John Spicer N. Carolina

States that, in addition to the above, he was called out for Short periods at different times during the War, that amount of this latter Service is not Stated

5. In what battles was he engaged? none named

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? County of Onslow N.C. 

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? 
Traditionary evidence, and one living witness, who testifies to the first term of service

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
They are not attached according to the Regulations

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Wm Gordon Examining Clerk.

Page 13

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
EEL

November 23, 1929

Mrs. Karl Sherrill
225 Davie Avenue
Statesville, North Carolina

Dear Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.6777, it appears that Stephen Costen was born in 1755, in New Hanover County, North Carolina.

While residing in Onslow County, North Carolina, he enlisted late in the year 1779, served as a private in Captain William Cray's Company in Colonel Mathews' North Carolina
Regiment, and was discharged in March, 1780.

He enlisted in 1780, exact date not given, and served three months in Captain Daniel Yates' North Carolina Company, was in a small engagement at Big Bridge, near Wilmington.

He enlisted late in the summer or early in the fall of 1781, served three months in Captain Daniel Newton's Company in Colonel John Spicer's North Carolina Regiment, and went on scouting parties against the Tories.

He was also out on several short tours doing guard duty, no specific dates given.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 13, 1832, while a resident of Onslow County, North Carolina.

There are no data as to his family.

Very truly yours,

EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.

[handwritten] Date of death not on AB.

Page 14

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
MMHF/eel

February 13,1930
D.6777

Mrs. Karl Sherrill
225 Davie Avenue
Statesville, North Carolina

Dear Madam:
I advise you that the history furnished you on November 23, 1929, is that of the only soldier named Stephen Costen (or similar spelling) found on the Revoluntionary War records of this bureau.
As shown in letter of that date to you, the soldier stated he was born in 1755 in New Hanover County, North Carolina, that at the time he enlisted he was a resident of Onslow  County, North Carolina, and when he applied for his pension in 1832 he was a resident of Onslow County, North Carolina where he had resided ever since his enlistment.
Very truly yours

EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.

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225 Davie Ave.
Statesville, N.C.

Earl D. Church, Commissioner
Bureau of Pensions
Washington

Dear Sir,
Will you be kind enough to give me copy of Pension Claim S.6777 in which Stephen Costin's date of birth is given as 1755 in New Hanover Co.
Family records do not state that my ancester, Stephen Costin ever lived in Onslow Co, so I naturally wondered if it clearly was stated in the Washington records that the Stephen Costin born in New Hanover 1755 was the same Stephen Costin

Page 16

who enlisted in Onslow in 1779 and was discharged in March 1780, and was allowed pension September 13, 1832. While living in Onslow County. Could it be possible that there was also a Stephen Costin in Onslow? New Hanover records show that Stephen Costin was living in New Hanover in 1835. In fact, there is almost a continus record of him from 1797 to 1835 Many thanks for any help you  may be able to give me.
Yours truly
Mrs. Karl Sherrill

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225 Davie Ave.
Statesville, N.C.
Commissioner Pensions
Washington
D.C.

Dear Sir.
Will kindly appreciate it if you will tell me if Stephen Costin of New Hanover County, N.C. received a pension for serving in the Revolution. Did he receive land or any indication that he served as an officer.
I also would like to know if George Robinson of Sampson County received a pension for services in the Revolution.
Yours truly,
Mrs. Karl Sherrill

Page 18

6777
Revolutionary

INVALID.
File No. 6777
Stephen Corston
Priv. Rev. War

Act: June 7th 1832
[illeg]ex:--Vol. 1st, Page 74
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1929-Nov 23. Hist. to Mrs. Karl Sherrill. L
1930-Reb 13. Mrs. Karl Sherrill [illeg] relation to counties in which sol. resided etc. [illeg]

Page 19

State of North Carolina
New Hanover County

Be it known That before me W. C. Bettencourt a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Stephen Costen and made oath in due form of law, that he is the identical person named in the original certificate in his possession of which I certify, the following is a true copy:
War Department - Revolutionary Claim -
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832 Stephen Costen of the State of North Carolina who was a private in the army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Thirty dollars per annum, during his natural life commencing on the 4th of March 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 3rd day of April 1833
Serv. [illeg]
Examined and countersigned, JL Edwards Comm of Pensions. Secretary of War
That he now resides in Onslow County and has resided there for the space of fifty odd - years past and that previous thereto he resided in New Hanover County N.C. 
Sworn to and subscribed this the 29th day of Oct. A.D. 1844 before me
WC Bettencourt, JP
Stephen Costen
his mark

Test
Know all men by these presents that I Stephen Costen of Onslow County N.C. a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States hereby consitute and appoint John McRae my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to receive from the Agent of the United States for paying pensions in Fayetteville State of North Carolina, my pension for the 4th day of March 1844 to the 4th day of September 1844. Witness my hand and seal this the 29th day of Oct. 1844
Stephen Costen
his mark
Sealed and delivered in presence of
Wm B. Sidbury
Before me
W C Bettencourt J.P.

Page 20

State of North Carolina
New Hanover County

Be it known that on the 29th day of October A.D. 1844 before the Subscriber or Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Stephen Costen above named and acknowledges the foregoing power of Attorney to be his act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year aforesaid. 
W.C. Bettencourt, J.P.

I, L. H. Marsteller Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of New Hanover County certify that Wm.C. Bettencourt is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this the 31st day of October A.D. 1844
LH Marstellery. [illeg]

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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the nagative, in red ink, will appy to the claim of Stephen Costen which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the appplicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period of periods of the war when he 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 ythe 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? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distiguished from any other seal? Yes

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2
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 the neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
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?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistsrate who administered the oath certified to the credibilty of the witness or witnesses? No
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?

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3
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 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 shewn 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.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which 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 officer, under his seal of office.
+QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
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.

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[Apparently used as scrap paper for multiple arithmetic calculations. Not transcribed.]

Page 25

Dr Sir
I return you Mr Costen's Power of Attorney for the War Certificate to be [illeg] after the word "Seal", and for you to sign the Power of Atty before "[illeg], Sidbury should sign the War Certificate
Please return it to John McRae Esq. Postmaster Fayetteville and Ill write him how to [illeg] of the proceeds should you succeed in getting Mr Sidbury's signature
Resp'y yr obt servt
P. Murphy
Nov. 7, 1844

Patrick Murphy Esq
Taylor [illeg]
[illeg] D. B. Baker Esq N.C.

Page 26

Pension Office
Fayetteville June 9 1845
James L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I have [illegible] payment of Stephen Costen Act 1832 12 months for $30  for voucher enclosed.
Respectfully
[illeg]
John Huske
[illeg]

Page 27

[illegible]
March 16th

March 20, 1848
New certificate
Stephen Costen
[illegible]

Honorable James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Page 28

residing some distance (25 or 30 miles) from Wilmington, his signature was not obtained.
Mr. Costen a very good and respectable though poor man travelled to Wilmington on foot the first of this week or last of last week a distance of about 30 miles to prepare another voucher and applied to me for that purpose on Monday last and said that he had not his pension certificate, that he had handed it to Genl S.H. Marsteller the Clerk of the Court when he handed him the voucher to be authenticated. We both applied to Genl Marsteller for it who says that he never had it or if he did that he handed it back and W.C. Betterncourt Esq has searched for it and cant find it, so that he old man is in danger of losing his pension, he is very poor and needy. tho I suppose he can procure another certificate. He has insisted on my applying for an increase of pension alleging that his services entitled him to more, which however I refused to do. He is a respectable man and has the sympathies of friends in his life?. Please write soon and direct me how to proceed to get another. I enclose the envelope of the voucher which substantiates my statement.
I remain very respectfully
Yr obt servt (Your obedient servant)
Patrick Murphy
Hon: James L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions

Page 29

Pension Office
Fayetteville November 15 1848
James L Edwards Esquire
Commisioner of Pension
Sir
Please direct the payment of Stephen Costen
Act of 1832 12 months __ and 30 _____ whose voucher is included
Very respectfully
your obedient servant
J. Huske
Esquire

Page 30

[address ]

Mr Evans Nov 2 of [?]
Stephen Costen 
J Hawkes

James L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington.