Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2386, Isaac Cowan, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Cowan, Isaac
R. 2386
CONTENTS

State of New York
County of Rensselaer ss.
On this fifth day of September 1882 personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the Troy Mayors Court, now sitting Isaac Cowen a resident of the Town of St. Johnstown in the County of Rensselaer and state of New York aged Seventy five 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 7. 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated, that he enlisted in the Company commanded by Captain Henry B. Livingston of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Holmes. August 7. 1775. at Fredericksburgh, in the County of Dutchess & State of New York, and marched from there to Albany was there - - - two months, then left that service that he resided at the time of enlisting at Fredericksburgh aforesaid, that he enlisted in Captain Cornelius Steenrod's Company about the first of April 1776. and marched from Fredericksburgh aforesaid where he then resided to New York and was there - - - one month at the time the Fort was building at Hartgate, that he enlisted in Captain Cornelius Steenrod's Company of the Regiment commanded by Alexander M c Dougall the first of May 1776. for Eight months and served his time out, was stationed at New York Bowery marched from Fredericksburgh aforesaid to New York, he resided at Fredericksburgh at the time he enlisted that he enlisted in the Company commanded by Lieutenant Thomas Sears June 1777. for Two months and served his time out, was stationed at Fredericksburgh where he then resided, that he was a substitute in Nathaniel Dayton's place in a Company, Captain Elijah Townsend Commander, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Henry Suddington in July 1777. was stationed at Crumpond and at Peek's hill, was in that service Three months, resided when he entered the service at Fredericksburgh, that he enlisted in Captain Elijah Townsend's Company of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Henry Suddington May 1 st 1778. for Eight months was discharged the last of November following, was stationed at White

Plains in Westchester County, resided when he enlisted at Fredericksburgh aforesaid, that he was called out in an alarm in Captain David Waterbury's Company of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Henry Vredelington August or September 1779. to go to Peekskill, was out - - - Ten days. resided at Fredericksburgh aforesaid that he enlisted in Captain Andrew White Company of the Regiment, commanded by Colonel Frederick Weissenfultz May 14 1782. for Eight months and served his time out, was stationed at Wawarsing Ulster County during that time, at the time of enlisting he resided at Fredericksburgh aforesaid, has had discharge from service in writing but has not seen any in a number of years, thinks they must be lost, does not know of any person whose testimony he can procure that can testify to his service, He hereby relinquishes every 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 or if any only on that of the agency of the State of New York. Sworn to and subscribed the _____ day and year aforesaid Isaac Covan
I, Andrew H. Miller a Clergyman residing in the Town of Stephentown County of Rensselaer and State of New York hereby Certify that I am well acquainted with Isaac Coven who is in sworn into the above declaration that I believe him to be sev- enty five years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbor- hood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that I concur in that opinion Andrew H Miller
Sworn & subscribed this 8 th day of Sept. 1832 before me Nathan Howard Justin Pease
I Nathan Howard residing in the Town of Stephentown County of Rensselaer and State of New York hereby Certify that I am well acquainted with Isaac Cowen who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that I believe him to be seventy five years of age, that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he dwells, to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that I con-

cur in that Opinion Sworn & Subscribed the fifth day Nathan Howard day of September 1832 in Open Court
Archibald Bull Clerk And the said 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 who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Stephentown - County of Rensselaer and State of New York and that Nathan Howard who also signed a like Certificate is a resident of the same place and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
I Archibald Bull Clerk of the Troy Mayor's Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Isaac Cowen for a pension
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this fifth day of September 1832 Archibald Bull Clerk
State of New York
County of Rensselaer ss. I Archibald Bull Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Nathan Howard Esqr. before whom the preceding certificate of purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the signature "Nathan Howard" thereto subscribed to be genuine
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this fifth day of September 1832
Archibald Bull Clerk

State of New York
County of Rensselaer ss. On the 30 day of January 1833 personally appeared before me Nathan Howard a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County. Isaac Cowan the above named applicant for a Pension who being duly sworn deposeth and saith in answer to the objections contained in Brief from the War Department Pension Office and in addition to the preceding Declaration by him made that he was born in Fredericksburgh in Dutches County & State of New York in the year 1756 Oct. 20 th
 2. has no record of his age that he knows of  3. dont mollit any except those stated in his Declaration  4. Nathan Howard Andrew H. Miller Amos James & Henry Watt who can testify as to my character for veracity & true belief of my services as a Soldier of the revolution. 
Further states in addition to the declaration already made that in the year 1776 in the 8 Months since there mentioned he served as a Sergeant & claims pay as such and also in 1782 as mentioned in his declaration as a Sergeant that tour of 8 Months and claims Sergt pay for 16 months of the time mentioned in his declaration.
Isaac Cowan
Sworn & Subscribed this 30 th day of January 1833 before me
Nathan Howard Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with Isaac Cowan the above named deponent & that full faith & credit is & ought to be given to his deposition.
Nathan Howard Justice of the Peace
State of New York Rensselaer County ss. I hereby Certify that Nathan Howard Esq r before whom the above affidavit & extended declaration purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signature subscribed thereto is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 6 th day of February 1833. Leonard R. Bristol Clerk
Isaac Cowan's Declaration for a Pension $750

State of New York Rensselaer County ss I Rodman Hazzard residing in the Town of Hancock County of Berkshire & State of Massachusetts hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Isaac Cowan who has subscribed & sworn to the herunto annexed Declaration that I believe him to be twenty six years of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that I concur in that opinion also that I am 57 years old have been personally acquainted with said Isaac Cowan for more than 40 years that his character for truth & veracity is good
Sworn & subscribed this 24 th day of May 1833 Rodman Hazzard before me Nathan Howard Justice of the Peace
State of New York Rensselaer County ss I John Gardner residing in the Town of Hancock County of Berkshire & State of Massachusetts hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Isaac Cowan who has subscribed & sworn to the herunto annexed Declaration that I believe him to be twenty six years of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that I concur in that opinion also that I am 54 years old have been personally acquainted with said Isaac Cowan for more than 35 years that his character for truth & veracity is good
Sworn & subscribed this 24 th day of May 1833 John Gardner before me Nathan Howard Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with Rodman Hazzard & John Gardner the above named deponents & that full faith and credit is & ought to be given to their depositions
Nathan Howard Justice of the Peace
ss me lt by d in do was file

State of New York Rensselaer County ss. to Nathan Howard Esqr.
I hereby certify that before whom the
within Certificate or affidavit purports to have been signed & sworn was on the day of the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his sig- nature within subscribed are genuine
Witness my hand and the Seal of said County this 27th day of May 1833 Henry R. Bristol Clerk
Isaac Loons Declaration for a Pension 8750 Wm. Smith June 9th 1837 for Nathan Howard June 9th 1837
Capt. H. R. Bristol Rensselaer Co. N.Y. June 9th 1837 for Nathan Howard June 9th 1837

State of New York Rensselaer County ss. to Nathan Howard Esqr.
I hereby certify that before whom the within Certificate or affidavits purports to have been signed & signed was on the day of the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County. And that same well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his sig- nature within subscribed is genuine
Witness my hand and the Seal of said County this 27 th day of May 1833
Henry R. Smith Clerk for N. Howard Esqr.
Isaac Cowans Declaration for a Pension 8750
Wisenbuth 8mo 9 ds Sergt Capt Townsend 8mo 9 ds pri
Capt A. B. Bishop Company A. 1st Regt Enl. 11 Aug 1835 Disch. 16 Aug

Isaac Cowan
Supplementary aff.
abt 7 June 1832
Mar. 7. 1839
Isaac Cowan
abt 7 June 1832
NYak
add. decln.
J. Maxwell of Elmira, NY.
Mar 7.

State of New York
Chemung County p 3 Isaac Cowen of Veteran in said County late of Rensselaer County being duly sworn says in explanation of his declaration of application for a pension under the act of June 7. 1832:
1 st in reference to the charge of desertion in 1775: that he enlisted for 5 months as he believes in Augt of that year under Lt Paddock. soon after marched with the company to Albany where after remaining some time he went with the said Lieut. Paddock under his orders towards New York, and left him at his residence in the lower end of Dutchess County. the said Lt. Paddock directed the deponent to remain until his return from New York (when said Paddock immediately went). on the return of Paddock some time after, he told the deponent that he himself should not again join the company and that this deponent need not join the company, which he did not do in consequence of the authority of the said Lt. Paddock, which he supposed was sufficient.
2 o In reference to his service in 1776 under Capt. Stearns in Col. McDougal's regiment. That he acted as a Serjeant, from the time he joined the company until after the battle of Long Island say 28 Augt. 1776 when he was appointed quartermaster's serjeant in which capacity he acted for the remainder of the term.
3 o In reference to the service in '77 in Capt. Townsend's company in Col. Ledington's regiment he served as a private .
4. The service in '78 in Capt. Townsend's company in Col. Graham's regiment was as Corporal .
5. The service in 1782 in Capt. White's company in Col. Weisenfelt's regiment was as a Serjeant
Isaac Cowen
Sworn before me the 27 March 1838 H. Maxam JR Chemung Co NY.

State of New York Chemung County ss
I Isaac Baldwin Chukofsaich County do hereby certify that Thomas Maxwell before whom the foregoing affidavit was made was when the same was read a Justice of the peace of said County duly commissioned & sworn that his signature above subscribed is genuine witness My hand & Seal of office the 1 st Jan y 1839 — Isaac Baldwin

8750
Isaac Caoueny
P 61
on behalf of Capt. Elijah Poussier Company Ent. of Will. must be at Dec 1778
list of Pensions
13 Sep 32 14 Nov perfect as a trad. cash
Nathan Howard P.O. Stephenson NY

BRIEF in the case of  Isaac Cowan  of  Stephentown  in the State of  New 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? Seventy five years 
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. As a Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Subsisted In 1775 aug 7 2 Gen. Capt Wm Livingston, Col Holney   " 1776. apl 1 1 Capt Arn? Stewart,   " ~ May 1 8 Capt Same Col M'Dougal   " 1777 June 2 Col Sears   Subsisted pay " ~ July 3 Capt Elijah Townsend, Col Huddington   no pay 1778. May 1 0 Capt David Woolsey   1777. Aug 4. Sep 10   1782 May 1 8 apras etc.  
 5. In what battles was he engaged?  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Fredericksburgh NY  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Pension rolls, NY. Hist. Socy of Albany, & V. Howard. Certify to traditional evidence.  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
D. Kirk, Examining Clerk.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
9386 am
P. O. Isaac Comm
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
REJECTED
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Charges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

War Dep.
Gen. H.
March 10, 38
Sir
The papers of Abraham Shoema- ker have been examined & placed on our files.
He asserts a claim for about 8 mo service for in each of the years of 77.78 79.80 under Capt Van Etten & Col Stroud on the Delaware frontier. If the service in question be truly set forth as the continuous military organization & duty of an embodied corps in for 8 mo within in pa. 9.0 actual service, it is conclusive that he was not per- forming the duties of a militia man but must have been enlisted under special acts authorizing enlistment for that term in each year.
He should describe the forts occupi- -ed - their distance from the residences of the Officers & Men - the number of Companies embodied - their daily discipline how quartered - paid & subsisted - and pro- duced the laws authorizing such ser- -vice - without full definite & abundant evidence

of his service in a corps authorized by law, it will be in vain to urge a claim presented under circumstances which inspire a well founded distrust as to its character.
In the case of Isaac Coven, his also was informed in Dec. 1834 that his alleged service in 75 was forfeited by desertion which would throw such distrust upon his claim as to render it necessary to establish each term by the most satisfactory proof and that proof of his identity with the individual of his name who served in  who upon the roll of Townsend's Comp. of Luddington Regt. and of White's Company, Weissenfels Regt. should be adduced. He should also state the grade in which he served in each term which he omitted to do in his declaration.
Thos Maxwell Esq. Elmira N.Y.
Thos. Maxwell, March 10, 1835 O. G.

Isaac Cowan

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Isaac Coovans which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yy II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yy 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 he served? yy 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 amount of pension he is entitled? yy VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yy VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? any VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yy 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 distinguished from any other seal? Yes

 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 revolutionary service? Yes  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? Yes  XIV. †If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? _____ And is the official character and signature of the magistrate certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? _____  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? _____  XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes  XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes 
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 cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection 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."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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.
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 authenticated 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 end 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.

New York Revol.
Isaac e Conan
Suspended 2
See letter to
Nathan Howard
13. August 1833
to same Dec 2 d 1834
to same March 10, 1838. to same June 18, 1839
2386
Act J. June 1832

Stephentown N.Y. Nov. 8.
Free
Hon. Lewis Cass Sec. of War
Washington D.C.
Nov 12. Col. Grant Isaac Penn N.Y.
Pension Office Department
Nov 9

Stephenson Nov 8. 1884
To the Hon. Lewis Cade
Dear Sir
Inclosed is all the testimony which we can find from now living soldiers who were knowing to the service of Isaac Cowan. Mr. Cowan in his declaration states a list of terms of service all in this state by reference to his papers you will find his credit very good for my self I have not a doubt but he served as he has stated in his declaration. I have been acquainted with him for more than 40 years & I know him to be honest & a man of undoubted truth & veracity.
Yours very Respectfully Nathan Howard

Stephenson N.Y. May 31.
Free
Hon. Lewis Cass Esq.
Sec. of War
Washington
D.C.
Pension Claim uu uu
Ms. A. 9. 2. 10 p. 10

Stephenson N.Y. May 31, 1833
Hon. Lewis Cass Sir
I enclose the Paper of Isaac Cavan with the amendment of the testimony of Esqr. Hazard & Esqr. Gardner I have situated him as men of unimpeached character who subscribe to the belief of Cavans declaration after his Declaration was returned I examined him as to his claim & he stated fairly in substance the places he served as a soldier of the revolution as was in the Declaration I have no hesitation but what his claim is just & proper
Your obt. Servt. Nathan Haward

J. Cowan
My Care
Mar 2.
Free Th Maxwell Pm Elmira Ny
Geo Wm Crump Esq Pension office Washington

Elmira NY
Feb 23. 1838
G.W. Cumpston Esq. Sir.
I am requested by Isaac Cowan (formerly of Rensselaer Co NY now resident here) to enquire in relation to his application for a pension, what are the objections to its allowance,
He wishes me to aid him in the investigation of the claim -
Very Respectfully Yr obed Servt JH Maxwell

State of New York } Samuel Pardy of the town of Putnam County } Southeast in Putnam County So Hereby certify that I am twenty four years of age that I am well acquainted with Isaac Cowan who resides in the town of Mifflin town in the county of Rensselaer & state of New York and believe him to be twenty eight years of age & that I was with him in the Revolutionary Army & served with him for the term of seven months in the year 1776 part of the time in and about New York and a small portion of the time in and about White Plains the precise time at each place the deponent does not recollect but is positive as to the whole time of service of seven months in M c Douglass Reg t Cornish Steenrod Capt sworn and subscribed before me this 3 rd day of November 1834 Samuel Pardy
William Townsend } Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Samuel Pardy and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his deposition November 3 rd 1834 William Townsend } Justice of the Peace
State of New York } ss I Jonathan Murchhouse clerk of the said county, do certify County of Putnam } that William Townsend before whom the within affidavit 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 hand writing of the said Justice of the peace and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing Witness my hand & seal of office this 4 th day of November 1834 J. Murchhouse

State of New York } Putnam County } ss. I Isaac Paddock of the Town of Southeast in the County of Putnam and State aforesaid do hereby certify That I am now Seventy three Years of age & that I was well acquainted with Isaac Cowin in the  the & a long time before that - living in the immediate neighbour- hood with him - & believe from good information that he now resides in the Town of Stephen Town. Orange County  of Putnam & State aforesaid and believe him to be Seventy eight Years of age and also know of his being absent from his family in the Year 1778 in the army of the revo- lution & also know of his absence at the decease of his wife & was sent for in the said  then said to be lying at the White Plains and also know also of his going away under Capt Stetson of any thing further the deponent saith not - Sworn and subscribed to Isaac Paddock before me this 3 rd day of November 1834
William Townsend Justice of the peace I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Isaac Paddock who has subscribed the above affidavit and have full confidence in his veracity & full credit can be given to his oaths - in all cases - November 3 1834 -
William Townsend Justice of the peace State of New York } County of Putnam } ss. I Jonathan Morehouse Clerk of the said County do certify that William Townsend before whom the within affidavit 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 the handwriting of the said Justice of the peace and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing Witness my hand & seal of office this 4 th day of November 1834 J. Morehouse