Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 5888, Benjamin Cotton, Continental N.H.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental K 46
Cotton Benjamin Dolly
W 5888
CONTENTS

33. 168
Ohio, Cleveland
Benjamin Cotton, decd, of Lorraine in the State of Ohio who was a Sergeant in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Revolution time for two years
Inscribed on the Roll of Cleveland at the rate of 120 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834. Entry 13 th July 1846
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of Sept r 1833 and sent to B. B. Chapman
Arrears to the 4th of Present Pensional allowance ending deducting former payments under act 18 March 1818, at $96- Mr Cummins
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Weightsman Clerk, Book C. 2 Vol. 8. Page 10

3309
Miss Cleveland Dolly Cotton dec. widow of Benjamin N H Cotton who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Sergeant
Filed from 1880
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 120 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848
February 27 1852
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of Sept 1853 and sent to
B. B. Chapman Elyria Present Lorain Co. Ohio
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 20, 1848, Page 336 Vol. 4
February 27 1848
336

To the Honorable the Secretary of War for the United States The petition of Benjamin Cotton of Troy & Portland & State of New York
Respectfully Sheweth —
That your petitioner was a soldier in the Revolutionary war between the United States & Great Britain. That he went into the army of the United States against the common Enemy in April Seventeen hundred and seventy five & continued in the same till the army was disbanded in the year Eighty three — That he served his country faithfully the whole of said term & was Honorably discharged by Genl Geo Wash- ington. That in consequence of wounds Received in battle he now stands on the pension list of the Invalid Pensioners That he is a resident citizen of the United States. & by reason of reduced circumstan- ces he stands in need of assistance for support — That upon his name being entered on the pension list by virtue of the act of the 18 th of March he relin- quishes all claim to prior pension & to any other but by the act aforesaid he prays therefore that his name may be immediately placed on the pension list by the act aforesaid & he duly notified thereof as in duty bound. he will ever pray
Troy April 22 nd 1878
Benj t Cotton

Subduction
In the Matter of Benjamin Cotton.
Pension Papers
2537-
Chart Org
2537-
2

State of New York Cortland County On the thirteenth day of September 1820 personally appeared in open Court in the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County of Cortland, being a Court of record proceeding according to the forms of the Common Law with a jurisdiction fun- -limitive in point of amount, and keeping a Record of their proce- -dings. Benjamin Cotton aged fifty two years resident in the County of Cortland in said County, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows; - he enlisted about the first of May 1775 in the State of New- -Hampshire for the term of eight months in the Company Comman- -ded by Captain Aaron Huntman in the Regiment commanded by Colonel John Stark in the line of the State of New Hampshire in the Continental establishment and continued to serve in said Corps until the eight months had expired when he enlisted into Captain Amos Morrill's Company in the same Regiment for the term of one year, and regularly served the same - At the expiration of which time he again enlisted for the same Company, to serve, and did serve therein during the continuance of the War, and was honorably discharged on the 7th day of June 1783 at Newburgh in the State of New York and that he was in a battle at Hubbardton in the State of Vermont and in two Battles at Saratoga - that his certificate for a pension received from the War Department is dated the 22nd of September 1818 and is numbered 2537 and that the date of his application for such pension was the 22nd day of April - 1818 And I Benjamin Cotton do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any other manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of the act of Congress entitled, "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval services of the United States in the Revolutionary war", passed on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed. And the said Benjamin Cotton do further swear that I am by occupation a Farmer - but am unable to perform much labor - My family besides myself consists of my wife Dolly aged fifty four years who is unable to labor - Our son whose name is William is seventeen years

old and is a cripple and unable to perform any useful labour: — our daughter aged fifteen years who is able to perform but little labour on account of ill health, and a son named William aged nine years, who is too young to labour
Benjamin Cotton
Schedule of the property of Benjamin Cotton above named
One heifer, three years old One heifer two years old One yoke of Steers two years old One calf Two Hogs, 1 year old & two pigs One kitchen Table — old Four Chairs — Common & old 1 Three pail Kettles of iron One pot — ditto One Tea Kettle — ditto old One six quart kettle — do One saddle — half worn out One set of harness for horses, very old One set of tea cups & saucers — of earthen One set knives & forks — Common Two Bowls — of earthen Four Spoons — of iron One Ox Chain, — do
One Bible — small edition One Testament — do One fine Shovel Two Platters — of pewter — old Six plates — of earthen Two Milk Pans & one pot — of earthen Two Milk Pans — of tin — old Two axes — one good the other much worn Two hoes — both old One Pitch Fork — good One Meat Barrel — Common One tin pail — old One third part of a one horse waggon, there being three joint owners
Benjamin Cotton
Sworn to and subscribed on the thirteenth day of September 1820 before
Barak Niles Edward Read Oliver Wiswell
Judges of the Court of Common Pleas
I, Joshua Ballard Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Cortland do hereby Certify that the foregoing affidavit and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the Records of the said Court And I do further Certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount & value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is eighty eight dollars
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this fourteenth day of September 1820
Joshua Ballard Clerk

The State of Ohio, I, Samuel S. Sorah Clerk of the Court Wayne County ss of Common Pleas in & for said County, do hereby certify, that at a term of the Court of Common Pleas begun and held at the Court House in said County on Monday on Thursday the twenty first day of September Anno Domini 1846 by and before the Honorable Jacob Parker, President Judge and Hugh Culbertson, Stephen J. Gay and Samuel A. Bice Associate Judges of said Court, "Among other proceedings then then had were the following" to wit:
Application of Dolly Cotton for arrearages of a Pension. In this case Dolly Cotton personally appeared in open Court and by her Declaration on oath taken in open Court & other testimony it was satisfactorily proven to the Court that Benjamin Cotton was a revolutionary Pensioner of the United States that he was for a number of years last past in the Pension List that he resided at the time of his death in Milton Township in Wayne County Ohio. That he departed this life on the 13th day of July A.D. 1846 That he left a widow Dolly Cotton who is still living in said Milton Township, and who never married after the death of the said Benjamin Cotton." And I also certify that the Honorable Jacob Parker before whom the foregoing written examination on oath was taken and who has thereunto subscribed his name officially in his own proper hand writing was at the date thereof and now is The President Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Ohio duly Commissioned and qualified according to Law and to all whose official acts full faith and credit are, and of right ought to be given in judicature and thereout.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Wooster this 3rd day of November A.D. 1846
Samuel S. Sorah Clerk By W. J. Culbertson dep.

The State of Ohio Wayne County ss
On this twenty fifth day of September A D one thousand eight hundred & forty six personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas within & for the county of Wayne in the State of Ohio Sally Cotton a resident of the said county of Wayne aged eighty years 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 passed July 7th 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows" That she is the widow of Benjamin Cotton a private in the Army of the Revolution the day month & year that he said Benjamin Cotton entered the service not now remembered but he entered at the commencement of the war of the Revolution & continued in the service until the close of the war - he enlisted in the service when residing in the State of New Hampshire. He was in the Battle of Bunker Hill Brandywine & a Battle on the Susquehanna river in the State of Pennsylvania and where he was wounded by the Indians. She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Cotton on the 12th day of October A D 1785 - That her husband the aforesaid Benjamin Cotton died on the 13th day of July A D 1846 - 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 & ninety four viz at the time above stated - she further states that the entire documentary evidence establishing the service of her husband is on file on the War Department.
Sally X Cotton
Sworn to & subscribed in open Court on the 25th day of September A D 1846 before me.
Attest
Samuel G. Gorham Clerk
J. P. [unclear] Pres't Judge

Town Clerks office
Wentworth N.H., Sept 7 th 1846
I certify that upon application to me for Evidence of the Marriage of Mrs Dolley Cotton to her husband Benjamin Cotton, of Wentworth, I have searched the Book of record of Marriages, in my custody and found the following Entry —
Marriages in the Town of Wentworth
Men's Names Women's Names When Married Benjamin Cotton Dolley Smith 1 st October twelveth Seventeen hundred and Eightyfive
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed in the record in fair legible figures as follows, October 12 th 1785
William Moore Town Clerk —
I William Moore above named do hereby say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town of Wentworth, County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire and that the above is a true Extract from the records of said Town with the Exception above named as certified by me —
William Moore Town Clerk —
Sworn and Subscribed to this Seventh day of September 1846 Before me —
LUKE ATBEN (Justice of the Peace for Grafton Co)

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
Office of Secretary of State.
I, GEORGE G. FOGG, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Luke Sikin is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Grafton duly commissioned, qualified, and authorized to administer oaths, take acknowledgement of deeds, and other legal instruments. His commission was dated on the 17 th day of January 1842 and will expire on the 17 th day of January 1847 and his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine. Do
GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the State, this eighth day of September 184 6
George G. Fogg SECRETARY OF STATE.

The state of Ohio } On this 29 th day of December Lorain County } A.D. 1852 before me Philemon Bliss Judge of the Probate Court in and for the County of Lorain and state of Ohio personally came George W. Cotton of lawful age and a resident of the township of Elyria in said Lorain County and state of Ohio who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say that himself, Jonathan, Benjamin A. Solomon, Wireman, David, Theodore and William Cotton and Dolly Ellsworth are the only surviving children of Benjamin and Dolly Cotton late residents of the township of Milton Wayne County Ohio and at the time of their death Revolutionary Pensioners of the United States. The said Benjamin at the rate of $16 per annum and the said Dolly at $80 per annum. That soon after said Dolly was granted her pension to wit on the 14 th day of April 1847 she employed Joseph Rop of Kille Medina Co Ohio to write to the Commissioners of Pensions asking why she did not receive a larger pension and was informed by said Commissioners that she was not entitled to any larger pension than she then received. This deponent has always understood from his father the said Benjamin Cotton that a portion of his services during the Revolution was as a Sergeant and in order that an examination into the matter might be made he on the 16 th day of March 1852 empowered B.B. Chapman Esq of this County to examine the papers & documents relating to his father's services on file in the Pension Office and thereby ascertain the claim of the surviving Children of said Benjamin & Dolly to an increase of pension. By a Certificate of the Secretary of the State of New Hampshire which is herunto attached deponent is informed that there is evidence in said Secretary's Office that said Benjamin Cotton did serve over two years as a Sergeant in Col. Cilleys Regiment of the N. Hampshire line during the war of the Revolution and deponent avers that he had no knowledge of the existence of said evidence until since the date of said Cer- tificate. Deponent therefore asks that the pension of said Benjamin Cotton be increased to the full rate allowed an Orderly Sergeant

by the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 and that the pension of the said Dolly be increased accordingly and that a Certificate be issued therefor and be made payable to Jonathan Cotton Administrator of said Dolly Cotton. Said Dolly died in the township of Milton Wayne County Ohio on the 27 th day of February A.D. 1832, and for further proof as to her death and widowhood, and the Administratorship of said Jonathan Cotton reference may be had to the affidavit vouchers on which payment was made of the arrears of pension due up to the time of her death. Said payment having been made at the Cleveland Ohio Agency about the month of June last.
Sworn to & subscribed before me This 29 th day of December  December A.D. 1832 at which my Official Seal and I further certify that I am personally acquainted the above deponent and that he is a highly respectable citizen of this County
George W. Cotton
J. P. Bliss Probate Judge

State of New Hampshire, Secretary of States Office.
I do hereby certify, that from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the war of the Revolution, which remain in this office, it appears that the name of Benjamin Cotton is borne upon Gilley's Regimental Ledger, Page 51 as follows;
   " Benjamin Cotton Corp! 2 d 6 th Mar. Mandia Dr.     Balance of Leigh's acct. Clothing 3 14 10   Average Rum, Sugar, &c. 1 4 2   Paid by the Continent in 1777 13 4 —   ditto in 1778 £ 5. 8/ ditto in 1779 £ 1. 16 7 4 —   1781 Feby. 8 Gave John Cotton a Certificate 69 9 —   £ 94 16   1780 Paid by Col 3/10 Pay Master 10/2 14   1782 Apr. 21 Gave a certificate to Major Scott 35 6 36 — —   1783 Mar. 11 Order on Treasury 50/ paid by Board of War 60/ 6   Paid by Blake in 1781 12/ new emission 2 1/2 for one 4 16   Board War 28/ 1 8   1784 Apr. 13 Gave him a Certificate 23 16 —   £ 36 — "  

" Contra
Cr.
Engaged Nov. 12. 1776
Apr. 1. 1778 Promoted to a Sergeant
By 12 months in 1777 . . . . 26. 8. c By 12 ditto . . . . 1778 . . . . 32. 8. c By 12 ditto . . . . 1779 . . . . 36. c
2  94 16 36 c 36 c
1781 St. Co. By 12 months in 1780 By 12 months in 1781
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the State this eighth day of May 1832. John S. Hadley, Secretary of State.

November 17, 1936
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. George D. Bush R. F. D. # 2, Lagrange Road Elyria, Ohio
BENJAMIN COTTON W. 5888 BA-J/MLB em
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Cotton, who enlisted in 1775 under Colonel Stark, was in the battle of Bunker Hill, after the war settled in Wentworth, New Hampshire, in 1818 was living in Truxton, New York, and in 1834 moved to Milton, Wayne County, Ohio, where he died July 13, 1846.
You are furnished herein the record of Benjamin Cotton as found in pension claim, W. 5888, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
The date and place of birth and names of the parents of Benjamin Cotton are not shown.
While residing in the State of New Hampshire, exact location not given, Benjamin Cotton enlisted in April or May, 1775, served at different times until June 7, 1783, as private and sergeant under Captains Aaron Kinsman, Amos Morrill, Asa Senter, Benjamin Ellis, and under Colonels John Stark, Gilley, and George Reid, in the New Hampshire troops. During his service he was in the battles of Bunker Hill, Brandywine, Hubbardton, both battles at Stillwater, Monmouth, and in an engagement with the Indians in Pennsylvania on the Susquehanna River, in which he was wounded in the neck by a musket ball.
On account of disability resulting from the above-noted injury, Benjamin Cotton was pensioned from January 30, 1809, at which time he was residing in Grafton County, New Hampshire.
In 1818, the soldier was living in Truxton, Cortland County, New York, and in 1820 was still living there aged sixty-two years. In November, 1836, he was a resident of Milton Township, Wayne County, Ohio, to which place he had lately moved, his son with whom he had

lived in New York having moved there. He stated at that time that most of his sons were living in the State of Ohio, but did not designate their names. The soldier died July 13, 1846.
Benjamin Cotton, while residing in Wentworth, Grafton County, New Hampshire, married October 12, 1785, Dolly Smith. The date and place of birth, names of parents and her residence at the time of marriage not stated. Their marriage was recorded in the Town Clerk's Office of Wentworth, New Hampshire.
Soldier's widow, Dolly Cotton, was allowed pension on her application executed September 25, 1846, at which time she was aged eighty years and a resident of Milton Township, Wayne County, Ohio. In 1848 she was still living in Milton, Ohio, but her post-office address was given then as Seville, Medina County, Ohio. She died February 27, 1852, in Milton Township, Ohio.
The following names of children of Benjamin Cotton and his wife, Dolly, are shown in the claim:- Jonathan, George W., Benjamin N., Solomon, Wiseman, David, Theodore and William Cotton, and Dolly Elsworth (the name of her husband not designated), all of whom survived their parents. George W. Cotton was residing in Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio, in 1852.
In 1836, one Jonathan Cotton made affidavit in Wayne County, Ohio, in behalf of the soldier, Benjamin Cotton, and in 1848, one Wiseman Cotton was Justice of the Peace for that county, but it was not shown whether or not they were identical with the names given above. In 1853, one Charles W. Cotton was a resident of the Township of Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio, his relationship to the family not shown. Reference was made in the claim to one John Cotton but his relationship to the soldier or other details were not given.
In 1818, one Benjamin Elsworth made affidavit in Cortland County, New York, in behalf of the soldier, Benjamin Cotton, but his relationship to soldier's daughter, Dolly Elsworth, was not shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

State of New York - a colonial county So Benjamin Cotton of Troupton Portland County State of New York being duly sworn I make oath & saith that in April in the year seventeen hundred & seventy five he enlisted into the army of the United States against Great Britain for Eight months in the 1st  Regt  Infantry in Capt Aaron Newman's Company Col Stark's Regt Genl Sullivan - that he served his time out as a private faithfully & manfully at Cambridge in Massachusetts immediately without being discharged for one year Capt Aaron McNell's Company - same Regt & Brigade - Served his time out faithfully & without being discharged while lying at Ticonderoga at the end of his year re-enlisted in same Comp y & Regiment for & during the war - that he served his country faithfully during the long contest between these United States & Great Britain against the common Enemy - the first season at Cambridge & its vicinity in Massachusetts the second at New York in the Expedition to Canada & back to Ticonderoga the third Retreated before Burgoyne till re-enforced & took him & his Army & afterwards marched to Philadelphia & wintered at Valley Forge the fourth marched to Monmouth where they were there at that battle, then back to White Plains & took up Winter Quarters in Connecticut - The fifth at most points up the Susquehanna River & in the lake country after the Indians where this applicant was wounded by a musket ball from the enemy in the neck for which he (this applicant) now

draws a pension of sixty eight dollars per year, & in the fall returned to Connecticut for Winter Quarters - The sixth at West point & the Jerseys & wintered at the Highlands - the seventh at White Plains & New York & wintered at Saratoga the eighth at Saratoga & wintered at Red Bank - being he & on the seventh of June Seventeen hundred & eighty three was honorably discharged by his Excellency General George Washington - which discharge is now in the war office unless destroyed as the respondent sent it there to obtain his land warrant - that when his being placed upon the pension list by the act of the 18 th of March 1818 he relinquishes all claim to any pension by any former law of the United States - That he was constantly in the service of the United States from April Twenty five to Seventh of June Eighty three - that he is now a citizen of the United States - That by reason of his reduced circum- stances in life he stands in need of aid from his Country for support & further with met - Benj n Cotton sworn and described this 22 nd of March 18 th before me John Miller one of the Judges of Columbia County

Application for a Transfer
State of Ohio Wayne County ss
On this 19 th day of November 1836
before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County of Wayne personally appeared Benjamin Cotton who on his oath declares that he is the same Person who served in the Revolutionary War from the fifteenth of May 1775 to the seventh day of June 1783 under the commands of different Captains in the first New Hampshire Regiment When discharged belonged to Captain Ezra Senter's Company. Colonel George Reed's Regiment in the service of the United States His name was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of New York where he then resided from whence he has lately removed. That he now resides in the Township of Milton, County of Wayne, and State of Ohio where he intends to remain and wishes his Pension to be there payable in future; And that his reason for removing to this State of Ohio was to live with his Son.
Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid
Benjamin Cotton Jason Jones Seal Justice of the Peace
State of Ohio Wayne County ss
On the day of Nov 1836 the 19 th
Before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the said County of Wayne personally appeared Jonathan Cotton who being sworn according to Law deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Benjamin Cotton a Revolutionary Pensioner and well knows him to be the same person described in the above Affidavit
Jonathan Cotton
Jason Jones the Magistrate above do certify that Jonathan Cotton the above deponent as to the identity of Benjamin Cotton is a person of veracity
Jason Jones Seal Justice of the Peace

J. L. Edwards Esq. Comd of Pensions Washington City

Milton Wayne Co Ohio
Sir I received your letter of the 22 d feby. last but have never received the list you wrote you stated that the names of officers mentioned in my first application did not correspond with the records of the office — they were the same officers names I put in when I got my former certificate and the same I always put in when I drawn my money. I served thro' the revolutionary war from May 1775 to June 7 th 1783 in the first New Hampshire regiment but under different Captains and colonels the greatest part of the time under Capt. Asa Little the name I always made use of in my former applications but a few weeks before I was discharged there were arrangements made some companys were broken up and I was put in to Capt Benjamin Ellis company where I remained until I was discharged and am very confident that George Reed Col. commanded the regiment my former certifi- cate was given out Sept. 22 d 1818 No 2587 Yours with respect March 29 th 1837 Benjamin Cotton
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

State of Ohio, ss Be it known that before me Philamon Lorain County ss Bly Probate Judge in and for the County of said personally appeared George W. Cotton & Charles W. Cotton — both residents of the township of Elyria in said Lorain County Ohio & made oath in due form of law that they were both formerly and for many years personally acquainted with Dolly Cotton widow of Benjamin Cotton, and late of Milton Wayne County Ohio, where she died on the 27 th day of February A.D. 1852 and was at the time of her death a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum and was unmarried and a widow at the time of her death. That Jonathan Cotton, George W. Cotton, Benjamin A. Cotton, Solomon Cotton, Wiseman Cotton, David Cotton, Theodore Cotton, William Cotton and Dolly Ellsworth being nine in number are the only surviving children of said Dolly Cotton deceased
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6 th day of June A.D. 1853 P. Bly Judge
George W. Cotton Charles W. Cotton

Apr 14.
No 13 Mr. Brownie
for
J. L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

State of Ohio Wayne County ss. On this 30th day of March A.D. 1837 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Wayne, personally appeared Benjamin Cotton, who on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain Benjamin Ellis in the First New Hampshire Regiment, commanded by Colonel George Reed, in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension Roll of the State of New York, from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the township of Milton in the County of Wayne & State of Ohio where he intends to remain and wishes his pension payable at the Pittsburgh Agency in future. The following are his reasons for removing from the State of New York to the State of Ohio, that most of his sons had removed to the State of Ohio including one with whom he had formerly resided in the State of New York, and wishing to reside with him again he has removed for that purpose - And he further states that the Captain Benjamin Ellis mentioned above was the Captain who commanded his company at the time of his discharge from the service; that he served most of the time when in service under Captain Asa Leuter, whom he stated to be his Captain in his former ap- plication for transfer, & whom he then supposed & still supposes, he stated to be his Captain in his original application for a pension; that Colonel George Reed commanded the Regiment at the time of his discharge, that previous to the appoint- ment of Col. Reed, Colonels Starks, Gilley and Dearborn had commanded the Regiment but

thinks Colonel Reed's name was only mentioned in his original application for a pension - Benjamin Cotton
Sworn and subscribed to, before me the day and year aforesaid - Stephen Ariall further at the time
State of Ohio Wayne County ss. On this 30 th day of March A.D. 1837 before me, the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within & for said County of Wayne, personally appeared Jonathan Cotton a respectable person, who being duly sworn, upon his oath declares, that Benja- min Cotton who has taken and subscribed the above oath is the person described in the above affidavit - And I further certify that the said Jonathan Cotton is a person of truth and veracity - The interlineation of the words "personally appeared" interlined before Signature - Stephen Ariall further at the time
The State of Ohio Wayne County ss. I John Sloane Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said Wayne County do hereby certify that Stephen Ariall Esquire before whom the foregoing proceedings appear to have been had was at the date thereof an acting Jus- tice of the Peace within and for said County duly com- missioned and qualified and that all his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit as well in Courts of Justice as thereout
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & official seal at Wooster in said County this 5 th day of April A.D. One thousand eight hundred and thirty seven.
J. Sloane Clerk

Hon. Secretary of War Washington City Old Hickory, O. Wayne Co., Feb. 8. 33 Free

6856
Feby 16. 1837.
Lawson Office.
Brad-

Milton Wayne County Ohio Feb. 8 th 1832
Hon. the secretary of war Sir I sent last fall an application to have my pension transferred from the state of New York to the state of Ohio I have been on the pension list roll of New York ever since 1818 at $8 per month I have removed to the state of Ohio where I expect to spend the remainder of my days I have been expecting a return but have not yet received one. If your honor please I wish you would send me a certificate that I may draw my pension in this state here after I served in the army of the revolution from May 1775 to June 7 th 1783 when I had an honorable discharge which was sent on to the land office to get out a land warrant. if that petition I sent last fall was not right I wish you would please to let me know where it was wrong.
Yours respectfully
Benjamin Cotton

mmh
September 24, 1925
F. F. Cotton 646 Lothrop Ave., Detroit, Mich.
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 5888 it appears that Benjamin Cotton while a resident of New Hampshire, the place not stated, enlisted in April 1775, served to the end of the war as private and Sergeant in Captains Aaron Kinsman, Amos Morrill, Asa Senter and Benjamin Ellis' Companies, Colonels John Stark, Joseph Cilley and George Reid's New Hampshire Regiment and was in the battles of Bunker Hill, Brandywine, Hubbardton, both battles of Stillwater, Monmouth, and in an engagement with the Indians in Pennsylvania on the Susquehanna River where he was wounded in the neck by a musket ball.
He was pensioned from January 30, 1809 on account of disability resulting from said wound.
In 1820 he was a resident of Truxton, Cortland County,

New York aged sixty-two years. He died July 13, 1846 in Milton, Wayne County, Ohio.
Soldier married October 13, 1785 in Wentworth, New Hampshire, Dolly Smith (both then of Wentworth). She was allowed pension on her application executed September 25, 1846 while a resident of said Milton aged eighty years. She died February 27, 1852 in Milton, Ohio.
She left the following children: George W., Jonathan, Benjamin N., Solomon, Wiseman who was aged seventeen years in 1820, David, Theodore, William who was aged nine years in 1820, and Dolly Ellsworth.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

mmstf
June 22, 1925
Miss Lola Cotton 706 West Main St., Ionia, Mich.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 5888 it appears that Benjamin Cotton while a resident of New Hampshire, the place not stated, enlisted in April 1775, served to the end of the war as private and Sergeant in Captains Aaron Kineman, Amos Morrill, Asa Senter and Benjamin Ellis' Companies, Colonels John Stark, Joseph Gilley and George Reid's New Hampshire Regiment and was in the battles of Bunker Hill, Brandywine, Hubbardton, both battles of Stillwater, Monmouth, and in an engagement with Indians in Pennsylvania on the Susquehanna River where he was wounded in the neck by a musket ball.
He was pensioned from January 30, 1809 on account of disability resulting from said wound.
In 1830 he was a resident of Truxton, Cortland

County, New York aged sixty-two years. He died July 13, 1848 in Milton, Wayne County, Ohio.
Soldier married October 12, 1785 in Wentworth, New Hampshire, Dolly Smith (both then of Wentworth).
She was allowed pension on her application executed September 25, 1846 while a resident of said Milton aged eighty years. She died February 27, 1852 in Milton, Ohio.
She left the following children: George W., Jonathan, Benjamin N., Solomon, Wiseman who was aged seventeen years in 1820, David, Theodore, William who was aged nine years in 1820, and Dolly Ellsworth.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

mmmmf
April 21, 1925
Mrs. John H. Seabrook 547 Paris Ave., S. E. Grand Rapids, Mich.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 5888 it appears that Benjamin Cotton while a resident of New Hampshire, the place not stated, enlisted in April 1775, served to the end of the war as private and Sergeant in Captains Aaron Kinsman, Amos Morrill, Asa Senter and Benjamin Ellis' Companies, Colonels John Stark, Joseph Gilley and George Reid's New Hampshire Regiment and was in the battles of Bunker Hill, Brandywine, Hubbardton, both battles of Stillwater, Monmouth, and in an engagement with Indians in Pennsylvania on the Susquehanna River where he was wounded in the neck by a musket ball.
He was pensioned from January 30, 1809 on account of disability resulting from said wound.
In 1820 he was a resident of Truxton, Cortland County, New York aged sixty-two years. He died July 13, 1846

in Milton, Wayne County, Ohio.
Soldier married October 12, 1785 in Wentworth, New Hampshire, Dolly Smith(both then of Wentworth).
She was allowed pension on her application executed September 25, 1846 while a resident of said Milton, aged eighty years. She died February 27, 1852 in Milton, Ohio.
She left the following children: George W., Jonathan, Benjamin W., Solomon, Wiseman who was aged seventeen years in 1820, David, Theodore, William who was aged nine years in 1820, and Dolly Ellsworth.
Only two reports furnished each inquirer.
Respectfully,
WILDER S. METCALF. Commissioner.

V.L.M. IN REPLY REFER TO
Rev. War Section.
3-1864
Wid. File No. 5,888
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON January 8, 1920.
Ruth Cotton LeRoy, 415 Coit Avenue N. E., Grand Rapids, Mich.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 30" ultimo, you are advised that it appears from the records of this Bureau that Benjamin Cotton enlisted in New Hampshire in April 1775 and served to the end of the War as a Private and Sergeant in Captains Aaron Kinsman, Amos Morrill, Asa Senter and Benjamin Ellis' Companies, Colonels John Stark and Joseph Cilley's Regiment, and was in the battles of Bunker Hill, Brandywine, Hubbardton, both Battles of Stillwater, Monmouth and in engagement with Indians on the Susquehanna River, when he was wounded in the neck, for which wound he was pensioned from January 30, 1809, under the Act of April 27, 1810.
He married October 12, 1785 at Wentworth N. H., Dolly Smith. In 1818 he was a resident of Truxton, Cortland County, New York. He died July 13, 1846 at Milton, Wayne County, Ohio, and his widow was allowed pension on an application executed September 25, 1848, while a resident of Wayne County Ohio, aged 80 years. She died February 27, 1852, at Milton Ohio, and the following named were the only surviving children: George W.,

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON
Jonathan, Benjamin N., Solomon, Wiseman, David, Theodore, William and Dolly Ellsworth.
Very respectfully,
E. C. Sieman
Acting Commissioner.

Elyria, Ohio.
October, 12th., 1936.
Veteran's Administration, Washington, D. C. Dear Sirs-.
I would like to inquire if you have any record of a pension being awarded to a Revolutionary Soldier , by the name of Benjamin Cotton, who enlisted May 8th., 1775 in Colonel Stark's Regiment from Gilmanton, Vermont.
He is said to have served almost continuously throughout the War, and also to have served at Bunker Hill
After the war he settled in Wentworth New Hampshire, going to Truxton New York in in 1818. and in the year of 1834 he removed to Milton Wayne Co., Ohio, where he died July 13, 1846.
I will appreciate any information which you may be able to send me, and also an early reply, if possible.
This Soldier of the American Revolution is one of the few who has a grand-daughter still living.
Yours Sincerely, Mrs. George D. Bush Lagrange Rd., R.F. D. # 2
Elyria, Ohio.

Ex. ad Div. Rev 9/18/21 Sec 1
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., July 14, 1925
The attached letter is respectfully returned with the information that the data furnished is not sufficient to enable this Bureau to make intelligent answer to the queries therein contained.
Please fill out such of the blank spaces below as the information in your possession will permit, and return to this Bureau.
First name of widow No. of claim, E. Kelly
Name of soldier, Benjamin Cotton
Name of War - 1776
P. O. address of claimant, Soldier at enlistment & after service
Company _____
Regiment _____
✓ State where enlisted New Hampshire Apr. 1775
Date of birth enlistment May 14 - 1751
Date of death discharge July 13, 1846
If unable to furnish company and regiment give names of commanding officers.
Return attached letter with reply.
E. W. Morgan E. W. MORGAN Commissioner.

Lodge No. 488, F. & A. M.
MEETS EVERY TUESDAY EVENING 646 LOTHROP AVENUE
LOYALTY 488
C. A. HIXSON, WORSHIPFUL MASTER E. G. MACKAY, SENIOR WARDEN G. M. KURRY, JUNIOR WARDEN H. S. REID, TREASURER F. F. COTTON, SECRETARY
DETROIT, MICH.
July 27-1925.
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions. Washington D.C.
Dear Sir.-
Will you kindly furnish me with a letter giving me the record of Mr. Benjamin Cotton, who enlisted in the war of 1776 from New Hampshire in 1775.
From information that I have obtained this would refer to your records of Revolutionary War Pension Claim W.5888.
If not asking to much would you kindly state if your records gives the name of Benjamin Cottons father. Thanking you I am.
Sincerely yours,
J. J. Cotton 646 Lothrop avr

Grand Rapids, Michigan
June 14, 1925.
Dept of Interior, Bureau of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Ans. stamp returned
About a month ago I wrote you asking for information regarding Benjamin Cotton who fought in Revolutionary War (Rev War Section Wid. File no 5888). Could you send me a copy? On April 21. you sent one to Hazel Cotton Seabrook at Grand Rapids, Michigan.
547 Paris Ave.
Respectfully, Lola Cotton.

Grand Rapids, Michigan April 29, 1925.
Dept of Interior, Bureau of Pension, Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr Metcalf:-
Would you kindly refer to Rev. War Section Vid. File No. 5888 for information regarding Benjamin Cotton who enlisted in April 1775 and please send me a copy.
On April 21 you mailed a copy to my sister, Hazel Cotton

Seabrook, at Grand Rapids, this might help you in looking it up.
Respectfully, (Miss) Lola Cotton
Would you please mail it to me at my home at 706 N Main St, Ionia Michigan?

547 PARIS AVE., S. E. GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
April 16 - 25.
Dept of Interior; Bureau of Pensions. Washington D. C.
Will you kindly refer to War Section Wid. File No 5,888 giving details and information regarding Benjamin Cotton who fought

in the year of 1776.
I would please like three copies of this. I have written before but have had no reply from you. My cousin received one so I know you have it.

Kindly let me hear from you at once as I need this for the D. A. R.
Yours truly,
Mrs John N. Sealbrook
Hazel Cotton Sealbrook
2 stamps
attached →

Could I please have three copies of this information for D. A. R. 547 PARIS AVE., S. E. GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 2 furnished 2- ad. only
Feb. 22. 1924
Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington D.C.
Will you kindly refer to Rev. War. Section Wid. File # 5,888, giving details and information regarding Benjamin Cotton who fought in the war of 1776.
Yours truly, Hazel Cotton Seabrook. (Mrs. John H.)

Office of the Coroners, COUNTY OF KENT
Rev Sec en
Grand Rapids, Mich., December 20, 1919.
Pension Department, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
Following I am giving some data regarding an ancestor of mine, and I would appreciate it very much if you will give me what you have regarding this man who served in the Revolutionary War . Would also like the date of birth and death of the different wives if possible. Kindly send same as soon as possible, together with bill for same, and I will mail check.
Benjamin Cotton , son of Benjamin Cotton, born in Portsmouth, N.H. on Dec. 21, 1718, and married Elizabeth Levitt at Stratham, N.H. on Oct. 25, 1740.
Benjamin Cotton , born May 14, 1751 (fought in Revolution) ✓ married Dolly Smith at Wentworth, N.H. on Oct. 12, 1785, and their son
William Cotton , born Nov. 18, 1810, married Rebecca Brown Aug. 21, 1834, and their son
Benjamin A. Cotton , born at Milton, Wayne Co., Ohio on May 9, 1836 (served in Civil War four years) married Hester Chipman in Township of Keene, Ionia Co., May 5, 1861
Very truly yours,
Ruth Cotton LeRoy 415 Galt Avenue, N.E.

Ark
(8-525.)
6 2
RETURN THIS SLIP TO THE MAIL DIVISION.
CONGRESSIONAL
J H
No.
Name: Cotton B.P. Revolutionary War Co., Reg't
Mail Div. No. 80 - B
Rec'd _____, 188
Name of M.C. Peel
Div. _____
Date of Ans. _____
By whom _____
REMARKS.

Revolutionary War. (3-550.)
CONGRESSIONAL
at 5 No.
NAME OF CLAIMANT
Benj P. Cotton.
P. O. (Deceased)
NAME OF SOLDIER,
Co. _____, Reg't _____
Information wanted as follows:
Please give the Military record of this Soldier if possible.
[Signature] E. W. Beel
These slips are exclusively for the use of Senators and Members of Congress, and when used by any other person will not receive consideration.
Senators and Members will greatly aid the Bureau of Pensions in giving them an early answer if they will fill and use these slips in making calls in pension cases.*
GREEN B. RAUM,
Commissioner.
* Please give post office of claimant.
(3930-200,000.)
6-301

BENTONVILLE HARDWARE COMPANY,
SUCCESSORS TO HOBBS & CO. AND S. W. BEDWICK.
---WHOLESALE AND RETAIL---
HARDWARE and IMPLEMENTS.
---SOUTH SIDE SQUARE---
Bentonville, Ark., 3- 30- 1892. Col. S. W. Peel { Washington D.C. }
Dear Sir:
I am very sorry to encroach upon your time, but I am in quest of some information, on which I thought you probably could give me a starter - My Grand Father was a Revolutionary Soldier (I am not after a pension on that account) and served from the battle of Bunker's Hill to the close of the war - All his papers showing such service have been lost, and as he drew a pension up to his death, about 46-48 - I thought by writing to the Pension Department I might at least get his military rank and probably Co., Reg't etc - His name was Benjamin Pleatman and I am told was a Capt at close of the war - If you could inform me to whom or what department

to write I would be very much obliged- I had expected to see you when you were at Bentonville but somehow missed connection -
Very Truly Yours
N. B. Cotton.

20 West St in Bentonville Ark 28.
1917 Dec. 14. History to Mrs. Henry M. Nicholson. See Ch. 18. F. 8518. for letter. Rufus Freeman
1920 Jan. 8 Hist. to Ruth G. LeRoy 1925 Apr. 21 - Hist. to Mrs. John B. ... 1925 June 22 - Hist. to Miss ... 1936 Nov. 17 Hist. to Mrs. Geo. ...
1892 Mar 2nd letter
Pay  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 5888
Dolly Cattan Widow Benjamin Cattan Sgt. Gen. War
Act: Feb. 2, 1848
Index: — Vol. 2 , Page 143

for
The Hon. the Secretary of War Washington City D.C.
Mr. Purnell
London office.
June 6. 1836.
6/146
Miss A. M. H. to A. P.
Benjamin Esten

Yours
The Hon: the Secretary of War Washington City D.C.
Mr. Purnell
March 6. 1836. London office.
6/46
Mr. A. M. R. to A. P.
Benjamin Atton

State of Ohio Wayne County ss
I John Sloane Clerk of Court of Common Pleas of said Wayne County Ohio do hereby certify that Jason Jones Esquire before whom the foregoing proceedings appear to have been had was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified and that all his Official acts are entitled to full faith and credit
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at Wooster within said County this 19th day of November A.D. 1836
J Sloane Clerk

Benjamin Cotton petition &c for pension —

I John Miller one of the Judges of the County of Cattleland in the State of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings were had before me & that I am satisfied that the said Benjamin Cotton served in the Revolutionary war as a private soldier during the war & that he is justly entitled to the pension by the act of the 18 th of March 1818.
John Miller

2 unad 5 photos 1 book 1 card
St. Louis
dated
John C. Calhoun Esq. Secy of War City Washington

Lin
As Attorney for the estate of the  the  deceased  deceased whose heirs are in law - and also for for the heirs who heirs have hitherto been served - I wish you to forward to me notice of their names being entered on the pension list - & where and at what offic they will draw their money & also send them Certificate to draw their money -
Yrs &c
Miss Duncan
Tuxton Cortland County New York
May 3 rd 1878

Benjamin Cotton Petition to
Pension - suspended for the N. Hampshire role -
[Faint, illegible handwriting or bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

Clerk's Office Cattaraugus County & Towns
I hereby certify that John Miller Esq. whose Signature when appears to the writer is now the same for three years Anterior to this time a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said County - his acts therefore in that Capacity are to be Regarded as such and that the signature is his hand writing. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Affixed the seal of the said Court the 27 April 1808 Sam l Hotchkiss Jr. Dep. clerk

State of New York Cortland County ss
Billy Trowbridge Caleb Mansfield
being duly sworn saith that they are well acquainted with Benjamin Cotton maker of the pengoing affidavit & believe the facts contained therein to be true & that he is in necessitous circumstances
Sworn and subscribed this 22 day of April 1810 before me John Miller one of the Justices of Cortland County Billy Trowbridge Caleb Mansfield
State of New York Cortland County ss -
Miles Dunbar & Benjamin Ellsworth
being duly sworn make oath & say that they are well acquainted with Billy Trowbridge & Caleb Mansfield makers of the pengoing affidavit & that they are men of good moral character
Sworn and subscribed this 22 day of April 1810 before me John Miller one of the Justices of Cortland County Miles Dunbar Benjamin Ellsworth

Lt. Genl. Nov 29- '36 do - do - July 22- '37 Tra - Dis - Apr 14- '37 Transfer to O-Pittsb'g for Alby for 4- Sept '36 - Apr 25- '37
This is to certify that the within copy is a true copy of the original as shown to the Rev. Joshua Ballant
Rev. Joshua Ballant Albany N.Y.
2532
O. Pittsb'g New York Roll
Benjamin Cotton private New Hampshire line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York — at the rate of 8 — Dollars per month, to commence on the 22 nd of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd of Sept. 1818 and sent to Miles Dunbar Agent. Truxton, Cortland County New York
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818 35.46 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 th Mar. 1819 48.00
Arrears 4 Mo 13/30 $ 83.40
Willey } Revolutionary claim, } Deane } Act 18th March, 1818. }
Truxton, Cortland Continued

Pittsburgh, May 3.
Ohio. 298. —
Dolly Cotton widow of Benjamin who was a Private in the N. H. Line.
Husband died 13 th July 1846.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1844.
13 th July 1846.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of Nov. 1846. and sent to
James C. Glasgow Wooster, Ohio.
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 2. Page 202.
let for Rep after 20' 47,
Rep'd

298
Ohio, Cleveland Dolly Cotton dea widow of Benjamin who was a Sergeant in the Revolution
Made from $80
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 120 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day of March, 1844.
13 th July 1846.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of Sept r 1853 and sent to
P. B. Chapman Present
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2, Page 202
202

[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page, likely from the original document.]
Payable on the death of the parent 100 Dollars
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, GREETING:
Handwritten text in Arabic script, possibly a title or header.
1888

Dolly Cotton widow of Benjamin Cotton Ohio.
Act. 1832. 1844. 1848
For Increase
Sergeants - $120 per annum
From March 4. 1831. to July 13 1846 - deducting payments at 96 $ per annum -
From July 13 1846  13 th 1846 to Febry 27. 1852 - deducting payments at 80 $ per annum
Payable to Jonathan Cotton Ex r . of Dolly Cotton for benefit of
Jonathan Cotton George M. Cotton Benja. M. Cotton Solomon Cotton Wiseman Cotton David Cotton Theodore Cotton William Cotton Dolly Ellsworth
By order of the
B. B. Chapman Esq r Ohio

Brief in the case of Dolly Cotton wid. of Benjamin of N.H. Vernon — County and State of Ohio act Act. 1832 & 1838 &c
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Benjamin Cotton was pensioned at $95 per annum under act of 1818 and died in July 1846. His widow Dolly was pensioned at $80 per annum and died Feb'y 27. 1852. The Children now claim an increase of both pensions to $120 per annum alleging that Benjamin Cotton was a Sergeant from 1781 to Close of the War. — Proven by the Certificate of the Secretary of State of N. Hampshire and by the records of this Office.
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
The Certificate of the Secretary of State of New Hampshire.
Allowed under the Act of 1832 at 120 per annum to July 13. 1846 — and then under Act of June 17. 1844 from July 13. 1846 to March 4. 1848 — at $120 per annum. And from that date at the same rate to Feb'y 27. 1852 under Act. Feb'y 2. 1848. — deducting payments. Executor
Payable to Jonathan Cotton for the benefit of the Children.
Name and residence of Agent
B. B. Chapman Elyria Ohio
A. H. Coates Examining Clerk.

In the matter of Dolly Cotton widow of Benjamin Cotton of N.H.
Benjamin Cotton } Served in the war from 1775 to Declaration } the close - see P. Bonyat Sand - 1818 } Petitions for pension under act 1818 & is pensioned as private at 95$ & paid to March 4. 1846 -
Dolly Cotton's } Her late husband served throughout Declaration } the rev. war. - Were married Oct. 1785 - Sept. 1846 } Was pensioned at $80 from 1846 - to her death - Feby 27. 1852 -
Children's Decl. } Alledge that their father served Dec. 1852 } in the Rev. War as Sergeant for more than two years and the pension allowed their parents should be increased to $120 per annum.
7 Evidence
Secretary of State of Vt. } Certifies that Benjamin Cotton May 1852 } Served as sergeant - promoted Ap. 4. 1778

and served to close of the War.
Record in W. Gordon's Room — shows that Benjamin Cotton of N.H. served to the end of the War and is returned a Sergeant in 1863.
Under this state of the Evidence I conclude the increase should be allowed — D. H. Evans Augt 24, 1883

Elyria Lorain Co. Ohio June 6 th 1853
Hon. L. P. Walas } Com t of Pensions } Sir
In accordance with your letter of May 23 rd I herewith enclose a Certificate of a Court of Record showing the date of the death of Dolly Cotton and the number and names of her surviving Children
That Jonathan Cotton is duly authorized to act as Executor on her estate you have evidence of in the Certificate of the Third Auditor which is on file with her other papers. I can further certify from my own knowledge that said Jonathan Cotton is a man worth several thousand dollars and perfect safety to the other Children may be had in making the Certificate of Pension which may be issued payable to said Jonathan Cotton Executor for the benefit of the other heirs & you will please have the Certificate written in that manner
I am very Respectfully Yours
B. B. Chapman
P.S. I herewith enclose a Newspaper containing an account of Dolly Cotton's death which please file with her other papers
B. B. C.

Elyria Lorain Co Ohio July 19 th 1853
Hon. L. P. Waldo Comm ee of Pensions
Sir
On the 6 th of June I forwarded to your office the additional evidence required by your letter to me of May 23 rd in the case of Polly Cotton widow of Benj. Cotton for increase of Pension
Be pleased to inform me what has been done with the case
Very Respectfully Yours
B. B. Chapman

Brief of Evidence

State of Ohio, I Philemon Bliss Judge and Clerk of the Lorain County Probate Court holden at Elyria in and for the County and state aforesaid do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court, by the affidavits of George W. and Charles W. Cotton who are persons entitled to Credit that Dolly Cotton was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum, was a resident of the township of Milton Wayne County in the state of Ohio, where she died on the 27 th day of February in the year Eighteen hundred and fifty two that she was at the time of her death a widow and left surviving Children nine of whom only now survive and whose names are Jonathan Cotton, George W. Cotton, Benjamin A. Cotton Solomon Cotton, Wiseman Cotton, David Cotton, Theodore Cotton, William Cotton, and Dolly Ellsworth
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Elyria this 6 th day of June A.D. 1853
P. Bliss Probate Judge

Pension Office,
May 23 d 1853.
Sir:
Upon the production of a certificate of Court, showing the date of the death of Benjamin Cotten's Widow, Dolly, and the number and names of her surviving children, the claim for increase will be allowed. The court must furnish this Office with the testimony upon which it bases its certificate. An administrator should be appointed, and the amount of his bond certified to this Office.
I am, respectfully, Your Obs Servt.
J. M c Culloch Commissioner
Recd June 14 th 53 adams
B. B. Chapman, Esqr. Elyria, Lorain Co, Ohio.

Elyria Lorain Co. Ohio
March 25 th 1853
Hon. Comt. of Pensions
Sir
Inclosed please find an authentic copy of the voucher on which payment was made to Jonathan Cotton Executor of Solly Cotton a Revolutionary Pensioner of Ohio, and to which voucher reference is made in the application for an increase of the pension of said Solly Cotton and which I forwarded to your office in December last.
In the application for increase it is asked that the Certificate which may be granted for the increase be made payable to Jonathan Cotton Administrator but should have been as Executor , and which please correct
Very Respectfully Yours B. B. Chapman

Elyria Lorain Co Ohio Sept 29 th 1852
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of the surviving Children of Solly Cotton asking that the Revolutionary pension granted Benjamin Solly Cotton be increased You will please accept any business you may make to me at this place
I am very Respectfully Yours
B. B. Chapman
Hon Court of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Power of Attorney to examine the papers of Dolly Cotton a Recd Pension act of 2 nd Feb y 1848 Clarence O. Agnew
BB Chapman

I know all men by these presents that I George W. Cotton of Elyria Lorain Co Ohio son of Dolly Cotton deceased late of Wayne County Ohio and who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States at the rate of $80 per year under act of 2 nd February 1845 as the widow of Benj. Cotton do hereby constitute & appoint B. B. Chapman of Elyria Ohio my true & lawful Attorney to prosecute the claim of said Dolly Cotton deceased to any amount of Revolutionary Pension or increase of Pension that may be due and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all the papers & documents in relation to said Claim on file in the Department at Washington City or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said claim & to appoint a substitution substitute under him and to do all other acts that I might or could do were I personally present hereby ratifying & confirming all that my said Attorney shall lawfully do in the premises Witness my hand & seal this 16 th day of March A.D. 1852  Signed & sealed in the presence of  C. H. Parsons } J. Burke }  George W. Cotton (seal)
State of Ohio } ss On this 16 th day of March A.D. 1852 before the subscriber a Lorain County Notary Public in & for the County aforesaid personally appeared Geo. W. Cotton whose name & acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be his act & deed for the purposes therein mentioned & I do further certify that he did make oath that he was actually interested in said claim.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed seal this day once year aforesaid  J. Burke Notary Public

Seville, Medina Co. Ohio I. L. Edwards Esq. ? Jan'y 24, th 1850 Com d of Pensions ?
Dear Sir
I write to you for the purpose of having the place of payment of Mrs Polly Cotton, Pension changed from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh, as it is much more convenient and less expensive to have it paid at the latter place on account of the trade and exchange between this vicinity and Pittsburgh, which is considerable, while between here & Cincinnati there is little or none
yours Respectfully Joseph Rep
For Mrs Polly Cotton

after 20th Milford O3 Aug 15- Hon. J. L. Edwards Esqr Bolly Cottages Ohio W
free
Commissioner of Pensions Pension office Washington D.C.

Seville April 14 th 1847
Hon J L Edwards Esqr
Dear Sir
Mrs (Dolly) Cotton widow of Benjamin Cotton a revolutionary pensioner wishes to be informed why she is not entitled to the same amount of pension that was allowed to her husband. It appears by the Act of June 7-1832 that a widow whose marriage took place after the last period of her husband's service and before the 1 st day of Jan y , 1834 would be entitled to receive the same amount of pension that was allowed to husband, and as her husband drew $96.00 per annum she supposes that she ought to be entitled to the same amount, whereas she now draws but $80.00. If you will please to examine this matter and return an answer you will confer a favor on the widow of an old soldier
yours Respectfully Joseph Rop for Dolly Cotton.

Englewood O3 Sept 15 3 298-44
for
Mr Cole
J. L. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

Seville Sept 13 th 1848
J L Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Enclosed you will find the Declaration of Mrs (Dolly) Cotton Sworn and certified to I believe agreeably to the act of February 2 nd 1848 If the papers are incorrect I wish you would inform me so as to have them forthcoming as soon as possible for there can be no doubt of her right to draw a pension
yours Respectfully Joseph Rop for Mrs (Dolly) Cotton

The State of Ohio } Wayne County, ss. 3
I Benjamin Eason Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas holden at Wooster within and for the County of Wayne in the State of Ohio on the 29th. day of March, A.D. 1852, do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Molly Cotton was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of eighty dollars per annum, that the said Molly Cotton was a resident of the County of Wayne in the State of Ohio, and that the said Molly Cotton died in the said County of Wayne in the State of Ohio in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, on the twenty seventh day of February in said year. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set My Hand & affixed My seal of Office at Wooster in the said County of Wayne in the state of Ohio, this 14th. day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & fifty-two.
(Seal)
Benjamin Eason, clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Wayne and State of Ohio.
State of Ohio } Wayne County ss 3
I Samuel L. Sora, Probate Judge within & for said County of Wayne, do hereby certify that Jonathan Cotton is the legally qualified Executor of the last Will and Testament of Molly Cotton, late of said County deceased, and is the proper person to receive from the Pension Office of the United States, any pension which may be due to the said Molly Cotton at the time of her decease.
(Seal)
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set My hand, & affixed the seal of the Probate Court of said County at Wooster this 14th. day of April 1852.
Samuel L. Sora, Probate Judge.

Treasury Department Third Auditor's Office March 19. 1853.
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the originals on file in this office
J. S. Gallaher Auditor.

Benjamin Cotton Ohio Rolls
Act 1818. § 6
To what time paid or date of death? H. C. C.
Paid off Nov 19 - 46
on Pittsburgh, Paid to 4 th March 1846.
(J. B.)

Wadsworth
(Nov 3. 1846)
Hon. J. S. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Dr Sir: Pardon
you the written examination, on oath, before a court of record in support of her application to be placed on the Pension roll of the United States, prepared & drawn up & believe agreeably to the instructions from the War Department, together with evidence to prove her marriage that I have procured from New Hampshire &c. the original certificate from the War Department of Benjamin Cotton I have enclosed with her vouchers to the Pension Agency in Pillsbury for the purpose of procuring the annuities of her husband's Pension at the time of his death. If the evidence should prove not satisfactory will you have the kindness to advise me of the defect or insufficiency. I hope however that it will be found satisfactory.
With Respect
Yours Very Respectfully James Glasgow

The State of Ohio, On this eighth day of September in the year Wayne County p } one thousand eight hundred and forty eight personally appeared before me Wiseman Cotton a Justice of the Peace for the County and State above mentioned Dolly Cotton a resident of the Township of Milton in the County of Wayne and State of Ohio aged eighty two years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 2 nd February 1848. granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; That she is the Widow of Benjamin Cotton who was a Private in the New Hampshire Line in the War of the Revolution; That she received a pension of eighty dollars per annum under the Act of 17 th June 1844. She further declares that she is still the Widow of the above mentioned Benjamin Cotton Dolly her Cotton mark
Sworn to and subscribed this 8 th day of September 1848 In presence of Albert S. Blanchard Wiseman Cotton
Before me Wiseman Cotton Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named declarant is personally known known to me and that she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing declaration Wiseman Cotton Justice of the Peace

THE STATE OF OHIO, } Wayne County, SS. }
I, Samuel L. Lorah, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for said County, do hereby Certify that Miseman Watson Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit & certificate  ever was taken, and who has thereunto subscribed his name officially, in his own proper hand writing,
was at the date thereof, and now is an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly Commissioned and qualified according to law, and to all whose official acts full faith and credit are, and of right ought to be given, in judicature and thereout.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF , I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, at Wooster, this 11th day of September A. D. 1848.
Sam L Lorah Clerk, By W. G. Culbertson dep
Please direct any communication you wish to make to Polly Cotton Seville Medina Co Care of Joseph Rop Polly Cotton By Joseph Rop

V
Apr 20
Mr. Andme

Meek & Harris Bank Albany Pension Agency April 17. 1837
James L. Edwards Esquire, Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 14 th inst. I have to state that Benjamin Cottin, a Pensioner under the act of March 18, 1818, was last paid to 4 Sept. 1836.
I am, Sir,
Very Resp y .
Yr. ob t Serv t
R. M. Atkinson
Pro t Pen. Ag cy

Respectfully the Comt.
Benjamin Cotton for transfer.
delay.
referred to
R. B. Apr. 10. '87
offer J. L. C.
There are two sets of papers. In the first, the names of the officers, were wholly incorrect, and on being informed of it, the second was sent, enumerating a number of others, only one of which, Col. Stark, is to be found in the declaration.
Make the Wa
The signature, however, appears to be genuine, and he recites the same dates for the beginning and ending of his service, viz. "from May 1775, to 7. June 1783" that are given in the original papers.
Under these circumstances, perhaps, the error as to the name of his Captain, does not afford sufficient grounds for further delay.