Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 3952, John Cooper, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Cooper, John Prudence
W 3952
CONTENTS

24 Dec 33
2628
4565
New Jersey
John Cooper
of _____ in the State of New Jersey who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Kitchell of the Regt. commanded by Col Drake in the New Jersey line for Private 21 1/2 mo — $11.66
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 71 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of January 1833 and just to H. L. Anderson
Arrears to 4th of Ap. 1832 — $107.50 Semi-ann. allowance ending 11 Mar 1833 — 35.84 $143.34
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Luce Clerk, Book D Vol. 4 Page 143

2628
New Jersey
Prudence Cooper
widow of John Cooper
N.J. who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Inc. Jan 3/38 38
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
71 Dollars 66,
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
28 day of May 1849 and sent to
G. M. Phillips
Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 287 Vol. 4.

John R. L. Cooper.
N: 3108
PO
on that of the Agency of the State of New Jersey. The bond required every claim to be made to a person or annually except the present.

DECLARATION, IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS, PASSED JUNE 7, 1832.
STATE OF NEW-JERSEY, } Morris Bom. Pleas, July Special Term. 1832. County of Morris } ss.
On this thirty first day of July 1832. personally appeared, in open court, before the Judges of
the court of Common Pleas now sitting, John Cooper a resident of Chester in the
County of Morris and State of New-Jersey, aged in December next 69 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:
At the age of sixteen, he enlisted at Chester where he now lives, in Capt. Thomas Dickinson's company of six months men, of the New Jersey State troops, in the Regiment or battalion commanded by Major Goetsche, or Gooch, in the month of June 1779 or 1780 , directly after the burning of Springfield by the British, to serve six months. That he continued in service, until some time in October following, when being ordered out upon a scouting party of 9 or 10 men, under command of Adjutant Beckett (being stationed at Hackensack) they fell in with a party of Refugees, superior in number, commanded by Major Ward, & was taken prisoner by said refugees, together with five others of the scouting party. They were taken at the house of William Kingsland, upon the 19 th of October 1779 or 1780 , near Barbados neck, between Hackensack & N. York City, & were all soon taken as prisoners, to Deyon point - thence to New York, & lodged as prisoners in the Sugar house, where they were kept about three months, & was then sent to the Provost prison, under the custody & cruelty of the noted Cunningham, where he was kept 4 1/2 months, being a prisoner 7 1/2 months. In this time they were often threatened with the gallows, in retaliation for sundry refugee prisoners then at Morris town & who were expected by the Americans to be hung. - Some 3 or 4 of our party, not having had small pox were removed to some other prison, but the Deponent, with the others, were confined as before stated for 7 1/2 months. I was finally exchanged, & brought over to Eliz th town, by Company Skinner, where he rejoined the 6 years men as a volunteer, & served in that capacity some time, probably one month, but is not certain. - He enlisted in the same season of his exchange, for three months at Chester, in the summer, in Capt. Baldwin's Co. for 3 months, (State troops) in Col. Sely's regiment & served out this period, on duty at Dobbs ferry & Connecticut farms, where his time expired, & this duty was performed about the time of Cornwallis' capture at York town.
When but 14 years of age, he served in the militia at Eliz th town, & under Colonel Jacob Dreef for one month on guard duty & upon the lines & points; & two other months under Col. Munroe at Achepackanack, second river & Newark, & one month under Col. John Stocke upon the lines at Hackensack, Newark & Eliz th town. His Captains on these militia tours, were Nath l . Horton, Abm. Dickinson & Lieut. Munroe & Capt. Obediah Kitchell. He was present at Connecticut farms & Springfield under Col. B. Hathaway & Capt. Horton - stationed at the farms, when those places were burned by the enemy, saw the Springfield Church burnt, & was personally engaged in the battle at that place. He was also often out upon alarms for that period at various other periods, to guard against refugees & Tories, sometimes for one week at others for a longer time.

He was present at Aquia Creek, when Iabez Bell, of our Company, under Capt. Nathl. Horton, was killed by the accidental discharge of a musket, the ball passing directly thro' his brain. Saw him draw his last breath standing near him. He was also present at Trimbly's point, when under the 3 months enlistment, & Sergeant Goodwin was shot dead, when placing sentries, or attending to further duty. He was believed to have been shot by some skulking tory or refugee in the evening or night. Saw Goodwin's dead body in the wagon, when taking up to camp at the farm meeting house.
He has stated dates as far as his memory serves him, but may be incorrect as regards particular times. — The facts, he feels confident of, & firmly believes he faithfully served, in the Army, & Militia, including the term of his being a prisoner & duty upon alarms, for short periods, for not less than twenty three months. He has omitted to include one month's service under Col: Ephraim Martin, in Capt. Obadiah Kitchell's Co. at Elizabeth town, in building a small fort at Halstead's point, & doing guard duty at Elizabeth town & the neighbouring places, — the time, he cannot recollect. — He was also employed at another time in attending upon some regular troops of the Virginia line, who were ill of small pox at the house of Samuel Douglass, in Hanover, Morris County, 18 of whom were ill of that disease at the same time. He was in this duty, under a Surgeon of the Virg a line, about six weeks, altho' he did not bear arms in the time, nor does he include it within the period stated above as making part of the 23 months. For this Hospital duty, he never rec d . any pay or emolument.
He was born in Hanover, Morris County, N. Jersey, where he lived till the age of 14 years, when he first performed Militia duty, & now lives in Chester of the same County. Has no record of his age, & never rec d . any discharge except a verbal one.
Has been well known to Daniel Horton Esq r . one of the judges of this Court & to Lewis Condict of Morris town for a period of 30 years or more, to whom I refer for my character & standing in society for truth.

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, is only on that of the Agency of the State of New Jersey.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
John Cooper
Jesse Upson
We, Daniel Horton, one of the Judges of the Pleas, & Lewis Condict, residing in the County of Morris, New Jersey, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Cooper who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be in his sixty ninth year , — years of age ; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Jesse Upson
Daniel Horton Lewis Condict
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 Daniel Horton —
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a ————— resident in the Township of Chester in the County ————— aforesaid, and that Lewis Condict ————— who has also signed the same, is a resident in the Township of Morris in the County aforesaid and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Jesse Upson Stephen Vail " " William Brittain
I David Day ————— Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Cooper ————— for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF , I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this thirty first ————— day of July ————— in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two —
David Day

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838, entitled, "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows":
State of New Jersey, Morris County ss:
On this 11 th day of January, Anno Domini 1839 personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas of said County, Prudence Cooper, a resident of Chester township in said County, aged 75 years, in September last, 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 7 th 1838, entitled, "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows": —
I am the widow of John Cooper, who was as I believe, an enlisted soldier, either in the Army of the United States, or in the State troops of New Jersey, & who also served, as I believe, in the Militia service of said State, in the war of the revolution. The name of the Captain or Captains, under whom my said husband served, I have forgotten; but I think he performed some portion of his services under command of Major or Colonel Goetschius, commonly called Gutschip, a Dutch officer as I believe. My impression is, that he had enlisted under this officer for one year, & that whilst upon a scouting party, & in the line of his duty, he & his party was attacked or surprised by a superior force of the enemy, & made prisoners — were all carried off to New York city, & shut up in the Sugar house & prison ship, with many other prisoners, where they suffered most severely, under the cruel treatment of one Banningham, for several months. An acquaintance of his, whose name was John Dumont, was prisoner with him, & whether they were finally exchanged, or made their escape from Banningham, I am not certain; but it seems to me they made their escape. For particular details of his service, & name of his officers I respectfully refer the Commission of pensions to said John Cooper original Declaration & papers, which I believe will be found on the files of the pension office, & upon which he was pensioned by the United States. I believe he was an applicant under the law of 1818, but think he did not succeed until the Act of 1832 was passed. — I further declare, that I was married to the said John Cooper by Elyah Horton Esq r a justice of peace in Chester township, on the 15 th August, Anno Domini, 1785, in the presence of Ananias Cooper, brother of my said husband, the only witness now living, who was present at my marriage, as I verily believe.
I have no family record of my marriage, & I believe no record was made by justice Horton, who has been dead many years. My only child, was a son, not now living. His name was Ananias, & was born in September 15 th day, 1786, just 13 months after my marriage. — He died in the year 1808, in November.

I hope to obtain the testimony of Ananias Cooper respecting the time of my marriage, & the depositions of some of our old neighbours, who have known me & said John Cooper many years, living together as husband & wife.
My husband, the aforesaid John Cooper, died at his dwelling in Chester township on the 24 th . day of March, Domini 1833.
& I have remained his widow to this present time, as will more fully appear, by testimony herunto annexed. I was not married to him prior to his leaving the farm, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January, fourteen hundred & ninety four, viz: at the time before stated.
Before my marriage, my name was Prudence Terry, my father's name was Richard Terry, & he lived in Chester, in the neighbourhood of John Cooper & also of Elijah Horton Esq. who married us.
Sworn & subscribed at the Court house in Morristown, on the 11 th day of January, in the year of our Lord, 1839; the figure "8," is the number of the year in line 4 th . first page, having been altered before signing, so as to read 1839.
Before me. —
Post-script. Upon conversing this morning with my nephew Silas Horton, who is one year younger than myself, he has convinced me of my mistake in the time of my marriage, which was in the year 1784, & not 1785, as stated within. It was my mistake in calculating my age. I was born in the year 1763, in September, & was married when I was 21 years old, wanting one month, & my son Ananias, was born 13 months after my marriage, viz: September 15 th 85, & not 86, as stated on the other side of this leaf. This correction of the dates of my marriage & of the birth of my son, I desire to be made & considered as parts of this Declaration.
Sworn & subscribed at the Court house in Morristown, this 11 th January, 1839.
Before me, Silas Cook Judge of Peace. Prudence her X Cooper mark. of the County of Morris/State

above mentioned.
Examining Clerk.
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication; and if so, in what respect?
incidental evidence, or for the rules?
9. Is the statement supported by prima facie documentary proof, by traditional evidence, or
10. Where did he reside when he entered the service?
No 3108. New Jersey. John Cooper
Sup. 26. Dec. 32
Obj. 4. 5. H. 16
How L. Bondet
No: of Rep's
Adm?
2 1/2 months
$71.66
p-176.
1. State the service, as described in the form attached.
Period.
Duration of Service.
Rank.
Number of Credit, and Field Officers
39
2. How old is he?
3. If before a judge, does it appear that the applicant is qualified by bodily infirmity?
4. Has the declaration been made before a Court or a judge?
(Act Cap. 17, Sec. 1225.)
on the State of
RESIDES in the case of

BRIEF in the case of
of
Merion County
John Cooper
in the State of
New Jersey
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? Sixty nine years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 1779 or 1780 As a Gen.   Private N.J. State Troops Major Cooteches or Cooteches & Capt. Thomas Dickerson   Not specified Volunteer Not stated   Not specified 3 Enlisted 3d Regt. Col. Dury & Capt. Baldwins   " " 1 Recruited Col. Jacob Drake   " " 2 " Col. Munden   " " 1 " Col. John Blake - Capt. Nathl. Horton, Abm. Wilkinson, Obadiah Kitchell - Lt. Burson.   " " 1 " Col. William Martin & Capt. Obadiah Kitchell.  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Battle of Springfield. Remark Applicant says he served not less than 20 months  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Hanover, Morris County New Jersey.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living Witnesses & Traditional  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Reference to the Brief of Objections. 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
H. Thomas
Examining Clerk.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
March 8, 1928
Frederick Gilkyson, Brig. Genl. Office of the Adjutant General Trenton, N. J.
Sir:
I advise you that in the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 3952 of John Cooper and of his widow Prudence, John Cooper stated under oath, July 31, 1832 that he was "aged in December next sixty-nine years".
He died March 24, 1833 in Chester Township, New Jersey.
His widow, Prudence, stated under oath, January 11, 1839 that their only child a son, Ananias, was born September 15, 1786 and died in November 1808.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

New Jersey
John Cooper at June 7 th 1832 to what time
paid. for
VL
John Harry Esq.
Died 24 March 1833/so said to have died March 1833 to that period 1H

2628
New Jersey
Prudence Cooper widow of John Cooper who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 38 Dollars 33 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of Dec. 1848, and sent to
Peter P. Ransom New Brunswick N.J.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 287 Vol. 4,
Get. Hon. Wm Lloyd Jan 17, 49 Dana 4 Mch 49
Reported Deo B. Bliss

3356
New Jersey.
Rudence Cooper
Widow of John.
who was a pensioner under the Act of '32 and who died on the 24th Feb 1833 of Morris Co in the State of New Jersey who was a pri — in the Calgary commanded by Captain Ward of the Regt , commanded by  in the New Jersey  Line for Militia
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 71 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1836.
Increased sum $38.33
Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of May 1849 and sent to Yell. Philip Present
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Geo. H. Smith Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 , Page 193 .

6913
New Jersey.
Rudence Cooper widow of John who was a Private in the Revolution
Recd. June 1843. 33
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 71 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of May 1849 and sent to
G. M. Phillips Resent
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 14

Reported.
New Jersey 6912
Prudence Hooper widow of John Hooper who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 38 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of May 1848, and sent to Miss Prudence Hooper, Esq. Morristown New Jersey
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A June 17. 1844 Vol. 2 Page 94

State of New Jersey, Morris County ss.
Before the subscriber, a
is for the County aforesaid personally appeared Jacob Drake Esq. & Benjamin McConny Esq. now High Sheriff of Morris County, both of them well known to me personally, as gentlemen of veracity & unblemished reputation, who being duly sworn according to law, severally depose & say as follows viz: — Jacob Drake declares & saith, I am now in the 75 th year of my age, was born in Morris County & lived in that part of said County now called Chester township for more than 55 years. I lived there throughout the war of the revolution, & until the year 1823, when I removed into Morris town, where I now live. — I was personally & intimately acquainted with John Cooper of Chester, who was a soldier in the war of the revolution, & received from the United States a pension for his services therein. We were neighbors in our boyhood, & were well acquainted throughout the period of said Cooper's life. I was well acquainted also with Prudence Terry, who was married to said John Cooper soon after said war, & as I only believe, in the year of our Lord 1785 1784.
And the said Benjamin McConny Esq. on oath as aforesaid, saith as follows; — viz: I am now in the 64 th year of my age, & have spent the whole of my life in that part of Morris County now called Chester, until November 1837, when I removed to Morris town where I now live. I was personally well acquainted with John Cooper, of Chester, who was as I believe, a soldier in the revolutionary war & was pensioned by the United States for his services therein. He lived until his death, in Chester, & he married Prudence Terry, of the same neighborhood, whom I know very well. They were married, as I believe, 1785 — 1784.
And the aforesaid deponents, both, further declare on oath, that said John Cooper & Prudence his wife lived together in Chester in said County, & near to their deponents, within two miles of each of them, as husband & wife, from the time of their marriage in 1784, to the time of the death of said John Cooper, which was in the year 1833. — They, the said John Cooper & Prudence his wife lived together in that capacity, respected by all their neighbors, & we have never heard their marriage questioned or doubted by any person. — Since the death of said John Cooper, his widow has not married, but remains his widow to this period, as we verily believe.
Sworn & subscribed at the Court house in Morris town
this 11 th day of January, Anno Domini 1839. N. B. The year "1785" the year as stated on that
Before me
of the marriage, in lines 15, & 22, was erased, & "1784" inserted.
John Cooper before swearing, & signing, & done at our request. Jacob Drake By McConny

State of New Jersey, Morris County ss.
Before the subscriber, a judge & justice of peace in & for said county, personally appeared Silas Horton Esq. of Chester, Morris County, a man of truth & unblemished character - who being duly sworn according to law, saith as follows - viz: - I am now in the 75 th year of my age - was born in the same township where I now live, & have spent my whole life there. I have known John Cooper & Prudence his wife, whose name was Prudence Terry before he was married to her, from my boyhood. They both were neighbors to my father before their marriage, & until John Cooper died. My father was Elijah Horton - he was a justice of peace many years in Chester, & was in the habit of pronouncing the marriage ceremony, or of marrying young persons together, which practice was not uncommon in the neighborhood, especially when a clergyman was not near the parties. He, my said father, married the said John Cooper, to the said Prudence Terry, in the summer season of the year 1784. I then lived with my father, but was not present when the ceremony was performed. I heard my father say, after his return home in the evening, that he had just returned from marrying John Cooper to Prudence Terry. - The said John Cooper & Prudence his wife, lived together as husband & wife, in the same neighborhood, near to my father's, - respected by all who knew them, & I have never heard or known any person express a doubt concerning the reality, or the validity of their marriage. - The said John Cooper, was reputed & believed by all the neighbors, to have been a Revolutionary soldier of much merit, & to have suffered greatly by extreme cruelty of the enemy when he was a prisoner in their hands, in the sugar house & prison ship in New York, during the revolutionary war. He died a prisoner of the United States as I believe, in the month of March, in the year of our Lord, 1823, almost 6 years ago. I was not present at his funeral being unwell . His widow, the said Prudence Cooper, remains his widow to this day. - Elijah Horton my father, kept no record, as I believe, of marriages solemnized by him at that period - there being then no law requiring such duty.
Sworn & subscribed, in the Court house, at Morris town
this 11 th day of January, Domini 1839. - N. B. the figure, 1785, shewing
the year of the marriage, was incorrectly written 1785, & by my request was changed so as to read 1784.
Silas Horton Judge Justice of the Court of Common Pleas

3356
4816
New Jersey Morris County
Declaration of Purdina Coopu Widow of John Coopu du?
Marr'd 15 Aug 1784 Husband died 24 March 1833
Admitted Private 11 1/2 months
Return to Lewis bond, du? Morris town, New Jersey.

State of New Jersey, Essex County fi:
Before the subscriber, a justice of peace in & for Essex County, personally appeared Ananias Cooper, a resident of Newark, & believed by me to be a man of truth & fair character, who being first duly sworn according to law, saith as follows - viz: - I am now in the year of my age, was born in Morris County N. Jersey, in that part of said County now called Chester township, where I lived till the year when I removed to Essex County, in which I now reside. John Cooper of Chester, Morris County, was my elder brother. He was a Revolutionary soldier by enlistment, & served in Captain Thomas Dickinson's company for a year, as I understood & believe; & also in Major Goetschius, or Gutschies battallion - was a prisoner to the enemy some months, & suffered much cruelty when confined by them in the sugar house & prison ship in New York. He was pensioned by the United States, & died a pensioner in March, 1833, in Chester, leaving a widow, Pudence Cooper, whose name before marriage was Pudence Terry - whose father lived near to John Cooper, before their marriage. He, the said John Cooper, was married to said Pudence Terry by Elijah Horton Esq. a justice of peace in Chester, a near neighbor to both parties, at the house of her father, in the month of August, in the year of our Lord, 1784, & as I verily believe, on the 15 th day of the month. I was personally present at their wedding, & saw them married by said justice Horton. Other guests were present, but I believe not one of them is now living. They had one son, Ananias - who was born about one year after their marriage, who died about 30 years since. John Cooper my said brother, kept no record of his marriage, or of the birth of his son, as I verily believe. His widow, Pudence Cooper, has not married since the death of her husband. She now lives in Chester township Morris County, is very poor in her circumstances, & has applied for a pension on account of the Revolutionary services of her husband.
Sworn & subscribed at Newark, this day of January, Anno Domini, 1839.
Before me.
N. B. The above deposition was drawn out from a memorandum of a conversation with Mr. Cooper, who was expected to go to Morris town & make oath. His age & infirmity prevented, & he was called on subsequently at Newark, & the deposition taken before Saml. B. Miller, which is attached to this by wafer on the opposite side.

New Jersey Morris County }
I, David B. Hurd, Clerk of Morris County, hereby certify, that Silas Cook Esq. before whom the annexed Declaration of Prudence Cooper was made & subscribed, on the 11 th January 1839, & before whom also the several depositions of Jacob Drake, Benjamin W. Coney & Silas Horton, also hereto annexed were taken & subscribed on the same day, is a judge of the Court of Common Pleas, & a justice of the peace, in & for said County, duly commissioned & authorized as such; - & the signature of his name thereto, "Silas Cook," is genuine.
Witness my hand, & the seal of my office at Morris Town, this 12 th day of January, Domini 1839.
David B Hurd Clerk M c W H Armichael

Ananias Cooper
State of New Jersey, Essex ss. fr:
I, Elias van Andale, Sheriff Clerk of Essex County aforesaid, hereby certify, that Samuel B. Miller Esq. before whom the within deposition of Ananias Cooper was taken & subscribed, is a Justice of Peace in & for said County, duly commissioned & authorized, & that the signature of his name thereto, "Samuel B. Miller" is genuine.
Witness my signature, & the seal of said County, at Newark, this sixteenth ————— day of February, 1839. —
E. M. Randolph Clerk

State of New Jersey Essex County ss.
Before the subscriber, a justice of peace in & for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Ananias Cooper, a resident of Newark in said County, believed by me to be a man of truth & fair reputation, who being first duly sworn according to law, saith as follows, on oath, viz:
I am now in the 74 th year of my age - was born in Morris County, & in that part of said County now called Chester township, where I lived until the year 1832, when I removed to Essex County, in which County I now reside.
John Cooper of Chester, in Morris County was my oldest brother. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, by enlistment - was prisoner to the enemy some months, & confined by them in the sugar house & prison ship in New York, where he suffered extreme cruelty. He was paroled by the United States, & died a prisoner, in Chester, in the year 1832. Leaving a widow, Prudence Cooper, whose maiden name was Prudence Terry - living also in Chester before marriage, & until this time. My said brother, John Cooper, was married in my presence, to said Prudence Terry, at the house of her father Richard Terry in Chester, on the 15 th of August, in the year of our Lord, 1785, as I verily believe. They were married by Elijah Horton Esq. a justice of the peace, who was a near neighbour & friend. - There were some others present as guests, beside Mr. Terry's family, but I do not know a single one of them who is now living except myself.
It is my belief, that the said John Cooper left no family record, showing either the time of his marriage, or the birth or age of his child, leaving but one, namely
Ananias, now dead. His widow (viz: the said John Cooper's widow) Prudence Cooper, has not married since the death of said John Cooper, as I believe. I have subscribed, at Newark, Essex County, on this Thirtieth day of January, Domini 1839
Ananias Cooper
Sam l H. Miller Justice of the peace
[Handwritten flourish]

aa 6912
20

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2 nd February 1848 entitled "The act making further provision for surviving widows and Soldiers of the Revolution"
State of New Jersey } Middlesex County }
On this second day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty eight personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Prudence Cooper a resident of Boundbrook in the County of Somerset and State of New Jersey aged eighty three 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 John Cooper who was a Private in the war of the Revolution For the particulars of whose service this applicant would refer the Commissioner of Pensions to the declaration of the said John Cooper her late husband which is on file in the War department And she further declares that she is the same Prudence Cooper who as the widow of the said John Cooper her late husband did receive a pension from the United States under the law of July 1838 at the rate of $38.33 per annum which was continued by subsequent acts to March 4 th 1848 And she further declares that she is still a widow
Sworn to and subscribed the day
and year above written
before me Peter P. Murray
Justice of the Peace
her Prudence x Cooper mark

I hereby certify that from my personal knowledge of the within named Prudence Cooper I am fully satis- fied that she is the widow of John Cooper deceased and that she is the same individual who recd a pension as stated by her in the foregoing appli- cation
Peter R. Wampson Justice of the Peace
State of New Hampshire County of Nicholas Bosseman Clerk of the County of Middlesex of record do hereby certify that Peter R. Wampson Esquire before whom the foregoing declaration of Prudence Cooper was made, was at the time of the making said declaration a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly commissioned & sworn to that his signature to the said declaration and the above being all are genuine
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County this 11 th day of September AD 1848
M. D. Merrill

Prudence Cooper Payment to be made at Trenton 38 33 by
Adm d  P. Dickinson Esq Act o Agent for paying Pensioners, in the '38 Agency of New Jersey '43 44
'48 at $71.66 per ann. Payable on the 4th September and 4th didg form March pay at $38.33 per ann.
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 287 Vol. 4.
Geo. M. King Clerk.
G. M. Phillips Present

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848, Rudence Cooper widow of John Cooper who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of thirty Eight dollars and thirty three cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the War Office of the United States this 27th day of December one thousand eight hundred and forty Eight .
W. L. Marcy.
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Prudence Cooper act 44 No. 583. under acts 3 March 1843 & 17. June, 1844
Adm. c$38.33 per ann
Levi Condict Esq. Morristown New Jersey
John J. A. Ordway
Commissary of Pensions.

N. O. Morris-Town, April 21 st '45.
Sir,
Your favor of the 17 th is rec d . requiring that Prudence Gossue should be identified "as the widow of the John Gossue for whom pension she claims a pension under the laws of March 3 d . 43, & of 17 th June '44."
The proof is insited on the Declaration sent to me for the pension, & the papers herewith returned for your decision.
Very respectfully
Your ob t . serv t . &c.
Lewis Bonditch.
Col. Edwards Commission of Pensions.

James L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner

N. S. Morris Town, March 8 th 1845.
Dear Sir,
Enclosed is the Declaration of Prudence Gossop widow of John Gossop who was a Claimant for a pension under the Act of March 18 th 1818 - but if I mistake not, did not receive the benefit of that law, but was finally pensioned - probably under the act of June 7 th 32
His widow was pensioned for 5 years - under the law of 1838 - & as she says never applied for the benefit of the act of S th March 43 (one year's pension)
She has no fixed residence or home - at present is with a grandson in Somerset County - but considers Morris as her home - where she & her husband spent their lives & where they were born. I mention this as the reason of her coming here to have her Declaration prepared - knowing no person in Somerset where she sojourns, except her grandson & his family.
Feeling herself to be exceedingly distitute - she urges me to solicit your early attention to her claim. If her papers are found on your files, I think your agents will have to devote but a short time to decide her claim.
Very respectfully,
Your obt. servt. &c:
Lewis Condict.
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.

Declaration
For increase of, and arrears of pension under the Acts of 7 th July 1838 3 rd of March 1843., 17 th June 1844. 7 th May 1846 2 nd February 1848 and 26 th June 1848, and for the benefit of the joint Resolutions of 2 nd January 1845. and 1 st July 1848
State of New Jersey
County of Somerset ss. On this second day of March 1849 personally appeared before the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for the State and County aforesaid Mrs. Prudence Cooper resident of the County of State aforesaid, aged about Eighty four years, who being by me first duly sworn, doth on her oath make the following declaration to obtain the benefit of increase & arrears of pension to which she may be entitled under the provisions of the above cited acts & Resolutions of Congress in her case as made and provided. That she is the Widow of John Cooper, who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and who prior to his de- -cease drew a pension from the United States Under the Acts of 7 th June 1832. that she draws a pension under the act, at the rate of Thirty Eight dollars Thirty Three Cents ($38.33) per annum, and that she is still a widow.
In the presence of James Taylor Isaac Southard
Prudence X Cooper mark
Subscribed and sworn to, before me on the day and year first above written
James Taylor Justice of Peace
I certify that the above declarant is personally known to me and that she is the identical person that she rep- -resents herself to be in the above affidavit
James Taylor Isaac Southard
I certify that I am personally acquainted with James Taylor whose name is above subscribed as a Justice of the peace. And

that he now is & for years past has been an act- ing Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Somerset in the State of New Jersey
John Van Slyke M.C. & Esq. Somerset District New Jersey
C
18
R

IN REPLY REFER TO No.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
L
TRENTON
March 6, 1928.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Sir:
Our transcript of the claim for pension of one John Cooper (Widow No. 3952) gives the date of the soldier's birth as "December, 1763." An applicant for the record of this particular man, to whom this information was furnished, makes the following statements in connection therewith:
"I have many reasons to believe that the date of birth as furnished is inaccurate. * * * If it were correct, then, from the certificate, John Cooper took an active part in the Revolution at the age of fourteen - which is inconsistent with the traditions of the family. Furthermore, it can be established beyond doubt that the first child of this John Cooper was born in February, 1773 , and it is at least illogical to assume that John Cooper became a father at the age of ten. * * * I am convinced that his widow was mistaken as to the date of his birth."
Will you be good enough to advise this office as to the date of birth appearing on the original affidavit?
Very truly yours,
Frederick Gilkyson, Brigadier General, The Adjutant General.

WIDOW, &c.
File No. 8952
Prudence Cooper Wid.
John Cooper Prvt. Rev. War
Act: Feby. 24/48
Index: —Vol. 9 , Page 1412
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1928. Mch. 8. Frederick Gelfryson ad. date of letter as in claim no. 3.

Levi Condit, April 17 th 1845
New Jersey 3356
Pudence Cooper widow of John Cooper
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7. June 1832 and who died on the 24. March 1833 of Morris Co. in the State of N. Jersey who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Ward - of the regt. commanded by _____ in the N. Jersey mil. time for 11 1/2 months
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 38 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of July 1837 and sent to Hon: Levi Condit, Morristown, N. J.
Arrears to the 4th of March '37 114.99 Semi-annual allowance ending 1st Sep. " " 19.16
$134.15
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by D. Brown Book A. Vol. 2. Page 120
Clerk,

7027
Mar 10/45. New Jersey Morris Co.
Pension claim of Prudence Cooper widow of John Cooper.
Law of March 3. 1843. Also of June 17 th 1844.
Return to Lewis Bondiol Morris Town. New Jersey.
not identified -

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 3 d . March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have rec d . pensions under the act of July 7. 1838.
State of New Jersey, Morris County, ss:
On this 7 th . day of March, 1845, personally appeared before the subscriber, a justice of peace in & for the County aforesaid Prudence Cooper, at this present time sojourning in Bridgewater Somerset County New Jersey, but a native of Morris County in said State, where she has spent her life time, aged 81 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 3 d . of March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war.
I am the widow of John Cooper, who was a soldier in the Army of the United States, and in the State Troops & Militia of New Jersey as I believe - the company & regiment in which he served, I cannot now state, but refer to the Papers & documents on file in the Pension Office at Washington. I was also a pensioner of the United States for five years, under the Law of July 7 th . 1838 - the rate of my pension is not now remembered - my certificate having been given up to the Pay Agent at Trenton, when the last payment was made. I now claim as the widow of said John Cooper, the benefit of the Law of March 3 d . 1843, & also, of the 17 th . June 1844, entitled "an act to continue the pensions of certain widows" - that I have not intermarried but am still the widow of said John Cooper deceased.
Sworn to & subscribed, on the day & year above written, in before me,
Elijah Ward J. P.
Prudence H. Cooper mark
State of New Jersey, Morris County, ss.
I, George H. Ludlow, Clerk of Morris County aforesaid, certify - that Elijah Ward Esq. whose name is subscribed above, is a justice of peace in & for said County, duly authorized & commissioned, & that the signature of his name above, "Elijah Ward", is genuine.
Witness my signature & seal of my office at the Court house in Morris Town, this 7 th . day of March, 1845.
George H. Ludlow Clerk

I, Lewis Condick, of Morris town New Jersey, hereby certify to the Commissioners of Pensions & to the Secretary of War, that I was personally well acquainted with John Cooper within named, for a period of more than 20 years before his death: — He lived & died in Morris County, & as I verily believe, in the same Township in which he was born — viz: Chester — that I obtained his pension, as well as the pension of his wife, after his death: that I have been personally acquainted also with his wife whilst they lived together as husband & wife, & from the time of his death to the present time. And I know that the applicant within named, Prudence Cooper, is the widow of the same John Cooper, for whose service she claims a pension, as stated in the within Declaration. I verily believe she remains to this day, the widow , of said John Cooper. Witness my hand, April 21 st 1845.
New Jersey.
Lewis Condick.
Morris County, } ss: Before me Elijah Ward Esq: a Justice of peace in said County, & State, & the same person before whom the within Declaration of Prudence Cooper was taken on the 7 th day of March 1845, personally appeared Lewis Condick whose name is subscribed to the above certificate, & being by me duly sworn according to law, on his oath declared, that the facts therein set forth are true. I certify also, that said Lewis Condick is believed by me to be a man worthy of belief. Sworn & subscribed before me at Morris town, this 21 st of April 1845.
Elijah Ward J. Peace

W. Lloyd J. Lloyd
J. L. Edwards Commissr of Pensions
L. Bondet Esq.
Morristown
New Jersey

Newbury Morris County } S d
Be it remembered That on the thirty first day of July A.D. eighteen hundred & thirty two before the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in & for the county of Morris personally appeared Morris Abner, who being duly sworn on his oath saith that he is acquaint- ed with John Lockhart of Chester in the county of Morris has known him since the commencement of the revolutionary war, deponent served with him in the militia in the revolutionary war for three months to wit, under Capt. Baldwin & Col. Gulley, at Connecticut Farms in the county of Essex & also at Dobb's ferry in the intermediate State deponent has been out with him other times he thinks as much as three months more — deponent believes he served at other times during the revolutionary war but cannot so state from personal knowledge — further deponent saith not sworn & subscribed in open court the day & year above written
Darius Horton
Morris Abner
The above deponent, Morris Abner, is well known to me, as a man of truth & entitled to belief.
Levi Condit, a Rep.
Jan. 17th 1833.
from N. J. Jury.

John Cooper's application. John Dumont's affidavit.

State of New Jersey } p. Morris County }
Personally appeared before me William Britton one of the Judges & Justices of said county John Dumont, believed by me to be a man of truth & veracity & who being duly sworn on his oath declares, that he was well acquainted with John Cooper, & that he knew him well in the Revolutionary War as belonging to Capt. Dickerson's Company; in 1779 or 1780. whilst this deponent belonged to Capt. Smalley's Company in Major Goetsches or Goches battallion. This deponent was taken on the 19 th October 1779, or 1780, prisoner with said Cooper, by the Refugees & with him confined in the Sugar house & Brood under Cunningham's custody for about 7 1/2 months in all, that he was released a few weeks before Cooper, being exchanged for a Refugee, then a prisoner in confinement at Morristown - N.B. The interlineations in the 5 th 8 th & 10 th lines, were made before signing.
This 1 st day of August, 1832
John Dumont
William Britton
The above Deponent John Dumont, is well known to me as a man worthy of belief & of respectable standing as a man of truth.
I also hereby certify, that William Britton Esq. before whom the above deposition was taken, is & was at the taking thereof, one of the Judges & Justices of said County of Morris, & that the signature of his name thereto, is in his own proper hand writing.
Jan. 17 th 1833.
Lewis Condict, one of the Justices of Representation from N.J.
It is also well known to me, that the depositions of Morris Aber, & of John Dumont, were both attached to the Declaration as it passed through the Court.
Jan. 17 th 1833.
L. Condict one of the Reps. from N. Jersey.