Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2408, Joshua Cox, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
N. L.
box, Joshua Mary
R. 2408
CONTENTS

State of North Carolina } County of Stokes }
On this the 1 st day of March A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty two personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid; Jesse Cox a resident of Stokes County in the State of North Carolina, aged twenty five years who being duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration; in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 4 th day of July A.D. 1836, that he is the son and heir at Law of Mary Cox who was the widow of Joshua Cox deceased, and the said Joshua Cox was an officer in the war of the Revolution. Some part of the time he was a recruiting officer and the balance of the time he was a Captain and served in said war as such and further that the said Joshua Cox served in said war as a private, refer to the proof sent with this. He further de declares that he believes that his father was married to his mother, Mary Cox, in the A.D. Seventeen hundred and seventy, that his father Capt Joshua Cox died at his residence in Stokes County in the State aforesaid on the first day of October Eighteen hundred and twenty one, and that his mother, the widow of the said Joshua Cox, died at her residence on the 11 th day of January Eighteen hundred and thirty seven, that she was still the widow of the said Joshua Cox; and that she left three children, who survived her whose names are as follows, Joshua Cox Jesse Cox; and Mary Halbert all the facts will more fully appear by reference to other proofs herewith presented. He makes this declaration for his brother and sister, or their heirs, as well as for him self; sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first above written.
J. J. Jay Witness J. B. Jesse Cox

State of North Carolina Stokes County
I John Neill clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter session for the county of Stokes aforesaid do hereby certify that James Ransom whose name appears to the foregoing declar- -ation of Jeph Coss is an acting Justice of the peace for said County and duly commissioned & qualified, that as such he has authority by law to administer oaths for general purposes and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and affixed the seal of our said Court at office in Crawford this 18 th day of March A.D. 1852.
Jno Neill By Sam. H. Taylor D.C.
Addres Elisha Smith Salisbury N.C.
Elisha Smith Salisbury N.C.
[Faint handwritten text, possibly "Elisha Smith"]

copy
Joshua leaf
marriage
Bond

North Carolina
Know all men by these presents that we Joshua Cox, Adam Mitchell, Thomas Neal, & Richard Cox all of the County of Rowan, are held and firmly bound unto Our Sov. Lord the King, in the just sum of two hundred pounds. pr. to which payment well & truly to be made to Our Sov. Lord the King, his heirs & successors, we bind ourselves, Our heirs Executors & admrs firmly by these presents, Sealed with Our Seals & dated this 7 th of May 1769.
The Condition of this Obligation is such, that whereas the above bound Joshua Cox, hath prayed and Obtained his majestys. License for any lawful Minister to marry him the said Joshua Cox, and Mary Neal, together Now if any person shall hereafter Shew any just cause or reason, why the said Joshua Cox and Mary Neal, should not have been so married then the above Obligation is in full force but if not it is to be void and of no effect,
Joshua Cox (Seal) Adam Mitchell (Seal) Thomas Neal (Seal) Richard Cox (Seal)
Sealed Signed & Acknowledged in presents of.
John Duncan
Witnesses present William Bestick his mark Samuel Shaw
State of North Carolina Rowan County
I James C. Kerr Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the said County, do certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the marriage License bond of Joshua Cox, taken from the original filed in my Office

In testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said Court at Office this the 16 th day of June 1852,
James E. Kerr clk. by J. S. Myns De
copy Joshua Leaf marriage Bond

December 19, 1955
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Margaret Ervin Ford 1616 - 18th Street Nashville, Tennessee
JOSHUA COX R. 2408 BA-J/MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Joshua Cox who served under Colonel John Martin in Stokes County, North Carolina.
You are furnished below the history of the only soldier named Joshua Cox found in the Revolutionary War records of this office, as found in the papers on file in pension claim, R. 2408, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
The date and place of soldier's birth and names of his parents are not shown in the claim.
Joshua Cox, while residing in Rowan County, North Carolina, married Miss Mary Neal; their marriage license bond was dated May 7, 1769, and signed by the soldier, Joshua Cox, also Richard Cox and Thomas Neal (their relationship to the family not shown).
It was stated that soldier died at his residence in Stokes County, North Carolina, October 1, 1821, or in January, 1822, and that his widow, Mary, died at her residence in the same county, January 11, 1837, or February 1, 1837, leaving children - Joshua, Jesse, Catherine or Catharine Cox and Mary or Polly Halbert or Hobart.
All of the soldier's children named above died prior to 1852, with the exception of Jesse Cox.
On March 1, 1852, while living in Stokes County, North Carolina, aged seventy-five years, Jesse Cox applied in behalf of himself and the children (names not given) of the deceased children of soldier, for the pension that may have been due Mary Cox as widow of Joshua Cox, on account of his service in the Revolutionary War.

It was alleged that Joshua Cox, while residing in Surry County, North Carolina, served in the Revolutionary War as private, recruiting officer and captain under Colonels John Martin, John Armstrong and Joseph Williams, in the North Carolina troops; that while serving under Colonel John Martin, his horse was shot and killed under him in an engagement with the Tories and British near his home; dates of service were not given but it was stated that he served nearly two years in all.
The claim was not allowed as proof of the alleged service was not furnished in accordance with requirement of pension law, and the date of death of soldier and that of widow were not established.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

✓ No 7836
Mary Cox dec wid of Joshua N.C.
Eliza Smith July 19 1852
Suspended
SA to Exone May 9 1853
" " Oct 11 1853
Eliza Smith 9 th Nov 1853
act 4 July 1836.

Sept. 20, 1853. Two Add. co. in case of Mary Cox, widow of Joshua, n.
acc. 126.
Pliska Smith, Salem,
et al. Washington
St
Official Com on Sept 15 Official Burroughs -

129 Pension Office. 9 th Nov r 1853.
Sir,
Yours of 26 th October 1853, concerning the claim of Mary Cox deceased widow of Joshua of North Carolina has been received.
The Certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina, is found among the papers of Mary, but Joshua has not been so identified with them soldiers whose name is  is therein found as to justify this Office in the conclusion that they were the same man. There are several inconsistencies in the evidence, which ought to be satisfactorily explained. In one of Jesse's affidavits he declares Joshua died 1 st Oct: 1821, that Mary his mother died 11 th January 1837, and that the surviving children were, Joshua,

and Jesse Cox, and Mary Hal- bert. In a subsequent affida- vit he says, Joshua died in Jan- uary 1822, that Mary died on 1 st February 1837, and left surviving her Joshua, Jesse and Catharine Cox and Dolly Mary Halbert. Such con- tradictory testimony is well calcu- lated to throw doubt upon this claim. Should this case ultimate- ly be satisfactorily proved, Letter of Administration must be taken on the estate of Mary Cox due- ed and the amount of the Ad- ministration Bond certified to this Office, under seal of Court.
John H. Smith Nov 9/73
Elisha Smith Esq.
Salem.
North Carolina.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
24408
P. O. _____
Mary Cox
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18
1933 Dec. 12 - Hirt to Margaret Ennis Ford - MJB

1616-18 th Ave. S. Nashville, Tenn. Nov. 27, 1933.
W. S. Pension Dept.
Dear Sirs, — Do you have on record in the Revolution recorp pension, granted to a Joshua only one  boy for services on record of his death, which, I think occurred during the Revolution or

2 a result of wounds while fighting the Tories in Stokes County, N.C. under Col. John Martin - They were free lancers and raised their own troops. He is mentioned in Wheeler's N.C. History, under article by about Col. John Martin Page 405 Do you have none Do you have one of Joshua Cox & Mount Gormley Co., Va.?

3
My ancestor Joshua Cox fought in the Revolution either in Va. or N.C., I don't know which but & gave his flat-lock pistol (which we have in the family to my gt. gt. grandfather ) and he was supposed to have been a major.
Please help me out
Respectfully
Margaret Erin Foss 1616 - 18th St S Nashville, Tenn.

Salisbury North Carolina November 27 th 1852
Sir
I send you a declaration of Jesse Gore who claims a pension in right of his mother who was the widow of Joshua Gore, Joshua Gore was a Captain a part of the time. That he was in the war, but the only chance to prove him to have served as Captain is by John Heilds Declaration which is on file with the pension office John Heilds. Lived in Patrick County Virginia When he made his declaration and drew his pension, out of service 7 th 1832 The said John Heilds, says on oath in his declaration that he served under Captain Joshua Gore, and proved his services by other evidence. I refer you to Heilds declaration, and hope that you will be able to allow the heirs, a pension as Captain
All the children are dead but Jesse Gore The other children have left Grand Children I don't know that they are entitled. This is the case
Address. Elisha Smith Salisbury N. Carolina
Your Ser Respectfully you
Elisha Smith
Commissioner Pension Washington D.C.

Elisha Smith
May 9/53

Pension Office
May 9. 1853
Sir
The papers in the case of Mary Cox, deceased, of North Carolina, have been examined.
The only service relied upon in this case, of which there is any proof is that of captain, to be supported by the declaration of John Fields of Va., an admitted pensioner. John Fields testifies that the only service he rendered under capt. Joshua Cox, was forty days. It seems the company commanded by capt. Cox was composed of minute men whose service was only occasional.
There is no adequate proof to sustain the claim.
Elisha Smith Esq Salisbury N. Carolina

Address, Elisha Smith, agt Salisbury H. C.

Salisbury chh April 11 th 1852
Sir
This Claim I send in as agent for Jesse Cook in her right of his mother under the act of 36. & I Claim from the 4 th of March 1831 to the day of her death, others proofs will be sent in time. Hon J E Heath
Conner Pensions Washington city D.C.
Respectfully from Elisha Smith
Address Elisha Smith, agent Salisbury chh

Elisha Smith
July 19 th 1852
Dear Sir,
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

182 Pension Office July 19 1852
Sir
The application of Mary Cox dec d of H.C. widow of Joshua for the benefit of the Act of 4 July 1836 has been received and filed. The Department cannot consider a dec- laration made before a Justice of the Peace. It must be made in open Court. - It is not accompanied by any kind of proof -
Elisha Smith Esq Salisbury N.C.

State of North Carolina { Comptroller's Office
I, William S. Clarke, Comptroller of public Accounts in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office, among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for Military services in the Revolutionary War, as follows, to wit:
Joshua Cox Book No. 5 page 38 £17 S12 D2 specie " G " 18 " 26 £14 S14 ~ " " " 24 " 35 £10 ~ ~ " " " " " 69 £7 S2 ~ " Vol A. 7996 £7 S17 ~ "
Indent or Army certificate issued by Auditor of Salisbury District, No. 3087, £2 S0 D6. specie ~
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 23 d day of November A.D. 1852.
Wm S. Clarke Compt r .

Sir Settling with the Sheriffs, making out my annual Report and the official labours incident on the session of the Legislature have prevented me from sending this sooner - Respectfully W. F. C.

Eliza Smith Oct 11/53

Pension Office Oct 11. 1853
Sir
The additional proofs in support of the claim of Mary Box, deceased, widow of Joshua, of N. C. have been examined.
It is surprising that, with my letter of 9 th May last before you, you should regard the claim as so completely made out. The want of proof of the duration of actual service performed by Joshua Box has not been supplied, in any degree. It cannot be admitted for a moment that the scouting service of "minute-men" is was continuous. Aside from this, there is none but parole proof that Joshua Box held the rank of captain. Proof of the duration of his service and of the rank he held should be sought from the Comptroller of North Carolina.
Elisha Smith Esq Salem N.C.

Salisbury North Carolina October 26 th 1858
Sir
Your Letter of the 11 th inst. reporting on the Case of Mary Cox, deceased, of N.C. (widow of Joshua). & on the additional evidence filed by me in that Case is now before me, in which it appears that you have gone off in a tangent, for it does not appear from your report on the Case, that you have examined evidences submitted in support of the Claim. 1 st . you state that there is no proof of the duration of the actual Service performed by Joshua Cox, in reply to that I have to say that, that I have filed with those papers a Certificate from the Comptroller of N.C. showing something near two years actual Service. or Service for which Joshua Cox received pay. 2 nd you speak of Scouting Service, I have never set up any Claim for such Service. 3 rd you say, aside from proof of Scouting Service. There is nothing but parol proof on file, that Joshua Cox held the rank of Captain. John Hulce of Va. got a pension, who served, as a private under Capt Cox 42 day. This fact is proven by Hulce's own declaration made on oath. 4 th You say, proof of duration of Service and rank he held should be sought from the Comptroller of N.C. I have furnished with proof from that office showing about two years actual Service, as private. & John Hulce's declaration, showing 42 days Service as Capt. The affidavits of Wm Moore & Jas Nicholson, last submitted, is parol, which has heretofore been considered of Service in such Cases, and, which I inferred from a personal interview with the Commissioner of Pensions last July. would be of Service in this Case. Now I wish you, to reconsider this Case, looking at all the evidences in the Case and if still why then

Claim can't be allowed, I will not pretend that the claim is made out,
I am Sir Respectfully yours
Elisha Smith
S. P. Waldo, Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Nov. 1, 1853.
Col. in charge
of the War Dept.
Mr. D. M. D.
John N.
Abel Smith
H. M.
A. B.

Salem N.C.
September 14 th 1853
Sir
I herewith send you proof of identity in the case of Mary Cox, of N.C., widow of Joshua Cox. This claim. (act of 1836. War Revolution) was suspended. about April last for the want of proof of identity. and I now send you the best I can get, which, with the proof on file. I think would carry the case before a court and jury. If the case don't pass I shall be obliged to you, to state very diffinately the reasons why.
I am, Sir, Respectfully yours Elisha Smith
J.P. Waller, Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

State of North Carolina County of Stokes 3 rd
On this the 14 th day of September Eighteen hundred and fifty three, before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared William Moore aged seventy nine years a resident of Stokes County and State aforesaid, Who being duly sworn according to Law, clothed on his oath make the following Statement concerning the services of Joshua Cox in the Revolutionary war, he states first that he knew said Cox in the time of said war, for he, Cox, served near his Father, and that he believes Cox done a good deal of service during the war, both as a private and as a Captain, for at his Father's there was a kind of barracks, where the officers trained their men, for the war, for he recollect perfectly well to have seen them drilling at his Father's, for days together, some were drilling on horse back and others on foot, and he thinks that there were Militia companies ordered out by Colonels John Winston or Winston, he don't think that these men made very long trips, before they would return there were a great many Tories in Surry County and they had to fight them a great deal and no doubt but they fought the British when they were in North Carolina, and in particular he states that he saw the said Joshua Cox, among their men at his Father's who were drilling, and a part of the time, the said Cox, was Captain, for he recollects very well to have seen him mustering his men at his Father's until they got ready to start off, but how long was gone, or how long he served he can't say but he can say that he has good reasons to believe that the said Joshua Cox was a good Soldier and

and done good deal of service in that war, for he sine close by Captain Core, aforesaid, and know him in time of the war and after the war and he was always, considered, as having rendered to his country much good service in that war and no one ever doubted that fact as he knows of and he knew him until the said Core died, And more over he states the said Joshua Core married one Miss Neal, and they had several children all of whom are dead, but one, whose name is Jesse Core, And further this deponent saith not
Wm Moore
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before me, And I certify that William Moore the above deponent, is a man of truth, whose statements on oath are entitled to full faith & credit, And I further certify that the name of Martin was defaced and the name of Armstrong was interlined before it was signed by the deponent J. W. Spain. Know all

State of North Carolina Stokes County
I, Jno Hill, Clerk of the Court of the Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions for Stokes County aforesaid Certify that J W Hainhouse, whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit of Wm Moore is and was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the peace duly qualified and commissioned to act as such in said County. Therefore his official acts legal. And that his signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said Court at office in Danbury this 14 th day of September A.D. 1853
Jno Hill By Saml H. Taylor D.C.
Address. Elisha Smith Salisbury N.C.
C
Washington H.
Commissioner of Pensions

Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Address: Col. John Smith Salisbury Salisbury A.C.

State of North Carolina County of Stokes 330
On this the 13 day of September A.D Eighteen hundred and fifty three. before me a Justice of the peace in for the County & State aforesaid, personally appeared James Nicholson a pensioner of the united States for services in the Revolutionary war aged Eighty-Eight years a resident of Stokes County in the State aforesaid, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following Statement relative to the services of Joshua Cox & services in the Revolutionary war. He states that he knew Joshua Cox in time of the war, before he himself went to the war, and knows that the said Cox served in the war, as a private and a Captain from what he saw and heard said Joshua Cox say about serving and other people said to about Cox as a good soldier, he states that he lived in the same neighborhood with Mr Joshua Cox aforesaid, before he went to the war himself and knows as he knows other neighborhood reports said Cox was appointed Captain over a company of men in Surry County He to keep down the Tories for they were very bad in that part of the County of Surry. together with Captain Cloud Colonels, Jacks and James Masters. Colonels Armstrong, Winston, and Williams. together with many others,, and he states that about two and a half years before the war closed that he himself joined the Continental army was under age, his Father Isaac Nicholson belonged to the same army and took him to the army, was very young, and that after the war ended he came back home to Surry

and the said Captain Goshua Cox was still living in the same County of Surry, and that was at said Cox's house many times, and heard him talk about the war. And further he states that on a certain occasion Capt. Cox in company with Colonel Martin in an engagement with the Tories, and perhaps some British, the said Cox had his horse killed under him, and says this engagement took place near where he lived, and that he has no doubt but said Cox did much good service to his country country in that war, but he can't tell how much, certainly. And he states more over, that the said Cox married into the Keal family, and that they had several children of whom are dead but one son whose name, is Jesse Cox, and further this deponent saith not
Elisha Smith
James his  mark Nickelson
Sworn to and subscribed this the day and year first above written before me And I certify that this affidavit is entitled to credit M. J. Smith. (P)

State of North Carolina County of Stokes
I, Jno Hill, Clerk of the Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions for Stokes County, do hereby Certify that M. J. Smith. Whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit of James Nickelston is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace for said County duly com- =missioned and qualified as such his official acts are Legal and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have here- unto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said Court at office in Danbury This 14 th day of September AD 1853
Jno Hill, Clerk By Saml H. Taylor D.C.
Print P. M.

Sec. 7, 836
Dec. 2/52
Mary Cox. dec d Widow of Joshua, W.C.
2408
July 11 th 1836.
Elisha Smith, Salisbury. W.C.

Address Elisha Smith Salisbury N. Carolina
Address Elisha Smith Salisbury N.C.

State of North Carolina
County of Stokes
On this the 13 th day of September A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty two, personally appeared before the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, now in session at Crawford, holden in and for the County of Stokes, aforesaid, Jesse Cox a resident of Stokes County in the State of North Carolina, aged Seventy six years. Who being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed the 4 th day of July A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty six. That he is the Son and heir at Law of Mary Cox who was the widow of Joshua Cox. That the said Joshua Cox, the husband of Mary Cox, aforesaid, was a Soldier in the Revolutionary war. That he served in said war as a private Soldier, a recruiting officer, and Captain, among the Militia in the County of Surry and other Counties in the State of North Carolina, and perhaps other States, and that he was at times under Colonels, John Martin Armstrong, and Joseph Williams, he thinks, at times while in Company with, or rather under Col. J. Martin and fighting the Tories he had his horse shot down under him, and he further states, from what he has learned from his Father and Mother, the said Joshua and Mary Cox and other persons, he believes that his Father served a considerable time during the Revolutionary war, but having been born in time of the war he knows nothing of himself, but refers the Commissioner of pensions to other proofs here with presented. He further states, that his Mother was married to his Father, the said Joshua Cox, in the month of May A.D. Seventeen hundred and sixty nine, as will appear by reference to a copy of Marital License bond, herewith presented. He declares, that his Father, Joshua Cox, died on or about the day of January A.D. Eighteen hundred and twenty two, at his residence in the County of Stokes.

That the said Mary Cox left four children & only four her surviving, whose names are Jufae Cox. Joshua Cox Jr. Polly Halbert & Catharine Cox. That since the death of the said Mary Cox, three of the aforesaid children have died, namely, Joshua Cox. Polly Halbert & Catharine so that at this date there is only one of her children living, namely, Jufae Cox aforesaid.
And I further certify that the foregoing declaration was duly sworn to in open court and approved of by the same
In testimony whereof I have herunto affixed my seal of office & subscribed my name this 13 th day of September 1852. M c Gill. cc.

in the State of North Carolina and that he left a widow, the said Mary Cox, him surviving and that she did not again marry, but continued the widow of the said Joshua Cox until the day of her death, and that she the said Mary Cox, died at her residence in the County of Stokes in the State of North Carolina on the 1 st day of February A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty seven and that the said Mary Cox left four children her surviving surviving, namely, Jesse Cox, Joshua Cox Jun., Polly Hobart and Catherine Cox
all of whom have since died except one son, namely, the aforesaid, Jesse Cox, who is now the applicant for the amount of pension that was due his mother, aforesaid, from the fourth of March A.D. 1831 to the day of her death, reference may had to other prop s herewith presented. He makes this decla- -ration for the heirs of his deceased, brothers and sisters as well as for himself, if they are entitled to a part of the pension, and requests that the Certificate may issue in the names of himself and his deceased, brothers and sisters, so that their Legal representatives may draw what will be due their heirs
Jesse Cox
State of North Carolina }
Stokes County }
September Term 1852
I John Hill Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Stokes County certify that satisfactory proof has been exhibited before this court that Joshua Cox who is reputed to have been a soldier and an officer during the revolutionary war, died at his residence in Stokes County in or about the day of January A.D. 1822. That he left a widow him surviving, namely, Mary Cox, whose maiden name was Mary Neal, who did not again marry, but continued the widow of Joshua Cox aforesaid, until the day of her death which took place on the 1 st day Feb. A.D. 1837.