Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6936, Willis Coal, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Nb.
Goal, Willis
W. 6936
or bale
BL Mt. 47771-160-55
Ruth
CONTENTS

W. J. Dabney Sep 12 1855 (153 book)
19003 East Tennessee Willis Seal
of Morgan Co in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Seal of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Astor on the Maury line for 3 months pro of Cavalry 3 " " " Infantry
Inscribed on the Roll of East Tennessee at the rate of 22 Dollars 50 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of July 1833 and Levitt Robt W Dabney Morgan
Arrears to the 4th of March $45.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1/2 Sep 11 25
$56.25
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk Book 8 Vol. 7 Page 39

6026
Tennessee Wash.
Ruth Coal, widow of Willis,
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 22 dollars 50 cents per annum, to commence on the 25 th  3rd February, 1853 1855.
Certificate of Pension issued 31 st day of Jan'y. 1857.
and sent to
M c Dalney Albany Ky.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 252, Vol. 26.

92,953 Mar. 2. 1855.
Apr. 23. u.
Rutha Cole, widow of Willis Cole,
Capt.
Col.
Private
Hb. Troops
Enr.
dis.
Revolutionary War Pensioner.
Linn Ad June 32 - 19003
Ad. 160 acs Nov 8/56
Dodge
[Handwritten mark]
Wm. J. Dabney. Albany. Ga.
Chil Dabney, Nov 27/55 Ser. same July 30/56
End P
Vol 6 2 = 40

of what composes Cumberland County Cumberland County North Carolina we were called the County Light horse we marched through various places and crossed deep rivers at Wilcox's Iron works the day we heard that Col. Fannin had taken a great many prisoners at Hillsborough we marched to a place called Creek and after going the country to various places was finally discharged by his said captain for a three months term being in no battle the whole time, and in some time thereafter, and believed to be about twelve months after he was drafted and went off from the same place from whence he started to serve the first term he was put under Captain Smith his employment was to go against the Tories if necessity required and to guard droves of Beef cattle to various places for the use of the army. his last three months, term ended just at the the close of the war, was discharged he was Born in Virginia in Isle of wight moved to North Carolina to that place where he was when called into service, when he was an infant, after the war moved to Nancymond County Virginia staid there about twelve years, and moved to the same place in North Carolina

Staid there about Ten years and moved to Carter County Tennessee and Staid there about five years and then moved to Anderson County still Tennessee and finally moved to Morgan County Tennessee where he has lived Ever Since, he states that his two discharges -es that he had from his said Captains are in some way lost but don't know in what way, he therefore has no documentary Evidence of his services and knows of no person by whom he can prove his services He hereby relinquish- es Every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity Except the present and declares his name is not on the Pension Role of the agency of any state Sworn to and attest subscribed the day and year aforesaid, John, Brown Jr, Willis Coal
We John H. Hough residing in the County of Morgan and state of Tennessee and Nicholas S. Hington residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Willis Coal who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing Declaration that we believe him to be 69 years of age that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolutionary War —

and that we concur in that opinion sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
John H. Hough,
Attest John Brown D.C.
N. J. Kingston.
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above applicant was a revolution- ary soldier and served as he states, and the court further certify that it appears to them that there is no clergyman any place near to said applicant that is well acquainted with him, but that it appears to them that John H. Hough Esq. who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing certificate is a resident citizen of said county and Nicholas J. Kingston, who has also subscribed and sworn to the same is also a resident citizen of the same county and that they are and that they are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
John M. Davis Chairman John Williams Justice of the Peace Thomas Jack Justice of the Peace Thomas J. Lea Justice of the Peace

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832 State of Tennessee } Morgan County } on this the day of October 1832,
Personally appeared before the worshipful Justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of said County now sitting it being a court of record Willis Coak a resident citizen of the County of Morgan and State of Tennessee aged about 69 years agreeable to his best information but has not had any record of his age who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on this his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the Benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7 th day of June 1832
That he entered the service of the united States under the under Captain William Seal, and Col Philip Alston as a Solander -er for a three months, Lower to go against the Tories and against Col,
of Fannin he entered said service the precise time not recollected being no Schollar and never taking notice of dates but he thinks it was something like one year before the End of the war and said three months Lower included the most of the summer season of the year he entered said service in the Bounds

of what composes Cumberland County Cumberland County North Carolina we were called the County Light Horse we marched through various places and crossed deep rivers at Wilcox's Iron works the day we heard that Col. Sumner had taken a great many prisoners at Hillsborough we marched to a place called Creek and after going the country to various places was finally discharged by his said captain for a three months term being in no battle the whole time, and in some time thereafter, and believed to be about twelve months after he was drafted and went off from the same place from whence he started to serve the first term he was put under Captain Smith his employment was to go against the Tories if necessity required and to guard droves of Beef Cattle to various places for the use of the army his last three months, term ended just at near the close of the war, was discharged he was
Born in Virginia in Isle of Wight moved to North Carolina to that place where he was when called into service, when he was an infant, after the war moved to Nancemond County Virginia staid there about twelve years, and moved to the same place in North Carolina

State of Tennessee
Henrietta County on this the fourth day of April  January 1855 personally appeared before me M. D. Wright a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid Rutha - Cole aged about 85 years a resident citizen of the County of Henrietta and State aforesaid She is the widow of Willis Cole who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of Henrietta County and being first duly sworn on her oath made the following Declaration in order to obtain Bounty land under the act of Congress of the 3 rd March 1853 and also to obtain a Revolutionary Pension under the act of Congress of the 3 rd of February 1853.
Declarant states that she was married to Willis Cole in Morgan County Tennessee by John Kingston a justice of the peace then of said County of Morgan about years ago that her name before she was mar- ried was Rutha formerly  Shelley  Shelley  and  that she and her said husband lived together as man & wife from the day of their said marriage til the day of his death which took place on the 29 th  the day of February 1855 that he died in Henrietta County and that she is now his widow

and has remained his widow ever since his death. Declarant states that she is a very poor widow and is entirely blind and has been for some years. That she has procured a justice of the peace to attend at her house to testify to her declaration.
That she is wholly unable to get to county court to make her declaration that she lives about nine ————— miles from the county seat of Humphreys County.
Declarant states that the original Russian Certificate is which in the words and figures following to wit War Department
Revolutionary Claims
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 7th June 1832 Willis Cole of the State of Tennessee who was a private of Infantry & Cavalry in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive natural Two Dollars & fifty cents per annum during his life time commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable semiannually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year no 1903.
Given at the war office of the United States this 26 day
of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
John Robbins
Examined & counterigned } acting secretary of war
J. L. Edwards } commissioner } of Pensions }
Declarant wishes her claim allowed as soon as possible &

and sent to her agent Mr. J. Dabney at Abbeville Clinton County Ky
Sworn to & Subscribed before me Rutha for Cole me on this 10 th day of April 1855 in presence of Jesse Phillips & Thomas J. Hise M. D. Wright
State of Tennessee & this day of April 1855 personally appeared before me M. D. Wright a Justice of the peace in and for said County Thomas J. Hise & Jesse Phillips with whom I am personally acquainted who are entitled to full credit who are citizens of said State & County and on their Oaths Declre. & state that they were present and seen the Deed of Gift & be sworn to the foregoing Declaration and that Deed of Gift is Blind as stated in the Declara- -tion and that Melles Cole died as stated in the Declaration and that she is still his widow Thomas J. Hise Jesse Phillips mother
State of Tennessee & Clinton County I M. D. Wright Justice of the peace in and for said County certify that the foregoing Declaration and affidavits were sworn to & Subscribed to before me on this tenth day of April 1855 that owing to declarant age & infirmities she is wholly unable to attend County Court for the purpose of making her Declaration and I further certify that declarant & affiants are all credible persons, & that I am not interested in the claim given under my hand & seal this 10 th day of

April one thousand Eight hundred & fifty Five
W. D. Wright
Justice of the peace
State of Tennessee I David C. Travis clerk of the Inferior Court of the County of Maury in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that W. D. Wright whose signature appears to the above and foregoing declaration and certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified as such and that all his acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and his signatures genuine Given under my hand & seal of office at office April the 11 th 1855 David C. Travis clerk By R. T. Hildreth D.C.
92,953,000

State of Tennessee, Shelby County on this the 16 th day of August 1855 personally appeared before me Robert Pole, a justice of the peace and for the county aforesaid Ruth Cole aged 90 odd years a resident citizen of the county aforesaid she is the widow of Willis Cole Deed who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of Shelby County Tennessee and died in Shelby County in the month of March 1855, about the last day She is entitled, to full Credit, and being first duly sworn on her Cath Make, the following amended Declaration (To wit), that she is the widow of Willis Cole Deed who was a Revolutionary Pensioner at the rate of Dollars per annum that he died Shelby County Tennessee and after his widow that she has remained his widow ever since his death, and is still his widow Declarant states that, she made a Declaration last Spring claiming Bountyland under the act of 3d March 1855 and also claiming, pension as the widow of said Cole. Declarant states that she is now informed that it will be safest for her to make an amended Declaration, and she now does so she states that she was married in Moore County Tennessee by Squire John Kingston, about the year 1820 or 25 the exact date she cannot give

Declarant, states, that she has no record of her age or marriage in any Book nor has she yet been able to procure it. She states, that her name before her marriage with said Col was Ruth Justin Declarant, states, that she is now and has been wholly blind and has been for about twenty years, that she has nothing on which to subsist, but the charity of others. She makes this as an amendment to her original Declaration.
I prays that in case be at one considered, I had bounty land allowed her that she may have the proceeds to subsist on, she makes all the papers & records, of her said husband pension etc. and other proof part hereof and prays that this be also used in her application for a pension and that her bounty land be allowed and sent to her attorney William J. Blaby of Albany Ky.
Sub Ruth & Col Mast
State of Tennessee Finley County we Joseph Price and Jesse Cob wardens of Finley County Tennessee do hereby certify that the foregoing amended Declaration

of Ruth Cole was sworn to and subscribed to my own presence and we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant, she is the identical person who represents herself to be and that we have no reason to doubt in this claim J. H. Dyer Esq. C.B.
State of Tennessee Humboldt County S.S.
The foregoing Declaration and affidavits were sworn to and subscribed to before me on the day & year first above written and I further certify that the Declarant and affiants are credible persons and all reside in Humboldt County Tennessee
R. Bales J.P.

State of Tennessee } David C. Travis Sevier County } clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State aforesaid certify that Robert Bales whose signature appears to the within and foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified as such and that all his acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and his signature genuine
Given under my hand and seal of office at office this the 16 th day of August 1855
David C. Travis clerk By R. T. Hildreth D.C.

1881 1/2 Willis Coal
from 1781 p.m. of Canal & Duff six months,
Pp. Canal Bk 2 - 16.12.50
Pp. Infy 3 m. - 10. -
6 m. $ 22.50
Mr. Williams will sent another long bill to the case of the 2 nd col.
Robt H Dabney Morgan Co H Elyah Dabney Co Morgan Co Ky.

BRIEF in the case of  Willie Cole  of Morgan Co. in the State of Tennessee.  (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? 69  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.     Vol In 17 3 for - Col. Alston. Capt. Seal   dropped about a year after 3 " Capt. Smith            his Company Cal. County Light horse
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Cumberland Co. N.P.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Tradit.  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? No Seal of office 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
W. L. Williams Examining Clerk

Ruth Coal widow of Willis Coal Fentress Co. Tennessee
Admitted Act Feb 3. 1853 at rate of $22.50 c per Annum, commencing from February 28. 1855 when her husband died
Husband was -
Private of Cavalry 3 mvs. " " Infantry 3 "
- Pay widow
- Certificate to W. J. Dabney, Albany, Kentucky

3 d auditor's office Jan'y 27. 1837
Sir, Willis Leonal, Knox =ville, Tenn. Oct 1832, died 28 Nov 1833. His pension has been paid to that date to Ruth Leonal his widow.
Very Respectfully Wm Johnson auditor
Geo: C. Whiting Esq. Comm r of Pensions

Pension Office,
January 26, 1857.
The Third Auditor will please certify the date for which within named pension was paid; and name of his widow, if she draw annuity.
Very respectfully,
J. C. Calhoun
Chief Clerk
28 Feb'y 1857
(awd)
Mr. John Wm. B.L. [?]

Roy
WIDOW, &c.
en
File No. 6936
Ruth Coab
Wid o
Willis Coab
Unit Rev War
Act: Feb 3 rd  1853
Index: —Vol. 4 , Page 144
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Albany NY Sept 22
J. Minal Esq Comr of Pensions Washington city D.C.
Printers South Col and Willis Boyet

National Union Post Office Bldg. San Francisco No. 923. 959
J. Minot Esq. Comm. of Pensions Washington City R. 6.
copy of Boynton 20 and

No 6517
Ruth coal widow of Willis coal Tennessee
Les. W. G. Dabney Oct 31,
Act Feb 3, 1858.
92953 - old 47771-160 acres

47771
5 Red Amm

Albany April 16 th
Rev. S. P. Waldo Esq. 92,955-3
S. P. Waldo Esq. Comm. of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Albany NY 12 Jan
Ruth Cole
and
Miss
George
Term 32 - 19003
Ans July 13
Cole
6 Whiting Esq
Courts of Penns
Washington City Pa
Q
James 287

Albany 15 Oct
J. Minton Esq. Commr. of Pensions Washington City D.C.
With Col's Additional Papers, Series of 8 Vols. Lot 3 February 1853

Morgan Court house Tenn April 27 th 1833
I herein enclose the original and amended proceedings of Willis Coal who claims a pension under the late act of congress for 6 months service in the Revolutionary war he has endeavored to amend the negative as pointed out in the brief, and has fastened the first and the amended proceedings together for convenience there has been a seal lately provided for the court of pleas and quarter sessions of this county having abbreviations to signify Morgan county Tennessee with 7 stars as a special device I solicit an answer in behalf of said applicant he being wholly incompetent to write or transact business
Your obedient servant, J L Edwards Commissioned pension
Robt. A. Dabney

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Willy Coal which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? No. V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? No.

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? No. two citizens
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 2. 7
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

State of Tennessee } Morgan County } p.
On this 25 th day of August 1856 personally appeared before me William Howard a justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Daniel S. Lavender, aged 80 years, a resid- -ent citizen of the County aforesaid, he is a man of respectability and entitled to full credit I have known him well for about years, he has served as a justice of the peace in said County for a great many and after being first duly sworn by me for that purpose, on his oath makes the following affidavit (to wit) that he was an acting justice of the peace within and for the County of Morgan and State of Tennessee; and was authorized to celebrate the rites of matrimony in said County, and that he did celebrate the rites of matrimony between Willis Cole and Ruth Justice about years ago. that he was acquainted with the parties both before and after their marriage
That said Willis Cole was a Revolutionary Pensioner, and died in Fentress County not long since leaving said Ruth his widow as he under- -stands and believes, Affiant further states that at the time he married said Willis Cole & Ruth Justice, that he affiant lived at Montgomery then the County seat of said County, affiant further states that there were several persons present some of whom he has forgotten

at the marriage affiant states that John Kingston formerly a justice of the peace of Morgan County Tennessee was at said marriage. And George S. Kingston Brother of said John was also there in Town if not present at the marriage.
Sworn to and subscribed to this 25 th day of August 1856. } Daniel S. Lawrence before me W. M. Howard J.P.
State of Tennessee } Morgan County } S.S.
I Nowell Newman Clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that William Howard Esquire whose signature appears to the foregoing affidavit is and was at the time of signing the same an acting justice of the peace within and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified as such and full faith and credit are due all his official acts as such, and the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, done at Montgomery this 13 th day of September 1856. N Newman Clerk By his deputy John D. Bryant

A copy of Danl. S. Lawrence's Affidavit In the Case of Ruth Cole, Taken on 25 th August 1856, before Wm Howard a Justice of the peace of Morgan County Tennessee, which is as follows—(To wit)
That he Danl S. Lawrence was a Justice of the peace within and for the County of Morgan and State of Tennessee, and was author- -ised to celebrate the rites of Matrimony in said County, and that he did Celebrate the rites of Matrimony between Ruth Justice & Willis Cole About        years ago - that he was acquainted with the parties before and after their marriage, that said Willis Cole was a Revolutionary Pensioner and died in Fentress County not long since, leaving said Ruth his widow as he now understands and believes, Affiant further States that at the time he married said Willis Cole and Ruth Justice that he Affiant lived at Montgomery then the County seat of said County, Affiant further States that there were several persons present some of whom he has forgotten at the marriage, Affiant States that John Kingston formerly a Justice of the peace of Morgan County Tennessee, was at said marriage and George S. Kingston brother of said John was also there, in town if not present at the marriage,

Albany NY August 29 th / 65
Sir I Enclose To you the Certificate, of the Clerk of the County Jefferson showing that there is no record of the Marriage of Willis Cole with Ruth Justin, the affidavit of George J Kingston whose Brother Marryed them I enclosed some weeks or 2 since on his behalf I am your humble servant W. J. Dabney,
General Exr Court of Pensions Washington City DC

Albany Ky. Oct 18. 1857.
Sir
In answer to you the Additional Declaration or affidavit of Ruth Cole Widow of Willis Cole dec d of Hart County Tennessee for Pension under the act of 3 February 1853. In her first Application for Pension and Bounty Land under said act of 3rd February 1853. She also made her Application as I now remember for Bounty Land under act 3rd March 1855. All in the same Declaration and the Proof as to her widowhood and her said husband being a Pensioner. The time of his death He was all sent in the same Application. Since her first Application she recollects that she was mistaken as to the justice of the peace who married them, that it was Daniel S. Lavender who then resided in Montgomery Morgan County Tennessee. and John Rington who was also a justice of the peace being present was the cause of her mistake. Since I received your last letter in her case I have procured the affidavit of Daniel S. Lavender which I this day enclose with her amended Declaration for Bounty Land under act 3rd March 1855. and here enclose you a Copy of said affidavit, and refer you to the affidavit on file in her Pension Case, made by Daniel S. Lavender, which was sworn to by him on the 25 August 1856.

I hope the Evidence here enclosed with the additional affidavit of Mrs. Cole with the evidence of her said husband being a Revolutionary Pensioner, his death and her widowhood may be satisfactory, and her claim allowed.
I am your humble servant
W. D. Dabney
J. P. March Esq. Clerk of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Brief in the case of Ruth Coal, widow of Willis Coal. Fayette County and State of Tennessee. act February 3, 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband of claimant was a pensioner under act of June 7, 1832, at rate of $22.50 c per annum, and died February 28, 1853 - as appears from 3 d Auditor's Report and parcel - "Ruth Coal," his widow received the arrear due at his death, and has received land, as his widow under act of March 3, 1853.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by affidavit of the Justice of the Peace who performed the ceremony - and identity of claimant as the widow of the pensioner, and her present endorsement proved by several credible witnesses.
W. J. Labney Esq.
Name and residence of Agent
Albany Kentucky
R. Gibbs Examining Clerk.

Albany Pa 21 st August 53
Sir I Enclose to you the Amended Declaration of Ruth Cole with the affidavit of George S. Winston your humble servant
W. C. Dabney
Genl. M c M c M c Comm ee of Pensions Washington City D.C.
47.771

State of Tennessee Morgan County } I hereby certify that I have examined the records and searched my office for the license or some record of the marriage of Willis Cole and Ruth Vestus and can find nothing to that effect. In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and af- fixed my Official seal at Office in Montgomery the 24 th day of August 1833
E. M. Rutledge Clerk of the County Court

State of Tennessee Fayette County On this the 16 th day of August 1855, personally appeared before me Robert P. Bole, a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Fentress. George S. Kingston, aged _____ years, a casual citizen of the County aforesaid he is now Register of the County of Fentress and State of Tennessee and is a man of good character. His statements, are entitled to full credit, and being first duly sworn for that purpose on his oath, makes the following Declaration to wit: that he knew Ruth Gustin before & at the time she married Willis Cole, who was a Revolution- ary Pensioner at the time of his death & long before that his said widow lived about eight miles from Fannetown where Affiant now lives. Affiant states, that he will recollect, the time of the marriage of said Willis Cole with his now widow Ruth Cole, that they were married at old Montgomery in Morgan County Tennessee. That his brother John Kingston married them and states that he affiant was present at the time that said Cole called on his witness said Brother to marry them and that said John left of to marry them, and that they were then married by him as

witness there then and ever since has understood, and the same has not been doubted, to his knowledge that he was not present when they were married, but near by as before stated Affiant cannot give the exact date of said marriage but to the best of his recollection it was is now between twenty and thirty years ago Sworn to and subscribed to this 16 th day of August 3 rd Geo. S. Hinton 1855 before me K Hales J.P.
State of Tennessee Fentress County I David C. Travis Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid do certify, that Robert Boly Esq. whose signature appears to the foregoing affidavit is and was at the time of signing the same an acting justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid and full faith and credit is due all his acts as such and the foregoing signature purporting to be his is, the same In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed My seal of office done at Jamestown This 16 th day of August 1855 David C. Travis clerk By R. T. Hildreth D.C.

Albany Kentucky October 18, 1856.
Sir
I Enclose to you the Additional affidavit of Ruth Cole widow of Willis Cole decd, of Hartless County Tennessee Claiming Bounty Land under the Act of 3rd March 1855. Her claim was number 93.959. The last letter I received in her case was of date July 3. 1856. I also enclose to you the affidavit of Daniel S. Lavender Esquire who married her and said Willis Cole, said affidavit was sworn to on the 25th of August 1856. In her affidavit here enclosed she has explained I hope satisfactory the reason why she thought John Kingston married her & said Willis instead of Lavender, he being a justice of the peace and present. — In her application for Pension under Act 3rd February 1853. I have given a statement or copy of Daniel S. Lavender's statement substantially and referred to the said Lavender's affidavit which is here enclosed I refer to all the evidence filed heretofore in said case, and hope it may be satisfactory and her Bounty Land Allowed.
J. Minot Esqr Commr of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Respectfully Your humble Servt W. J. Dabney.

Ruth Cole Mid of Millis
July 92.959 092953
112?
Mt 47.771-160-
rr

Albany Pa
Oct 19 th 1855
Sir your letter of the 5 th Instants requesting me to furnish the number of the application of Ruth Cole widow of Willis Cole is received the receipt. I have of the papers in her case is N o 92959. and dated April 28 th 1855.
Your humble servant
William J Dabney
J. Morton Esq Comm r of Pensions Washington City D.C.

92,953.

Albany Ky
April 12 th /55
Sir I enclose to you the Declaration of Ruth Waldo Widow of William Waldo deceased claiming bounty land under the act of Congress the 3 rd March 1855. On her behalf I am your humble servant
Yours J. Dabney
L P Waldo Esq Comm r of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Albany Kentucky
January 8 th 1857
Sir I Enclose to you the, amended De- laration of Ruth Cole widow of Willis Cole deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the act of 7 th June 1832 I presented her claims for pension and bounty Land in the same of Declaration as I now recollect after the passage of the act of 3 rd March 1855 for pension and bounty Land after that being required so to do I presented her claims in the same of Declaration for pension & bounty Land Separate, and enclosed with the papers in her Land, claim the affidavit of Daniel S. Sanders, Esquire, of Morgan County Tennessee, who married claimant to said Willis Cole, & refused to sign Sanders affidavit in my title, in her Pension claim she was required in your last letter to her Pension Case to make her declaration for pension in open Court she is wholly unable to do so, & we have procured the Judge of the County Court, to attend at her house and take her declaration, which I hope will be satisfactory as she cannot get to Court by warrant, has been allowed 160 acres & issued Issued on the 14 th day of November 1856 and is number 49,771 in her behalf I am your humble servant
W. Dabney
Geo C Whiting
Comr of Pensions Washington City

State of Tennessee Morgan County } On this the 26 th day of April 1833 personally appeared
before me Thomas S. Lea — one of the Jus- tices of the court of pleas and quarter sessions for the county of Morgan aforesaid it being a court of record Willis coal a resident citizen of said county and after being duly sworn according To Law. depoueth and saith that he has no record of his age nor never had and that at the time of making the Declaration To which this is an amendment he was then 69 years old agreeable To the best account he can get knows not the date of his birth being entirely unlearned he states that he is entirely blind of one eye and cannot see well with the other and from lame ness old age and bodily infirmity is un- able To attend court. states that owing to old age and loss of mem- ory and never taking notice of dates that he can state the

the periods or of the periods of the war that he served with precision but from his best recollection his first Three months Power included part of the Summer season; of the year 1780 or 1781 = not being certain from age and want of learning and some time thereafter he entered the service, he is not able to designate the the time that intervened between his first and last, Power with certainty his said last Power ended near the close of the war and that included part of the warm season of the year, and in the war making in the whole six months service = as a private soldier states that it was out of his power to obtain the testimony of a clergyman as to his neighborhood reputation as a soldier there being no clergyman any place within the vicinity of applicant, and that it is still out of his power for the same reason applicant states that he thinks he can prove his character for veracity and reputation as a soldier by John Green Eli S. Baker Emanuel G. Hington of his neighborhood and the most part of his acquaintance;
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Thomas Lea Justice of the peace for Morgan County
his Willis Coal mark

I Thomas S Lea Justice of the peace for the county of Morgan State of Tennessee being one of the Justices of the court of pleas and quarter sessions for said county which is a court of record do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after view- ing the original Declaration and answer- ing to the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the applicant was a soldier of the revolution and serv d as he states, and I further certify that Nicholas J. Kington & John H. Hughes who were the Traditionaly Evidences to the original Declaration are credible men and are entitled to credit, and I further certify that it appears to me that said applicant must be seventy years old from his appearance and that he is partly blind and frail of bodily infirmity is unable to stand court, and I further certify that the foregoing contains the amended proceedings of Willis Coal for a pension in testimony whereof I have this day subscribed my hand and seal 26 day of April 1833 Thomas S. Lea (Seal) Justice of the peace for Morgan county

State of Tennessee Morgan County
I Elijah Launder Clerk of the Court of pleas & quarter Sessions for the County afore- said do certify that Thomas S. Lea before whom the amended declaration of Willis Cole was sworn to & certified. As it was at the time afore- said an acting Justice of the peace for Morgan County, and that he is a member of our said Court of pleas & quarter Sessions, which is a Court of Record; & full faith & credit is due his official acts as such. And that his signature to the foregoing is in his own proper hand writ- ing.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & seal of office this the 26 th day of April A.D. 1833.
Elijah Launder Clerk By his deputy Thomas S. Lea
Willis Cole
pension papers
6 months service

Presidio Dock Willis boat Morgan County Tennessee
18814

I Elijah Saunders clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions for the county of Morgan aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Willis Coal for a pension
Seal
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal there being no public seal of office, at office in Montgomery this 13 th day of October A.D 1832
Elijah Saunders clerk By his Deputy John Brown
State of Tennessee Morgan County } Subscribed
I Elijah Saunders clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions for the county of Morgan aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the origin- al proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Willis Coal for a pension and that at the time of attaching the previous private seal there was no public seal given under my hand and seal of office 23 rd April 1833 Elijah Saunders clerk By his Deputy Thomas Dean

State of Tennessee, Decatur County,
On this 2 nd day of November 1856 personally appeared before me James Richardson presiding Judge of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid Rutha Cole aged 70 years a resident Citizen of the County aforesaid who is a widow of Willis Cole deceased who was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $ per annum, she is well known to me and is entitled to full credit and being first duly sworn by me for that purpose on her oath makes the following Declaration as an Amendment to her former Declaration under the act of 3rd February 1853. Declarant states that she was married to the said Willis Cole in Morgan County Tennessee at Montgomery by Daniel D. Lawrence Esq. that John Kingston was also a Squire at the time and present at said marriage that in her first Declaration she was mistaken as to which of them married her. The affidavit of said Lawrence is on file in her Application for Bounty Land under act of 3rd March 1855 to which she refers. The No of her land Warrant.
is
And the No of her application was she is required in a letter of date

not. The appearance of said document is on file in her Application for Bounty Land under act of 3rd March 1855- to which she refers. The No of her land Warrant . . . . . is
And the No of her application was She is required in a letter of date
to make her Declaration in Open Court which she is wholly unable to do she lives about 8 or 9 Miles from Town is wholly blind and has been for years, is very poor and unable to travel. She procures the County Judge to attend at her house and take her Declaration. She a short time since enclosed her Pension Declaration Separate referring to all the proofs heretofore sent in her application for Bounty Land & Pensions. She makes all heretofore sent heretofore prays an early examination of her claim and that it be allowed
Sworn to and Subscribed Rutha for Cole mark
To Before me this 2nd day of December 1856.
James J. Richardson County Judge.
Witnesses Nancy Phillips E. Crozier
For proof of marriage see Bounty Land papers

State of Tennessee Fentress County I certify that I have this day attended at the home of Rutha Love and Qualified her to the foregoing Declaration That She is extremely old and entirely blind and wholly unable to attend County Court to make her Reclamation, I further certify that I have no doubt that her claim ought to be allowed. Given under my hand this 2 nd day of December  January 1886.
James F. Richardson County Judge
State of Tennessee Fentress County I David C. Travis Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid do certify that James Richard- son whose signature appears to the foregoing Reclamation and Certificate is and was at the time of signing the same presiding Judge of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid duly Commissioned and Qualified as such and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit, and that his signature thereto are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Office in Jamestown this 5 th day of January 1886
David C. Travis Clerk By G. W. Upchurch Clk D.C.

State of Tennessee 3 S.S. Sevier County
On this 11 th day of October 1856.
Personally appeared before me Thomas Cobb a Justice of the peace within and for the county aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths. Ruth Cole, aged 88 years widow of Willis Cole dec d , who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, she lives about 5 miles from me in Sevier County Tennessee. She is a woman of good character and entitled to full credit, and being first duly sworn by me according to law, on her oath makes the following affidavit to wit that she was married at Montgomery in Morgan County in the State of Tennessee by Daniel S. Savinder Esquire about
40 years ago, that her name before she was married to said Willis Cole was Ruth Justice, that she was married as she now believes by Daniel S. Savinder Esq r . who lived at the time at Montgomery in Morgan County Tennessee. Affiant further states that John Kingston who was also a justice of the peace of said county at that time was present at the marriage, that in making her first application for Pension and Bounty Land under act of 3rd March 1855. She stated that she was married by John Kingston believing that such was the fact, but on reflection she recollects that she was not married by John Kingston, but was married by Esquire Daniel Savinder. That said John Kingston was Esquire at the time and present at the marriage, and finding that she was mistaken as to which of them married her she makes

This Additional Affidavit and explanation Affiant States that she made her Application as she now recollects in the same Declaration for Pension & Bounty Land, and received an answer through her agents of date April 23. 1855. as to her Land Claim of No. 92.959, and also another letter in her claim of October 25. 1855. and October 29. 1855. and also a letter of July 3. 1856. all of which letters are before her. which last letter requires that she should prove that she was the wife and is the widow of Willis Cole. Affiant States that she has tried to procure record proof of her said marriage from the Clerk of the County Court of the County of Morgan aforesaid, and that no record of her said marriage can be found. that a certificate to that effect was procured as she now thinks by her attorney and sent to the Pension Office in her case as she thinks affiant states positively that she was married to said Willis Cole at the place before mentioned by said Daniel S. Lavender Esquire, to the best of her present recollection about as near as she can recollect about 40 years ago. that she and her said husband lived together as husband wife from the day of their marriage until his death which took place on the 28 day of February 1855 as stated in her former Declaration and amendment thereto. that she is now the widow of the said Willis Cole and has remained his widow ever since his death. that she now resides in the County of Humphreys and State of Tennessee

at the place where she resided at the time of her said Husband's death and long before. Affiant through her attorney will procure if possible the affidavits of said Daniel S. Lavender and John Kingston in her case. Affiant states that she has no family record of her said marriage or her age in any book or upon any paper, and is bound to rely upon such verbal evidence as she is enabled to procure. She makes this affidavit for the purpose of obtaining her Bounty Land under act of Congress of 3 March 1855. on account of the services of said Willis Cole in the Revolutionary war. Affiant further states that she has this day made another affidavit to the same effect for the pur- -pose of obtaining her pension under the Act of 3rd February 1853. She makes this affidavit as an amendment to her former declaration. She states as she has heretofore that she is very poor, and perfectly blind and has been for a long time. She hopes this statement with such other evidences as are on file and that she may now be enabled to get may be satisfactory and that her Bounty Land Claim allowed, and sent to her Attorney William J. Dabney Albany Ky. She further states that she has never receiv- ed Bounty Land for the services of her said husband or for any other service nor applied for any other than the application above referred to. Affiant resides about seven miles of Jamestown, the same place where her said husband died 9

Affiant makes this a part of her former Declaration and prays that her claim be allowed.
Sworn to and Subscribed to this 11 th day of October 1856 before me
Ruth her Cole Mark
Thomas Cobb J. P.
We Eli H Johns and Thos D Boles resident citizens of Fentress County Tennessee, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing affidavit was sworn to subscribed and acknowledged by Ruth Cole, that neither of us live exceeding seven miles from her , we have long known her and know her to be the Identical person she represents herself to be
Eli H Johns Thomas D Boles
Sworn to and Subscribed to this 11 th day of October 1856 before me
Thomas Cobb J. P.
The foregoing affidavit was sworn to and Sub- scribed to the day & year above written and I certify that I have no interest in this Claim Oct. 11 th 1856
Thomas Cobb J. P.
State of Tennessee Fentress County ss.
I David C. Travis Clerk of the County Court of said County do certify that Thomas Cobb whose signature appears to the foregoing affidavit and certificate, is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified as such an that all his acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office done. at office in Jamestown this 8 th day of October 1856. David C. Travis Clerk By J. M. Chapman

State of Tennessee Fentress County 3 N- On this 11 th day of October 1856 personally appeared before me William Thomas Coole a justice of the peace within and for the County aforesaid duly authorized by law to administer Oaths Ruth Cole aged 88 years (widow of Willis Cole, decd.) who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, she lives about 5 miles from me in Fentress County Tennessee. She is a woman of good character and entitled to free credit and being first duly sworn by me, According to law On her oath makes the following Affidavit (to wit)
that she was married at Mont- gomery, in Morgan County State of Tennessee by Daniel S. Lavender Esquire about 40 years ago that her name before she was married to said Willis Cole was Ruth Justice that she was married as she now believes by Daniel S. Lavender Esq. who lived at the time in Montgomery Morgan County Tennessee. Affiant further states that John Kingston who was also a justice of the peace of said County at that time was present at the marriage. that in making her first application for Pension & Bounty Land, under act of 3 rd March 1855, she stated that she was married by John Kingston believe- ing that such was the fact, but on reflection she recollects that she was not married by John Kingston, but was mar- ried by Daniel S. Lavender Esq. that said John Kingston was a Squire

and present at the time and present at the marriage, and finding that she was mistaken as to which of them married her, she makes this Additional Affidavit and Explanatory Affidavit States that she made her application as she now recollects for Pension under act February 3. 1853. and for Bounty Land under act 3. March 1855, in the same Declaration and received an answer through her Agent of date April 23. 1855, as to her Land Claim of number 92959. and also another letter in her claim of October 5, 1855, and October 29, 1855. And one of July 3. 1856, all of which letters are before her which last letter requires that she should prove that she was the wife and is the widow of Willis Cole, Affiant States that she has tried to procure record proof of her said marriage from the Clerk of the County Court of the County of Morgan aforesaid and that no record of her said marriage can be found that a Certificate to that effect was procured as she now thinks by her Attorney and sent to the Pension office in her case, Affiant States positively that she was married at the place before mentioned by said Daniel S. Severnder Esq. to the best of her present recollection about 40 years ago that she and her said husband lived together as husband and wife from the day of their marriage until his death which took place on the 28th day of February 1855 as stated in her former recollection

Declaration and amendment thereto, that she is now the widow of said Willis Cole and has remained his widow ever since his death, that she now resides in the County of Henry and State of Tennessee, at the place where she resided at the time of her said husband's death, and long before. Affiant through her Attorney will procure if possible the Affidavits of possible the Affidavits of said Daniel Lavender and said John King for in her case, Affiant states that she has no family record of her said marriage or her age in any book, or upon any paper, and is bound to rely upon such verbal evidence as she is able to procure. She makes this Affidavit for the purpose of obtaining her Pension under act of 3, February 1853. on account the Revolutionary Services of her said husband Willis Cole who was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $21.50 dollars per annum She makes this Affidavit as an amendment to her former Declaration, she states as she has heretofore that she is very poor & perfectly blind. and has been for a long time, she hopes that this state- ment, with such other evidences are on file and such as she may now be enabled to get may be satisfactory and her claim be allowed, and sent to her Attorney, William J. Dabney Albany Ky. She further states that she has never received her Pension under said act. Affiant makes all her statements and the evidence on file part hereof. She makes this Affidavit in addi- tion to what she has heretofore made.
Sworn to and subscribed to this 11 day of October 1856 before me J. Morris Cobb Test E. Gervier
Ruth Cole Mark

State of Tennessee Fentress County } S.S. On this 11 th day of October 1856, personally appeared before me Thomas D Boles a Justice of the peace for the County & State aforesaid Thomas D Boles a res- ident of the County aforesaid he is a man of respec- tability entitled to full credit, and being first duly sworn by me on his oath State that he is well acquain- ted with Ruth Cole widow of Willis Cole who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States and died in Fentress County Tennessee, that said Ruth Cole is still the widow of said Willis Cole, and resides in Fentress County Tennessee. Sworn to and subscribed to this 11 th day of October 1856 before me Thomas D Boles
State of Tennessee Fentress County } S.S. I David C. Travis Clerk of the County Court of said County do certify that Thomas D Boles Signature appear to the foregoing affidavit is and was at the time of signing the same an acting justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified as such, and that all his acts as such are entitled to full faith & credit and his signatures thereto are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office, at office in Jamestown This 18 th day of October 1856 David C. Travis Clerk By G. W. Upchurch D.C.