Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,655, Jonathan Cogswell, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Logswell Jonathan Elizabeth
W. 15.655
CONTENTS
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1357.
Massachusetts
Elizabeth Cogswell, dec d widow of Jonathan who died on the
of — in the State of Mass who was a Colonel in the — commanded by Captain — of the — commanded by — in the — line for 2 Years
Mass Dec d from $149.50
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass: at the rate of 600 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the fourth day of March, 1831.
Ending 21 Oct r 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of June 1851 and sent to
J. D. Woodson Present to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by N. C. Robinson Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 2 Page
344.

Let to P. C. 14 July 1851

Declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the 3 d section of the Act of Congress of the 4 th July, 1836:
State of Massachusetts, Essex County Is:
On this sixth day of June 1837 personally appeared before the Honorable Daniel A. White Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Essex, Elizabeth Cogswell, a resident of the town of Essex in the County of Essex and State of Massachusetts, aged 92 years, who first being 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, 4, 1836:
That she is the widow of Jonathan Cogswell who was a Colonel of a Regiment of the Militia of Massachusetts in the War of the Revolution: that the said

Jonathan Cogswell served as a Colonel of Militia Regiment from the nineteenth day of September 1776 two months and eight days till the twenty seventh day of November 1776 as she believes on a campaign in New York State: and that he again served as a Colonel of a Regiment of Massachusetts Militia from the ninth day of September 1778 to the fifth day of January 1779:
She further declares that she was married to the said Jonathan Cogswell on the fourth day of February in the year seventeen hundred and sixty eight: that her husband the aforesaid Jonathan Cogswell died on the nineteenth day of April A.D. 1819 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Elizabeth Cogswell
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, the applicant being unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity and decrepitude of age.
Before me
D. H. White Judge of Probate

I hereby certify, That Mr. Jonathan Cogswell, and Miss Elizabeth Wise both of Ipswich entered their intention of marriage October 17. 1767, as appears by the Records of the town of Ipswich.
Ebene r Burnham. Town Clerk of Ipswich.
I Susanna Dreadwell, of Ipswich, Mass. widow, aged eighty eight years, on oath testify and say that Jonathan Cogswell, who was a colonel of a regiment of the militia of Massachusetts in the war of the revolution, was my brother, that I well remember the time of his marriage, having ever since the event kept the same distinctly in mind, that I was personally present and witnessed the solemnization by the Rev. Nathaniel Rogers, of my said brother's marriage to Elizabeth Wise, and that said Nathaniel Rogers was for many years the minister of the first parish in Ipswich, duly authorized to solemnize marriages.
Susanna Dreadwell
Essex, ss. June 23, 1837. Susanna Dreadwell makes oath to the truth of the above affidavit, being a credible and disinterested witness. Before me Charles Kimball, justice of the peace.
I Ebenezer Burnham on oath testify that I am clerk of the town of Ipswich in Massachusetts and have the custody of the Records thereof; and it appears therefrom that the laws of marriage were duly published between said Jonathan Cogswell & Elizabeth Wise, them on 17 th October 1767 agreeably to the certificate written at top of this page duly attested by me. They resided on a part of the township of Ipswich which is now incorporated as a distinct town by name Essex.
the interlining of six words done before signing
Ebene r Burnham.
Just. Pease.
State of Massachusetts Essex County ss: July, 7 th , 1837 Then the above named Ebenezer Burnham made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true. I certify that said Burnham and also said Susanna Dreadwell are both credible & disinterested witnesses.
Charles Kimball, Just. Pease

Elizabeth Coggeswell Widow of Col. Jonathan Coggeswell.
Proof of Death on 31. Oct. 1838, & that Mary Choate is only child living.
Given under my hand and seal of office this third day of April, A.D. 1851.
W. Nathaniel Lord junior, register of probate for said county, hereby certify, that Charles Hinckley, esquire, before whom the above written affidavit purports to have been taken, is a justice of the peace for said county, duly qualified to administer oaths; and that his name, subscribed to the certificate thereon, is his genuine signature, to me well known.
W. Nathaniel Lord

To the honorable Daniel A. White esquire, judge of probate for the county of Essex.
Respectfully shew Mary Choate, of Essex, and Abigail Farley, of Ipswich, both in said county, that they are the only children now living of Elizabeth Cogswell, late of Essex aforesaid, widow, deceased, testate; that said Elizabeth was a pensioner of the United States; that she died on the thirty first day of October, A. D. 1838; and that she left two children, viz. your petitioners, and no more; and that they both are now still living, and of full age. They therefore pray, that these facts may be recorded in the probate office, that they may be enabled to recover the arrears of pension due to said Elizabeth, to the time of her death.
March 8, 1839.
Mary Choate.
Abigail Farley.
By Joseph Farley, their attorney.
Essex, ss. At a court of probate holden at Newburyport in and for said county on the second Tuesday in March, A. D. 1839.
The foregoing petition being duly considered, and it being made to appear, that the facts hereafter mentioned are true; It is thereupon decreed, that the same be recorded, viz. that Elizabeth Cogswell, late of Essex in said county, widow, deceased, testate, was a pensioner of the United States; that she died on the thirty first day of October, A. D. 1838; and that she left two children, viz. Mary Choate and Abigail Farley, and no more; and that they both are now living, and of full age.
D. A. White, judge of probate.
Essex, ss. Probate office, April 3, 1851. The foregoing is a true copy of record.
Given under my hand and seal of office.
Nathl. Lord Jr., register of probate.

I Joseph Farley, of Ipswich in the county of Essex and commonwealth of Massachusetts, testify and say that Abigail Farley, within named, is now deceased. She died in May 1846. She was my mother and I well remember her decease. I further testify that Mary Choate, her sister, within named, and my aunt, is still living.
Joseph Farley
Essex, ss. April 3, 1857. Joseph Farley, a credible witness well known to me, makes solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed.
Before me Charles Kimball, justice of the peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Essex, ss. Probate office.
I Nathaniel Lord junior, register of probate for said county, hereby certify, that Charles Kimball, esquire, before whom the above written affidavit purports to have been taken, is a justice of the peace for said county, duly qualified to administer oaths; and that his name, subscribed to the certificate thereon, is his genuine signature, to me well known.
Given under my hand and seal of office this third day of April, A.D. 1851.
Nath. Lord jr.
Elizabeth Coggeswell Widow of Col. Jonathan Coggeswell
Proof of death on 31. Oct. 1838, that Mary Choate is only child living.

N o 117
To
Col Genl: Cogswell —
In
Spencer —

10
Newbury Port 8. Novm 1777
I Have to defer your favor'd your Hon S. General Heath's Head Quarters without loss of time Col. Jenckes is there ready to receive them you will Appoint suitable Officers to Command them & when they are all collected I will be y. obedt. Servt. & Commissary at their place of rendezvous. I Have recd pressing Orders from the Council to have the Men sent forward immediately your pressing the Matter will Much Oblige y e Hon'd Sir J. S. Silumb Brig r
To Col. Jon s Cogswell in Ipswich
Jonathan Cogswell Mass M. 1565-5
74

To The Honorable Council of the State of Massachusetts, Bay.
Gentlemen
I received a commission from your Honors, which I Accepted of by the Solicitations & Over Perswasions of a Number of Gentlemen, But at the same time was Sensable of my inability, and unfitness for the important Office  That would Natural be reposed in me if I Accepted of said Commission. But I have Blundered a long to this Day by the Assistance of my Other Officers. But Seeing the Difficulty That it Natural creates to your Honors and those under your command by not having Men of Spirit Whose That under stand Camp Duty, I stand in Office That I have Sustained, It gives me great Pain to think That I have stood in the way so long when there is a Number of such men in the Regiment That I have had the command of as well as in Newbury — Therefore I am determined to Resign said Commission with Submission to your Honors to resign said Commission

Colonel Jonathan Cogswell
Jonathan Cogswell Maso. N. 1865

North Castle 16 Nov r 1776
10
Gen l See most earnestly intreats & conjures the Officers & Soldiers of the Massachusetts Militia, as they regard the sacred cause in which they are engaged - As they respect the Property of their fellow Citizens, the security of their fellow Soldiers, & their own honour, that they will continue in their present posts a few days longer - Thursday shall be the utmost; The Gen l cannot specify the reasons of his being so earnest in his entreaties, but can assure them that it is of the last importance - Inasmuch all the movements of the Enemy's Troops there is the greatest reason to assure ourselves that their Abominable designs are already totally defeated - Nay we have reason to believe that they themselves have abandoned all thoughts of Success, & that nothing but a base & wicked defect of Zeal & Spirit in our Soldiers & Officers can revive their Hopes - And it must be allowed that the refusing at such a crisis as this to remain under Arms for the few days requested is not only a scandalous but wicked defect  spiteful defect in Zeal, virtue, & & Spirit - The Gen l is himself that man, if left to themselves, are not capable of so flagitious conduct - but some few of their Officers who unhappily have been elected to stations their Characters disgrace have laboured to dissuade the soldiers from a resolution which Honour, Duty, & Religion demand of them - Those Officers are already known, & shall be brought out to the publick notice as enemies & pests to their Country - Once more therefore, the Gen l earnestly recommends to the Officers & the Men at large to follow their own virtuous natural dispositions, & comply with the request he has made Tho' at the same time he perhaps ought to make an apology to them for making use of so earnest & energetick terms in requesting what in fact is so trifling an exertion of fortitude & self-denial as to remain only four days longer under Arms

Col. Cogswell Cambridge
Jonathan Cogswell Mass. M. 1865-6

State of Massachusetts Bay Essex:
5
To Jonathan Cogswell jun: Esq: n of Ipswich Colonel of the Third Regiment in the County of Essex Greeting
Whereas the General Assembly of this State by their Resolve of the Twelfth instant did order that every of the Able Bodied Man from Sixteen years of Age to Fifty of both the Training Band & Alarm List in my Brigade be Draughted to March to the Assistance of the Army at New York & did then Invest me with Power to Appoint the Field Officers to the Regiment that should be so Draughted from my Brigade
I Do therefore hereby by Virtue of the Authority in said Resolve to me granted and reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Attachment to the good of the United States of America, Courage & good Conduct Appoint you the said Jonathan Cogswell jun: Esq: n  to be the Colonel of the Regiment drafted from my Brigade as aforesaid. You are Carefully and Diligently to Discharge the Duty of a Colonel in Leading, ordering and exercising said Regiment in Arms & every respect as Becometh a Colonel, both Inferior officers & Soldiers, & to keep them in good order & Discipline, and they are to Obey you as their Colonel. You are to March your Regiment to Horse Neck & be Subject however to such further orders as you shall receive from the General Court of this State the Hon ble Council or House of Representatives, or your Superior Officers Given under my hand at Ipswich in the County of Essex this Nineteenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred & Seventy six
Michael Sharley Brig n

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. _____
15655-
Elizabeth Cogswell
Widow of
Jonathan Cogswell, Col. Rev. War
Act: _____
July 4 th 1836
Index:—Vol. _____
A
, Page _____
148
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Massachusetts --- 1357.
Elizabeth Coys well, widow of Jonathan Coys well, Dec d
who died on the 19 th of April, 1819; of Essex co. in the State of Mass ts .
who was a Capt. & Col. in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Mass ts . Mili.
time for Capt. 3 days $2:00 Col. 5 mo. 27 dys. 147:50 149:50
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 149 Dollars 50 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th day of Au- gust, 1837. and sent to Boy n . Merrill, Salem, Mass ts .
Arrears to the 4 th of March, '37 = $897:00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th Sept r 74:75
$971:75
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d . }
Recorded by S. A. Elliott Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 Page 47.

From the Cogswell Pension Papers. This requires an im- mediate answer.
Jas. E. Heath Esq.

Pension Agents' Office
Boston 8 July 1851
Sir,
A Pension Certificate has been presented in favor of Mary Choate and Abigail Farley only surviving children of Elizabeth Cogswell dec d .
It appears that Abigail Farley died as far back as 1846 , though after the death of Mrs Cogswell who died in 1838 . As the amount to be paid is large, I hope you will excuse the liberty I take in enquiring whether the Pension Certificate should not have directed payment to the Adm rs or the legal representatives of Abigail Farley dec d , instead of naming her as if she was living, or whether the whole should not have been made payable to Mary Choate only, as she was the only child living at the time of the Application for Increase.
I have heard that a recent construction adopted at the Pension Office would give the Increase to the children living at the death of the mother.
I have paid Mary Choate her share, & await your directions as to further payment on account of Abigail Farley dec d .
Should you deem proper to change your directions, I will thank you to issue a supplementary Pension Certificate conformable to such new directions.
If you consider the Pension Certificate right as it now reads, I will on your informing me to that effect, pay the Adm rs of Abigail Farley dec d her share.
The favor of an early answer is requested, as payment is urged.
Very Respectfully Yr obed t serv t
G. T. Bulfinch Clerk

 ✓ 1 Commission dated Feb y . 14. 1776  ✓ 2 Letter from Foster March 24. 1776  ✓ 3 Order from Gen l . Michael Farley May 7. 1776  ✓ 4 Return from Col l Cogswell June 17. 1776  ✓ 5 Order from Gen l . Farley July 11 th 1776  ✓ 6 Order from Brig. Major John Popham Nov. 20. 1776  ✓ 7 Letter from Capt. Perkins April 18 th 1777  ✓ 8 Return from Capt. Rogers May 15 th 1777  ✓ 9 Order from Gen l . Farley July 22 nd 1777  ✓ 10 Return dated July 30 th 1777  ✓ 11 Letter from Capt. Perkins Sept. 8 th 1777  ✓ 12 Order Gen l . Farley Sept. 29 th 1777  ✓ 13 Return from Capt. John Farley Sept. 30 th 1777  ✓ 14 Return from Capt. Rogers Oct. 1. 1777  ✓ 15 Order Gen l . Titcomb Oct. 31. 1777  ✓ 16 Order from Col l . Cogswell to Lieut. Porter Nov. 1. 1777  ✓ 17 Order from Gen l . Titcomb Nov. 8 th 1777  ✓ 18 Letter from Gen l . Titcomb Dec. 18 th 1777  ✓ 19 Order from Council Chamber Feb y . 12. 1778  ✓ 20 Order from Gen l . Titcomb March 14. 1778  ✓ 21 Return from Capt. John Farley April 1. 1778  ✓ 22 Order from Gen l . Titcomb June 26. 1778  ✓ 23 Order from Gen l . Titcomb July 18 th 1778 

✓ 24 Order from Genl. Fitzcomb July 29, 1778 ✓ 25 Return from capt. Dodge Aug. 1. 1778 ✓ 26 Receipt of capt. Spinney Oct. 28. 1778 ✓ 27 Return dated May 26 th 1779 ✓ 28 Letter from Joseph Gould July 28 th 1780

Abstract of the Proofs
in case of Mrs Cogswell

Schedule of Papers, in the case of the application of Elizabeth Cogswell for Pension forwarded the Commissioners of Pensions:
 No 1 Declaration, and Certificate of Judge of Probate  2 Affidavits of James Andrew, Aaron Love and Nath l Burnham That Col. John Cogswell was Col. of Reg t . in Revolution.  3 Certificates Town Clerk and Susannah Dreadwell of the pub lishment of banns and marriage.  4 Certificate and oath of Joseph Farley adm d estate of John s Cogswell in relation to papers &c.  5 Warrant Brig d Gen l Wash t Farley detachment of Col. John s Cogswell, Sept. 19 th 1776 - commencement of service.  6 Abstract of a Pay Roll of Col. Cogswell's Reg t . - showing a service of 2 mos. and 8 days.  7 A Pay Abstract of Capt. Stephen Perkins Company in Col. Cogswell's Reg t . at North Castle Nov 20 th 1776 - (a presumptive evidence of Col. Cogswell's service)  8 Abstract of four additional days of pay of Capt. Perkins Company at North Castle Nov 20 th 1776  9 Field and Staff Officers Receipt to Col. Cogswell Nov r 21 st 1776.  10 Copy of Gen l Lee's request to Maj r  the Militia to carry four days longer, dated North Castle Nov r 16, 1776.  (By the above it appears that Col. Cogswell was detached and entered the service Sept. 19 th 1776 and continued at North Castle to Nov. 21, 1776 - allowing twelve days to return - makes two months and 14 days. )  11 Muster Rolls dated, Boston Oct r 19 th Nov r 15 th & Dec r 4 th 1778, of Field and Staff Officers of Col. Cogswell's Reg t .  12 Major Samuel Samson's Receipt for wages &c. Jan y 5 th 1779.  13 Abstract of Pay Rolls and receipts of Capt. John s Longley, S t . John Gulliver, Capt. David Goodwin, John Davis, and John Newell of service in the Reg t under Col. Cogswell dated Jan 5 th to 7 th 1779. at Boston - a period of 3 mos. 28 days - allowing two days to return home, would make 4 months in this Campaign, - which appears was under Gen l Heath, as guards &c. near Boston. This period with the one to New York makes six months and 14 days the whole service 
see Mass mss. Vol. 11 p 250 " 22 " 209

Increase
Elizabeth Cogswell dec d , Wid of Jonathan. Mass.
Act 4 July 1836.
ad d 2 yrs bal. $600 per ann from 4 March '31 to 31 Oct 1838, when she died. Deduct former payments at the rate of $149.50 per Ann.
Payable to Mary Choate & Abigail Harley my children.
cert to D.D. Addison

Roll of Cape Porpoise, 6 o taken out and placed among detached rolls.

Mrs Eliza Cogswell
Ans July 22 d 1837

Salem Mass ts July 11. 1835
To James L. Edwards Esq. Com r Pensions, Sir,
Some time since I forwarded to you the Application of
Mrs Elizabeth Cogswell, widow of Col. Jon a Cogswell dec d .
for a Pension, under Act of 4 th July 1836 with the Proofs, now filed in your Office, to which your attention is solicited.
Very respectfully Yr. Obed t Serv t
Br d J. Merrill

Elizabeth Coggesnell Widow of Col. Jonathan Coggesnell
H. H. Addison to examine papers and prosecute Claim for Increase.
Ex 3 — H. H. Addison Present May 5 - 51

Efex, Efex Co. Mass. 3 rd April 1857.
To the Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir,
My late Mother, Mrs Elizabeth Cogswell, Widow of Jonathan, was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the Act of 4. July 1836, at $149. 50 per year, and died in October 1838. To enable my Agent, Daniel D. Addison Esq. to prosecute my claim for Increase, I will thank you to allow him to examine my Mother's papers, which are on your files; and to issue a new Certificate in my name for such amount of Increase as may be due my said Mother under any of the Laws, Regulations or decisions now in force. I am the only child now living of said Pensioner.
Respectfully Yours,
Mary Choate

Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay. }
The Major Part of the COUNCIL of the Massachusetts-Bay , in New-England,
To Jonathan Cosswell Junr. Esquire Greeting.
Y OU being appointed Colonel of the Third Regiment of Militia in the County of Essex
By Virtue of the Power vested in us, WE do by these Presents, (reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct,) Commission you accordingly.—You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Colonel in leading, ordering, and exercising said Regiment in Arms, both Inferior Officers and Soldiers; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline:—And they are hereby commanded to obey you as their Colonel , and you are yourself, to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from the major part of the Council or your superior Officers.
Oliver Cosswell William Caleb Cushing A. Cushing John Whitecomb Jed. Foster Dea. Taylor Lincoln Mirah Harley Colin Moses Gill Statten Ebenezer Fisher John Taylor B. White
GIVEN under our Hands and the Seal of the said Colony, at Watertown the fourteenth Day of February in the Sixteenth Year of the Reign of his Majesty King George the Third, Anno Domini, 1776.
By the Command of the Major Part of the Council. }
Samuel Morton  Deputy
AN RT

At the Ipswich march the 2 nd 1716
Then Jonathan Cogswell Esq r took the oaths to the within office as first Coll o of the Third Regiment of the County of Essex as is By Law Directed
James Dodge Charles Smith Joseph Gould

Eliz th Cogswell and of John de d
Married 1768 died 1819
Adn o or Capt 3 days $2. Col o 5 mo 27. 147 50 per ann $149.50 Amnt 4 paid 1837. Capt Col o Mass
Milton Please reply to
Br s Merrill
Salem
Mass s

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
COUNTY OF ESSEX, ss. PROBATE OFFICE.
I Nathaniel Lord junior, register of probate for said county, hereby certify, that Joseph Farley esquire, before whom the affidavit hereto annexed of James Andrews, Aaron Sow and Nathaniel Burnham purports to have been taken, is a justice of the peace for said county; and that Charles Kimball esquire, before whom the affidavit hereto annexed of Susanna Treadwell, Ebenezer Burnham and Joseph Farley severally purport to have been taken, is a justice of the peace for said county; and that the signatures of the names of said Farley and Kimball respectively to the certificates following said several affidavits are the genuine signatures of said Farley and Kimball respectively, both well known to me.
I further certify, that the honorable Daniel A. White, before whom the declaration hereto annexed of Elizabeth Cogswell purports to have been taken, is the judge of probate for said county, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn; and the signature of his name to the certificate thereon is his genuine signature; and the annexed are the whole original proceedings of said judge in the case of the application of said Elizabeth Cogswell for a pension, so far as appears by the records in said office.
Given under my hand and seal of office, this seventh day of July, A. D. 1837.
Nath. Lord Jr.

The undersigned aged citizens of the Town of Essex in Massachusetts, do on oath testify that we have for more than sixty years been acquainted with Mrs Elizabeth Cogswell, now resident at said Essex, and know that she is the widow of Jonathan Cogswell Esq: who resided in said Essex till his decease in 1819: we were townsmen & acquaintance of him, and always understood & believe that he served several campaigns as Colonel of a Regiment of Militia during the War of the Revolution: he was afterward a respectable Magistrate of the County. The present township of Essex was part of the Township of Ipswich till 1819 & then incorporated as a Town.
James Andrews
Aaron Low
Nathaniel Burnham

State of Massachusetts, ss. June. 22 d . 1834 Then the above named James Andrews, Aaron Low, and Nathaniel Burnham.
who are all credible and respectable witnesses, made oath that the above Affidavit by them res- pectively subscribed, is true Before me
Joseph Farley Just. Peace
Joseph Farley

(4) I Joseph Farley resident at Ipswich in Massachusetts Esquire on oath testify, That I am lawfully the Administrator of the Estate of Col. John Thaobogswell who died in the town of Essex (formerly part of Ipswich) who died April, 19. 1819. I was well ac- quainted with him in his lifetime and also with Mrs Elizabeth Cogsweil now resident at said Essex, and know she is his widow and that she has not been married since his decease.
As his administrator when I took pos- session of his papers and effects I found the Documents hereunto annexed, numbered from N o 5 to N o 13 inclusive: the same were in his possession at the time of his decease, and the

same are now in the same condition and state as when found by me, without any erasure or alteration made since the same were first written: they are genuine as they purport to be. Joseph Farley
State of Massachusetts Essex County ss: July 7th, 1837 Then the above named Joseph Farley Esquire who is a credible witness subscribed and made oath to the above affidavit before me
Charles Kimball, Just. Peace