Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22359, Ezekiel Cobb, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Cobb, Ezekiel
W 22359
Swett, Nancy
Former widow
CONTENTS

Extract from Roll
6159. Maine Nancy Correll for widow of Ezekiel Cobb who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private due from $42.09 Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 43 Dollars 86 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of October 1853 and sent to E. B. Moody Bangor Me.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 56. Vol. 1

Declaration - In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 and subsequent acts continuing the Pensions granted thereby -
State of Maine } County of Penobscot } ss.
On this twenty second day of January A.D. 1853 personally appeared before the Supreme Judicial Court held at Bangor within & for said County and now in session Nancy Smell a Resident of Bangor in said County & State aged Eighty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the said act entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" - That she is the widow of Ezekiel Cobb who was a private in the war of the Revolution and served in the manner, for the periods and in the towns of service specified in the certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts which is hereto annexed bearing date the 11 th day of January A.D. 1853 to which she begs leave to refer without describing his service the particulars of which have not remained in her memory. She further declares that she was mar-

sied to the said Ezekiel Cobb on the nine- teenth day of October in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty Eight and that her husband the said Ezekiel Cobb died on the twenty ninth day of June in the year Eighteen hun- dred and sixteen - that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794 viz at the time above stated - That she was afterwards viz on the thirteenth of June 1822 married to Shebna Grewett who died on the 30 th day of July A.D. 1843 - and that she has remained ever since a widow is still a widow - all which will more ful- ly appear by reference to the proofs hereunto annexed - She further declares that her marriage to the said Cobb took place in a town now called Hampden but was not then incorporated as she is instruct- ed - that she has caused diligent search to be made in the Records of said Town and no Record of the same can there be found, probably on account of its taking place before the incorporation of said Town - that she does not know of the existence of any public or private Rec- ord of said marriage - that she has not made application for a Pension since the

death of her second husband until now, for the reason that she was ignorant of the laws on the sub- ject and because no one has instructed her as to her rights until recently -
Witness,
her
Warren Wilkinson
Mary
X Swift
mark
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before the Supreme Judicial Court of the said State which is a Court of Record -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affix- ed my name and the seal of the said Court - Nathan Weston Jr. Clerk.

I Sarah Jackson on oath depose and say that I am sixty two years old this month I was born at Hampden in the County of Penobscot and State of Maine My reputed Father's name was Ezekiel Cobb and my mother's name Nancy Cobb her maiden name was Nancy Thompson They had nine children besides myself 4 sons and 6 daughters. The sons are all dead. They had one son older than myself. He would be if now living in his sixty fourth year
My father and mother (said Ezekiel & Nancy) lived together as husband and wife up to the time of his death which happened I believe in 1816 since then then my mother has been married to Shubael Swift of Orrington She is now a widow
I also state that I never in all my life heard the legality of said Ezekiel & Nancy's marriage called in question or any doubts expressed as to their marriage
My father was a native of Gorham in the State of Maine and was reputed to have served a good while in the Revolution I have frequently heard him speak of his services in that war
Sarah Jackson
State of Maine } ss County of Penobscot }
January 21st 1853 Personally appeared Sarah

Jackson and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Sarah Jackson that she is a person of good character and fully entitled to credit
Warren Nicholson
Justice of the Peace
I certify that the interlined words (I never used marriage) were made prior to the signature & oath
Warren Nicholson
Justice of the Peace

11 The following is a list of persons whom I have joined in marriage the year past viz January thirteenth eighteen hundred and twentytwo,
Shebna Sweet of Orrington with Nancy Cobb of Hampden
Oliver Beale"
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the Record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows viz "January 13. th 1822"
Attest J. Nourse S. Clerk
of the town of Hampden
I the above named John Nourse depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the town of Hampden County of Penobscot and State of Maine and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me
John Nourse Clerk of S d Hampden
State of Maine County of Penobscot 3 rd January 21 st 1853
Subscribed and sworn to before me Warren Nickerson Justice of the Peace

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 22,369
Nancy Shett widow of Ezekiel Cobb Rev War
Act: Feb 29 48
Index:—Vol. 46 , Page 258
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No 14.870
Nancy Swett formerly widow of Ezekiel Pobb me
Geo. B. Moody June 2/53
Act July 7 1838

Col. Niles at the Pension Office Washington D. C.

9434. Maine
Nancy Srett for widow of Ezekiel Cobb who was a pirate in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 43 Dollars 86 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of Oct r 1853 and sent to
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 9

11.559
Maine
Nancy Pratt formerly widow of Ezekiel Cobb who died on the — of — in the State of Me who was a priv in the — commanded by Captain — of the — commanded by — in the Rev. War line for 1 year 28 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 42 Dollars 09 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Sept 1853 and sent to Geo B. Wood
Arrears to the 4th of Bangor Semi-annual allowance ending there
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Act July 7, 1838. }
Recorded by N E Robinson Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 Page 17

11,559
Nairn Nancy Small born 60 widow of Ezekiel Cobb , who died on the of _____ in the State of Me who was a priv in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Rev line for 1 yr 28 dy
Inscribed on the Roll of Me at the rate of 43 Dollars 06 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of Oct 1853 and sent to Mrs Woody
Arrears to the 4th of Bangor Semi-annual allowance ending Me
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Act July 7, 1838. }
Recorded by H C Robinson Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 Page 17

9434
Maine
Nancy Srett for M widow of Ezekiel Cobb who was a private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 42 Dollars 9 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Feb 1853 and sent to G B Moody Bangor me
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book 2 Vol. 2 Page 9

6159
Maine Nancy Smell for widow of Ezekiel Cobb who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 42 Dollars 09 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of Sept 1853 and sent to Geo B. Woody Bangor Me.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 36 Vol. 1 2' Feby
Letter to Geo. B. Woody 28 th Sept. 1853.

State of Maine.
PENOBSCOT, ss.
I, NATHAN WESTON, Jr., CLERK OF ALL THE JUDICIAL COURTS in said County, certify that
Warren Nickerson
Esquire, is
an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, as appears by the papers hereto annexed, that he is duly commissioned and qualified to act as such;
and that the signatures to the annexed, papers purporting to be his are genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT for said State, this day of _____ in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty
Nathan Weston Jr.
Clerk.

I Jonathan Knowles on oath depose and say that I am about seventy eight years of age and that I was very intimately acquainted with Ezekiel Cobb former husband of Nancy Swift for twenty five or thirty years before his death and that he lived in Hampden Maine a near neighbor to me and I have been in the habit of working with him and for him and have heard him say repeatedly that he served in the Revolutionary war for a long time and that he was well known and universally respected among his neighbors and acquaintances to have served in the war of the Revolution.
Jonathan Knowles
State of Maine County of Penobscot ss, June 9, 1853 Subscribed and sworn to before me
And I certify that the said Jonathan Knowles is well known to me and is fully entitled to credit. I also certify that I have no interest in the result of the claim for pension and no concern in the procurement of it.
Warren Vickers on Justice of the Peace

I William Atwood on oath depose and say that I am Sixty seven years of age and that I was intimately acquainted with Ezekiel Cobb former husband of Nancy Swift for something like thirty years before his death and that he lived in Hampden Maine ever since he came into this country I have been a neighbor to him and have frequently heard him say that he served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war for a long time and that he was in the Coast service and that he was well known and universally reported among his neighbors and acquaintances to have served in the Revolutionary war.
William Atwood
State of Maine County of Penobscot ss. June 9. 1853 Subscribed and Sworn to before me And I certify that the said William Atwood is well known to me and is fully entitled to credit I also certify that I have no interest in the result of the claim for pension and no concern in the procurement of it
Warren Nickerson Justice of the Peace

I Samuel Jackson of Hampden County of Penobscot and State of Maine depose and say that I am seventy two years of age and that I lived a near neighbor to Ezekiel Cobb former husband of Nancy Gwitt about seven years before his death and that I was intimately acquainted with him and have heard him tell frequently of his services in the Revolutionary war and it was understood by his neighbors that he served some time in that war and it was never disputed to my knowledge and that he lived in Hampden from the time of his moving from Gorham Maine until his death Samuel Jackson
State of Maine County of Penobscot ss, June 7th 1853 Subscribed and sworn to before me And I certify that the said Samuel Jackson is well known to me and is fully entitled to credit I also certify that I have no interest in the result of the claim for pension and no concern in the prosecution of it Warren Kirkerson Justice of the Peace

Additional Evidence -
Revolutionary claims -
Geo. Billings Bangor

I hereby certify that as a Magistrate I took the affidavits of Sarah Jackson, Jeremie Nye and Deborah Hopkins in the month of January last in the application of Nancy Swett for a pension - that said affidavits were all rather aged women and somewhat infirm of body that after giving their depositions they requested me to steady their hands while signing their names to the same stating that their hands were unsteady and were unused to writing. I accordingly guided the pen while they wrote their names and this is the only reason of their signatures appearing so much alike I further certify that the statements in said depositions were all taken down by me from their own mouths and that they fully understood said depositions and further that said witnesses are all persons of intelligence and respectibility - I make this certificate because I am informed that the similarity in the signatures aforesaid have excited suspicion in the mind of the Commissioners of Patents
Witness my hand this 9th day of June A.D 1853 Warren N. Nelson Justice of the Peace

Additional Evidence -
Revolutionary claims -
Geo. B. Moody Bangor

State of Maine.
PENOBSCOT, ss.
I, NATHAN WESTON, Jr., CLERK OF ALL THE JUDICIAL COURTS in said County, certify that
Charles Davis
Esquire, is
an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, as appears by the paper hereto annexed, that he is duly commissioned and qualified to act as such;
and that the signature to the annexed paper, purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT for said State, this sixth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three .
Nathan Weston Jr.
Clerk.

I John Nourse on oath depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the town of Hiram in the County of Penobscot & State of Maine and have the Records of said town in my possession and that I have carefully examined the Records of Marriages in said town from the earliest period & certify that no Record of the marriage of Ezekiel Lobb to Nancy or to any other person is entered upon said Records. Hampden June 5. 1853
John Nourse
State of Maine County of Penobscot } ss
June 6. 1853
Subscribed & sworn to before me & I certify the said Nourse is known to me & entitled to credit & that I have no interest in the result of the claim & no concern in prosecution of it.
Charles Davis Justice of the Peace

Bangor June 10. 1853
Sir
I enclose this affidavit to meet one of the requirements of your letter of the 2 d June in the case of Mrs. Lunt widow of Ezekiel Cobb -
I sent forward yesterday such depositions as could be obtained to show that he was reputed to be a Revolutionary Soldier - v c v c -
I cannot believe that it could be the true intention & meaning of your letter to require an applicant to prove again by parol what had been proved already most abundantly by evidence always esteemed at the Department of a much higher character, viz the Military Records -
It would be a wonder indeed if in any case the particulars of a Revolutionary service could now be established by fellow soldiers -
The Pension Department has not been in the habit of requiring it,

and it would be surprising if it should begin to do so now when the lapse of 70 years may be fairly presumed to have swept every comrade & contemporary soldier into his grave -
I have had the honor of presenting a very considerable number of Revolu- tionary Claims - I cannot recal one case in which the evidence seemed to be more conclusive & clear for the allowance of the claim than this -
To be called upon to prove the service by witnesses was so unexpected seemed so impossible an expectation that I could hardly trust my eyes -
This woman now old & infirm is dai- ly tottering to her neighbors expressing her strong feeling & hope & trust she has that this money may come before she dies that she may have some- thing with which to buy a stone for her her husband's grave, and some trifle to bestow upon some of her relatives -
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully Yours Obedt Servt
Geo. B. Moody
Hon L. N. Wells Counselor

Banger June 5, 1853
Sir
I must be permitted to express my surprise as well as regret at the tenor of your letter of June 2, 1853 in the case of Ezekiel Cobb, Widow —
Record evidence of service has always been demanded almost as indispensable at the Pension office & parol evidence when it could be had looked upon with suspicion, distrust and generally cases have been rejected where no support was obtained from military records. In this case about 13 months of service is clearly proved by the Miss Rolls independent of the Receipt for gun & bayonet the effect of which I will not now consider —
In addition to this the only 2 old persons whose testimony was adduced to another point swear that he was always reputed as a soldier of long standing in the Revolution. Now if there were living within knowledge & reach of this applicant 100 persons who knew of Cobb's being in the service or were contemporaries with him would it be reasonable to expect that

one out the 100 could state all the particulars of his service - yet now when the contingency of finding in any case a single individual who was in the service for a witness is so remote & improbable that it would be unreasonable to anticipate or to proceed with any reference to it, this woman is called upon to "show by the testimony of those who served with her former husband, or who were in a position to know that he served as alleged" -
If this requisition is to have a literal construction, and is to be applied generally, it is equivalent to a rejection of all claims, for it would be safe to say that none could now be proved in that way -
If it means that the Department must be satisfied of the identity of the party with the party described in the Secy's Certificate, then there is it seems to me every thing in the case already to produce satisfaction on that point, for that demands not a repetition by proof of what is already proved by Record, but such circumstances as should satisfy a reasonable person of the identity.
In the first place the claimant's statement in her application to Secy shows that she had a general recollection of her

husband's service - Then the testimony of Mrs Nye & Mrs Hopkins & of the daughter of the soldier as to his reputation of having served long in the Revolution - and the absence of any thing to throw suspicion over the case or to induce any doubt of his being the person - nothing to indicate that there was another Revolutionary soldier - the region of country where his service was rendered being in the neighborhood of the place where he lived settled after the war & died - The circumstan- tial, the negative, the presumptive evi- dence all tend to the belief of his being the person - The presumption of law is the same - The assertion may be ventured that identity is as well established in this as in 19 twentieths of the cases - from necessity something is to be left to presumption on the point of identity -
I honestly say that I have no reason to be- lieve that any contemporary proof of Colby's service can now be obtained here or else- wherein - it is probable that many more persons can swear to his general reputation as a Revolutionary soldier - This is all that can be done on the point -
If military Records are to be resorted

unless the same facts can be established again by parol testimony, then the case cannot stand & no more affidavits ought to be made un- der the laws for Revisiting persons -
It is said "if there is no record of the marriage the fact must be shown" - It will be easy to obtain the certificate of the Town Clerk of Hampden that it is not recorded there, but the witnesses show that the marriage was before the incorpora- tion of the Town & therefore no Record could be expected to exist - I thought that, with her Declaration on the point sufficient hence did not procure said Certificate -
Your remark that there is a singular simi- larity in the handwriting of the signatures of the affidavits to the marriage may be true -
I have no recollection how they looked - I was not present when either of said affida- vits was given - Two of the witnesses I have never seen - one, Mrs. Hopkins, I have seen & know her to be a very respectable old person - although it is several years since I saw her - The Justice who took the Deposi- tions I do know to be a man highly respec- table - a man of standing - of property - of influence in his town - a man whose certif- icate may be confidently relied on - if the

witnesses did not sign their names with their own hands, they authorized the Justice or some other present to sign for them - So much I could safe-ly say from my knowledge of the Justice - I have no personal knowledge on the subject - no portion of the testimony in the case was ta-ken in my presence -
In conclusion Sir if you can find time to give this case a personal examination, I believe you will find that what I have said is reason-able and that the case stands remarkably well supported -
I will send the Certif. of the Town Clerk & some affidavits of the Revolutionary repu-tation of both.
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully your Obedt Servt
Geo. B. Moody
Hon L. P. Waldo Commr of Pensions

Bangor Oct. 3. 1853
Sir
Your letter of the 28 Sep. relative to an error in computing Mrs. Linett's Pension has been received - The old lady being in urgent want of the money due & it being uncertain whether your reexamination would satisfy you of my correctness as to the amount she concluded to draw the money according to the certificates sent and has received the amount due thereon up to the 4 th Sep and the certificates under the Laws of 1838 - 1843 &c have been surrendered to the Pension agent at Portland - The certificate under act of Feb. 2, 1845 I herewith enclose for correction & I presume that in the new certificate you may issue, the balance due her under the other laws amounting to about 1500 can in some manner be allowed her -
I have the honor to be Hon L. P. Waldo Very Respectfully Comm r of Pensions Your Obedt Servt Geo. B. Moody

Nancy Swift formerly widow of Ezekiel Cobb. Maine.
Admitted.
on the July 1838.
1 year and 28 days as a pri- vate at the rate of $42.09 per annum from the 4 th March 1836. except two years.
should be $43.06 per annum.
Pay to Nancy Swift.
Certificate to George B. Moody Esqr. Bangor - Maine.

Payment to be made at Portland by Geo' F Emery Esq
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Maine
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 36 Vol. 1
N E Robinson Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848, Nancy Smit, formerly widow of Ezekiel Smit of Maine who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Forty two dollars and Nine cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this 16 th day of September one thousand eight hundred and 53.
Edward Everett
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
L. M. Mollo Commissioner of Pensions.

Brif - Chaney Smith. 1838 Me.

Brief Case Nancy Smith Maine
(22 nd Jany 1853) Nancy Smith refers to Certif. Sec. Maps. for service - Married Ezekiel Cobb 19 th Oct. 1788 - Ezekiel died 29 th June 1816 - - Married Abigail Smith 13 th June 1822, Abigail died 30 th July 1843.
Certif. Sec. Maps. (11 th Jany. 1853), show Ezekiel Cobb on Roll Capt. Lona: Andrews Co. Col. Prime, Regt as private from May
7 mo. 24 ds. { 8 to Decr 31, 1780 - 7 mos 24 days. Coast Service. 5 " 4 ds. { Roll dated Thomaston - Roll Capt. John Reed Co. Col. 1 1/2 mo. 28 ds. { McColl, Regt Coast Service at the Eastward as private from June 28 th to Decr 1. st 1781 - 5 mos. 14 days - On rec't signed at Falmouth Decr 1, 1781 for gun & bayonet from Capt John Reed.
Testimony (21 st Jany 1853.) was well acquainted with Ezekiel from earliest period to which her memory goes back till his death & known Nancy Smith who was his wife ever since recollection to date. Was present at marriage of Ezekiel & Nancy at the house of W m Murch at a place now the Town of Hampden. Married same day in Oct. 1788. Dept. was then living at house of V a Murch who was her brother-in-law. Knows the year because she was then Eliza years old - lived near them ever since &c &c &c & Nancy same person

page who married Shilena.
Abiah Hopkins, (24 th Jan y 1853), age 77 yrs well knew Ezekiel from time Shilena, 12 yrs old till his death. Also known Nancy from v. time to present. Was in neighbourhood at time of marriage of C. & N. It was a topic of conversation in the neighbourhood. was not present at marriage, but went to see the parties next day. - everybody spoke of their being mar- ried. was then in 13 th yr: and satisfied it was in 1788. - reported married. then, and since. Ezekiel reported a soldier in Rev. war.
Abiah Jackson (21 st Jan y 1853), 62 yrs of age varp her father name was Ezekiel Cobb. & mother name Nancy Cobb. they had 9 children. 4 sons, 5 daughters. - sons all dead. C. & N. lived as man & wife to his death which happened in 1816. Nancy since then married Shilena Swift.
Town Clk: Hampden by Record shows Ezekiel Cobb death 29 th June 1816.
" " " " " marriage of Shilena Swift with Nancy Cobb of Hampden Jan y 13 th 1822.
" " Orington " " " death of Shilena Swift on 30 th July 1843.
Also other evidence which has been examined.

Bangor Sept. 19. 1853
Col. Miles
Sir
My acquaintance with you although slight has indicated that frankness and affability on your part which makes me take the liberty of directing a letter to you personally on the subject of one of my cases which has come under your cognizance & will probably be decided by your opinion.
I allude to the case of Nancy Linett wid of Ezekiel Cobb, which remains now suspended on what I supposed must be called a question of identity. In order to meet that question I furnished a certain amount of that kind of evidence which alone could reasonably be expected at so late a period after the Revolution as to that of his neighbors and acquaintances as to his being reputed to have served and as to statements of his own in his lifetime on the subject.
Surely the Pension Office do not require that a case should be wholly made out before it can be allowed in two separate ways 1/ By Record Evidence - and 2 d by parol evidence.

To do this would in nearly all such cases , be a virtual rejection of them and a virtual denial of justice - and it would be establishing a Rule which no one could hesitate to pronounce perfectly arbitrary, and not capable of justification by any principles of legal evidence applicable in the law or equity tribunals of this or any other country where individual rights are respected.
I assume then that before the tribunal of the Commissioner as before any judicial Court it is sufficient to prove service by either method of proof - In the case in question the service of Gabriel Goble is established beyond controversy by the Record from Mass - That being the case I admit that the Commr should have reasonable satisfaction that the applicant's husband is the person whose service is thus proved - But a doubt of identity is one easily started while at the same time from lapse of years it is prima facie nearly impossible that it should be established to an absolute demonstration - And where the Records in the possession of the Govt do not show the existence of more than one person of the name a strong presumption arises in the outset that the applicant is the identical person - When then it is shown that the applicant was known and respected in his life time as a Revolutionary soldier there

fact following upon that presumption ought to be regarded as making out a case -
Then further the statement of the misnomer of the facts she had derived from her husband made in her application altho of course not of the nature of positive proof afford strong confirmation of the identity of her husband with the Party proved to have served for although she does not recollect and it is not to be expected that she should many particulars, yet she recalls and names in her application to the Sec. of Navy two of the officers which his subsequent certificate gives as officers under whom he served - these names she must manifestly have got from her husband - By no accident or chance is it reasonable to suppose that she could have hit upon them - If he was not the man how came these names in her mouth -
Again in said application she names the principal towns on the coast of Maine as places where his service was rendered - Here is another strong coincidence with the Record which shows that he was on coast service a portion of the time - Some of the witnesses also mention the coast service as part of his statements to them and all of them testify that he told of

a long period of Revolutionary Service - What reason is there then to doubt the identity? Identity may sometimes be easily proved when the events and the period are recent - but every flying day makes it more difficult till it re- verts to a remote period it usually becomes near- ly impossible and as time passes the requisites of proof when this bond should become less & less stringent - I repeat there appears in this case no reasonable ground for doubt on the point of identity - I sent the last proofs on the 9 th of June last - This widow now tottering on the brink of the grave almost daily goes to the house of her neigh- bor to enquire for her pension - she worries that she should be delayed so long - she prays that her old heart may be warm & gladened by news of its allowance before she dies - that she may feel that while so many others are enjoying she may not be selected as an out- cast unworthy to receive the Bounty of the Govt and that before she dies she may have a little fund which she may leave to some of her friends who have taken care of her in her poverty and may take satisfaction by some little legacies of testifying to their her gratitude & affec- tion - let me hope that a speedy decision

of a case that relates to me in all respects to mentorship, & so well established & many relieve her anxiety & glad to see the remain- der of her days -
For further comments on the case I refer you to my letters to the Comm. - & remain Very Respectfully Sir Your Obedt Servt
Geo. B. Woodley

Bangor Sept. 21, 1853
Col. Miles Dr Sir
Had I waited one day more I should have spared myself the labour of writing & you that of reading an argument which proves to have been unnecessary as I have the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt this morning of Pen sion certificate for Mrs Linnell for which the Commr will please accept my thanks -
The service shown by list of diff. certificate is 12 months 28 days and was I presume the basis for graduating the amt of the Pension - Is there not a slight error of computation in the amt allowed on a slip of the pen in drawing the certificates -
  12 months at 80.00 per 2 years  let be $40.00    28 days is 28/30 of 1 month or 28/365 a year =  3.09    making in this mode of computing  $43.09    or 1 year at 80.00 is  40.00    28 days at 10\frac{80}{73} cents per day     dividing 40.00 by 365  3.06    making  43.06 per annum  
If you will take the trouble to cast this & find me to be right there will be about

15.50 more coming to the wisdom up to 4 Feb. last than the present banknotes give her with fair the premium at 42.09 - If I am not in error here shall be correction be made.
I am Sir with great regard
Very Respectfully
Yours etc etc
Geo. B. Moody

Brief in the case of Nancy Swett formerly widow of Ezekiel Cobb and Penobscot - County and State of Maine - act of the July 1838.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Record proof that Ezekiel Cobb served for (12). Twelve months, and Twenty Eight days as a private in 1780 and 1781.
Parol proof that Ezekiel and Nancy married in October 1788.
Record proof that Ezekiel died on 29 th June 1816.
Record proof that Abigail and Nancy married 13 th June 1822.
Record proof that Abigail died 30 th July 1843.
Parol proof that Nancy is now a widow.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Charles H. Rhetts.
Name and residence of Agent
George B. Moody Esqr. Bangor. Maine.
Examining Clerk.

Nancy Swett formerly widow of Ezekiel Cobb.
Maine.
Admitted.
7 th July 1838. &c
1 year and 28 days as a private at the rate of $43.06 per an- num from 4 th March 1836- except two years, deducting former payments, at rate of $42.09 per annum.
Pay to,
Nancy Swett.
Certificate to,
George B. Mandy Esq.
Bangor.
Maine.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
January 11, 1853.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name Ezekiel Cobb is borne on a roll of Capt. John Andrews. Co., Col. Prince Regt. as private from May 8 to Dec. 31. 1780. 7 months 24 days. Coast service, roll dated Thomaston.
On roll of Capt. John Reeds' Co. Col. Mc. Cobb's Regt. Coast service at the Eastwards as private from June 28, to Dec. 1. 1781. 5 mos. 4 days.
On receipt signed at Falmouth Dec. 1. 1781. for Gun & bayonet from Capt. John Reeds.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Amos Walker Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Application for certificate of Revolutionary Service, made by the Union of the party who rendered the service.
State of Maine County of Penobscot Town of Orono
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Mas- sachusetts, is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office of the service of Ezekiel Lobb in the war of the Revolution.
He was a native of Gorham in said State of Maine.
He is believed to have been drafted from the Town of Gorham in said State of Maine and to have served in North- Carolina - Carolina - Eastport - on the Penobscot Expedition for a period of nine or ten months and probably longer - in said Revolution - He thinks the name of the Captain of his company at some time was M c Sellan - and the Major - Knights - He served at one time under a Capt Reed - and Capt. or Major Andrews - I have forgotten the Col.

I have no means of stating any thing more or to the particular or length of his service - I have heard from him many statements & much conversation on the subject, but cannot recollect definitely enough to make statements for which I should be responsible. I am Eighty two years of age -
Witness my hand this third day of January A.D. 1883, Nancy her X Luett mark
Signed by Nancy Luett in my presence - Warren Nickerson Justice of the Peace

State of Maine.
Penobscot, ss.
I, Nathan Weston Junr. William T. Merrill , Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, certify that Warren Vickerson
Esquire, is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, as appears by the papers hereto annexed, that he is duly qualified to act as such; and was so at the date of his several Certificates
and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT for said State, this twenty fourth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three. I also certify that I have no interest in the result of the claim of Nancy Swett and my agency or concern in the prosecution thereof. Nathan Weston Jr. Clerk.

I Jimima Nye on oath depose and say that I am 75 years of age was born in the year 1777 that I was well acquainted with Ezekiel Cobb late of Hampden in the County of Penobscot and State of Maine deceased, from the earliest period to which my memory goes back until his death and that I have known Nanny Swift who was the wife of said Cobb ever since my recollection up to this date I was present at the marriage of said Ezekiel Cobb and Nanny whose maiden name was Nanny Thompson - at the house of William Murch in a place on the Penobscot River then unincorporated, since the town of Hampden. The said Ezekiel and Nanny were married by Simeon Fowler Esquire a magistrate who married most of the couples in those days for 30 miles up and down the river. It was solemnized on some day in the month of October in the year seventeen hundred and eighty eight I was then living at the house of said Murch who was my brother in law. Said Ezekiel lived at said Hampden and said Nanny at Orrington on the opposite side of the river. There was a considerable company of friends and acquaintances at the marriage. There was dancing and a pretty gay time.

it was in the afternoon many others were present among them I recollect Amos Doane and wife Benjamin Munk and wife Simon Smith and wife and Mr. Billington and his wife all of whom are now dead I do not know of any one present at the marriage who is now living besides myself I was then eleven years of age old - I recollect all the circumstances as well as if they happened yesterday - I am sure as to the month and year but as to the day of the month I cannot feel quite sure I remember its being in the fall of the year and can say that October has ever since been in my mind as the month, and I was able to fix the year because I know that I was then eleven years old. I continued to live near the said parties ever afterwards and am able to state from my own personal knowledge that they lived from that time forth in the married relation calling each other husband and wife - that they were reputed as husband and wife from that time up to 1794 and ever since till his death - I also state that I never heard any doubts expressed upon the point. I also state that said Ezekiel and Nanny had a large family of children who they acknowledged as their lawful children some of whom are dead and some alive The said Nanny

is the same person who married for her second husband, Ithbrand Pratt and she is now a widow I also state that the said Cobb was reputed in his life time to have served for a good while in the Revolution
Jemima Nye
State of Maine } ss, County of Penobscot }
January 21 1853
Personally appeared Jemima Nye and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition And I certify that I am acquainted with the said Jemima that she is remarkably intelligent and bright for a person of her age and seems well in body and mind and she is fully entitled to credit
Warren Nickerson Justice of the Peace

I Deborah Hopkins of Orrington in the County of Penobscot and state of Maine on oath depose and say that I am in the 77 th year of my age that I well knew Ezekiel Cobb late of Hampden from the time I was 12 years old until his death and have also known said Nancy I well from said time to the present - I was visiting in the near neighborhood of William Murch's in Hampden at the time of the marriage of the said Ezekiel and Nancy whose name was Nancy Thompson It was a topic of conversation in the said neighborhood at the time and for some time after I was not present at the wedding but the next day went to see the parties - every body spoke of them as being married - I was then in my 13 th year and feel satisfied it was in 1788 I also testify that they the said Cobb and Nancy lived together as husband and wife for quite a number of years before the year 1794 to my own knowledge were so reputed - no one ever disputed it - they had several children born before that date they were very respectable people - I have always known them The said Ezekiel Cobb was said by all his acquaintances to have been a Revolutionary Soldier I am well acquainted with Jerimiah Pye and testify that she is a woman of good

character and standing and that she is entitled to full credit for any statement she should make whether under oath or not. I also know Sarah Jackson as the daughter of said Cobb and Nanny his wife now Mrs Switt      Deborah Hopkins
State of Maine } ss County of Penobscot }
January 24th 1853
Personally appeared Deborah Hopkins and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition and I certify that I am acquainted with said Deborah Hopkins and that she is a person of good character and very intelligent and fully entitled to credit
Warren Nickerson Justice of the Peace

3 "Mr Egbert Cobb, a resident of this town died June twenty fourth eighteen hundred and sixteen"
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Record, Attest Hampden (Me) { John Towne Town Clerk Jan'y 21 st 1853 } of the town of Hampden
I John Towne above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town of Hampden, County of Penobscot & State of Maine and that the above is a true extract from the Records of the town of Hampden John Towne Clerk of the Town of Hampden
State of Maine } ss County of Penobscot }
January 21 st 1853
Subscribed and sworn to before me
Warren Nickerson Justice of the Peace

"Shebena Smith, died July, Thirtieth, Eighteen hundred and forty three".
I hereby certify the foregoing is a true Copy of the Record with the excep- tion, of the date which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures, as follows, viz. July 30th 1843.
Attest,
Archelaus D. Atwood
Town Clerk of the town of Ornington
I, Archelaus D. Atwood, above named depose and that I hold the Office of Town Clerk of the Town of Ornington, County of Penobscot and State of Maine, and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me.
A. D. Atwood, Clerk of said,
Ornington
State of Maine County of Penobscot ss, January 20th 1853 Subscribed and sworn to before me
Warren Nickerson Justice of the Peace

No. 14,876 Widows Pension Claim.
Act of 7 July 1838 & subsequent Acts - for Pension from 4 March 1836.
Nancy Luett -
Geo. B. Moody Agent Bangor Feb. 2. 1853.

State of Maine - County of Penobscot ss.
I hereby certify that I have no interest in the result of the claim of Nancy Smelt for a Pension and that I have no agency or concern in the prosecution of said claim Witness my hand this 24 th day of January A.D. 1853.
Warren Nickerson Justice of the Peace