Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22849, William Coker, Continental Mass Navy

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental
Coker, William
N. 22849
Mass
Mary
Navy
CONTENTS
[Blank lined area for entries]
[Blank lined area for entries]

14.307 Maine Q
Let to H. J. Bally, H.R. June 25. 1836
Wm Ck 20 of Alna in the state of Maine who was a Mariner (ship Boston ) in the regiment commanded by Colonel McNeal of the line, for the term of 1 Year .
Inscribed on the Roll of District of Maine at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 6 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 of Sep r 1819 . and sent to Josiah Stevens Alna. Maine
Arrears to 4th of Sep r 1819 . 13573 Semi-ann. all'ce ending Mar 20 18  118
16 29/30  878 3/3
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Continued
Revolutionary claim - full account Josiah Stevens, Alna, Maine

Reported
1218
Name
Mary Cooker, widow of William Cooker who served in the Revolutionary war, as a seaman & private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 70 Dollars 66.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17. day of August 1848. and sent to
G. M. Morton Augusta Me.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 6 Vol. 1,

William Coker
Marine on board the Frigate Boston Capt. M c Neil 1776 - 1777
Services proved
Admitted

I William Coker of Alma, in the County of Lincoln and District of Maine, a citizen of the United States, on oath declare and say: That in April 1775 I belonged to Newbury Port, and hearing of the Lexington battle I set out as a volunteer with two field pieces, to act against the enemy, and proceeded to Watertown;  where was then directed to return; and in two or three days after the battle, being about the twenty third of said April, I enlisted at Newbury Port for eight months as a private soldier in the war of the revolution, on the continental establishment. I entered the company of Capt. Ezra Lunt of said Newbury-Port, in the Massachusetts line, Col. Moses Little's regiment, brigade, and in the same company faithfully served out the said eight months. I then immediately enlisted anew into the Company of Capt. Jacob Gerrish, in the same regiment, in the same war and on the same establishment for twelve months. In this company I served a little more than two months, amounting to more than ten months in the whole; when, with the consent of my officers, I procured a substitute, and received an honorable discharge, which I have since lost.
In the autumn of 1776, having been employed in building the Continental Frigate, Boston,

in Newbury Port, I shipped on board the same Frigate, as a private hand in the Carpenters' gang, under Capt. Hector Mc. Neal of Boston, for a year; and faithfully served out the same year in the same vessel, under the same Captain Mc. Neal, in the Continental establishment, in the war of the revolution against the common enemy. In the course of this time Commodore Manly having engaged the British Frigate Fox, till he was unfortunately almost, or wholly disabled, we came up and assisted in the capture of her. She was captured on the banks, off Newfoundland. The particular service in which the Boston was employed during this year, was cruising for the enemy, partly on the coast of Massachusetts, and partly on the banks. William Coker
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Lincoln ss. On the sixth day of April A.D. 1818, before me Josiah Stebbins, a Judge of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Second Eastern Circuit, personally appeared William Coker above named, and made oath to the truth of the foregoing Declaration by him signed. Josiah Stebbins.

I, Gideon Woodwell, of Newbury in the County of Essex, Massachusetts, testify and say, that I was Carpenter's Mate on board the Boston, named in the aforesaid Declaration, and know that William Coker served more than nine months on board the Boston as he has declared. Gideon Woodwell
I, John Woodwell, of Newbury in the County of Essex, Massachusetts, testify and say, that I resided in Newbury at the time of the building of the Ship the Boston. That William Coker, the Boatswain, was added on board as a hand in the Carpenter's gang on board her, as he has declared, about the month of September. After the capture of the Ship I was at Portland and saw him doing duty on board, the Boston having been in there at that time, and it has ever been under- stood, and I have not the least doubt that he served out his time. I was was a near neighbor and intimately acquainted with said William Coker and his family; and know that he served to the end of the June 17.

Cap: 6
...wife, with I am confident was about than a year from the time of his entrance. My father was chief carpenter, and my brother carpenters mate in the Boston, which made me more acquainted with the affairs of the project.
John Woodwell
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
On the seventeenth day of June, 1819, the aforesaid deponents, Gideon Woodwell and John Woodwell appeared and made oath, each to the several affidavit by him signed. And I certify that the said Gideon Woodwell and John Woodwell are disinterested witnesses and enti- tled to belief -
Josiah Stebbins, a Judge of the C.C.C.P.
N.E. Circuit.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
To the Honorable the Secretary of the Department of War of the United States.
I the subscriber, being a Judge of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, comprising the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, do hereby certify to your Honor, that William Coker , a citizen of the United States, now resident in Alna , in the said County of Lincoln , in the District of Maine, on the sixth day of April , A. D. 1818,
made application to me to receive his declaration under oath, and such other evidence, as was in his power to produce; and to transmit the same, and the proceedings had thereon, to your Honor; that he might be placed on the pension list of the United States, agreeably to the provisions of an Act, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war," passed March 18, A. D. 1818, which declaration, which was is now hereunto annexed.
And I do further certify to your Honor, that after a full examination of the said applicant, and a careful consideration of the evidence in the case, it appears to me that the said applicant did serve as a private soldier in the war of the revolution, against the common enemy, upon the continental establishment, for more than nine months, as stated in his declaration aforesaid; and that from his reduced circumstances he needs the assistance of his country for his support.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the said Court to be hereunto affixed, this sixth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Josiah Stebbins.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
LINCOLN, ss.
I THE Subscriber, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts, held within the said County of Lincoln, hereby certify that the Honorable JOSIAH STEBBINS, Esquire, before whom the annexed proceedings were held, is a Judge of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, comprising the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset; and that by the direction of the said Judge, I have affixed unto this certificate bearing his signature, the seal of the said Court in which he presides.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand:—Dated at Wiscasset, in said County of Lincoln, this day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
Authentication of Judge's office was transmitted under seal of State, June 21. 1819. On declaration returned reference is endorsed to "Case of James Robinson" in Docket of the Commonwealth v. Robinson, 1819.

110 William Loker.
Alma
14.307
March 1820
Stebbins
PROPERTY OF
THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
1. The undersigned, William Loker, of the County of ... State of ... do hereby certify that the within copy is a true copy of the original now in my possession and that the original is now in the possession of the New York Historical Society.
William Loker
of the County of ... State of ...

STATE OF MAINE.
LINCOLN, ss....At a Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the second Eastern Circuit, begun and holden at Wiscasset, within and for the County of Lincoln, on the third Tuesday, being the twentieth day of June, and by adjournment from day to day, on the eleventh day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, before the Honorable JOSIAH STEBBINS & EBENEZER THATCHER , Judges of said Court.
ON this seventh day of July in the year 1820 personally appeared before Josiah Stebbins a Judge of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the second Eastern Circuit
the same proceeding according to the course of the common law, having jurisdiction unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having "the power of fine and imprisonment," and being a Court of Record for said Circuit, William Coker aged Seventy years, resident in Alna in said Circuit, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows, viz. as a mariner in the company commanded by Capt. Carpenter's gang in the Regiment commanded by Colonel  the Boston Frigate in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the Continental Establishment, as is more particularly mentioned and described in his original declaration, made on the Sixth day of April A. D. 1818, and on which said declaration his Certificate of Pension, numbered 14.307 was granted. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818: and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed; that my occupation and ability to pursue the same, together with the number and other particulars of my family, are in fact and in truth as is particularly described on the back hereof, also subscribed by me.
William Coker
Sworn to and declared, on the seventh day of July A. D. 1820.
BEFORE
Josiah Stebbins { One of the Judges of the said Court.

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz :
Real Estate .. None. one old desk, a few chairs & other small articles of household furniture & one pig. I have due to me thirty dollars for so much lent out of my pension, the first payment of which was a considerable sum; but I now need it to make myself comfortable for clothing, some as much as eight dollars. I have no income except from attending a gristmill such time as I am able, which gives me but part of a comfortable support.
William Coker
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me William Coker who, by occupation am a shipwright which I am unable to pursue by reason of age & feebleness; I now assist when able in tending a gristmill on shares .. income uncertain.
   NAMES. AGES. Capacity of each to contribute to their support.     Mary Coker 57 my wife not able to support herself   Mary Coker 21. daughter who assists her mother but I have no right to her services.   Stephen Coker 16. son. Feeble in health, has an injury in his head & is not able to earn a support.   Attest Nat. Coffin Clk William Coker  
STATE OF MAINE.
LINCOLN, ss.
I, NATHANIEL COFFIN, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for said Circuit, within the county of Lincoln, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedules thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is Twenty nine dollars and cents .
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this eleventh day of July A. D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty.
Nat. Coffin
{ Clerk of the said Circuit Court for the County of Lincoln.

VI 213 Mary Coker widow of William Coker a Pensioner, under Act March 18. 1818. on the Maine Agency
She act 7 July 38. Married in 1792 Died in 1823.
adm'd 12 mo Seaman
48 pp
No deduction
Georgetown Augusta Maine

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
STATE OF MAINE.
Lincoln County, ss.
On this 23 d day of August A. D., 1838, personally appeared before the Hon. Nathan Weston Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State. Mary Coker, a resident of Alma in the County of Lincoln and State of Maine, aged seventy two years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7th, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;" That she is the widow of William Coker late of said Alma, deceased, who at the time of his death was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of March 18, 1818, & she refers to the evidence he furnished the War Department for proof of service.
She further declares, that she was married to the said William Coker on the twenty second day of March in the year seventeen hundred and ninety two; that her husband, the aforesaid William Coker died on the twentieth day of September eighteen hundred twenty three at Alma; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz. at the time above stated; that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. That her maiden name was Mary Grett, & she was married at Bedford, New Hampshire.
Mary Coker
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me (the applicant being from age and infirmity, unable to appear in open court)
Nathan Weston C.J. S.J.C.

State of Maine.
On the twenty third day of August, 1830, Mary Coker, the applicant within named, was examined and sworn as within stated. I am satisfied, that she was married to William Coker, late a revolutionary pensioner of the United States, on the twenty second day of March, 1792, that the said William Coker deceased on the twentieth of September, 1823, and that the applicant has ever since remained his widow.
Nathan Weston C.J. S.J.C.
STATE OF MAINE.
Memoranda ss.
I the subscriber clerk of the Judicial Court for Somerset hereby CERTIFY, That the Hon. Nathan Weston before whom the proceedings were had, is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State. I also CERTIFY, That the foregoing summons contains the original proceedings of the said Judges in the matter of the application of Mary Coker for a pension.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court, this Seventh day of September A. D., 1838.
Thos Swan

I Stephen Cook of Alma, Lincoln County, Maine, do on oath say, that my Father William Cook a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States died at Alma aforesaid on the twentieth day of September eighteen hundred & twenty three, & that my Mother Mary Cook has remained a widow ever since that period, Stephen Cook
State of Maine,
Lincoln, ss: Subscribed & sworn to this 23 d day of August 1838, the deponent being a credible witness, Before me, Nathan Weston C.F. S.J.C.

William Cookes and Mary Swift both of Bedford were married March the twenty second day Seventeen Hundred and Ninety two.
A True Record Attest David Patten Town Clerk
I here by certify that the above is a True Copy of the Record Except the date which is in four legi- ble figures as follows (March 22 nd 1792)
A True copy of Record D. Gordon Town Clerk
I the above named Daniel Gordon depose and say I hold the office of Town Clerk of Bedford in the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire and that the above is a True Extract from the Records of said Town with the Exception above named as Certified by me
Daniel Gordon Town Clerk
State of New Hampshire Hillsborough ss
Sworn this Nineteenth day of August 1838.
Before me
W. Riddle Justice of Peace

State of New Hampshire Secretary of State's office.
I hereby certify that within named Isaac Riddell is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Hillsborough duly qualified and his resignation as such is genuine
Aug 9. 22 1838.
Isaac D. Dickey Deputy Secy
In testimony whereof I have this 22 day of August Anno Domini 1838 caused the seal of the State to be hereunto affixed
Isaac D. Dickey Deputy Secy

Augustus Me. Augt. 26. 1834.
Sir
I return you the enclosed certificate issued to Mary Coker, I would respectfully request a re-examination of her claim. Her late husband, William Coker, when he applied for the pension which was allowed him, under the Act of 1818, set forth service in 1775, & a part of 1776, which has not been allowed in computing the widow's pension. If the service or at least that in 1775, is not shown by the rolls in your Department, it can be proved by living witnesses, but I presume that you will not subject Mrs Coker to that expense. I will be satisfied on looking at the original declaration of her late husband, that it should be allowed to her.
Very respectfully Yr Obedt Servt M c Naught
J L Edwards Esq Committee of Pensions Washington D.C.

House of Reps.
June 23. 1836.
Sir,
I enclose a letter that I have just received from one of my constituents, as the most ready way to shew what is wanted. I suppose a certified copy of the declaration of the deceased to obtain his pension will answer the purpose, as his widow probably is unable to specify his services as required in order to obtain the land from the State of Maine. But if your department is in possession of any evidence (in addition to his declaration) of his three years service, I would respectfully ask in behalf of the widow ask to have it furnished.
Please to send to me, and I will communicate with the parties concerned.
Very respectfully,
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
J. Bailey
(over)

P.S. Alma is in the County of Penobscot, State of Maine.
June 20, 1850.
July
I enclose a letter that I have just received from one of my correspondents, on the most recent way to show what is wanted. I suppose a certified copy of the declaration of the deceased is sufficient. I have a letter from him, dated the 10th inst. which is in answer to a specific request to explain in order to obtain the bond from the State of Maine. But for your interference it is in proportion of my earnings (in addition to the declaration) of the three years previous. I remain respectfully & etc. in behalf of the undersigned to have it forwarded. Please to send to me, and I will communicate the result to you in due season.
Very respectfully,
W. H. Burleigh
Rev. J. P. Cleveland Commissioner of Pensions.

Mary Estlin
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original text.]

On the twenty third day of August, 1830, I received the declaration of Mary Coker for a pension, by request, at her residence. She was seventy two years of age. I found her very feeble and infirm, and unable to attend at a court town.
Nathan Weston
C. J. State of Maine

Maine - 3,249
Mary Coker, widow of William Coker,
who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 th Mar. '18, and who died on the 20 th September 1823 of Tisbury in the State of Maine who was a seaman in the ship Boston commanded by Captain Michael of the by _____ in the _____ line for 12 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 48 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of June '39, and sent to Mrs. Mary Coker Augusta, Me.
Arrears to the 4 th of March — $144.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 24.00 $168.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk, Book A Vol. 1 — Page 3-

Report
Maine  3539
Mary Coker widow of William Coker who was a Seaman & Private in the Naval Service for 20 months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of Seventy - Dollars Sixty Six Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the Ninth day of December 1843 and sent to
G. W. Martin Augusta Maine
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 3

V
Ans d By M. Morton Nov 12 th '38

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 22.849
Mary Baker wid of William Baker Rev Rev war
Act Feb. 2 d  1/48
Index : Vol A , Page 450
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Maine 3,247.
Mary Baker, widow of William Baker
who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 th Mar. '18 and who died on the 20 th Sep r 1823, of Lincoln in the State of Maine who was a S er & P er in the Ship commanded by Captain Boston (father) commanded by Capt. M c Clure in the U.S. Service time for 20 M th In ar s for $48.00
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 70 Dollars 66 2/3 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of Sep r 39, as sent to and from Newcast, Me. Augusta, Me.
Arrears to the 4 th of March — $211.98 Semi-annual allowance ending 3 33 $245.31
Special
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by R. Burdick Clerk. Book A Vol. 15 Page 57

Vol 15. 52. pri 8mo. 75.
Issued new Certificate for 12 mo. Seaman 8mo pri
$70.66
deduct what has been paid
Wm Wood Jr Augusta Me
Mary Baker no 3247 } $48. pr ann. Payment to be made
at Portland by A. Newhall, Esq., Agent for paying pension- ers, in the Agency of Maine
Payable on the 14th March and 14th September in each year.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A Vol. 1, Page 5. by
R. Burdine Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Five years' Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Mary Boker, of Maine, widow of William Boker, deceased, who was a Seaman in the Revolution, and died on the twentieth day of September 1822 is entitled to receive five years' pension at the rate of forty eight dollars and  cents per annum, commencing on the fourth day of March, 1836; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this twentieth day of June - one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine
Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
Commissioner of Pensions.

Mary Cooker
aa
3539
Admitted
Geo. W. Norton Angiola Maine

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of February 2, 1848, entitled "An Act Making further provisions for the Surviving Widows of the Soldiers of the Revolution."
STATE OF MAINE, } ss. COUNTY OF Lincoln }
On this 28 th day of July A. D. 1848 personally appeared, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in the County of Lincoln and State of Maine, Mary Coker a resident of Alna in the County of Lincoln aged Eighty one years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the second of February, 1848, granting Pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of William Coker who was a Private during the Revolutionary War; that she was pensioned as the widow of the said William Coker at the rate of Seventy dollars and Sixty Six cents per annum, under the Act of June 17, 1844, which was paid to her at the Agency in Portland, in the State of Maine. She further declares that she is still a widow.
WITNESS:
Warren Rundlett
Mary Coker
L. A. Pennon
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written,
BEFORE ME,
Warren Rundlett
Justice of the Peace.
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing declaration.
Warren Rundlett
Justice of the Peace.
STATE OF MAINE, } ss. KENNEBEC COUNTY, }
I, William M. Stratton Clerk in the Courts of Kennebec County, certify that Warren Rundlett is a Magistrate as above, and that the above signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine, and subscribed my name this 31 st day of July in the year 1848.
W. M. Stratton
Clerk of the Courts of Kennebec County.

3591 Mary Eiken
$70 66
3539
3
Georgetown Augusta Maine

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March, 1843, granting Pensions for one year to certain Widows who have received Pensions under the Act of July 7, 1838.
STATE OF MAINE, }
County of Lincoln ss. }
A. D. 1843, personally appeared, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in the County of Lincoln
On this twenty first day of June  August
and State of Maine, Mary Coker
_____ a resident of Alna in the County of Lincoln aged Seventy six 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 Act of Congress, passed on the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of William Coker who was a private during the Revolutionary War; that she was pensioned as the widow of the said William Coker at the rate of Seventy dollars and Sixty six cents per annum, under the Act of July 7, 1838, which was paid to her at the agency in Portland in the State of Maine . She further declares that she is still the widow of the said William Coker having remained unmarried ever since his death.
Witness Warren Rindlett Stephen Coker
Mary Coker
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written,
Before me, Warren Rindlett Justice of the Peace.
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me to have been pensioned under the Act of July 7, 1838, and is the reputed widow of William Coker deceased, and has remained unmarried ever since his death.
Warren Rindlett Justice of the Peace.

State of Maine } County of Kennebec } ss
I the subscriber Clerk of all the Judicial Courts for the County of Kennebec do hereby certify that Warren Rundalette Esq is a Justice of the Peace as within stated, and that the within signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for the State of Maine this 28 th day of August A.D. 1843.
J. R. Nichols