Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16,722, Benjamin A Cooper, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Pa.
Cooper Benjamin A.
S 16722
CONTENTS

1481 20.283 A 20283
in the State of Mo - who was a sergeant in the Company commanded by Captain Scott of the Regt commanded by Col Vogin in the War no for
9 Yrs View $ 320.00
Enscribed on the Roll of Missouri at the rate of 320 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of April 1834 and Jan 6 By Wm H. Wiley AR
years to the 4th of March 34 = 960.00 semi-annual allowance ending Sept 160.00
$ 1120.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. S. Pray Clerk. Book C Vol. 8 Page 80

State of Missouri, County of Saline Writ:
On this twenty fifth day of February one Thousand eight hundred and thirty three, personally appeared in open Court, before the judge of the Circuit of said Court of Saline County Benjamin A. Cooper a resident of the County of Saline aforesaid and state aforesaid - Aged seventy seven years - Who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June Seventh 1832 -
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated - That he entered into the service of the United States as a private in the Company of Washington in the state of Virginia in the year 1776 under the Command of Capt. Daniel Smith, Lieut. Wm. Bowen, and Ensign William Cowan, and acted as ranger on the waters of Clinch & Holston Rivers in the state of Virginia aforesaid - and Cont. d in this service until the year 1779 - at which period we were ordered

and marched to the State of Kentucky to Boon- =boro. previous to our marching John Duncan was appointed Capt of the Company, John Haggins Lieut, and John McMahahan ensign On our arrival at Boonboro Ky 1779 John Bowman, took Command and Major James Harrodd - At this place Capt. Duncan became dissatisfied with some arrangements, and resigned his Commission, and was succeeded by Isaac Riddle as Captain. At this time place to wit in the year 1779 I was ap- =pointed an indian spy for one year, I camped from this place, about five miles the Forks of Licking and this that Country.
In June 1779 I with half of our Com- =pany was marched by Col Bowman to Chillicothe against the Shawnee indians and there had a severe battle, we retreat about 12 miles. They pursuing, we again gave them battle, and here Conquered them after this we returned to our station on Licking in the state of Kentucky -

At this place & in September 1779 I obtained a Furlough from Capt. Riddle by order of the Col. and Col. to Virginia, Washington County for the purpose of removing my father's family, together with others who also came out to Lincoln County in Ky -
In the Spring of the year 1780. I was appointed by the Court of Lincoln County, after having been elected by the Company as Lieutenant in a Company, Commanded by Capt. Samuel Scott, and Robert Scott was Ensign - Col. Benjamin Logan was Commandant and Hugh McGarvie was Major - we then proceeded from Lincoln County Ky - to Chillicothe in the state of Ohio - to the Shawnee & Piqua Towns, here we were commanded by Genl. George Rogers Clarke, at this place we had a severe engagement, where we defeated the Indians - and destroyed a great quantity of their Corn -

From this place we ret. d to Lincoln County Ky and guarded the frontier settlements, from this time to the year 1782. In this year Col. Stephen Trigg obtained the Command instead of Col. Logan, and marched this Company to the Blue Licks, where we had a fatal Battle. Col. John Todd, and Col. Trigg both fell at this place. In the fall of this year we were marched under the Com- mand of Col. Logan, to Chillicothe and the Piqua Towns, where we had again another battle, and defeated them.
We again ret. d to Lincoln County Ky. Here I remained until the year 1784 or 1785 - at which time I was marched to Fort Vincennes against the Indians. To receive the whites who had settled there. He hereby relinquishes every Claim whatever to a Pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any state Benjamin A. Cooper

State of Missouri, } County of Howard, } Set.
On this second day of December, 1833, personally appeared in open Court, before the Honorable David Todd, Judge of the first Judicial Circuit (including the County of Howard aforesaid) Benjamin A. Hoope, and made the following declaration on his oath, in addition to his Declaration made before the Judge of the Saline Circuit Court on the 25 th day of February, 1833 (which is here shown to the Court) in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. "That by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, as detailed in his declaration aforesaid, but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—
For three years I served as a private soldier
For three years I served as a Lieutenant, and for such service I claim a pension.
He knows of no living witness to his service as aforesaid, except Samuel Brown, Esq., of Howard County, who was a private soldier under him during the portion of the time he was a Lieutenant as aforesaid—and it is be-

=can he is advised of the propriety of obtain- -ing said Brown's Certificate that he make this, his amended declaration in the County of Howard.
To the question directed by the War Depart- ment to be propounded by the Court, the appli- -cant answers, that he was born in the County of Culpepper State of Virginia, in the year 1756, and on the 25 th day of January - that he has no record of his age, the regis- -ter containing having been torn from his fa- -ther's Bible - that he was living in the County of Washington and State of Virginia when he was called into the service - that since the Revolutionary War he has lived in the County of Lincoln, & County of Madison, in the State of Kentucky, and in the County of Howard & County of Saline in the State of Missouri. in the last named of which he now resides. He volunteered into the service - He has stated the names of Col. Joseph Bowman and Major James Harrod as his superior offi- -cers while a private; & the names of General George Rogers Clarke, Col. Benjamin Logan, & Major Hugh McGavock as his superior offi- -cers, while he was a Lieutenant. He never -received & never received a discharge. He received his Commission as Lieutenant from the Gov- -ernor of Virginia - but lost it after the close of the Revolutionary War.
Benjamin A. Cooper
Sworn and subscribed to the day and year aforesaid. Davis Chaves etc.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
11 th Jan y 1834
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subj d notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Benj. A. Cooper
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1776. 3 provo Cap. Smith 77 years Traditionary   1780. 3 Lieut Cap. Scott Col Logan Virginia a living Witness Living Witness not Certified to be Credible See Note f  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of } On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. ☞ This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

As to the suggestions in Note 2., and as to the improbability suggested in Mr Edwards' note of the 16th January, to Genl Ashley, concerning the length of Col. Coopers service, the Commissioners will see the different forms set out in the original declaration before Judge Ryland on the 25th of February 1833. In his amended declaration before Judge Todd of this Circuit (who is a brother of the Col John Todd who is represented by the applicant as falling at the fatal battle of the Blue Licks) he gives the aggregate of his services as a Lieutenant & also as a private. Saml Brown Senr is now certified to be a credible person &c. conformably to your suggestion - And in addition to that, a friend of Col. Cooper accidentally found out another citizen of this Co. who knew of the  his services as a Lieutenant. This is Samuel Teeter Senr, whose statement is forwarded herewith, as strengthening that of Saml Brown Senr. Col. Cooper is the patriarch of a long line of the most respectable citizens of this & some of the adjacent counties, & would scorn any attempt at imposition. But his statements are now corroborated by proof of more than  nearly two years service as Lieut, by S. Brown Senr, & Saml Teeter Senr. corroborate this statement as to two or three campaigns. It is hoped the Comr will not hesitate to award a favorable decision under the strong testimony of this case. As the applicant resides at a remote distance from any P.O., by enclosing his certificate to the undersigned, the old man will receive it much earlier than if directed solely to himself. Respectfully, J. H. Birch, for B. A. Cooper. Fayette, Mo. Co. Mo. Apr 3, 1834.
Benj. A. Cooper Missouri Adm 2 years Lieut Genl Ashley House of Reps

January 17, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/EEL Benjamin A. Cooper-S.16722
Mrs. Hale Houts 44 E. Concord Avenue Kansas City, Missouri
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin A. Cooper, who served from Virginia, received pension in Saline County, Missouri, in 1833, and died in same county in 1841.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.16722, based upon the military service in that war of Benjamin A. Cooper.
Benjamin A. Cooper was born January 25, 1756, in Culpeper County, Virginia. The names of his parents are not shown.
While living in Washington County, Virginia, Benjamin A. Cooper enlisted in 1776, served as private and ranger in Captain Daniel Smith's Virginia Company until 1778; after this, he served as Indian Spy in Captains John Duncan's and Isaac Riddle's Virginia Companies, under Colonel John Bowman and was in two battles with the Shawnees, one at Chillicothe, and was furloughed in September, year not given, when he returned home and removed his father's family to Lincoln County, Kentucky; in the spring of 1780, in said Lincoln County, he was elected lieutenant of Captain Samuel Scott's Virginia Company and was under Colonel Benjamin Logan and Colonel George Rogers Clark in the expedition against the Shawnees and Piqua towns and was in the engagement with the Indians; he then returned to Lincoln County, Kentucky, and guarded the frontiers until 1782; in 1782, he was under Colonel Stephen Trigg at the battle of Blue Licks; in the fall of 1782, he marched under Colonel Benjamin Logan to Chillicothe and the Piqua towns and was in a battle with the Indians; in 1784 or 1785, he marched to Fort Vincennes against the Indians.
He was allowed pension on his application executed February 25, 1833, while living in Saline County, Missouri; he was then referred to as colonel; no explanation for the title was given.

There are no data as to the family of Benjamin A. Cooper.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Benjamin A. Cooper (S.16722), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Benjamin A. Cooper Certificate No. 26285 Issued April 28, 1836 Rate, $330.00 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832 Missouri Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

February 20, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. Burney Joseph Simpson #30 N. LaSalle Street, R.1335 Chicago, Illinois
BA-J/EEL Benjamin A. Cooper-S.16722
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin A. Cooper, who received a pension in 1832, while a resident of Missouri.
A very careful examination has been made of the papers in pension claim, S.16722, based upon service of Benjamin A. Cooper and the following data found. These official reports have been accepted as authentic by the various historical, patriotic and genealogical societies.
Benjamin A Cooper was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, January 25, 1756. The names of his parents are not stated.
While living in Washington County, Virginia, Benjamin A. Cooper enlisted in 1776, served as private and ranger in Captain Daniel Smith's Virginia Company, until 1779; after this, he served as Indian Spy in Captains John Duncan's and Isaac Middle's Virginia Companies, under Colonel John Bowman and was in two battles with the Shawnees, one at Chillicothe and was furloughed in September, when he returned home and removed his father's family to Lincoln County, Kentucky; in the spring of 1780, in said Lincoln County, he was elected lieutenant of Captain Samuel Scott's Virginia Company and was under Colonel Benjamin Logan and Colonel George Rogers Clark in the expedition against the Shawnees and Pickaway Towns and was in the engagement with the Indians; he then returned to Lincoln County, Kentucky, and guarded the frontiers until 1782; in 1782, he was under Colonel Stephen Trigg at the battle of Blue Licks; in the fall of 1782, he marched under Colonel Benjamin Logan to Chillicothe and the Pickaway Towns and was in a battle with the Indians; in 1784 or 1785, he marched to Post Vincennes against the Indians.

Benjamin A. Cooper was allowed pension on his application executed February 25, 1833, while living in Saline County, Missouri; he was then referred to as colonel: no explanation for the title was given.
It is not stated that soldier was ever married.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Benjamin A. Cooper(S.16722), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Benjamin A. Cooper Certificate No. 26288 Issued April 28, 1834 Rate $320 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832 Missouri Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
March 19, 1927.
Jesse D. Cooper, 4114 Walnut St. Kansas City, Mo.
Sir:
I have to advise you, that from the papers in the pension claim, S. 16722, it appears that Benjamin A. Cooper was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, January 25, 1756, names of parents not stated.
While living in Washington County, Virginia, he enlisted in 1776, served as private and ranger in Captain Daniel Smith's Virginia Company until 1779. After this he served as Indian Spy in Captains John Duncan and Isaac Riddle's Virginia Companies, under Colonel John Bowhan and was in two battles with the Shawnees, one at Chillicothe and was furloughed in September, when he returned home and removed his father's family to Lincoln County, Kentucky.
In said county in the spring of 1780, he was elected Lieutenant of Captain Samuel Scott's Virginia Company and was under Colonel Benjamin Logan and General George Rogers Clarke in the Expedition against the Shawnee and Pickaway Towns and was in the engagement with the Indians.

He then returned to Lincoln County, Kentucky and guarded the frontiers until 1782.
In 1782 he was under Colonel Stephen Trigg at the battle of Blue Licks. In the fall of 1782 he marched under Colonel Benjamin Logan to Chillicothe and the Pickaway Towns and was in a battle with the Indians.
In 1784, or 1785, he marched to Post Vincennes against the Indians.
He was allowed pension on his application executed February 25, 1835, while living in Saline County, Missouri and he was then referred to as a colonel.
There is no further data on file as to family.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. * Benjamin A. Cooper Sur. file 16722
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1776 3 years Pvt. Daniel Smith John Bowman Va   Sky John Duncan   Isaac Riddle   Spring 1780 3 years Lieut Samuel Scott Benjamin Logan   Stephen Trigg   1784 or 1785 went to Vincennes against the Indians.  
Battles engaged in, Chillicothe against Shawnee Indians June 1779  Shawnee and Miamy towns at Chillicothe Ohio under Genl Geo. Rogers  and Blue Licks  Clarke Residence of soldier at enlistment, Washington Co. Va Date of application for pension, Feb 25-1833. His el was al Residence at date of application, Saline Co. Mo. Age at date of application, born in Culpeper Co. Va Jan'y 25-1756
Remarks:
* In 1833 he was referred to as Col. Cooper. after Rev. resided part of the time in Howard Co. Mo.

W m Godson of M c a Rev. Bedford. It is said that he some years ago through J. H. Butch of M c for a pension -
The old man is now dead but the Hon. Geo. B. Clark of the H o of Reps, Wis. State advised, for their information what has been done & part in law, whether the claim was allowed & anything paid. G. B. Clark.
Dec. 4th 1858
To Mr. Seddes - from Com. - Dec. 1858
William Godson on the Reg. see or my 1832 papers not on file - let J. Bell March 27 34.

amended declaration of Col. B. A. Cooper
Hon. W. H. Ashley
H R
Gen. A. can testify as to Col. Cooper's correspondence

I, Samuel Teter, Sen r of the County of Howard and State of Missouri, hereby certify that I performed either two or three campaigns during the year 1782 and 1783, under Lieutenant Benjamin A. Cooper, against the Shawnee Indians, and that Benjamin A. Cooper, of Saline County, who has made application for a pension, was a Lieutenant in one of the companies in those several campaigns. Relating myself to another company, I cannot recollect the Captain's name who commanded the company of which said Benjamin A. Cooper was Lieutenant - but I know that he continued in service, as a Lieutenant aforesaid, until the close of the Revolutionary War - and afterwards. Samuel Teter
State of Missouri, } County of Howard, } ss.
In the Howard Circuit Court, March Term, March 27, 1834 - before the Honorable David Todd, Judge of said court: The foregoing affidavit of Samuel Teter Senior, was sworn to and subscribed in open court on the 27 th day of

March, 1834 before the undersigned, Judge of said Court - and the said Court certifies that the said Samuel Tetlow Senior is a resident of Howard County, Missouri, is a credible person, and that his statement is entitled to credit.
David Fodd
I, Gray Bynum, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Howard County, Missouri, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Benjamin A. Cooper for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 27 th day of March Eighteen hundred and thirty four.
Gray Bynum clerk

State of Missouri, Howard County:
In the Howard Circuit Court, before the Hon. David Todd, Judge of said Court March Term, 25 th March, 1834.
It being suggested to the Judge of said Court, now in Session, that in the ori- -ginal proceedings before said Court, in the matter of the application of Benja- -min A. Cooper, for a Pension, there was an omission in the Certificate as to the credibility of Samuel Brown Senior, a witness in the matter of said application; it is ordered by the Court that it be Certified, that Samuel Brown, Senior, the witness afore- -said (& whose Certificate & affidavit here again shown to the Court bears date bear- date on the 2 d day of December 1833) is a resident in the County of Howard afore- -said, is a credible person and his state- -ment entitled to Credit.
David Todd
J. Gray Bynum, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Howard County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Benjamin A. Cooper, for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 25 th day of March Eighteen hundred and thirty four.
Gray Bynum Clk. C.C.H.C.
By Davis. C Reeves d.c.

War Department Pension Office
16 th Jan y 1834.
Sir.
The claim of Benjamin A. Cook has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. — He alleges three years service as a private soldier, ranger or Indian spy, and three years service as a Lieutenant performing the same kind of service. — It is hardly probable that he could have been in service so long, and if it were so, the regulations require him to give his different tours of service. See note v.
He should also bear in mind the War of the Revolution closed the 3 d of September 1783. — The witness Samuel Brown is not certified to be a credible witness. — In a word, the testimony is not sufficient to establish his claim as a Lieutenant, further proof is required.
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Your obed t Serv t J. L. Edwards
For Mr. H. Ashley House of Representatives.

I, Samuel Brown, Sen., of the County of How- ard & State of Missouri hereby certify that about the last of October, or the first of November, in the year 1781, I arrived at "Smith Station" in the County of Lincoln Kentucky, where I understood Captain Samuel Scott to have Command of a volunteer Company which was stationed there, and that Benjamin A. Cooper, the appli- cant in the foregoing declaration, was Lieu- tenant of the same. In the month of July 1782, I arrived at the age of sixteen years, when I was enrolled in the said Company, and know that the officers aforesaid then had command of the same. I continued in said Company, which continued until it was dissolved, which was about 17 or 18 months - during all which time the said Company was in service, and com- manded by Samuel Scott, as Captain, Ben- jamin A. Cooper as Lieutenant, and Robert Scott, as Ensign, with the exception of about eight weeks during which Captain Scott was sick & his place temporarily supplied by Captain James Downey.
S. Samuel Brown Jr.
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court December 2nd 1833.
Gray Byrum clk By
D. le Revresac
And the said Court hereby declares its opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolu- tionary Soldier and a Revolutionary Officer, &

that he served as he states.
David Todd Circuit Judge of Howard County Missouri.
I, Gray Bynum, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Howard County, Missouri, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original pro- ceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin A. Cooper for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, at Office, this 24 th day of December, Eighteen hundred and thirty three.
Gray Bynum clerk

Missouri Society Daughters of the American Revolution
MRS. HENRY CLAY CHILES, STATE REGENT
MRS. HALE HOUTS, STATE HISTORIAN 44 E. CONCORD AVENUE KANSAS CITY, MO.
WCH
January 5th.
Veterans Administration, Dept. Rev. War Records, Washington, D.C.
My dear Sirs:
✓ Benjamin A. Cooper was placed on Pension Roll from Saline County Missouri in 1833 he died in same county 1841. He served in Virginia during the Revolution. May I have a copy of his papers with all family history contained therein.
Thanking you for this favor, I am
Very truly yours,
Mrs Hale) Alice L. Houts

Chicago, Ill. Feb. 13, 1935. #30 N.LaSalle St. Room 1325
Veterans Administration, Washington, D.C.
Revolutionary War Pension Section
Gentlemen:-
My revolutionary war ancestor was one Benjamin A. Cooper, born in Culpepper Co., Va. about 1746, served as Lieutenant of a Virginia State Regiment, 1779-1781. He died on the Osage River in 1842, in Mo. Married Anne Fullerton, I believe. He lived in Saline, Mo. and it was Act 1832 of Pensions.
I am in need of his copy of the pension certificate with all the data thereon, as evidence. My application has been in the Society of the Illinois S.A.R. for sometime and they exact said copy, and am sorry to ask this in a hurry as they hold a meeting around Washington's birthday, and it is my wish to be then elected.
Eagerly awaiting same, I am,
Respectfully yours,
Burney Joseph Simpson
Burney Joseph Simpson, #30 N.LaSalle St. R.1325, Chicago, Ill.

24921 - 80 - 55
80279 - 160 - 55
In the claim of Benjamin A. Cooper Va Service War Rev. it is also alleged in 1885 that he served in the War of 1812 and received a bounty land Warrant Mr Gill gave me the two bounty lands above noted neither of which refer to the Rev. soldier, and says that it is impossible to make any comprehensive search as there is no service designated for the War of 1812.
M.W.
Sept. 17. 09

U. S. & N. DEF. QD EXAMINER, DEC 9 1886 Q. W. AND NAVY FILES.
U. S. OLD W. and N. Q. NOV 26 1886 RECEIVED
PRINCETON N. J. NOV 26 1886

O. W. and N. Div., Div.
SMW
Ex'r.
Ref.
No. 20 285
Benj. A. Cooper
Revolutionary War
Return this letter with your reply.
Department of the Interior PENSION OFFICE
Washington, D.C. Sept 27 - 1886
Sir
In response to your communication of Sept 13. I have to call your attention to f 5 and 6- of the accompanying circular.
Benjamin A. Cooper was pensioned as a soldier of the War of the Revolution. Under the provisions of section 4715. Revised Statutes more than one pension cannot be allowed at the same time to the same person. If he served also in the war of 1812. he did not make application therefor. and if application had been made. it could not have been allowed under the section above cited.
Very respectfully.
Wm B. Noe Clerk
Acting Commissioner
Wm D. Bush
Marshall
Mo.

Spl. Rep. Record Div. A. G. O. Mo. in Depts. at Washington, D. C.
D. F. THOMPSON
(Quar)
JEFFERSON CITY
MISSOURI.

Room 213 Winder Bldg. Washington, D.C. PENSION OFFICE SEP 11 1909 U.S.

Kansas City, Mo 4114 Walnut St.
1-29-27
Commissions of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir;
I am very desirous of getting some information that will enable my daughter to join the Daughters of The American Revolution also the Colonial Dames and will also aid me in a family tree.
My great grandfather was Benjamin A. Cooper and is supposed to have been born in Culpeper Co Va about 1754 and

fought in the Revolutionary War from 1776 to 1781 and was supposed to have been discharged as an officer of some kind probably a Lieutenant or something. If you could furnish me the fact about him I surely would appreciate it, and if possible give me name of his father & grandfather and so on back as far back as possible and where they lived.
We have heard that two Cooper brothers came from England to America about

the time of the landing of the Pilgrims and one settled in New England and the other came on down the coast and settled in what is now Va. And the Benjamin A. Cooper that I am asking about is his direct descendant. But we can't verify this nor do we know the given name of any back farther than Benjamin A. Any assistance you can give us in this will surely be appreciated and we will gladly pay any reasonable charges you may make for this in about 1854 and

great favor.
If you do not have all the facts we want could you tell us where we could get them. Are there reliable firms? who have the lineage of the early americans?
Thanking you in advance I am
Yours very truly Jesse D. Cooper
on account 1154 and

Pension Commissioner, Pension Dept. Washington D. C. Dear Sir:-
Any information concerning the following soldier of the American Revolution 1775-81 will be thankfully received.
Benj. A. Cooper, from Kentucky who served first as a private

under Washington, also as Captain of the Mountain Rangers. During the time Washington was commander in chief he was promoted to Colonel. Served 8 yrs.
Address
Mrs O. A. Lyman Regent, Mt Hyalte Chptr Bozeman Montana P.O. box # 669
May 24-21

Miami Mo
Oct. 25-1920.
Dept of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington
Dear Sir: About a month ago. I wrote you for the Revolutionary War records of Benjamin A. Cooper, of Culpeper Co. Va. and of Hailley Springton of Maryland.
Was told there would be no charge for this information so did not enclose any in my letter. Not having

a reply to my inquiry. thought possibly there might be a mistake in regard to fee -
Kindly advise me this matter, and oblige
Yours truly
Mrs. Richard W. Hagma
Box 325.
Miami
Missouri

R.S.
J. W. LIGGETT SECOND-HAND MACHINERY
HOME PHONE. MAIN 1828
LARGEST STOCK IN THE CITY WOOD WORKING MACHINERY A SPECIALTY
601 WEST 5TH STREET CORNER OF PENN
KANSAS CITY, MO., February 5-20 192
Pension Office, Washington, D.C.
Ans. by Rev. Records Section Feb 12/20. 1920.
Will you please furnish me with the Revolutionary war record of Benjamin A. Cooper of Virginia?
Also that of Hartley Sappington--I think he was from Indiana--was a Revolutionary soldier.
nothing can be done about this. nothing in this Bureau ad
Can you give me the present address of General Hunter Liggett, who commanded a division of the American army, in France?
Yours Very Truly,
J.W.LIGGETT.

Rev #
Miami Mo
Sept 4 1970
Pension Office
Washington D.C.
Gentlemen; Am desirous of joining the D.A.R. and was told to write you for the Revolutionary War records of my ancestors. Lieutenant Benjamin Cooper of Culpepper Co. Virginia, also of Hartley Sappington of Maryland.
Thanking you kindly for the information. I am

Yours truly Mrs. Richard W. Haynie
P.O. Box 325

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEEWOMEN
 Arrow Rock— Miss Sadie Hogge Arrow Rock  Blackwater— Miss Ida Bellwood Blue Lick  Cambridge— Mrs. J. A. Jaycox Slater  Clay— Miss Bess Tennill Slater, R. F. D.  Elmwood— Mrs. G. A. Richart Blackburn  Grand Pass— Mrs. Arch Van Anglen Malta Bend  Liberty—  Marshall— Mrs. Josephine Durrett Marshall  Miami— Miss Eva Miller Miami  Salt Fork— Mrs. J. M. Barrett Marshall, R. F. D.  Salt Pond— Mrs. J. D. Smith Sweet Springs 
Saline County Women's Democratic Committee Marshall, Missouri
Oct 12 - 1920
Rev. J. D.
Pension Dept. I am trying to find the Revolutionary record of Benjamin A. Cooper, who was a Lieutenant in Virginia State line. Will you please give me what information you have?
Respectfully, Mrs. Josephine Durrett

Columbia Mo Feb 21 st 1810
Honorable Commissioner of Pensions Washington D C
I write you to see if it would be possible for you to furnish me the army record of Benjamin Cooper, who served as a Lieutenant in some VA organization during the Revolutionary war. he came to Missouri in the year 1810 and settled in Howard Co he received land Warrants for his services, and I think he also received a pension, hence this inquiry of yours, as I am very anxious to get the record

if you can not furnish it will you tell me where I can get it
respectfully yours, J. T. Cooper 708. Wilks, Blvd Columbia Mo
FEB 25 1910

Cooper P.O. Rev-
Secretary Pension Department, Washington, D. C.
Kindly tell me if Lt.-Col. Benjamin Cooper who served in the Revolutionary war ever received a pension for his services? If so, kindly send me copy of his application for same.

He was originally from Virginia, I think, but emigrated to Madison county, Kentucky, then to St. Charles county, Missouri and finally to How- ard county, Missouri, where he died in 1830.
Yours truly, (Miss) Della Raper.
Fayette, Missouri, 18 November, 1916.

entitled (3-486) =
G. M. James + Grove Mo.
16-722 INVALID.
File No. 16722
Benjamin A. Cooper
Lieut Rev War
Act: June 7 th 89
Index: — Vol. 1 , Page 439
[Arrangement of 1870.]
9/27/86 H. D. Burle. not for use of 1912
Aug. 26-1903 - lms Pila
 1909 Sept. 18. Hist. To D. F. Thompson. V. L. M.  1910 Mar. 14 Hist. To J. T. Cooper V. L. M.  1916 Dec. 8 Hist. To Miss Vera Cooper  1928 Feb. 19 Hist. To J. H. Liggett  1920 Nov. 3 Hist. To Mrs. R. H. Hayne  1920 Nov. 18 Hist. To Josephine Durratt  1921 June 8 Hist. To Mrs. P. A. Lynn  1927 Mar. 9. Last to Jesse D. Cooper - aud.  1938 Jan. 15 - Hist. To Mrs. Hale Howts - Ed. 

[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. The text is mostly illegible but appears to be a formal letter.]

DA 17 17
Abel Goone, Ind. Aug 17th, 1903.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Can you find for me, on the Revolutionary War pension record , the name of Benjamin A. Cooper, who was lieutenant in a Va. regiment in the Revolution? I know that he was a pensioner, he died in Ind. in 1841 or 1842. Thanking you for the favor I am
1672 Respectfully,
26285 Wm. L. Dr. Janee.

OFFICE
RECEIVED 1886 O.
Q. M. & N. DIV. TO EXAMINEE, DEC 9 1886 O. W. AND NAVY FILES.
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]
STATION A NOV 26 1886
OLD W...

Marshall Mo Nov 22 one 1886
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Dear sir
Yours of Sept 27 th 1886 Received In regard to Pension of Benjamin A Cooper a soldier in war of 1842  the Revolution he died sometime about 1840 Ephraim McClain was advised and undertook to collect for his heirs his Pension and back pay which he had not received up to the time of his death he collected a portion of it but there was a claim for half pay that was due Cooper deceased & his heirs had some agent at Washington City to collect it and you will confer a great

power by informing us who collected the two last payments they think the amount due has never been all received by them and if there is a balance due them they would be happy to know it Respectfully yours
William D. Bush
• W. V. N. Div Lt No 20.285- Benj. Cooper Revolutionary war

Dan A. Cooper's Declaration

Sworn to, and subscribed the day and year of our Lord -
B. J. Chambers Clerk
We McLean W. Kavanagh a clergyman Residing in the County of Saline in the state of Mo. and Henry J. Needham Residing in (the same) County Certify, that we are well acquainted with Benjamin A. Cooper, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 77 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in this opinion -
W. W. Kavanagh Henry J. Needham
Sworn and subscribed the day and year of our Lord -
B. J. Chambers Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter,

and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states - And the Court further Certifies, that it appears to them that William W. Kavanagh who has signed the preceding Certificate is a cler- gyman resident in the County State afore- said, and that Henry J. Wreden who has also signed the same, is a resident in the County State aforesaid, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit -
John T. Wylam Judge of Saline Circuit Court.
I Benjamin Chambers Clerk of the Circuit Court of Saline County Do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Ben

to James A. Cooper for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 28 th day of February 1833 —
B. Chamber Clerk — " —

516722
My: Abooper Col. Rev. Respectfully yours James M. ...
James M. ...

Marshall Mo Sept-13 th 1886
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Dear Sir
Col Benjamin A Cooper who was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Revolutionary war he was allowed a Pension he drew his Pension up to the time of his death which occurred during Buchanan's Administration he also served in the war of 1812 and received a land warrant his heirs say he was entitled to half pay up to the time of his death and which half pay half has not been paid and is still due his heirs one Ephraim McClain one of his heirs who had undertaken on behalf of the heirs to collect the amount says he gave the Pension Book (or papers he had) to John B Clark Jr ex member of Congress & now a Clerk of the house wh can give some information about it he knows nothing of what Mr Clark may have done or whether anything and has been waiting ever since the war hoping that something might be done. Clark says he had mislaid or lost his Pension Book
Will you be so kind as to inform me what is the condition of this half pay claim and whether any part of it has been drawn and please send me a suitable blank to enable the heirs to make a proper claim for the back pay & greatly oblige
Respectfully Yours
Wm D Bush

STATE OF MISSOURI
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE
JEFFERSON CITY
Dear Sir: The Pension Insurance of Missouri etc.
I was a member of the Missouri National Guard... I was mustered out... I am entitled to a pension... I have been waiting for a decision... I am very sorry that I have to write to you... I hope you will be able to help me... I am, Sir, your obedient servant, [Signature]

STATE OF MISSOURI THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE JEFFERSON CITY
Room # 213 Winder Bldg Washington, D.C. Sept 10/09 The Commissioner of Pensions U.S. City
Dear Sir:
Just as I was about leaving home for Washington I was requested by a relative of the men named in enclosed letter from the Adjutant General i.e. Benjamin A. Cooper and Francis Farley = to ascertain if possible the record of each in the Revolutionary war, I shall be very glad if you will examine the letter to me of the Adjutant General and make search of your records and furnish me with all the information your records may give of each.
Also include in the search the name of Thomas Thompson of Dorchester County, Maryland in army and all troops from the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the war of the revolution.*
Please address me at Room # 213 Winder Bldg. Washington, D.C., as I shall be here for several months, and greatly oblige, Very Truly, (Kindly return letter A.G.) D. A. Thompson
* Dorchester County militia, Maryland Vols. - Continental Army

1887 Jan 10. Mr D Bush that his service being in the militia he nor his heirs are entitled to half pay - no claim ever filed Prior
John M. Clarke, Dec. 3/58 Ad. Ag. S. 1832 book
Date of death not on list

Old war Div. M.P. Ex't. No. Co. _____ Reg't _____
Department of the Interior. PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. Jany 18 th , 1887
Return this letter with your reply.
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 28 th Nov r , last, relative to a claim for Half-pay by the heirs of Benjamin A. Cooper, a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary war, I have to state that an examination has been made of the records of this office, and of the published list of names of those who have had private claims that have been before the U.S. Congress since 1789, without finding that he or others have presented a claim for Half-pay.
His first military service was as a private in a company of Rangers against hostile Indians, and near the close of it, he went to Kentucky, where he was soon appointed an Indian Spy, and subsequently he joined a company that elected him as Lieutenant, which was confirmed by the Court of the County, and under this appointment he continued to serve against the Indians. The Continental Congress authorized half-pay to the officers who served in the Continental line to the end of the war, or, may have become Supernumerary officers by the reorganization of the army, but his service having been rendered in the Militia, did not entitle him, or his heirs to Half-pay under the law of the Continental Congress, or under any other law.
Very respectfully
Mr William D. Bush Marshall Saline Co Missouri
Commissioner