Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 18767, John Cobb, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Cobb, John.
S 18767
Carded
CONTENTS

6727
Massachusetts
John Cobb
of Bristol in the State of Mass who was a pr Hor in the company commanded by Captain Cobb of the Reg t commanded by Col Whitney in the Massachusett line for 13 months service 1 mo corporal
75 Mutil
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 33 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 th day of March 1833 and sent to Mrs. J. L. Hodges H. B.
Arrears to 4th of March 1833 107.32 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept 26.83
$134.15
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Daniel Doyd Clerk, Book D Vol. 2 Page 94

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, } BRISTOL, ss. }
At a COURT of PROBATE held at Taunton in and for said County on the twenty eighth day of August  by Adpt. one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, before the Honorable HODIAH BAYLIES, Judge of the Probate, &c. for said County, personally appeared John Cobb a resident of Mansfield in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832, make the following declaration.
That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers and served as hereinafter stated; to wit: under Capt Silas Cobb in 1776, two months  in the revolutionary war In the same year he served under Capt Josiah Smith  six months In 1777 he served under Capt Silas Cobb  six months In 1778 according to the best of his remembrance he served under  Capt. Isaac Hodges  one month In 1779 he served under Capt. Robinson  one month .
and further declares as follows, in reply to the interrogatories propounded by the Secretary of War; to wit:
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
Ans. That he was born in Dorston in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the year one thousand seven hundred and fifty seven .
2. Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it? He has a record of his birth in the Bible left by his father — the Bible is now at Benjamin Cobb's in said Mansfield.
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?
He was living at said Mansfield at the time he was called into service. He has lived in said Mansfield ever since the revolutionary war, to the present day, except about two years, part of which time he resided in Lenox in Massachusetts, & part of the two year in Stephentown in the state of New York.
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom? He in 1776 enlisted for two months — In the same year he enlisted under Capt Josiah Smith for six months. In 1777 he enlisted for six months. In 1778 he was drafted & served one month. In 1779 he voluntarily enlisted & served one month.
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served: such Continental

Served one month. In 1779 he voluntarily enlisted & served one month.
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
In 1776 he enlisted for two months under Capt. Silas Cobb. He was marched from Mansfield to Winter Hill, so called, in or near Medford, & there stationed some little time from thence he was marched to Roxbury, & from thence to Dorchester, where he was stationed until the time of enlistment had expired. Benjamin Bates was Lieutenant of the company in which he served. During the time of this service the British left Boston. In the same year he enlisted into the company commanded by Capt. Josiah Smith for six months. He was marched from Mansfield to Nantasket, then called, now Hull, & was stationed there the whole of the time of his enlistment. A. McNichols was Lieutenant of the company in which he served. The company belonged to the regiment commanded to Col. Whitney. The major's name was Miller.
In 1777 he enlisted into the company commanded Capt. Silas Cobb, in the regiment commanded by Col. Flyer. He was marched from Mansfield to Slade's Ferry stationed at, or near said Ferry, a short time. During the time there stationed, he was detached on a party to watch the shores, he was marched Gardner's Brook & after two or three weeks returned with the party to said Slade's Ferry. From thence he was marched to Little Compton in Rhode Island & after a short stay, he was marched to Oldike's Newtown, so called, & there stationed a short time & from thence he was marched to Providence at which place he was stationed until the time of enlistment had expired. Benjamin Bates was Lieutenant of said company. Col. Wade was the Lieutenant Colonel. This was at the time of General Spencer's private expedition, so called.
In 1778 according to his best recollection, he was detached & served one month under Capt. Isaac Hodge. He was marched from Mansfield to Little Compton in Rhode Island, & there stationed the whole time of enlistment. John Deane was Lieutenant of the company in which he served.

In 1779 he enlisted in the company commanded by Capt. Robinson & served one month. He was marched from Mansfield to Providence in Rhode Island & there stationed the whole of the time of enlistment.
All the service performed by him was in the Massachusetts Troops.
I refer to the annexed affidavit —

6. Were you a Soldier or an Officer? if 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? if an Officer, did you ever receive a commission, and if so by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
In all the services performed he served as a private soldier, except in 1778 he served as a corporal in Capt. Isaac Dodge's company one month. He never received a written discharge, but in every term of service, at the expiration of which, he was verbally discharged by the commanding officer of the company. —
7. State the names of the 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.
Benjamin Cobb, Moses Cobb, William Dunham, Salmon Cobb, Jeremiah Leonard all of said Mansfield, John Gilbert Alisha Smith both of Dorton. Joseph Fiter, Caleb Davenport, both of Attleborough. — Lyman Stone Jr. Roland Green
And the said John Cobb doth further declare that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State, or (if any) only on that of the agency of the State of —
John Cobb
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
H. Baylies, Judge of Probate.
WE Nathaniel Stone Clergyman residing in Mansfield in the county of Bristol and Roland Green Esq.  residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with the said John Cobb who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy four 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.
Nathaniel Stone Junr. Roland Green
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
H. Baylies, Judge of Probate.

John Doble was born November 9 th 1757 A true copy of Record Attest John Lawrence Town Clerk Norton August 30. 1832
investigation of the matter and after putting the inter- applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as Nathaniel Stone Jr. - who has signed the Town of Mansfield in said County of preceding certificate is a Clergyman Bristol, and that Roland Green who has also signed the same is a resident in said Town, and is a credible person, and that their — statement is entitled to credit.  H. Baylies, Judge of Probate. Register of Probate.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } BRISTOL, ss. }
I Anselm Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Doble — of Mansfield in said County, for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court the day and year first above written.  Anselm Bassett
...veteran of the whole time of enlistment. John Deane ...veteran of the company in which he served

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 abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Nathaniel Stone Jr. - who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman - resident in the Town of Mansfield in said County of Bristol, and that Providence Green who has also signed the same is a resident in said Town, and is a credible person, and that their — statement is entitled to credit.
H. Baylies,
Judge of Probate.
Register of Probate.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } BRISTOL, ss. }
I Anselm Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Cobb — of Mansfield in said County, for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court the day and year first above written.
Anselm Bassett
...the whole time of enlistment. John Deane ...lieutenant of the company in which he served

16,787 Mr Cobb (Signature)
Private 15 months Corporal "
Alameda
$53.66
Cobb Whitney
J. L. Hodge
H.R.C.

10,787  BRIEF in the case of  John Cobb  of  Bristol Co  in the State of  Mass  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? about  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 5  3. How old is he? 74  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     76 In 17 ✓ 2 mo 18 d private Gen. Capt. Cobb   same year ✓ 6 - " - Capt. Smith Col. Whitney   77 ✓ 6 - " - Capt. Cobb Col. Keyes   78 ✓ 1 Corporal Capt. Hodges   79 ✓ 1 private Capt. Robinson  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none mentioned  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Mansfield  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? 6 living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Right 
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
W. C. Eastman Examining Clerk.  15 Feb 1833

18767 INVALID.
File No. 18767
John Cobb
Corp Rev War
Act: June 7 th 32
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 440
[Arrangement of 1870.]

16,787 Ina Cobb
J. L. Hodges HR

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Geo Cobb which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Y II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Y III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Y V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Y VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Y VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Y VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Y IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Y X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Y

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service ? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it ? Yes
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had ? Yes
XIV. †If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service ? Yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses ? Yes 4 out of 5
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct ? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service ? Yes
XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct ? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily ? And, if not, which of them is not so answered ? Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

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

I John Gilbert of Norton in the county of Bristol & State of Massachusetts being Seventy one years of age, do hereby testify and say that I have been well acquainted with John Cobb of Mansfield in the aforesaid County & State for a great many years, and that he the said Cobb served as a private soldier in the Army of the American Revolution one Campaign of Six Months in a company commanded by Josiah Smith and in Col Whitney Regiment and we were Stationed at a place called Nantasket (now Hull) in Said State of Massachusetts, and it was in the year 1776 & our troops were Massachusetts State troops, and I served in the same company at the same time.
Dated at Norton this 17 th day of August 1832 John Gilbert

Bristol Commonwealth of Massachusetts County ss, Before me one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the county of Bristol personally appeared John Gilchrist subscribed to the within affidavit and made oath that the same is true in all its parts.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and seal this 17 th day of August A D 1832.
Colonel Leonard Justin of Peace

I Abisha Smith of Norton in the county of Bristol and State of Massachusetts being seventy one years of age do hereby testify & say that I have been well acquainted with John Cobb of Mansfield in the County of Bristol & State of Mass. for a great number of years and that he the said Cobb served as a corporal in a company commanded by Isaac Hoadges, (and Major Darpby was our Major at this campaign) our campaign was one month we were stationed at a place called Little Compton in the State of Rhode Island & in the year (as I think) of 1778. and I served as a soldier in the same company at the same time. & said service was in the Army of the American Revolution Abisha Smith Dated at Norton this 17 th day of August 1832
Bristol county Commonwealth of Massachusetts
ss, Before me one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the county of Bristol personally ap- peared Abisha Smith subscriber to the above affidavit and made oath that the same is true in all its parts. In testimony whereof I have here- unto subscribed my name and quality this 17 th day of August A 1832.
Corn. Leonard Justice of Peace

I Caleb Parmenter of Attleborough in the county of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts do testify & say that according to my best recollection in or about the autumn of the year one thousand seven hundred & seventy nine John Cobb of Mansfield in said county of Bristol served in the american revolutionary war & belonged to the same company in which I served. Said Cobb belonged to the company commanded by Capt. Enoch Robinson. Said Cobb was in Providence & there served one month with me in said company.
Caleb Parmenter.
Bristol ss August 2 1832. Then personally appeared the above named Caleb Parmenter & made solemn oath that the statement by him subscribed is true.
Before me Roland Green Justice of the Peace.
I further certify that the above named Caleb Parmenter is a creditable person.
Roland Green Justice of the Peace

We, William Dunham of Mansfield in the county of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts being seventy nine years of age, & Mason of said Mansfield Cobb, being seventy seven years of age, do hereby give evidence, testify & say, that we are well acquainted with John Cobb of said Mansfield, & that in the year 1776 the said John Cobb enlisted & served two months under Capt. Silas Cobb, in Col. French's regiment. At the said John Cobb, with the subscribers, were marched from Mansfield to Winter Hill, so called, in or near Bedford, there stationed a short time, & then marched to Roxbury, from thence to Dorchester. At the expiration of the two months services, he the said John Cobb, together with the subscri- bers, were discharged by Capt. Silas Cobb. W m Dunham Mason Cobb
Bristol ss. Mansfield September 18 th 1832. Then per- sonally appeared the above named William Dunham & Mason Cobb & made solemn oath, that the above statement by them subscribed is just & true. Before me Roland Green Justice of the Peace.
I further certify that the above named W m Dunham & Mason Cobb are credible persons Roland Green Justice of the Peace

We, William Dunham of Mansfield in the county of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being twenty nine years of age, & Mason Cobb of said Mansfield, being twenty seven years of age, do hereby give evidence testify & say that we are well acquainted with John Cobb of said Mansfield, & that in the year 1777 the said John Cobb enlisted & served six months under Capt. Silas Cobb in Col. Hovey's regiment. The said John Cobb was marched from Mansfield, with the subscribers, to Slade Ferry, & there stationed a part of the time; from thence he with the subscribers, were marched to Little Compton in Rhode Island, from thence to Updeike's New Town, so called, in or near North Kingstown, & from thence, after some time, marched to Providence where at the expiration of the six months service he, the said John Cobb with the subscribers were verbally discharged by Capt. Silas Cobb.
W m Dunham
Mason Cobb
Bristol ss. Mansfield. Sept r 18 th 1832. Then the above named William Dunham & Mason Cobb personally appeared & made solemn oaths that the above statement by them subscribed is just & true
Before me Poland Green Justice of the Peace.
This may certify that the above named William Dunham & Mason Cobb are credible witnesses
Poland Green
A. 1. H. certify that the above named William Dunham & Mason Cobb are credible persons Poland Green Justice of the Peace

I Salmon Cobb of Mansfield in the county of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being seventy years of age, do hereby give evidence testify & say, that in the year 1776 John Cobb of said Mansfield served six months in the company commanded by Capt Josiah Smith. He the said John Cobb was marched from Mansfield to Nantasket, now Hull, & there stationed. This he saith according to the best of his recollection.
Salmon Cobb
Bristol ss. Mansfield. September 18 th 1832. Then personally appeared the above named Salmon Cobb & made solemn oath that the above statement by him subscribed is just & true.
Before me Roland Green Justice of the Peace.
This may certify, that the above named Sal- mon Cobb is a credible witness.
Roland Green
I further certify that the above named Salmon Cobb is a credible person.
Roland Green Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. I Anselm Bassett, Register of the Court of Probate within & for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Brownell Leonard & Roland Green are Justices of the Peace for said County and that their signatures as such which are affixed to the foregoing certificates are genuine —
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of the said Court, This 22 d day of October A. D. 1832. —
Anselm Bassett