Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6704, Abiel Cook, Conn. New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn. New York.
Cook, Abiel Abial or Julia Anna.
W. 6704 B.L.Wt. 24761-160-55
CONTENTS

24.236 New York Abial Cook
Owego Co. in the State of New York who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Walker of the Regt. commanded by Col. Sheldon in the New York line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 50 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Sep. 1833 and scutto K. Hill Burlington
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 33 $200 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th M ch 34 40 $240
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. C. Stiles Clerk Book E. Vol. 11. Page 94

New York
2579
A
Julia Anna Cook widow of Abial Cook Con n
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of October 1853. and sent to
Hiram Keene Coopersstown N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 70. Vol. A
(32)
W.H. Brum. Apl. 29 th 1865
Date of death not on a B
J.G.V.
Reg 3 mar 17/168

Vol. 62-20.
171168
Act March 3,
June 1"> June 16 } 55
Juliana Coast mid of (78 years) Abiel Goodell P.M.
Julia Ann Cook, in: Abial. Prs; C. C. L. line.
msw No 24761 Jp
Rev War
Pension.
Act Feb 4 3. 1853
Ms. Feb 53- 2579
Ad: 160 Ac. May. 5/56.
Bluffton S. C.
Samuel H. Marks Albany N.Y.

State of New York County of Otsego
Be it remembered that on the sixth day of July 1832 before James C. Walworth Esq. a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas sit and for the County aforesaid (said court being a court of record having unlimited powers as to the amount of its jurisdiction and a court proceeding upon the principles of Common Law, with the power of fines & imprisonment.) Personally appeared Abial Cook aged seventy years for the purpose of obtaining a pension from the United States for Revolutionary services, under the law of the United States of 7 th June 1832. entitled an act supplementary to the "Act for the relief of certain surviving Officers & Soldiers of the Revolution" passed 15 th May 1828. Who being duly sworn deponeth and saith that in the fall of the year 1778 he served two months on guard at Old Fairfield in the Connecticut troops. But his Officers names and day he entered or left the service he cannot state — (thinks his captain's name was Barnes) That in March in the year 1779 he was detached as a substitute for a man by the name of Kennedy in the regular service of the United States at Nine Partners in the State of New York for the term of Nine Months, and marched to Fort Plain and Mauchack as near as he can now recollect in Capt. Walkers Company in Col. Miesenfeltts Regiment on the Mohawk River. served in Sullivan's expedition against the Indians at the West — and was at the expiration of his term of nine service he was regularly discharged at Morristown in the State of New York the last of December 1779. That in the year 1780 at New Milford in the State of Connecticut he entered in the regular service of the United States as a substitute for a man by the name of Clark for the term of Six months. He cannot with certainty recollect his Officers names but thinks it was in Col. Sheldons Connecticut Regiment. That this term of service commenced about the last of June and that at the expiration of said term of service he was regularly discharged near West
2 mos
9 mos
6 mos

point in the State of New York about the 1 st  January 1781 * that at New Fairfield in Connecticut on or about the 1 st of March 1781 he enlisted into Capt. Smith's Company in Col. Waterbury's or Major Sherman's  Connecticut State troops for the term of one year and 12 mos that he continued in the service till the end of said term when he was regularly discharged at Stamford in the State of Connecticut about the 1 st March 1782. That his several discharges for said terms of service he supposing they were of no more use after he had got home they were lost or destroyed so that he cannot now produce them to corroborate his statement.
Sworn and subscribed to Abiel Cook this 6 th day of July 1832 Before me
I arrived at Watkinsville Judge of Otsago Comm. Pleas State of New York
County of Otsago ss Lydia Cone of New Lisbon aged 61 years of age being duly sworn deponeth and saith that she was well acquainted with Abiel Cook the person who makes the above application for a pension that she has always been acquainted with said Cook from her childhood that in the year 1778 said Cook and this deponent lived in the same house that this deponent well recollects that said Cook did go into the service in the revolutionary war that he did as set forth in his statement above four two months in the year 1778 and three months in the year 1779 six months in the year 1780. but the last term of service of four years this deponent was not at home when he went into the service but the three first named terms of service she well remembers that said Cook did go into the service and the times he came home from the service and that the first

term of service was two months the second term was nine months and the third was six months and that this deponent was not at home when he went into the service as set forth in his statement 18 th March 1781 but that she came home in the summer of 1781 & this deponent will remember the talk of said Cook having gone into the army for a year among his acquaintance and in said Cook's Father's family, for reason that this deponent recollects more particularly, forsooth is, that she had a brother that went into the service at two of different times, the above named with said Cook
Sworn and subscribed to this 6 th day of July 1832
Lezide Cram
By me James C Wardeuth a Judge of Oregon Common Pleas
Oregon County ss I certify that I am well acquainted with Abial Cook the within applicant for a Pension and Lydia Cram the witness and they are both known to me to be respectable persons and entitled to full credit
J. C. Wardeuth a Judge of Oregon County Courts

State of New York
Otsego County } ss
Surrogates Court
On this sixth day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty three personally appeared in open court before me Hiram Kiene Surrogate of the County aforesaid Julianna Cook aged seventy seven years a resident of the town of Edmeston in the County of Otsego aforesaid who being by me duly sworn according to law doth on her oath aforesaid make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed February 3d 1853 granting Pensions to certain widows That she is the widow of Abial Cook late of the town of Edmeston deceased that the said Abial Cook her said husband was a Revolutionary Pensioner at the time of his decease at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum that declarant drew the balance of Pension due said deceased at the time of his death and at that time the Pension certificate of her said late husband was returned to the Pension Office as this declarant verily believes That this declarant was married to the said Abial Cook in the month of November in the year 1825 at the town of Hartwick in the County of Otsego aforesaid that Samuel Todd Esquire a Justice of the peace in and for said town performed the marriage ceremony at his own house that declarant's brother Robinson Barras and his wife were present at the marriage both of whom and the said justice are now deceased that this deponent knows of no record evidence of her said marriage and knows of no person now living by whom such marriage can be proven of their own knowledge That the said Abial Cook her late husband aforesaid died at the town of Edmeston in the County aforesaid on the 28th day of July 1849 that this declarant has not intermarried but has remained and still is his widow that declarant's maiden name was Julianna Barras declarant does not now remember the day of the month on which she was married
Sworn before me this 6th
day of September 1853 Hiram Kiene Surrogate
Juliana Cook

State of New York Otsego County } Ss
John Roberts of the town of Harpersfield in the County of Otsego being duly sworn before me Hiram Kirne Surrogate of the County aforesaid in open court deposed and said he is sixty five years of age that he was personally well acquainted with Abial Cook late of Edmeston in said County deceased that he was so acquainted with him for the space of forty years or thereabouts that said Abial Cook was a Revolutionary Pensioner at the time of death that deponent is well acquainted Julianna Cook the foregoing applicant for a Pension that he has been so acquainted heretofore time before and ever since her marriage with the said Abial Cook that deponent was not present at said marriage but heard in the month of November 1825 they were married and knows they cohabited as man and wife from that time until the death of the said Abial Cook that Julianna Cook who makes the foregoing declaration is the identical person who so cohabited with and was by all persons acquainted with them admitted to be the wife of the said Abial Cook the said Pensioner that said Abial and said Julianna were exemplary persons of unexceptionable moral character and this deponent verily believes they were married at the time and place stated by the said Julianna in her said declaration and that this deponent is not interested in the foregoing application.
Sworn before me this 6th day of September 1853 Hiram Kirne Surrogate
John Roberts

State of New York
Otsego County
On this 6th day of September 1853 personally appeared before me John S. Stetson of the town of Herkiston in the County of Otsego aforesaid to whom I Hiram Kinne Surrogate of the County of Otsego did administer an oath in due form of law and thereupon deponent depose and said he is forty eight years of age That he was well acquainted with Abial Cook for the space of about fourteen years that a portion of the time the said Abial Cook and Juliana his wife resided in the same house with deponent That the said Abial Cook at the time of his death was a Revolutionary Pensioner that the said Abial Cook died in the town of Edmeston in said county on the 28th day of July 1849 that deponent was present at his funeral and saw him buried that Juliana Cook his widow has not intermarried but has continued his widow that the foregoing applicant is the identical Juliana Cook who was acknowledged by him and admitted by all others to be the wife of him the said Abial Cook that deponent has seen the last will and testament of said deceased in which the said Juliana is named as his wife that deponent purchased the dwelling place where he now resides of the said Abial Cook the Deed of conveyance of which was executed by the said Abial and the said Juliana as his wife That said Abial and Juliana were exemplary persons of good morals that said Abial was a member of the same church with deponent to the time of his death of the denomination called Hopkils that deponent has no doubt of the marriage of the said Abial and Juliana at the time and place mentioned in the foregoing declaration that they cohabited as such during the acquaintance of deponent with them And this deponent says he is not interested in the said application for pension
Sworn before me this date
John S. Stetson
day of September 1853
Hiram Kinne Surrogate

State of New York Otsego County, ss
Gaines Boardman being duly sworn in open Court before me Hiram Kiene Sunnyside of the County of Otsego depones and said he was well acquainted with Abial Cook now deceased for the space of about twelve years that he was a Revolutionary Pensioner at the time of his death that he died in Edmeston in the County of Otsego on the 28th day of July 1849 that deponent dug his grave and attended his funeral that he left a widow him surviving whose name is Julianna Cook that the foregoing applicant for a Pension is the identical Julianna Cook who is such widow that she has not intermarried but has continued and still is his widow that during all the acquaintance of deponent with said Abial and Julianna they have cohabited as man & wife and believed to be such by all who knew them and deponent has no doubt they were married at the time except as mentioned by the said Julianna in her annual application for a Pension deponent says he is fifty five years of age and that he has no interest whatever in this application
Sworn before me this 6th
day of September 1853
Hiram Kiene Sunnyside
Gaines Boardman

State of New York      On this 6th day of September 1853 personally appeared Olrego County      Me and before me Hiram Kimin Surrogate of said County Solomon Davis who being by me duly sworn according to law in open Court deposed and said he was well acquainted with Abial Cook now deceased for the term of about forty years have been acquainted with Julia Anna Cook now his widow for the term of twenty eight years recollect the time of their marriage was not present when the ceremony was pronounced but have no doubt they were married at the time and place stated on the annexed application for a Pension recollect well of hearing the fact stated at that time that they were married knew they cohabited as man and wife from that time to the death of the said Abial deponent resided within half a mile of them The said Abial was a Revolutionary Pensioner at the time of his death That the foregoing applicant for a pension is the widow of the said Cook who was the wife of the said Abial Cook the said Davis knows that she has not intermarried but still is his widow That said Abial Cook from the time he commenced drawing a pension to within a few years of his death came before this deponent semi annually and made the necessary oaths to enable him to draw his pension deponent further says he is sixty two years of age and that he is in no wise interested in this application.
Sworn before me this 6th
Solomon Davis
day of September 1853
Hiram Kimin Surrogate
I the said Surrogate do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Julia Anna Cook the foregoing declarant that she is a credible person and that I have no doubt of the truth of her foregoing statements and also that I am personally acquainted with John Roberts John S Stelson Gains Boardman and Solomon Davis whose several affidavits are above written that they are credible persons whose statements are entitled to full faith and credit That the foregoing declarations and affidavits were duly

Subscribed and sworn to before me in open court
In testimony whereof I Hiram Kinne Surrogate of the County of Otsego in the State of New York have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my Court this 6th day of September 1853
Hiram Kinne Surrogate

171168
100/100000
100/100000 100/100000

DECLARATION.
State of New York County of Albany } ss.
On this sixth day of June A. D. 1855. before me, David B. H. John a Justice of the Peace in and for the county and state aforesaid, personally appeared Juliana Cook aged seventy eight years, a resident of the town of Pittsfield in the State of New York who, being duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the Bounty Land to which she is entitled under the Act of Congress approved March 3d, 1855.
That she is the widow of Abiel Cook who was a private in the Revolutionary War; that, on account of the services of her husband, the aforesaid Abiel Cook in said war, she now receives a Pension at the rate of $ 80 , per annum, under the 2 d Section of the Act of 3 rd February 1855. as will more fully appear by reference to the evidence now on file in the Pension Office at Washington.
She further declares that she is now a widow; that she has never before applied for nor received any Bounty Land under this or any other Act of Congress.
Claimant's Signature.
Juliana Cook
WE, William R Herrington and Susan Herrington residents of the Town of Pittsfield in the State of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Juliana Cook in our presence, and that we know her to be the identical person she represents herself to be, and that she is now a widow
William R Herrington
Signature of Witnesses.
Susan Herrington
The foregoing declaration and affidavits were sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the identical person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Magistrate.
David B. H. John Justice

STATE OF NEW YORK, Otsego County Clerk's Office.
I, William C. Fields , CLERK of said County, and of the Courts of Record therein, do hereby certify that
David B. Sholp
Esquire,
185 2
was, on the 6 th day of June a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Otsego, duly authorized to act as such, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Jus- tice, and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
In Testimony  whereof , I have hereunto set my hand and official seal of the said County and of said Courts, at Cooperstown, this 12 th day of June 185 2 .
Wm C Fields CLERK.

1805 3
Abiel Cook
Admitted Private 2 years
Henry Sill Bennington Osceola Co N York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 17 1833
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 subjunct 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. These 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 Abial Cook Otsego County New York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1778 " 2 " priv Caps Cols Fairfield New Fairfield   Out March 1779 " 9 " as Walker Weisenfels Fort Plain Fairfield Co   " 1780 " 6 " do Sheldon West Point Connecticut   End March 1781 1 4 " as Smith Matenburg or Shipman White Plains Living Witnesses   aged 70 years  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. 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 day 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 enquiry 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] 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.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

February 9, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
RA-J/EEI Abiel Cook-W.6704
Mrs. Charles E. Gray New Berlin New York
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Abiel or Abial Cook, a Revolutionary War soldier who applied for pension in 1832, and whose claim was allowed-pension number W.6704. You state that you desire particularly, information in regard to soldier's son, David, and to his two wives.
The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.6704, based upon the military service in that war of Abiel Cook.
Abiel Cook was born in New Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut. The date of his birth and names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of said New Fairfield County, Abiel Cook enlisted in the fall of 1778, and served two months as a guard at "Old Fairfield", Connecticut, under Captain Barnes in the Connecticut troops; he enlisted in March, 1779, at Nine Partners, New York, served as a private in Captain Walker's Company, Colonel Weissenfels' New York Regiment, marched to Fort Plain and was in General Sullivan's Indian expedition and was discharged in December, 1779; he enlisted at New Milford, Connecticut, the latter part of June, 1780, and served six months as a private under Colonel Sheldon in the Connecticut troops; soldier stated that he was at King's Ferry when General Arnold deserted to the British and saw him go down the river in his barge when he left to board the British vessel, also, that he was present at Tappan, when Major Andre was executed; he enlisted at New
Found ad. in Conn. book in this service.

Fairfield, Connecticut, March 1, 1781, served in Captain Smith's Company under Major Shipman, was stationed at Stamford, Connecticut, Horse Neck and White Plains, engaged in protecting the inhabitants from the British and Tories; length of this service, one year;
Abiel Cook was allowed pension on his application executed July 6, 1832, at which time he was aged seventy years and resided in New Lisbon, Otsego County, New York. He signed Abiel Cook, was borne on the pension roll, Abial Cook.
He died at Edmeston, Otsego County, New York, July 28, 1849.
The soldier married in November, 1825, at Hartwick, Otsego County, New York, Julia Anna Barras. The date of her birth, place of birth and names of her parents are not shown, and no reference was made to any former marriage of the soldier.
Soldier's widow, Julia Anna, was allowed pension on her application executed September 6, 1853, at which time she was aged seventy-seven years and resided in Edmeston, New York. In 1855, she was living in Pittsfield, Otsego County, New York.
No names of any children are given.
The widow stated that her brother Robinson Barras, and his wife were present when she married the soldier; there are no further data in regard to them.
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, Julia Anna Cook, widow of Abiel Cook (W. 6704), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Julia Anna Cook, Certificate No. 2579, issued October 21, 1853, rate $80 per annum, commenced February 3, 1853, Act of February 3, 1853, New York Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
State of New York
County of Otsego SS. On this 15 th day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Otsego and State of New York now sitting
Abial Cook a resident of the town of New Lisbon in the County of Otsego and State of New York aged seventy 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 7 th . 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
That in the year 1778 he resided in the town of New Fairfield in the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut which was the place of his birth And that in the fall of 1778 he was called
2 mos
out or drafted in the Militia and served two months at Old Fairfield in Connecticut on guard but the officers names he served under at this time he has entirely forgot he cannot with certainty recollect but thinks his captains name was Barnes.
9 mos
That in the month of March 1779 At Nine Partners in the State of New York he entered the Regular Service of the United States as a Substitute for a man by the name of Kennedy, and marched to Fort Plain on the Mohawk River and Mustered as near as he can recollect in Captain Walkers Company in Colonel Misenfelt's Regiment for the term of Nine Months, he was in General Sullivans expedition against the Indians in the Genesee Country, in the western part of the State of New York and returned to Morristown in the State of New Jersey and was regularly discharged there at the end of his term of service about the last of December 1779.
6 mos
That at New Milford in the State of Connecticut about the last of June 1780. he entered the regular service of the United States as a substitute for a man by the name of Clark for the term of six months. he cannot recollect his officers names in this term of service but thinks it was in the Connecticut line in Col. Sheldons regiment. He served his time out and was discharged near West Point in the State of New York about the 1 st of January 1781. He remembers that while he was engaged in this last term of service that General Arnold deserted to the British from West-Point! That he was on fatigue at Kings Ferry below West-Point and he saw Arnold go past in his Barge when he went

on board the British Ship Vulture that lay a little below. He was also present and saw Major Andre hung at Tappan, while in the same term of service
That at New Fairfield in Connecticut on or about the 18 th of March 1781 he enlisted into Captain Smith's company in the regiment commanded by Major Shipman of Connecticut State troops for the term of one year and that he served out this year at Stamford at Horse Neck and at White Plains as a guard to protect the inhabitants from the ravages of the Tories by the British. He was at White Plains when Genl Washington marched off the Army to take Cornwallis. He then returned to Stamford, remained there till his term of service had expired when he was discharged at Stamford in the State of Connecticut. That he had written discharges for two or three terms of the aforesaid terms and they are now lost or destroyed. He recollects General Clinton in Sullivan's expedition. 12 mos Total 29 mos
He has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service except Lydia Cone and Joseph Jeffers to Aaron De Forest whose affidavits are hereto annexed
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. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Horace Lathrop Clerk.
Abiel Cook
We Ira Cone to residing in the town of New Lebanon in the county of Otsego & State of New York and Elias Cummings residing on the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abiel Cook who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be seventy years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion
Ira Cone
Elias Cummings
Sworn & subscribed the fourth day of August 1833 Before me James C. Walworth a Judge of Otsego County Courts

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 I was born and that I have been that has subscribed and sworn to the above certificate as a competent person and entitled to facts in their statements
J. O. Morse } Judge E. Root } S. Page } C. Warneforth }
State of New York } Otsego County } ss. I, Horace Lathrop Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Abiel Cook for a Pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & official seal this 19 th day of October 1832 Horace Lathrop By J. M. Cory Deputy

State of New York } Personally appeared before Jefferson County } Subscribed & Justice of the Peace in & for said County aforesaid - Joseph of Rutland in said County, who first being duly sworn according to Law, deposes - That this deponent is now one year old last August - That in the Year 1780 Month of September according to the best of his recollection joined the Regiment commanded by Major Ship in a Company commanded by a Captain Smith - don't recollect the Christian name of either - This Regiment Connecticut State Troops and was called out for one Year - Intends the service in said Regiment a substitute for Joseph Giddings - The Regiment had then been about six Months - found Abial Cook (who lives in New Lisbon, Ohio Co.) and who has this day called me for my affidavit a soldier in said Company commanded by Capt. Smith - and at the time I and believed and do still believe, that said Cook, for the term of one Year and performed the full period of his enlistment - he found him in the service and stated he had been there all the time with the Regiment which was about six Months - and he this deponent in Company with said Cook about six Months the whole Regiment was dismissed at Stamford Connecticut when it had been stationed all the time this deponent was a member of it - At the time of the above service this deponent heard said Cook frequently speak of his previous services in Revolutionary War and that he had been six Months under General Sullivan in the Northern Country - This deponent well knows said Cook, that he is a man of truth and veracity this deponent has no doubt but that he served as he states in all two Years and five Months Sworn & subscribed to this 20. day of July 1832 } Joseph Jeff before me } (D.W. Sec Justice of the Peace

State of New York Jefferson County Clerks Office
ss. I, M c Lewis Sherman Deputy Clerk of said County do certify that Daniel Lee Esq: before whom the within affidavit was sworn & taken was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in said County & duly qualified law to take the same And further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe that the name subscribed to the said affidavit is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 21 st day of July 2.
M c Lewis Sherman Dept y Clerk
I hereby certify that Joseph Jeffers the person who has subscribed and sworn to the within affidavit is a credible person and his statement is entitled to credit and belief
Given under my hand this 18 th day of July 1833
D an l Lee
Justice of the Peace

State
Burlington 1st May 1833
Mr Jeffers
Sir there is a deficiency in your affidavit the Justice Esq. Lee must certify that you are a credible person and. I have ac- cordingly returned this paper to you and request you to get Esq. Lee to sign a certificate on the back of your affidavit which is drawn upon it and return it by Mail Directed to Henry Sill. Burlington Otsego County N.Y. Abiel Cook
attalion state said the the next.
who me York
D. Lee

Gideon DeForest a resident of the town of Edmeston in the County of Otsego and State of New York aged 67 do hereby certify that I do know that Abial Cook one year did serve one year in Captain Smiths Company in the Battallion Commanded by Major Shipman of the Connecticut state troops that this deponent served the whole of said term in the same company with him and that he believes he did perform all the service set forth in the above declaration
Gideon DeForest
Sworn & subscribed the 15 th day of October 1832, in Open Court
Horace Lathrop Clerk
Otsego County ss I certify that Gideon De Forest who has signed and sworn to the above affidavit is known to me to be a credible person and his statement is entitled to credit
James L. Warren Jr a Judge of Otsego Common
DeForest

Brief in the case of Julia Anna Cook widow of Abial Otsago County and State of New York act of Feb. 3 - 1853
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a private in New York line for 2 yrs. and pensioned of the U.S. under act of June 7. 1832 at $80 per annum Paid to his death July 28. 1849
Allowed $80 per annum (If for increase.) Commencing Feb. 3 1853
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by John Roberts John S. Neltson Gains Boardman & Solomon Davis of said County who are certified to be credible Death " by Auditor's report Identity & widowhood " by credible witnesses
Name and residence of Agent
Thomas Kimm Cooperstown Otsago Co. N.Y.
Examining Clerk.
H. Gray.

✓ 24,761
3 Mer Aus

No 3323 Sept 21, 1853.
Appl. of Julia Anna Cook, widow of Abial Cook, 24236 Otsego co., N.Y.
A.D. 1853.
Rev. His wife Abial Cook, Otsego co., N.Y.
PAID
Alfred P. ... Oct 6 1853
Washington
James M. ...
Miner ...

Pension Office Oct 18 1853
Sir Please report time of last payment to or death of within named pen- sioner Respectfully &c
H Burt Esqr 3rd Present H Cole for Commt
Abial Cook, act 1832 $80.00. p. an. — Died 28 th July 1849, Paid to his death.
F Burt Auditor.

Worms Olsego County New York April 24 th 1865
Hon Josp. H. Barrett Comm ee Pensions Sir,
On the 21 st day of October 1853 a Pension Certificate was issued Julia Anna Cook Widow of Abial Cook, a Private in the Revolutionary War Entitling her to a Pension at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum. Commencing on the 3 rd day of February 1853. She is still living. Her Husband Said Abial Cook died in 1859. at you before the issuing of a certificate to the Widow. He was a Revolutionary Pensioner I pray the Said Julia Anna Cook upon her application, obtain the arrearage of Pension or any allowance as Said Widow. From the date of the death of Said Abial Cook to the time of issuing certificate to the Widow, or the time fixed therein for commencement.
Please answer as soon as possible to oblige the aged Widow & myself
Walter H Dunn Claim Agent.
for Mrs Julia Anna Cook
"Mrs"
Julia Anna Cook N.Y. roll. act 673 - 2.579.

That parties resided in Pittsfield New York at time Certificate was signed by Mead
Pittsfield Olney Co N.Y.
The certificate of Mead is "Recorded in the Purvis office on the Roll of Purvis under act Feb 3 1853. Fol a Page 70
G. J. Getty Clerk

17165

At Wany June 14 th 1855,
L. P. Waldo Esq Commissioner of Pensions Sir,
In virtue under the declaration of Mrs Juliana Cook, - a pension under the 2 nd Sec of the act of 3 rd February 1853 - for Bounty Land, under the act of 3 rd March 1855,
I am Sir,
Yours at Servt o Sam l H. Marks

1910 Oct. 10. Hirt to M.L. McMillan 1914 Jan. 3. " " Mrs. L.L. Doherty 1915 Mch. 24 " Miss Myrtle B. Kelley 1920 Sept. 28 Hirt to Dorothy S. Holder of 1922 Nov. 28. M.L. Kelley died of cost of copies, etc. 1922 Dec. 22. Copies mailed to Myrtle B. Kelley, ad 1934 Feb. 9 - Hirt to Mrs. Chas E. Gray. Et
Rey WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6704
Julia A. Cook
Widow
Abiel Cook
Part Rev. War
Act: Foley 38953
Index: — Vol. 4 , Page 143
[Arrangement of 1870.]

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Abiel Cook a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
msd. file 6704
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Fall 1778 2 mos. Barnes ✓ Conn.   March 1779 * 9 mos. Walker Weissenfeld N.Y.   June 1780 6 mos. ✓ Sheldon Conn.   March 1781 1 year Smith Waterbury "  
* Sullivan's expedition against Indians.
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, New Fairfield, Conn.
Date of application for pension, July 6, 1832. His ch. alld.
Residence at date of application, New Lisson, Otsego Co., N.Y.
Age at date of application, seventy years.
Remarks: Sol. m. Hartwick, Otsego Co., N.Y. Nov. - 1825. Julia Anna Barrac had. July 25, 1849 Edmeston, N.Y. she was alld. plus. on her appln. exec. Sept 6. 1853 while 77 yrs. of age a res. of Edmeston, Otsego Co., N.Y. In 1855 she resided at Pittsfield, N.Y.
Very respectfully

M233 BUREAU OF PENSIONS Finance Division
DEC 4 - 1922 19 
Chief of Gen. Inv. Section Sir:
I have this day received from Miss Myrtle P. Salsney draft No. 321,176 for $ 2 30 / 100 requesting post office addresses as per letter herewith
Copies mailed I have Rev note Dec. 22/1922 aw
Very respectfully, O. J. RANDALL Chief of Division.
JGH
(F 42) Date Dec 20, 1922 Name Abiel Root Rev. No. W6704
Photographic copies wanted of 3 pieces, consisting of 6 pages. Remarks: make two negative copies of each page Exr. A.W. Brown Chief War Section Div.
Serial No. 7029 Law Clerk.
aw

M.O. #2 30 / 7  not AWB
15 12 1.30 15.00 2.30 on
W 323 Huguenot-St. New Rochelle N.Y.
Dec. 1, 1922
Dept. of Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir
Enclosed find money order for $2.30 for two certified photostat copies of the Declarations for Revolutionary War pension of Abiel Cook and his widow Julia Anna.

Reference to Rev. War Section. Widow File 6704.
Very truly
(Miss) Myrtle Lee

Rev. War Sa Widow File
aw Nov. 28, 1922.
Miss Myrta B. Kelsey, 333 Huguenot St. New Rochelle, N. Y.
Madam:
In response to your letter of the 19" instant, you are advised that photostat copies of the declarations for Revolutionary War pension, of Abiel Cook and his widow Julia Anna will be furnished you under the provisions of the Act of August 24, 1912, at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification, if that is desired.
The number of pages to be copied is six.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
Very respectfully,
Washington Gardner
Commissioner.

323 Huguenot St. New Rochelle N.Y. Nov. 19, 1922
Bureau of Pensions Dept. of Interior Washington D.C.
Dear Sirs -
I would like to have a photostatic copy made of the affidavit of my great grandfather in applying for a Revolutionary pension in 1833.
His name, Abial Cook, and the other information are

given in vol. II page 390 of the Book of Records of Revolutionary Pensions. Abial Cook lived at Edmeston, Otsego Co. New York.
Please tell me the cost of having this copy made and I will remit same at once.
Very truly (Miss) Myrta B. Kehey

I paid for several copies of
1 page - wid decla. Sept 6, 1853. 2 " 20 th " Oct. 15, 1832 3 " " " July 6, 1832
6 pages total
Copies to Sam Davis for copy Dec 21, 22

MRS. CHAS. E. GRAY
NEW BERLIN
N. Y.
December 24, 1936
Pension Office, Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
I am attempting to prove my relation to Abial or Abiel Cook , Revolutionary soldier to gain admittance to the Daughters of the American Revolution but lack some of the dates of his son David who is in the line of descent.
I know that Abiel Cook applied for a pension in 1832 and that this was allowed - it was application no. W 6704.
I would appreciate any information that

you might have about him, his two wives or any of his children.
Very truly Yours,
Mrs Charles E. Gray

100 Putnam St, Buffalo, N.Y.
August 21, 1920.
Pension Office, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs:-
Will you please send me a copy of the pension papers of Abial Cook, who was a private in the New York Continentals and was placed on the pension roll Nov. 15, 1833 at the age of 71. He lived to be 97 years and drew a pension of $80 a year at Cooperstown, N.Y.

I need the papers to become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution as Abial Cook was my great great grandfather. His wife was Julia Jackson but we do not know who his father was, so if you have any records of the family, please send them.
Thanking you, I am
Very truly yours.
Dorothy S. Holder.
Ms S

NH W 6704 JSC
297 Huguenot St. New Rochelle N.Y. Mar. 12, 1914.
Dept. of Interior Bureau of Pensions -
Will you kindly tell on what page of what book Abiel Cook's militia record may be found. I am about to join the D.A.R. and have to give the page of reference book.
On July 6, 1832 Sept. 5, 1833

a pension of $80 per year was granted Abiel Cook of New Lisbon, Otsego Co., N.Y. dating back to Mar. 4, 1831. He made affidavit that he resided in New Fairfield Conn. in 1778 from which place he enlisted in the fall of 1778.
If there is a charge for this service please in- form me and I will be glad to remit.
Thanking you in advance for the favor, I am Very sincerely (Miss Myrtle B. Kelsey.

2000 Aldrich Av. S. Minneapolis, Minn., Dec. 27, 1913.
The Commissioner of Pensions, Department of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir. —
I am looking up the Revolutionary record of Abiel Cook who served in the Revolutionary War in, I believe, the 5 th Regt. of Connecticut line. He was hired by the town of New Fairfield, Conn.
Will you please look up

his record in your department and send me whatever information can be found regarding him.
He was a pensioner.
I am anxious to secure also the dates of his birth marriage & death if those are given on the papers.
Very little information can be found about him in our historical library at the capitol in St. Paul.
Thanking you in advance for this information I remain,
Very sincerely,
(Mrs. S. S.) Mattie C. Dodge, 2000 Aldrich Av. S., Minneapolis. Minnesota.

Connecticut Fire Insurance Company.
Hartford, Conn.
M. L. McMILLAN, AGENT, NICHOLSON, PA.
Nicholson Penn's Oct. 5-1910,
U. S. Pension Office Washington D. C.
Dear Sir:
Will you kindly give me any information you may be able to as to Abijah Cook, who was I believe a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and later drew a pension while a resident of Otsego County New York State.
And greatly oblige,
M. L. McMillan.
OCT 7 - 1910