Transcribed from the photo copies of the original pension by Joseph R. Mosher G-G-Grandson of Daniel & Sarah (Widger) Cole. Eric Schultz.

STATE OF New York                                                                                                        TOWN OF Schroeppel
 

I, Daniel Cole Jr. born in State of Vermont aged 25 years, and by occupation a Farmer.

Do hereby acknowledge to have volunteered this 19th day of Dec. 1863 to serve as a Soldier in the Army of the United of America, for the period of THREE YEARS unless sooner discharged by proper authority:  Do also agree to accept each bounty, pay, rations and clothing, as are, or may be, established by law for volunteers.  And I, Daniel Cole Jr. do solemnly swear, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the United States of America and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers whomsoever; and that I will observe and obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the Rules and Articles of War.

Sworn and subscribed to at Fulton, NY

This 19th day of Dec 1863                                                                                            Daniel Cole Jr. (signature)

Before  Justice of Peace (signature)
 

I CERTIFY, ON HONOR, that I carefully examined the above named Volunteer, agreeably to the General Regulations of the Army, and that in my opinion he is free from all bodily defects and mental infirmity, which would, in any way, disqualify him from performing the duties of a soldier.

                                                                                                                                     Examining Surgeon (signature)
 

I CERTIFY, ON HONOR, That I have minutely inspected the Volunteer, Daniel Cole Jr. previously to his enlistment and that he was entirely sober when enlisted; that, to the best of judgment and belief, he is of lawful age; and that, in accepting him as duly qualified to perform the duties of an able-bodied soldier, I have strictly observed the Regulations which govern the recruiting service.  This soldier has Blu eyes, Blk hair, Light complexion, 5 feet 10 inches high. 
 

                                                                                                                                       24th Regiment of Cavalry NY Volunteers,
                                                                                                                                       Recruiting Officer (signature)
 

I certify on honor, that Daniel Cole, a private of Captain E. Smith Company (A) of the 24th Regiment of NY Cav. Volunteers, of the State of NY, born in VT, age 34 years; 5 feet 10 inches high; light complexion; blu eyes, blk hair, and by occupation a Farmer who joined for service and was enrolled on the 19th day of Dec, 1863 at Fulton by    A. Taylor, for a period of 3 years, and mustered into the service of the United States on the 28th day of Dec 1863 at Auburn, by                  ; and having served HONESTLY and FAITHFULLY with his Company to the present date, is now entitled to a DISCHARGE by reason of   Death_________________________________________ March 30, 1865   Dimwiddle Court House, VA ________________________________________________________________________
That said Daniel Cole was last paid by Paymaster Mendenhall, to include the 31st day of Dec, 1864 and has pay due him from that time to the present date; he is entitled to pay and subsistence for traveling to place of enrollment, and whatever other allowances are authorized to volunteer soldiers, drafted men or militia, so discharged.  He has received from the United States clothing amounting to nothing since the 31st day of Dec 1865 when his clothing account was last settled.  He has received from the United States $       dollars advanced Bounty.

There is to be stopped from him, on account of the State of         ,or other authorities, for clothing &c., received on entering service,                dollars; and for other stoppages, viz: 

He has been furnished with transportation in kind from the place of his discharge to                  ;and he has been Subsisted for Traveling to his place of enrollment, up to the               ,186  .

 He is indebted to                        ,Sutler,                             dollars.
 He is indebted to                        , Laundress,                         dollars.

                                                                                                                                                   Eugene Smith Capt. (signature)
                                                                                                                                                   Commanding Company

Ebenezer D. Trokey being duly sworn deposes and says that he is a resident of the town of Hastings, Oswego Co. N.Y. and that he is a minister of the gospel of the Methodist Episcopal persuasion and that as such minister he united in marriage Sarah A. Widger and Daniel Cole at the Town of Cicero in the Co. of Onondaga in the said state according to the laws there of.  That he made no public record of said marriage, but that he married them on the 5th day of July 1859 as aforesaid and that he remembers that said marriage distinctly from the following facts: 1st that he made a private memorandum of the time, place and circumstances of said marriage.  2nd that he has a distinct recollection and memory of the time, place and circumstances of said marriage and deponent swears he has no interest in this claim of said widow Sarah A. Cole for pension whatsoever. 

                                                                                                                                                Ebenezer D. Trokey (signature)

Sworn and subscribed before me this 5th day of Nov 1866 and I hereby certify that said Ebenezer D. Trokey is a minister of the gospel and a credible man and reliable witness and I further certify I have no interest in the claim for pension.

                                                                                                                                                 Mais Nearing (signature)
                                                                                                                                                 Justice of Peace

On the 16th day of May, 1866 personally appeared before me Timothy W. Skinner Surrogate of the County of Oswego.  Sarah A. Cole a resident of Parish in the County of Oswego and State of New York, age 25 years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath makes this following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress, approved July 14, 1862:  That she is the widow of Daniel Cole Jr. who was a Private in company "A" commanded by Capt Taylor in the 24th regiment of Cav. N. Y. Vol. in the war of 1861, who enlisted at Fulton about the 20th of Dec 1863 and died at Spotsylvania Court House of Gun Shot wound uncured in Battle died on the 31st of March 1864.  Had two children by said Cole, F.W. Cole born 1860 April 16th, Alma Cole born 1862 April 23.  She further states that she did not hear of her husband's death until June1865 and she further declares that she was married to the said Daniel Cole in the year 1859; by S.D. Trokey a Minister at Brewerton, Onondaga Co. N.Y. that her husband, aforesaid Daniel Cole Jr. died on the day above mentioned, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.  She also declares that she has not in any manner been engaged in, or aided or abetted, the rebellion in the United States; that she resides at Parish County of Oswego, State of N.Y., and that her Post Office address is Parish, NY.

                                                                                                                                                  Sarah A. Cole (signature)
 

Also personally appeared George Irish and Alice Sparhawk residents of Oswego Co. persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Sarah A. Cole sign her name (or make her mark) to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with her, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.

                                                                                                                                                 George W. Irish     (signature)
                                                                                                                                                  Alice E. Sparhawk (signature)
 

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 11th day of June 1866, and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, the prosecution of this claim.  Witness my hand and the seal of said Court on the day and year above mentioned.

                                                                                                                                                T.W. Skinner (signature)
                                                                                                                                                Surrogate of Oswego Co. N.Y. 
 
 

     I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt from your office of application for Pension No. 128,714, and to return it herewith with such information as is furnished by the files of this office.

     It appears from the Rolls on file in this Office, that Daniel Cole was enrolled on the 19th day of Dec, 1863, at Fulton, N.Y. in Co. "A", 24th Regiment of N.Y. Cav. Volunteers, to serve 3 years, or during the war, and mustard into service as a Private on the 28th day of Dec. 1863, at Auburn N.Y., in Co. "A", 24th Regiment of N.Y. Cav, Volunteers to serve 3 years or during the war.  On the Mustard Roll of Co. "A" of that Regiment, for the months of March, April, May & June, 1864, he is reported "Absent, sick since May 24, 1864." 

On Muster Roll for March & April 1865, hi is reported "Killed in action March 31, 1865. Place of death not stated.
 
 

The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Memoranda

Name of applicant 
Address 

Sarah A. Cole of the town of Parish, Oswego Co. N.Y. duly sworn deposes and says she is still the widow of Daniel Cole Jr. who was member of Co. "A" 24th Cav. Regiment, N.Y. Vols. And that she is the applicant for a pension on account of the death of said Daniel Cole Jr..  That she makes this supplementary affidavit to obtain the $ to which her and her children are entitled under SEC 2 Act July 25, 1866.  And she hereby goes on that her as the wife of said Daniel Cole Jr. above described (or his widow now) has two children under sixteen years of age,  Franklin W. Cole born April 16,1860 and Alma Cole born April 23, 1862.  That the above named Franklin W. Cole was given by deponent to said child's uncle, but the other child Alma Cole is now living with and has been living with deponent from the time of his death and never has been given away or bound out nor has she been adopted by any person or persons and she has been in no way disposed of except supposedly solely by deponent.  That said two children are all the children said Daniel Cole ever had.  That her Post Office is Parish, Oswego Co. NY and deponent asks income for said Alma Cole only the other child having been adopted as aforesaid, that she has not remarried but still continues as the widow of said Daniel Cole Jr. before mentioned and described.
 

                                                                                                                                     Sarah A. Cole (signature)
 

Sworn and subscribed before me this 4th day of January 1867 and I have no interest whatever in the prosecution of this claim.

                                                                                                                                    Jas. A. Beeke (signature)
                                                                                                                                    Justice of Peace 
 

Oswego County   SS:  Also Peter G. Brooks age 44 years and Stephen Palmer age 39 both of the town of Parish, N.Y. being duly sworn depose and say that they are well acquainted with Sarah A. Cole who was and is still the widow of Daniel Cole Jr. of Co. A. 24th Reg. N.Y.S Vol. Cav..  That they were by and saw said Sarah A. Cole sign her name to the forgoing affidavit and application and they further swear that they are well acquainted with the children and they truly believe that the statements made by her as to age and support of said children is correct.  They swear they are now neighbors of said applicant and have know her for ten years and was well acquainted with Daniel Cole Jr. her husband of Co. "A" 24 Regiment N.Y.S. Vols. Cav. lately deceased in the army and that they have no interest in the out come of said claim.

Sworn and subscribed before me this 4th day of Jan. 1867, Peter G Brooks and said witness Stephen W. Palmer are both well known to me and are credible witnesses.  I have no interest in this claim for pension what so ever.

                                                                                                                                         Jas. A. Beeke (signature)
                                                                                                                                         Justice of Peace

On this 18th day of February 1867 before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within the County aforesaid duly authorized to administer oaths, personally appeared, Josephine Leymour age 52 years, a resident of Palermo who, being duly sworn, deposes and says that she is a midwife residing at Palermo and was well acquainted with Daniel Cole Jr. late a Private in Company "A" of the 24th Regiment, NYS Cav. Vols. and with his wife, Sarah Ann Cole and that on the 23rd day of April 1862, while the said Daniel Cole Jr. & Sarah Ann Cole were living and cohabitating together as husband and wife at the Town of Schropple, NY the said deponent as midwife delivered the said  Sarah Ann Cole of a female childe, which child, born on the 23 day of April 1862 as above stated, is identical Alma Cole now living with Sarah Ann Cole as deponent verily believes; that no public or church record was made of such birth as deponent verily believes; that it was not customary among the people of said county, at the time of said birth, to record births in Town or County records, nor required by the laws of said County or State, as deponent is informed and believes, and deponent derives the facts of said birth from a distinct recollection of the facts and further from the circumstances that transpired after the above birth deponent herself gave birth to a Female Child.  And she swears that she has no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.

                                                                                                                                  Josephine Leymour (signature)

Subscribed and sworn to before me the day and year above written and I hereby certify that the said Josephine Leymour is a respectable and credible witness of good standing and reputable in Midwifing; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.

                                                                                                                                     Jas. A. Beeke (signature)
                                                                                                                                     Justice of the Peace
 
 

IEF in the case of Sarah A Cole
Widow of Daniel Cole Jr. Co. "A", 24th NY Cavalry
Resident of:  Oswego County, and State of New York
Post Office address:  Parish

Service:                       Enrollment of Daniel Cole   Dec.19, 1863

Death:                         Killed in action March 31, 1865

Marriage:                   July 5th 1859 as shown by the officiating clergyman

Name 
and dates 
of birth of 
children:                    Alma Cole born: April 23, 1862 who will be 16 years old: April 22, 1878
 

Proof of
Ages:                           Testimony of Midwife

Agent:                           N. W. Nutting
                                       And his P.O.
address:                        Parish, New York

                                                                                                                          Examiner's Signature (non-legible)

Passed:  March 15, 1867

APPOVED:  SFS
 

On the 12th day of March, 1885, at Detroit, County of Wayne, State of Mich., before me,                       a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Delia Salisbury, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

Q. What is your Post Office?

A. Detroit, Wayne Co. Mich., #96 Abbott Rd.

Q. What is your age?

A. 42 years old

Q. Do you know Sarah A Cole, pensioner and widow of Daniel Cole?

A. I do.

Q. How long have you known her?

A. I should think eight years.

Q. When did you know her?

A. She was in Sharon, Washtenaw Co. and Chelsea, Mich.  I lived there in Sylvan.

Q. What if anything do you know as to whether or not she has remarried since the death of her husband Cole?

A. I only know what she told me.  She said she had married again.

Q. Did she say to whom?

A. I think she said to a man named Miller, but I can not sure.

Q. Was it Allen?

A. It might be Allen.  I can't be certain.

Q. When and where was it that she told you she remarried?

A. It was about eight years ago.  I was going to Chelsea to fix up some pension papers for her uncle "Le Barron, and she came to see me and we went to Chelsea together.  I was in the pension business and she wanted to know how she could get her pension.  She had a voucher with I saw, and it was an old voucher from some New York agency and I asked her how she came to have that old voucher and then she up and told me she remarried this man, but she had left him and some one told her she couldn't do such a thing unless she were to begin over and file a new claim and I did not think she could get it then and I would not undertake it.

Q. Did she say when or where she was remarried?

A. Can't remember that, but I think she said she lived somewhere in Indiana before she left her husband.

Q. Did she say why she left him?

A. She said it was because of his son.  She afterwards told me that his son insulted her, tried to get in bed with her. 

Q. Do you know whether she has since drawn pension since then?

A. Oh yes, I know she has been for the last six years.  One day when it was the day to execute the vouchers, I met her and Lovena Townsend in the bank at Chelsea.  She had her paper and I asked what it meant, and she said the pension was all right that she went to work just as I said, and got the pension.

Q. Who is Lovena Townsend?

A. My cousin
 

On the 12th day of Sept, 1885, at Sharon Twp, County of Washtenaw, State of Mich., before me, William Looran a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Lurany Townsend, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

That her age is 58, a House Keeper. P.O. Address Manchester, Mich.

That she has known the pensioner in Michigan about thirteen years. 

Knew her in New York State when she was a baby.

She came to deponent's house in Sharon about thirteen years ago and made it her home two or three years back and forth.  When she first came to deponent's house she was known as Mrs. Allen.  She never said she was married to Allen and she denied she was married but said she had lived with Allen. 

Deponent never saw Allen, does not know what his first name is. 

She understood he was a farmer near Parish, NY.

Allen stopping with deponent she went to Iowa.  Cannot say what town and deponent heard her say that Allen was with her in Iowa, but that she could not get along with his children.

Deponent saw her again after she came back from Iowa.  She said herself that she had a baby by Allen and that it died in Iowa.

Deponent never saw the baby.

Never knew her to marry any other man or that she lived with any other man as his wife. 

Deponent also understood from her that she lived at Irving, Barry County previous to moving to Iowa and she said Allen was there with her at Irving.

Deponent is the pensioner's first cousin.

 Lurany Townsend (signature)
 Deponent

On the 23rd day of Sept, 1885, at Big Rapids, County of Mecosta, State of Mich., before me, William Looran a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Herman S. Widger, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

That his age is 47, his occupation Canvasser of pictures.  His P.O. Address Big Rapids, Mich.

That he is the brother of Sarah Cole the pensioner.

He came to Irving, Barry Co. Mich. In June 1871 and in about two years or so after when his mother (now dead) came on a visit he heard from her he thinks that the pensioner was married to Robert Allen of Parish, NY.  In a year or so later the pensioner and Robert Allen came to Irving, Barry Co. Mich. And went to keeping house.  Allen had two children of his own and the pensioner had her own daughter Alma and then there was a little boy about a year and a half old that the pensioner and Allen claimed as their child.

Deponent does not remember that there was a word said about marriage, but always supposed they were married.  They remained in Irving, Barry Co., Mich. from fall until next spring and then moved to some place in Iowa.  The pensioner came back on a visit afterwards but Allen was not with her.  She went back to Iowa again and left her daughter Alma with deponent.  She came back again and said she left Allen in Iowa and Claimed he misused her. 

Deponent does not recall that there ever was anything said about marriage, but supposed of course they were married at that time.  Since knowing about Allen he thinks he would be shrewd enough not to marry so as to get the pension.  He thinks it is as much as nine years ago since they separated.

 Herman S. Widger (signature)
 Deponent

 William Looran (signature)
 Special Examiner

On the 23rd day of Sept, 1885, at Big Rapids, County of Mecosta, State of Mich., before me, William Looran a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Herman S. Widger, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

That his age is 47, occupation canvasser for pictures.  P.O. address Big Rapids, Mich.

That he is the brother of Sarah Cole.

He was living at Syracuse, NY when she was married to Daniel Cole.  He was not present at the wedding but knows by common report of the marriage. 

He thinks Sarah was married at the age of seventeen.  She had two children by Cole.  Franklin W. and Alma.

Deponent was not present at birth, but gave the names to both children. 

He is quite sure that children were born at Caughdenoy, Oswego Co., NY. 

Franklin was the elder child.  The dates of birth he is unable to tell but they were both born before Cole enlisted.

Deponent went in Co. K 149 NY Vols in August 1862 and Franklin was born before that time.

Deponent returned from the army in 1865 and some time after that probably in 1866 and while deponent was living at Syracuse, NY the boy Franklin was given away by his mother to Bennett Cole, the uncle who was then in Massachusetts, the exact place he cannot tell.  The mother said there were no papers made out when Franklin was given away.  Deponent came to Irving, Barry Co. Mich. in June 1871 and in four or five years after, Franklin W. turned up in same place, his mother having come before that.  He then said he ran away from his uncle and went back to Parish, NY and afterwards to Michigan when hearing of his mother's location.  Franklin W. lived with his mother a short time and also with deponent.

Deponent left Barry Co. Mich. in the spring of 1879 and cannot tell where Franklin was at that time but probably was in Newaygo Co., Mich. 

About five years ago deponent heard that Franklin was married to Mrs. Fetterly's daughter when Franklin first came to Michigan.  He was talking to deponent about getting a pension, but deponent did not wish to be his guardian as he (deponent) was going to move.  He never knew that Mrs. Fetterly was his guardian.

 Herman S. Widger (signature)
 Deponent

On the 23rd day of Sept, 1885, at Big Rapids, County of Mecosta, State of Mich., before me, William Looran a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Harriet P. Widger, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

That her age is 38, wife of Herman S. Widger.  P.O. address Big Rapids, Mecosta Co., Mich. 

That she first knew pensioner in Irving, Barry Co., Mich. When she came there from New York to deponents house.  That was ten or eleven years ago.  She came there with Robert Allen.  He had two children and she had Alma and there was a little boy they claimed as theirs.  They slept together and deponent supposed they were married.  There never was anything said about marriage because deponents mother in law spoke of the marriage on a visit about a year previous.  In the course of two years after the pensioner and Allen separated in Iowa, at least that was what the pensioner said on her return from Iowa.  Whenever she spoke about pension, she would say it was Alma's pension and deponent understood she went to Washtenaw County, Mich. to draw it.

Deponent recalls that the pensioner once said that she thought more of her second husband then she did of her first husband.

Deponent never saw any marriage certificate with the pensioner and Allen.

 Harriet P. Widger (signature)
 Deponent

 William Looran (signature)
 Special Examiner

On the 24th day of Sept, 1885, at Wexford Twp., County of Wexford, State of Mich., before me, William Looran a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Sophrony R. Fetterly, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

That her age is 52, occupation Farmer, P.O. Address Sherman, Wexford Co. Mich.

That Franklin W. Cole came to work for her about seven years ago in Carlton, Barry Co. Mich. and shortly after married her daughter.

She never knew him before.  He said his father was killed in the army and he never got any pension but his mother got it.

She went to Judge Smith of Hastings, Mich. and he made out the papers and appointed her guardian.

The first Monday in August 1884, Franklin W. Cole ran away from this place and deserted his wife and child and has never been heard of since.

She did not know anything about the date or place of birth and he (Franklin W.) must have given that himself.  His grandmother (Mrs. Widger) was living at that time and she knew all about him.

At Mrs. Widger's funeral she saw Sarah A Cole and that was all she knew about her.

The son (Franklin W.) said his mother had remarried one Allen but deponent don't know anything about that.

She cannot refer to any person as a witness and she don't want to have anything more to do with the case as she has taken enough by him now.

 Sophrony R. Fetterly (signature)
 Deponent

 William Looran (signature)
 Special Examiner

On the 25th day of Sept, 1885, at Gowen, County of Montcalm, State of Mich., before me, William Looran a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Ebenezer G. Bliss, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

That his age is 54, occupation farmer, P.O. address Gowen, Montcalm Co., Mich.

That he has known Sarah A. Cole the pensioner since childhood.  She is his first cousin. 

Heard that she got a pension as the widow of Daniel Cole and afterwards remarried.

She was to deponent's house in the town of Parish, Oswego Co. NY on and off with one Robert Allen and deponent thinks she herself said she was married to Allen.  This was before they came to Michigan.  They had one child there and lived together in the town of Hastings, Oswego Co. NY.  Allen was still living there four years ago when deponent came away.  That place was about a mile and a half from Hastings Post Office.  Deponent also heard Allen say they were married.  Does not recall as he heard the name of any person who married them.  Allen told deponent about five years ago that he could not agree with Sarah A. Cole and that it was better for them to be apart.  He never said anything about any divorce.  Deponent does not remember that Allen said anything about the pension at all.

Ewell Cole the soldier's brother would probably know all about this case.  He is a school teacher and lives in Parish Oswego Co. NY.

 E. G. Bliss (signature)
 Deponent

 William Looran (signature)
 Special Examiner

On the 25th day of Sept, 1885, at Gowen, County of Montcalm, State of Mich., before me, William Looran a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Ebenezer G. Bliss, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

That his age is 54, occupation, Farmer, P.O. Address, Gowen, Montcalm Co. Mich. 

That he knew Daniel Cole from boyhood in Parish, Oswego Co., NY.

Was not present at his marriage to Sarah A. Widger, but is satisfied by common report that they were married. 

Cannot tell the date of marriage, but it was three or four years before the "war", he never knew. 

Of the two children by this marriage, Franklin and Alma.  The boy was the older and was born about four years before his father's death.  The boy went to live with his uncle Bennett Cole who lived in Vermont or Massachusetts and he has never seen the boy since. 

Has no knowledge of any contract being made at the time the boy was taken by Bennett Cole.

Deponent is a first cousin to Sarah A. Cole.

 E.S. Bliss (signature)
 Deponent

On the 30th day of Sept, 1885, at Pittsford, County of Hillsdale, State of Mich., before me, William Looran a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Sarah A. Cole , who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

That her age is 44, widow of Daniel Cole P.O. address Pittsford, Hillsdale Co., Mich.

That she was married to Daniel Cole July 5, 1859 at Brewenton, Onondago Co. NY. By the Rev. E.D. Trokey.

She had two children by the marriage Franklin W. and Alma.  Franklin W. was born April 16,1860 and Alma was born April 23, 1862.

She knows these dates from memory, as she has no record of them.

When about six years old Franklin was a taken by Bennett S. Cole who lived near Burlington, Vermont.  She bound the boy to Bennett S. Cole until he would be twenty one years of age.  That was a written agreement which Bennett kept.  She never had a copy of it.  He said  he would do as well by the boy as his circumstances would permit.  When he was twenty one he did not agree to pay anything at all to deponent.

She did not see Franklin again until he was about seventeen years old at which time he came to Irving, Barry Co. Mich.  He then said he had run away from Bennett S. Cole who had whipped him.  He went to live with Mrs. Fetterly in the fall of 1879.  The fall before deponents mother died.  The death occurred in the spring of 1880.

She does not know the present whereabouts of Franklin W. Cole.

 Sarah A. Cole (Signature)
 Deponent

 William Looran (signature)
 Special Examiner

     In accordance with instructions contained in letter of February 5, 1885, I investigated the charge of remarriage against Sarah A. Cole a pensioner by Cert. No. 91685 at the Detroit agency.  The pensioner's present address is Pittsford, Hillsdale County, Michigan.  The testimony obtained by me goes to show that the pensioner lived with one Robert Allen now of Hastings, Oswego Co. NY and that she had one child by him, as long ago as ten years.  I interviewed the pensioner and she positively declined to sign any statement in reference to her case, but in the course of a three hour conversation on this day between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m., she admitted as follows: 

"That she never intended to get married, but of course a widow could not be expected to get along without a man once in a while.  That she cohabited with Robert Allen and was a little unfortunate and got in the family way.  I was with him in New York about six months until people began to think that they were married.  Sometime after the child was born she wished to get away from him and keep her child.  He threatened to take the child away and shoot her if she did not marry him.  She was married to him by a person who was not a minister but who pretended to be one and there was a witness to the marriage.  She declined to give the name of the minister and witness.   Allen always thought it was a regular marriage but she always regarded it as a mock marriage.  She came to Michigan with Allen and afterwards went to Iowa with him where the child died.  She left Allen in Iowa, as they could not get along together.  She has never obtained any divorce from Allen and has never since married any other person".

     Further examination is recommended to secure the testimony of Robert Allen and Ewell Cole (referred to in Dep "E") at Hastings and Parish, Oswego County, New York and such other persons as may have knowledge of the facts.

     Should it be shown that the pensioner married Robert Allen I would favor criminal prosecution under Section 5438 RS.
 

 Very respectfully
 William Looran (signature)
 Special Examiner

     I have the honor to return the papers with my report in Claim No. 281.106 of Sophrony R. Fetterly as guardian of minor of Daniel Cole late of Co. "A" 24 New York Cavalry.  The claimant address is Sherman, Wexford County, Mich.  She received no notice of the examination for the reason that she removed from Hastings, Barry Co., Mich. without notifying the office and for the further reason that she desired to abandon the claim.  See (Dep "A").  The testimony of Herman S. Widger (Dep "B") was taken before that of the claimant for the reason that I did not know at that time whether the claimant could be found.  The testimony of the mother's mother fixes the date of birth and also shows that the minor was bound out to his uncle Bennett S. Cole who is supposed to reside near Burlington, Vermont.  A letter in the hands of the claimant from Jane Cole who is as I understand the wife of Bennett S. is dated Stanford.  The state not being given.  This may serve as a clue to the whereabouts of Bennett S. Cole.  The reply of Clement Smith (Exhibit "E") late Judge of Probate of Barry County, Mich., shows that the claimant was appointed guardian March 17, 1880.  The soldiers son was then twenty years of age and as his present whereabouts are now unknown.  I fail to see that the claimant has any case.  Rejection is therefore recommended.

     A separate report as to the criminal charge against Sarah A. Cole Cert No. 91.685 is submitted.

 Very respectfully
 William Looran (signature)
 Special Examiner

On the seventeenth day of October, 1885, at town of Parish, County of Oswego, State of NY, before me, Samuel Woods, a Special Commissioner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Uel R. Cole, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

His age is 49; occupation farmer; P.O. Box Parish, Oswego Co., NY.  I am a brother of Daniel Cole late private Co. A. 24th NY Cavalry;  I knew Sarah A. Cole his wife; she had two children by him, Alma and Franklin W. Cole;  my brother Daniel Cole was killed in 1865. 

The boy would stay here and then would be back home and when he was five or six years old she gave him to a brother of mine.  She didn't have much care of him after her husband was killed.

They lived in this vicinity at that time and lived in the next house; she on her little side and Mrs. Cole's mother was there part of the time.  I should think she lived there a year or two or perhaps longer after her husband died, then she moved to Barley's Mills near to Robert Allen's; sometime after that I heard that they were living together and she went off west with him (Robert Allen). 

I never heard that she was married.  I heard that she went off with him.  He came back but she has never been back that I ever heard of.

Robert Allen was a widower I understand.  I never knew his wife, but he had two children there & the boy died when he was 18 or 20 years old.  His daughter Della was married to a man named Spencer.

Sarah A. Cole never came here after she and Robert Allen were reported to be living together and I no nothing of their relatives except by hearsay.

I understood that she had a child by him that died.  I have no knowledge as to whether they were married or were not married.

I don't know of her living with any one else except Robert Allen and I think it was generally understood that they were not married.

I am not interested in the results of the investigation.

 Uel R. Cole (signature)
 Deponent

On the nineteenth day of October, 1885, at near Hastings, County of Oswego, State of N.Y., before me Charles Woods, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared James Wightman, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

His age is 57 or 58, occupation farmer, Post Office, Parish, Oswego Co., NY.

I knew Sarah Ann Cole; I knew Robert Allen, he lived near neighbor to me; he was supposed to be a widower. 

I knew Sarah Ann Cole from the time that she came here and commenced living with Robert Allen.  I would think it was perhaps about 12 years since she came to the Barley's Mills settlement, her and her mother and I think they went into George Allen's house but she went to Robert Allen's house soon after and went to keeping house for him.

It seems to me that she had liven with him a couple years before I bought a small piece of land that I agreed to buy from Allen, but when I came to get the deed I found that it was signed by Robert Allen and Sarah Ann Allen, his wife.

I don't remember having seen the deed since.  I think it wasn't recorded.

After a hunt among old papers, did we find from Robert Allen and Sarah A. Allen his wife of the town of Hastings, Oswego Co. NY to James Wightman of same place, for a piece of land for one hundred and sixty three dollars; deed is dated October 17, 1872; signed "Robert Allen" "Sarah A. Allen" and with her and they had parted and he shouldn't live with her any more.  He said he would like to devise some means so as to keep her from having any hold on his property.  He told me that he had the property fixed as that she couldn't hold any of it, but didn't say how.

I am not interested in the results of this investigation.

 James Wightman (signature) 
 Deponent

 Samuel Woods (signature) 
 Special Examiner 

On the nineteenth day of October, 1885, at near Hastings, County of Oswego, State of N.Y., before me Charles Woods, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Truman Smith, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

His age is 55, occupation farmer.  Post Office Hastings, Oswego Co., NY.

I knew Sarah A Cole; she was called "Cole" until after she lived with Robert Allen here and then they called her "Allen". 

I bought a piece of land from them and soon after got the deed (Deed shown dated Oct. 17, 1872, between Robert Allen and Sarah A. Allen his wife and Truman Smith for land in Hastings, Oswego Co. NY, consideration $480.00 dollars signed "Robert Allen" and "Sarah A. Allen" executed before M.D. Richardson Justice of the Peace.  Recorded at Oswego, NY, Sept 4, 1873 in [141g Deeds, Page 234].

I have no recollection of any conversation with them in regard to marriage.  She had lived with him some time before I saw this deed.  It was currently reported here that they were married but I don't know that I ever heard by whom.

I am not interested in the results of this investigation.

On the nineteenth day of October, 1885, at Colosse, County of Oswego, State of N.Y., before me Charles Woods, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Marcus D. Richardson, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

His age is 62, occupation farmer, Post Office Colosse, Oswego Co. NY.

I've known Robert Allen for 35 years.  I think the first time I ever saw Sarah A. Cole was when she came here.  She and Robert Allen and executed a deed or two.  I married them first and then they executed these deeds (Deed to James Wightman).

At that time I was Justice of the Peace.  My records show the following:  "Oct .17, 1872 Robert Allen was by me married to Sarah Cole".

My wife was present when I married them; it was in the evening.  I knew by reputation that this Mrs. Cole the widow of Daniel Cole had been for some years living with Robert Allen.  I had known Daniel Cole.

The deed (the Wightman deed) was signed by Sarah A. Allen in my presence.  I remember not that they executed such business before me but had forgotten what it was and might not have recalled it if the deed had not been shown.

I have no interest in the results of this investigation.

On the nineteenth day of October, 1885, at Colosse, County of Oswego, State of N.Y., before me Charles Woods, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Magritte. Richardson, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

Her age is 56, housewife, Post Office Colosse, Oswego County, NY.

I was present when my husband, M.D. Richardson married Robert Allen and Sarah A. Cole.   We then lived in the Ayers farm near here. 

I recall it was a dark, rainy evening.   I remember how after the marriage that they transacted some business about property with my husband.

I recollect that Robert Allen asked how much it was and how much the charges were.

I don't recollect seeing her but once after that.

I think that John & Frank, little children of ours were present.

I recollect when once that business was through; Mrs. Allen asked her if she got any money. 

I understood they had been to Mexico, Oswego Co., NY that day. 

I was the only adult witness to that marriage.

I am not interested in the result of this investigation

Case of Sarah A. Cole Widow of Daniel Cole Jr. 
Co. "A" 24th N.Y. Cavalry
Post Office Chelsea, Washtenaw Co. Michigan
No. 91.685

Oct 22, 1885
Detroit Pension Agency
Remarriage
Syracuse, NY 

Sir,

I have the honor to return this paper with my report in above mentioned case referred to me to take the testimony of Uel Cole and Robert Allen as to remarriage. 

I see by letter of Special Examiner Williams that pensioner has continued to draw pension as the widow of Daniel Cole. 

My first day's quest was rather unsatisfactory but the second made the case absolute. 

Sarah A. Cole was married to Robert Allen by Justice of Peace Marcus D. Richardson at Colosse, Oswego Co. N.Y. October 17, 1872 and Richardson's was the witness. 

I present the depositions of both.  At the same time and immediately after the marriage, Robert Allen and Sarah A. Allen (the pensioner) acknowledged two deeds before the same justice.  I discovered the deeds then made to James Wightman and forward it with these papers.  The case would have been reported by me last Monday night but I couldn't get the deed (had let it to be recorded at Oswego) but I then wrote a letter advising the immediate arrest of "Sarah A. Cole". 

The testimony of her husband Robert Allen indefinite as it is came like drawing teeth and is a string of lying evasions, but he let one mane slip out, "Richardson" and it needed but little time after that to locate every Richardson in those parts.  The secret of the marriage had been well kept and know that it is exposed, I have no doubt she will soon get word from her husband, if she has not heard already.

While he and I were disputing as to whether or not he should testify, he threw out for me to read a letter he had received.  I was making some minutes before that and don't know whether he knew that I copied the letter but here it is, dated from the Special Examiner Williams says she is: 
 

Sir, I wish to say a few words to you in private; don't say to anyone anything about you being with Sarah A. Cole.  I mean any officer until you hear from me again.   I am a relative of her and H.S. Widger.  There is trouble ahead and we all wish to avoid it therefore say nothing to anyone but answer this soon.  Keep this private.  No one knows that I have written to you. 

 Answer soon,
 George A. Cross (signature)
 Chelsea, Michigan

The impression I draw from the above is that the Crosses and Widgers (relatives) have had guilty knowledge of the fact that the pensioner was not Sarah A. Cole, and I think an inspection of the vouchers for identifying witnesses within that period of the statute of limitation will show some of their names.  That is only surmise but I would respectfully suggest their inspection.

Presuming that prompt prosecution will follow the wholesale steal in this case, I suggest the following names as important witnesses:

Marcus D. Richardson, Colosse, Oswego Co. NY, with original record of marriage.

Marietta Richardson, his wife; only adult witness to marriage (Oct 17, 1872)

James Wightman (nee John), neighbor, Parish, Oswego Co. NY, to identify deed and as to statement from pensioner that she was married.

I would like to see Robert Allen, her husband, (lives near Mallery, Oswego Co. NY) on the witness stand if he could legally be for there.  He is a slippery customer.

As to the claim in the case of Franklin W. Cole, minor, the pensioner never had a legal claim as she abandoned his care and support.  The guardian, Sophrony R. Fetterly denies having anything to do with it and the young man is not of age to present his own claim, but is missing and so I cannot see that there is any claimant in No. 281.106.  I recommend dismissal of that claim.
 

 Respectfully submitted
 Samuel Woods (signature)
 Special Examiner

CC:

Thomas H. McBride (Supervising Hudson District)
 
 
 

I hardly know how to commence my letter to you on the 2nd day of Oct my pension was stopped at Detroit, Mich.  Now as God is my judge I never for one moment thought that I was Robert Allen's lawful wife, now if I have wronged the Government then I have been more cruelly wronged by him.  I know the Pension Laws and now if you have issued orders for my arrest, I ask you in the name of God to withdraw such a charge and give me a chance to defend myself as soon as I am able (for I have not left my room in two months).  I will go to Detroit and lay my case before the court and make out a full statement and send to you.  If I am not his wife, I will be entitled to my Pension and if I am his wife then I have been cruelly wronged by him and his property shall pay back every dollar.  Now all I ask for is justice and I call on the Government for such aid.  Enclosed find stamp for answer.  I can never get well nor get strength with this suspense hanging above me and now I beg of you to hear my prayer.
 

 Respectfully
 Sarah A. Cole (signature)
 Pittsford, Mich. 

Sarah A. Cole

 vs.

The Lake Shore & Michigan
Southern Railway Company
 

Lenawee County ss.

     Clement E. Weaver, of said County being duly sworn deposes and says that he is the Attorney for the above named defendant and makes this affidavit in its behalf.  And deponent further says that Sarah A. Cole the above named defendant is now prosecuting said cause, and with any just cause, and that the injuries she claims to have received are factitious and false.

     And deponent further says that he is informed and believes from information he has from certified copies of the files of the United District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and from information received from Charles T. Wilkins the then Assistant District Attorney, that said Sarah A. Cole, was the widow of Daniel Cole, Private Co. "A", N.Y. Cavalry, and held pension certificate No. 91.685, dated March 26th 1867; that on the 4th day of September, 1885, she was on the rolls of the Detroit, Michigan Pension Agency.  That on said day she made the necessary oath and produced the necessary witnesses, before James A. Cole, a Notary Public, at the Township of Pittsford, County of Hillsdale, and that on the 7th of September, drew her pension at the Detroit Pension Agency.

     And deponent further says that on the 19th, day of November, 1886, the said Sarah A. Cole was indicted in the United States District Court, for the Eastern District of Michigan, for having falsely procured the said payment.  The said indictment alleged that "She was not at that time the widow of the said Daniel Cole, but was the wife of one Robert Allen, whom she had before that time married, she, the said Sarah A. Allen, then and there well knowing, that the said affidavit and voucher were fraudulent and fictitious statements."

     And deponent further says that on the 29th day of November, 1887, that Sarah A. Cole appeared in Court, and "For plea to the indictment heretofore filed, against her in this Court, said (the District Attorney, who made such recommendation only after she had promised him that she were allowed to go, she would lead a perfectly honest life.

     And deponent further says that she admitted to said District Attorney, her marriage to said Allen, and that she had continued to draw her pension thereafter, as the widow of Cole.

     And deponent further says that he is informed by said Assistant District Attorney that after the final disposition of the case as aforesaid, the evidence that had been obtained, by the special examiner of  the Pension Department was returned to the Pension Office in conformity with the established rules and regulations.

     And deponent further says that the data and information contained in this evidence, he deems of special importance to. 
    (remaining pages of this document are missing)

I Franklin W. Cole being first duly sworn, say that I was born at the village of Schenectady, County of Montgomery, N.Y. on the 16th day of April 1860.

That my mother's name by her remarriage now is Mrs. Sarah A. Allen.  That my sister's maiden name was Alma Cole, but by her marriage is now Reynolds.

That I have resided at the following named places since the year 1881, with the length of time that I resided each place respectably as well as I now remember to wit:  I left Barry County, Michigan in the spring of 1882; Sherman, Wexford County, Michigan about two years; Nashville, Michigan one year, Big Rapids, Michigan one year; Richland, Michigan three years; Gailsburg, Michigan one year; Climax, Michigan two years; Brownsville, Oregon on four years.

That Mrs. Sophrony R. Fetterly is the mother of my first wife and was at the time of making my first application was related to me as mother-in-law and was my duly appointed (qualified and acting guardian) at said date of making application.

 Franklin W. Cole (signature)

 B.F. Martin (signature)
 Notary Public for Oregon

On the Eleventh day of February 1897, at Brownsville, County of Linn, State of Oregon, before me, Charles Whitehead, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Franklin W. Cole, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

I am about 36 years of age and my post office address is Brownsville, Linn Co. Oregon.  I am a farm laborer by occupation. 

I am a son of Daniel Cole who was a member of Co. "A" 24th New York Cavalry Vols., and I am the claimant in this case for pension as the minor child of the said soldier Daniel Cole.

I have only a faint recollection of my father Daniel Cole.

I have none of his papers or family records in my possession except a bible in which I have myself made record of my family on the statements made to me by my aunt Minerva E. Smith now of Parish, Oswego Co. NY.  She is a sister of my father.  I have two aunts and two uncles, brothers and sisters of my father Daniel Cole.  Their addresses are Mrs. Addie Robinson (aunt) Parish NY.  Perry Cole (uncle) Parish NY. He lives about 30 miles from there and my aunt Minerva can give his exact location.  Bennett S. Cole (uncle) Stanford, Bennington Co., Vermont. 

I don't know whether my father Daniel Cole was ever in any other military or naval service then Co. "A" 24th NY Cavalry.

I don't believe that he had any other service for he was too young to have service twice.

My father's sister Minerva gives the date of my father's birth as August 22nd 1838 at Pownel, Bennington Co. Vermont.

I have always understood that my father Daniel Cole was never married before he married Sarah A. Widger my mother.

When I was born I am informed by my Aunt Minerva that my parents lived in Caughdenoy, Oswego Co., New York.  I have always supposed I was born in Schenectady, NY.  My first recollections are of my Uncle Bennett Cole who then lived in Reedsborough, VT.  I had been given to him by my mother while I was a child.

I have such a faint recollection of my father's identity that I cannot describe him.

I never lived with my mother while I was a child for she had given me to my Uncle Bennett who adopted me.

I have one sister named Alma who was born after I was.  She is two years younger than me.  She is married her name is Mrs. Elden Reynolds of Hastings, Berry Co. Michigan.  My mother drew pension for her as I understand.

I was about 14 years of age when I left my Uncle Bennett Cole.   I had lived with him about 8 years.  He was then living at Stanford, Bennington Co., VT where he lives now if alive. 

When I left Bennington Co. VT I went to Massachusetts and rambled about from place to place for about one year.  Then I went among my relatives at Parish, Oswego Co. NY.  I made my home with father's brother Ewell Cole (diseased).  His wife now draws a pension there at Parish.

I don't remember her first name.  I was around Parish NY and on the Erie Canal from place to place for 2 to 3 years.  Then I went to live at Irving, Berry Co. Mich. and lived there about 2 years.  No Sir, I cannot give date.  I don't know what year it was when I went to Irving, Mich.

I was then about 18 years old.  My mother, my sister and my mother's mother Mrs. Widger were living there as well as other relatives.

Then I went to Carlton Center, Berry Co., Mich.  I lived there three years or there about. I wed my first wife Emma Fetterly there.  I was married to her at Hastings, Berry Co., Mich. on Oct. 11th 1879.  We lived there at Carlton Center & Hastings until 1882.  Then we went to Sherman, Wexford Co. Mich. Where we lived about 2 years.  Then I moved to Nashville, Berry Co. Mich. And lived there one year.  Then to Richland Co., Michigan. 

I left my wife and her one child at Big Rapids, Michigan, I don't know the county I never lived with her again.  I have obtained a divorce from her.  I married again here in Brownsville, Oregon.  I got my divorce in Kalamazoo, Mich.  I lived at Big Rapids then at Climax, Kalamazoo Co., and then in January 1892 I came to Brownsville, Linn Co., Oregon where I have enumerated.  I was a farm labor and worked in the lumber woods.

No one came with me to Oregon.  I don't know of any person living in Oregon who knew me back east either in Vermont, New York or Michigan.

I am six feet high, weigh about 185 pounds, hazel eyes, brown hair and light complexion.  I have no birth marks but I have a large scar from a burn upon my right arm.  This scar which I know show you which occurred while I was only about 5 years old.  My aunts & uncles will remember this big scar on my right arm.

With regard to your question as to the exact date of my birth, if my mother has disqualified herself for giving the date of my birth which I understand she has, I must depend upon the testimony of near relatives in the East who will be able to give approximate date of my birth.

A Mrs. Bennett (deceased) who lived next to us when I was born and upon whom I depended to supply this evidence as to date of birth I find has recently died.

To establish the date of my birth, I will refer to my Uncle Bennett S. Cole Stanford, Bennington Co., Vermont, who adopted me when I was about 5 or 6 years old.  He can no doubt swear to the approximate date of my birth.
Mrs. Minerva E. Smith wife of Luther Smith Parish, Oswego County, New York, she has kept the family record of births & deaths.  She has our family bible, but I don't know that my birth is there in recorded.  She can give much information.

Perry Cole (uncle) near Parish, New York, he can be located by urging of my Aunt Minerva Smith before mentioned.

Mrs. Addie Robinson (aunt) wife of Frank Robinson Parish, NY.

Lute Smith (Minerva's husband) Parish, NY.  I will mention at same place in Parish.

As possible witnesses: Hod Rude, David Ackley.  These are all I can recall but my uncles and aunts can refer the Special Examiner in Oswego Co., New York to such acquaintances of my parents who were living near when I was born.

I will state here in answer to question as to my own knowledge of date of birth that I have always understood to be April 16th and that I was born in 1860.  That is my understanding as to date of my birth.

My mother-in-law Sophrony R. Fetterly who filed a claim for me as guardian is reported as dead.  She has nothing to do with this claim.

I filed my claim in 1886.  This is the only claim I have pending with regard to the questions as to whether my father Daniel Cole can had any prior military service or previous marriage.  I can only refer to the relation I have named as witnesses back there in New York State & in Vermont.

I have now told the full truth, concealing nothing I have heard this statement read and my awareness to questions have been correctly recorded.
 

 Franklin W. Cole (signature) 
 Deponent

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11th day of February, 1897, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
 

       Charles Whitehead (signature)
 Special Examiner

Hon. D. L. Murphy
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, DC
 

Sir,

     I have the honor to return herewith the papers pertaining to original claim No. 281.106 of the alleged minor son of Daniel Cole formerly a private, Co. "A", 24th N.Y. Vol. Cavalry, killed in action.

     The claimant Franklin W. Cole is prosecuting this claim in his own behalf.

     The case has been referred for special examination: "To determine date of birth of claimant, Franklin W, whether soldier had any prior service: Whether there was any for the claimant.

     The alleged mother of claimant gave him away in his infancy to his Uncle Bennett Cole in Bennington, Co. VT.  He ran away from his adopted guardian when about 14 years of age.  His mother obtained a pension for self and minor daughter and illegally drew the same for many years after marriage, but she never obtained pension for this claimant who now applies in his own behalf.  His mother cannot be accepted as a witness in this case as she has so often perjured herself in her own case.

     Claimant is a man of bad repute.  He is a stalwart athlete of six feet high, broad chested, robust health and weighing 185 pounds.  Although he has a deserted wife and child somewhere in Michigan, he has married a respectable girl here in Brownsville and is keeping house.  He told me that he obtained a divorce from his deserted wife through the court in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  I feel quite well assured that he has never been divorced, but has been guilty of bigamy.  This belief is based upon his anxiety to keep me from his present wife, lest as he said, she should discover that he had been married before.  The man is a disrespectable, unscrupulous character and his sworn statement cannot be accepted unless verified by other testimony.

     He waives right of future notice.  He has no evidence to offer in Oregon.  His statement is useful only so far as it affords data for further examination as to date of birth, prior service or prior marriage of soldier. These are the basis of reference to the field. 

(Opinion):  I do not believe that this claim possesses merit.  Claimant by his own statement confesses that he did not support himself but that his uncle who adopted him supported and clothed him until 14 years old.  As to the identity I do not think there is any question to be raised on that point.  Whether date of birth can be definitely determined, I have serious doubts, since the mother has disqualified herself as a witness.  It is possible that soldier's brothers and sisters may be able to supply the necessary data as to birth.  They certainly can testify to the facts of prior service (if any) and whether there was a prior marriage on soldier's part or that of his wife.

(Recommendation):  Further examination as follows:  Bennett S. Cole, Stanford, Bennington, VT.  This man adopted claimant when an infant and may be able to testify as to birth. (see claimants statement).  Mrs. Minerva E. Smith, (aunt of claimant) and historian and record keeper for the family) Parish, Oswego, Co. NY.  This woman is in direct correspondence with claimant and actively engaged in assisting him in his pending claim for pension.  Luther Smith (husband of Minerva) at Parish, NY, Perry Cole (uncle of claimant) in Oswego Co., New York.  Minerva Smith will furnish his exact location which is about 18 miles from Parish, NY.  Mrs. Addie Robinson (aunt-of-claimant) wife of Frank Robinson, Parish, NY.  David Ackley old friend of soldier.  Hodd Rude (or Rood) both of Parish, NY.  Unless the birth in Caughdenoy, Oswego Co., NY can be definitely ascertained, the claim of this orphan(?) must fail.

 Very respectfully
 Charles Whitehead (signature)
 Special Examiner

On the 21 day of April 1897, at Stamford, County of Bennington, State of Vermont, before me, Geo. E. Worcester, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared  Bennett S. Cole, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

I am 62 years old, farmer, residence and Post Office as above.

I once had a brother named Daniel Cole who served as a member of a N.Y. Cav. Reg., but I can't tell which one or date of enlistment and discharge. 

I am not living in his vicinity when he went to war.

I have always understood that he was killed in action but all I know is from hearing.

He was married to one Sarah A. Widger a year or two after I came to VT to live and I came here about three years before the Civil War broke out.

I knew Sarah A. Widger well before she married my brother and am very sure that neither her nor my brother were married before they were married to each other.  If they had been, I should have known of it from being as well acquainted. 

My brother Daniel Cole never went into the army but once that I ever knew of.

I know that my brother Daniel Cole and his wife Sarah A. had two children born to them,  a boy and a girl.

The boy was the older and was born April 16, 1860, according to a paper which I have and which I will give you.  This paper was made out when the boy whose name is Franklin W. Cole was bound to me by his mother and she told the Justice of the Peace C. D. Mills who drew up the paper the date of birth.  That is all I know about it.  I understand that he was about six years old when he was bound to me and he left me, run away when about 16 years old, and I have never seen him since.  I heard from him a short time ago and he now lives in Brownville, Oregon.  I understand that he married a woman out west somewhere and had a girl born to him by her.  I also heard that he left her.  Can't tell what her name was.  Don't know now if he is living with any other woman.  I cannot tell where Franklin W. Cole was born but my sister Minerva E. Smith, Parish, Oswego Co. NY can tell you all about it for she lived near them.

I am not interested in this claim.

 Bennett S. Cole (signature) 
 Deponent

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 21st day of April, 1897, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
 Geo. E. Worcester (signature)
 Special Examiner

On this 3rd day of December, 1897, at near Parish, County of Oswego, State of N.Y., before me Theo. Tallmadge, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Minerva E. Smith, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

Age 64, Occupation: house keeper, residence: four miles north east of Parish, Oswego Co., NY, which is my post office address.

I am a sister of Daniel Cole who enlisted in the cavalry and was killed the spring close to the end of the war.  He only enlisted once.  He lived at Caughdenoy when he enlisted, about 20 minutes from here and I lived in their neighborhood.

Daniel Cole was not married previous to his marriage to Sarah Ann Widger.  I had known her since she was a little girl.  And she was not married previous when married to Daniel .  She was about twenty years of age and he was about twenty-one years of age when they were married.  Sarah Ann has no brothers or sisters living and her parents are both dead.

Daniel Cole and Sarah Ann Cole had two children, Franklin W. and Alma.  Franklin W. is in Brownsville, Oregon.  He writes me from there and I know his handwriting to be the handwriting of Franklin W. - son of Daniel Cole.

I cannot state when Franklin was born.  My oldest child was born in Mar. 1860 and I think Sarah Ann had children a year or so before, but I do not know his correct date of birth.  I have no family Bible showing the date of his birth. 

(Question) Franklin claimed he was born on April 16, 1860, what do you say to that? 

(Answer)  I don't intend to be positive, you have not written what I've told you, have you?  Assume he ought to know; maybe he was born just as he says.

Franklin Cole was given to my brother Bennett Cole in Stanford, Vermont, who raised him.  Then Franklin ran off from him.  Franklin burnt his right arm from the wrist to the elbow when he was had little boy.

I am unable to give the names of any body who lived near Daniel at Caughdenoy during war time.  The Palmers who live in the new house will know whether Daniel & Sarah Ann were previously married.  I have no interest in the claim and the questions understood and answers correctly recorded.
 Minerva E. Smith (Signature) 
 Deponent

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3rd day of Dec, 1897, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

 Theo. Tallmadge (signature)
 Special Examiner

On this 3rd day of December, 1897, at near Parish, County of Oswego, State of N.Y., before me Theo. Tallmadge, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Mrs. Nancy Palmer, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

Age 73 years, occupation: none, residence four miles northeast of Parish, Oswego Co., NY, which is my post office address.

I was acquainted with Sarah Ann Widger when she was a small child and from year to year until she married Daniel Cole.  I had known Daniel Cole from boyhood and lived as a neighbor to him until he grew up. 

I had every opportunity of knowing if either Sarah Ann or Daniel were married previous to their marriage to each other and I never heard of it and do not believe that either was ever previously married.

I recollect that Daniel Cole went to the army.  I never heard that he went to the army more than once.  He was said to have been killed or died in the army.

I am not related to the parties above named and have no interest in the claims. 

Questions understood and answers correctly recorded

 Nancy Palmer (her mark)
 Deponent

Witnesses:  Clinton Allen
 Ella Allen

On this 3rd day of December, 1897, at Caughdenoy, County of Oswego, State of N.Y., before me Theo. Tallmadge, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared George Warn, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

Age 52 years, occupation: Farmer, residence and address as above.

I served in Co. "A", 24th N.Y. Vol. Cav. And previous to enlistment lived near this village and was acquainted for several years prior to enlistment with Daniel Cole who lived in Stump Valley about 1 ½ miles from here and enlisted about the same time I did in Co. "A", 24th N.Y. Vol. Cav.  I know that Daniel Cole did not serve in any other company or regiment than Co. "A", 24th N.Y. Vol. Cav.  He was killed during service toward the close of the war.

I know nothing about his family and have no interest in the claim and I am correctly recorded.

 George Warn (signature)
 Deponent

 Theo. Tallmadge (signature)
 Special Examiner

On this 3rd day of December, 1897, at Near Central, County of Oswego, State of N.Y., before me Theo. Tallmadge, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Philip Waterbury, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: 

Age 51 years, occupation: Farmer, residence 1 ½ miles west of Central Square, Oswego Co., NY, which is my post office address.

I served in Co. "A", 24th N.Y. Vol. Cav. And enlisted with the Regiment in January 1864.  Daniel Cole was a member of Co. "A", 24th N.Y. Vol. Cav. And previous to enlistment he lived in the neighborhood of Caughdenoy, Oswego Co., NY and I had known him from one to two years before his enlistment.

During the period I knew him he was not in the military service until he enlisted in Co. "A", 24th N.Y. Cav.

When asked of my knowledge or belief, he was not in any other military service because he was a strong healthy man during the time I knew him prior to the service above stated.

I have no interest in the claim and I was correctly recorded.

 Philip Waterbury (signature)
 Deponent 

Children, Franklin W. Cole (Crawfordsville, Linn County, Oregon)
              Alma Cole

Guardian, None                                           Soldier, Daniel Cole
P.O. of Claimant, Crawfordsville                  Rank, Private
County, Linn                                               Company, "A"
State, Oregon                                             Regiment, 24 NY Vol. Cav.

Rate, $8 per month, commencing October 18, 1872, and $2 dollars a month additional for each child as follows:

Franklin W.                     Born,     April 16, 1860                        Commencing, October 18, 1872
                                      Sixteen, April 15, 1876

Alma,                            Born,     April 23, 1862                           Commencing October 18, 1872
                                     Sixteen, April 22, 1878

Note:  This issue is for the benefit of Franklin W. only, Alma's share having been already paid to the widow.

Name, Charles E. Galligan (Dead)                                                   Fee: $10, Agent to pay
Post Office, Paw-Paw, Mich.                                                          Articles filed:  None

Re-Submitted for Admission:  August 5, 1903                                             J.Y. Ballou, Examiner (signature) 

Approved for Admission, see action on Widow's Cert. No. 91,685.  This issue is for the benefit of Franklin W. only.  Alma's share having already been paid to the widow, who drew pension to the date when Alma became 16 years of age and beyond the date of her own re-marriage.

Aug .11, 1903, W.T. Pierson (signature) Legal Reviewer 
Aug .14, 1903, H.W. Blanchard (signature) Legal Reviewer 

 Hon. J.H. Mitchell (signature) U.S.S.

To: Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
 

Greeting Dear Sir,

My father's mane was Daniel Cole Jr. he was killed in the war of 1860 to 65.  When he was killed my mother Sarah A. Cole wife of Daniel Cole Jr. bound me out to Bennett S. Cole brother to Daniel Cole Jr. 

I understand the Bureau of Pensions has got those papers there.  I Franklin W. Cole was bound out to Bennett S. Cole brother to Daniel Cole Jr.  I wish the Bureau of Pensions would send me those papers or a copy of same that was submitted for me as a child.  The number of my claim was Certificate No. 91685. 
 

Please send me a copy of same.
 

   Franklin W. Cole (signature)

      Paper of Indenture this day returned to Franklin W. Cole, Independence, Oregon, shows that Sarah A. Cole, widow of Daniel Cole, bound her son, Franklin W. Cole, aged six years (born April 16, 1860) to Bennett S. Cole, under date of June 11, 1866.

 F A. Manfield (signature)
 Chief, Civil War Division