Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 9,407, for George Merkel, Pennsylvania
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(3-1776).                                        NUMBER

SERVICE.    

Penn.                Markel, George       S.9.407
Navy?               ————————.      ————

===================================
CONTENTS
                                                               Carded

15 blank lines
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Date of death rec’d on 03

27.601
Pennsylvania
================================

George Merkel
Of Berks . Co. In the State of Pa who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Nilts, of the Regt’ commanded by Col Holler, in the Penn Militia….. 8 Mo 1st of July . 26.06
Per annum .  .                                       19.50 = 46.10
=================================
Inscribed on the Roll of Penn’a at the rate of 46 Dollars 16 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
=================================
Certificate of Pension issued the 3rd day of Sept and send to 334 Hon H. A. Muhlenberg, Reading
=================================
Arrears to the 4th of March ‘34 138.48
Semi-anl. Allowance ending 4 Sept.   23.08
                                                               ======
                                                             $161.56
                                                              =======
{Revolutionary Claim,}
Act June 7, 1832.       }
RECORDED by JT Sprague. CLERK
Book 6 Vol. 5 Page 41-
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State of Pennsylvania
Berks County SS

On this 13th day of August One thousand eight hundred and thirty four in Open Court of Common Pleas now sitting personally appeared George Merkel a resident of the said County of Berks in the State of Pennsylvania. Before the Hon Garrick Mallory Esqr resident and his associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Berks and State of Pennsylvania Aged 75 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 7th, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States i both the Land and Naval ferries of the Revolutionary War, under the following named officers and served as herein stated that he entered At Reading Peña 1776 august 1st i to Captain Wilts Company of Militia Mussetor and in Regt commanded by Colonel Haller continued 2 months to the 2d October Marched to Amborg was their discharged for my Said ferries at Amboy by the hands of Captain aforesaid and again entered at Reading aforesaid as a guard over the British prisoner in the year aforesaid immediately upon being discharged in his service I was a volunteer marched said prisoners to Brunswick and not attached to Regt yet under the immediate command of Gabriel Hiester continued this service until the later end of disb-when he was Honedischarged for his service. 2. Illegible at Carrols Ferry in the 
(End of page) last sentence is not legible.
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Entered at Reading aforesaid as a guard over the British prisoners in the year aforesaid immediately upon being discharged in this service I was a volunteer marched said prisoners to Brunswick and not attached too Regmt yet under the immediate command of Gabriel Hiester continued this service until the later end of Discharge when he was Hon discharged for his service 2 months at Carrols Ferry in the (This whole line is caught between a crease in the paper and lost) Jerseys that he again enlisted at Reading 1777 legible le into Captain Diehl’s Militia Musquetry and Regmt commanded by Colonel Hiester marched to Newton in Bucks County Peña continued said service until the 4th day of March when he was Hon discharged for his said services for 2 months by the hands of Captain Diehl discharged at Newton County aforesaid a volunteer also in this service. I again entered drafted in Reading aforesaid 1778 in April 5th in the Militia Musquetry commanded by Captain Conrad Eckert and in Regmt commanded by Colonel Henry Spyker marched from Reading to Newtown Bucks County Penacontinued this service until the 6th day of June when he was Hon discharged for 2 months service by the hands of Captain Eckert at a certain place called Shells Tavern in Pena and that immediately on his returning to Reading he again entered at Reading Peña 1778 on the 11th day of July I entered a volunteer to take and guard and convey some Hanoverians illegible to Philadelphia and also guarding ammunition wagons and in this service I was not attached to any company or Regmt only acting the duties a guard I continued only in this service to the 25th day of August which was one month and 2 weeks and that he entered duly enlisted a gunner in the Naval service of the United States in Philadelphia Peña illegible 1781 in about the 2nd day of September on board the American Ship called the Holkar commanded by Captain Keene 16 guns set sail from Philadelphia in pursuit of the enemy and in the month of February year aforesaid we meet the British Cutter called the Hypocrite and mounting 18 guns met said Cutter 
(End of page)
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Out sailed the Capes we commenced the attack  and opened a good broad side against the enemy the Cutter and after a short action the enemy struck and of her crew four men were killed and seven wounded severely and among the killed was the Captain. And we of the ship Holkar had 3 killed and one wounded and during the time in which I served on board the Holkar we sailed to Martinique and took on board a cargo of lead and delivered same to Philadelphia Penn for the use of the United States Army I continued a gunner on board the Holkar from the 2nd day of September 1781 to the 3rd day of March 1782 which was 6 full months service on board the Holkar } and that he again entered a gunner on board the American ship called the Hyder Ally commanded by Captain Barney enlisted for tree months entered 1782 in the month of May about the 4th set sail from Baltimore Maryland we mounted 16 guns we made for the Capes we then fell in with he enemy the English Sloop of War called General Monk and mounting 14 guns we came in to and immediate close action and the Monk struck after a short but close action in this last service I continued from the 7th of May as near as I can recollect to the 7th day of October 1782 in this service I served 3 months I served in all of my said engagements 18 months and 2 weeks for which time I did discharge my duties faithfully and for the said amount of time I do claim a pension I have only one person now in my family who can testify of my service Namely Michael Stuart
(End of page)
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And the Monk struck after a short but close action in this last service I continued from the 7 Of May as near as I can recollect to the 7th day 7th day of October 1782 in this service I served 3 months I served in all of my said engagements 18 months and 2 weeks for which time I did discharge my duties faithfully and for the said amount of time I do claim a Pension I have only one person bow in my family who can testify of my service namely Michael Spatz of Reading Pena. He is a credible person all do such persons who could have testified in my behalf and no more, and all deceased and if Colonal Lotz was not deceased, he could have fully proven my land and naval services, I come before my Country to ask the present because I am poor feeble and old and much afflicted with rheumattach pains any thing more in this my Declaration than the real facts according to the best of my knowledge and belief the Hon. Henry A. Muhlenberg the Representative of Congress will be able to satisfy my country of my general character for my behalf. I was acquainted with the following named officers and who served in the service. Colonel Lotz. Col. Haller. Colo Hiester also Morgan. General Muhlenberg. Captains Prie. Also Old also Selin of Brigadier General Hazens Regmt and many other officers both on the land and Naval services. I was born in Reading Berks County State of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia Pena. And Second naval services from Baltimore Maryland and I do now live in Berks County Pena 2 miles distant from Reading I have not changed my place of residence since the war of the Revolution only during my service . I was born as aforesaid M1759 I have at present no church record and that he receives a pension annuity of forty dollars granted to him by the Pennsylvania Legislature for his services and he hereby relinquishes every other claim of a pension except the present and(end of page)
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And that his name is not on the Pension Roll of there Agency of any other State only one that that of the State of Pennsylvania payable at Harrisburg Penna} George Merkel
Sworn to and subscribed the day
And year aforesaid in Open Court
Before the Judges of said Court
Garrick Mallery
Present Judge

State of Pennsylvania 
 Berks County ss
On this 13th day of August One thousand eight hundred and thirty four personally appeared in Open Court of Common Pleas now sitting Michael Spatz a resident of the Borough of Reading and County of Berks Pena a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States. Before the hon Garrick Mallery Esqr present and his associates Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Berks. In the State of Pennsylvania. Who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath depose and say that above. Named George Merkel is the identical same George Merkel who served the United States in the war of the Revolution in he Land and naval service that he entered the Land services M Seventeen hundred and Seventy six and that in the year one thousand seven hundred and Eighty two this Deponent says that said George Merkel was then a gunner on board the American Ship called the HeyderAlly and that said Merkel took an active part in serving the United States in the war of the Revolution against the Common Enemy. This Deponent says that he does not know how long a period of time that above named George Merkel had served in said Land and naval services (the remaining sentence is lost to tear age  and rips in the page.  
(End of page)
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( the document is cut off at the top left hand corner causing the first word to be illegible)

In one war of the Revolution on the land and naval service. That he entered the land services M seventeen hundred and Seventy six and that in the year one thousand seven hundred and Eighty two this Deponent says that said George Merkel was then a Gunner on board the American Ship called the HyderAlly and that said Merkel took an active part in serving the United States in the war of the Revolution against the common enemy. This Deponent says that says that he does not know how one of a period of time that above named George Merkel had served in said Land and Naval services and that he (the remaining sentence is lost to a fold in the paper) 

Michael Spatz (X his mark)

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in Open Court before the Judges of said Court

Garrick Mallory
Present Judge
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above Named George Merkel the applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier in The Land and Naval Service and served as he states  and the testimony aduced in his case is entitled to credit.

Garrick Mallory
Present Judge
Matthias J. Richard
A Judge of Berks Co
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
State of Pennsylvania
Berks County SS    I Jacob Sallade ProthonatoRy of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Berks, in the State of Pennsylvania do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the case of the applicant George Merkel for a Pension and that the said Court are fully satisfied that the applicant served as is stated in the preceding declaration and that the testimony aduced is entitled to credit and in testimony where of I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court and subscribed my name of and quality at Reading Berks County State Pennsylvania. august 13th th M 1834
Jacob Sallade Prothy
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This document has writing on both left and right sides. The left looks like a portion of journal writing, while the right side is written out and upside down from the left side. 

Left side:

31.744
George Merkel
Pennsylvania

From 1776 pr Indy
And gunner and in the Navy:
11 months

Pr. Insy 8 months. $26.66
Gunner Navy 3 m.   19.50
                                ————
                                $46.16/100

Case only illegible as above 

Right side:  

I certify that Curtis Lewis before whom the subjoined deposition was taken is a duly commissioned Justice of the Peace and at present acting as such in the Borough of Reading — Also that I have known George Merkel for 30 years and man of excellent character in every respect and that he is generally reputed in this neighborhood to have served in the war of the Revolution without ever hearing a doubt expressed on the subject. M.C.
State of Pennsylvania
Berks County Cls
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This document was written on the left side up and the right side upside down as follows:

Left side:

I certify that Curtis Lewis before whom the subjoined deposition was taken is a duly commissioned Justice of the Peace and at present acting as such in the Borough of Reading - Also that I have known George Merkel for thirty years as a man of excellent character in every respect. That he is generally reputed in this neighborhood to have served in the war of the Revolution without ever hearing a doubt expressed on the subject.
                         Hen A Muhlenberg M. C.
State of Pennsylvania
Berks County Cls

Right side:19.50


31.744
George Merkle
Pennsylvania
From 1776
Private. And gunner in the Navy
11 Months Pr.  Illegible 8 mo  $26.66
Gunner in the Navy  3 months  19.50
                                                  $46.16
                                                  ————
                                                            100

Case only illegible as above
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January 12, 1934
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

George Merkel-S.9407
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. Emily Haslett
7409 Madison Avenue
Kansas City, Missouri

Dear Madam:

     Reference is made to your letters in which you request information concerning George Markel, a soldier of the War of the Revolution.

     You are furnished herein the record of the only soldier named George Merkel, under any spelling of that surname, that is found on file in the Revolutionary War records of this office.  The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 9407, based upon his service in that War.

     George Merkel (as his signature appears in the claim) was born in the year 1759 in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania; the names of his parents are not stated.

     While residing in Reading, George Merkel enlisted August 1, 1776 and served two months in Captain Will’s company, Colonel Haller’s Pennsylvania regiment; in same year, served two months under Major Gabriel Hiester, as guard to British prisoners.  He enlisted in January, 1777 and served two months in Captain Diehl’s company, Colonel Hiester’s Pennsylvania regiment.  He enlisted April 5, 1778, served two months in Captain Conrad Eckert’s company, Colonel Henry Spyker’s Pennsylvania regiment.  He enlisted July 11, 1778, served one moth and two weeks as guard to prisoners and ammunition wagons, officers’ names not stated.

     He entered in 1781 on board the “Holkar”, Captain

( end of page)
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Mean, served as gunner, sailed from Philadelphia, was in a battle with he British Cutter “Hypocrite”,  brought a carload of lead from Martinique and returned to Philadelphia, having served six months. He went on board the “Hyder Ally”, Captain Barney, sailed from Baltimore, Maryland, was in battle with he English Sloop of War “General Monk”, and served three months.

     The soldier, George Merkel, was allowed pension on his application executed, August 13, 1834, then a resident of Berks County, Pennsylvania, about the sailes from Reading.

     There are no data in this claim relative to the family of George Merkel.

     In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address to whom sent, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., citing all of the following data-

George Merkel
Certificate No. 27601
Issued September 3, 1834
Rate $46.16 per annum
To Commence March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Pennsylvania Agency

                            Very truly yours

                           A.D. Hiller
                   Assistant to Administrator

For navy service see navy Berk - “Partie + Private armed vessel - under illegible & “HyderAlly”
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9407
INVALID
~~~~~~~~
Rev War

File No.  9407
George Merkel
Pri. Rev. War

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Act: June 7th 1832

Index: - Vol. 1, Page 254
[Arrangement of 1870]

In the middle written vertically :

1934 June 12 direct to Nas. Smiley  2-Keslett
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Reading Augt 26th 1834
H. A. Muhlenberg Esqr
   Dear Sir I have left the declaration of Geo Merkel at your house the affidavit of Hon Phillipia was made before Curtis Leurs Esqr you will be able to judge if his signature there unto is genuine } you will therefore if you think proper mention that he is a Justice of the Peace in Berks Cty duly commissioned and authorized to administrative oaths and that his signatures are genuine and also mentor in yours the officers named in the taken and presented to you last evening
L. Levans
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Mr. George Merkel says that the Ship Holkar was not a private armed vessel that he was for the illegible of the Coasts of America illegible manned by the State of Pennsylvania that George in Philadelphia and Abraham in Whitman were and served Mannes his Lieutenant Stansberg } 2nd Letu Stevenson} - sailing Master Smith} Captain of the Mannes his McChimins} Lungeon on Board Duffy 
Respectfully George Merkel

Illegible} attain of the Mannes Edward Scull 1st Lieutenant Leavy} Sailing Master J. Smith Lawney was Boatswain

George Merkel
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Reading Pa. Aug 29. 1834

My Dear Sir:
      I return herewith the papers in the case, of George Merkel with some additional evidence taken before a Justice of the Peace. Merkel is fully impressed with the idea that the Brig Holkar  was a public armed vessel, manned by the State of Pennsylvania and sent by Robert Morris - the then Minister of Finance - to Martinique for a cargo of lead.  History bears him out so far that the Holkar brought 90 tons of lead from Martinique to Philadelphia which was immediately taken by Robert Morris and applied to satisfy the urgent demands of the American Army.  My own impression however is that he was a private armed vessel also held by Morris and others of Philadelphia and I can find nothing to convince me to the contrary. If there be nothing at Washington to show that he was a public vessel the 6 months Merkel served on board of her must of course be struck from the record for which he claims a pension leaving him still a service of some what more than 12 months.
     His character for veracity stands high. There ca be no doubt that he served as he states. No one ever questioned if there where he is well known. 
                    I am very respectfully 
                       Your obedient servant
                     Hen A Muhlenberg

J.L. Edward’s Esq.
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Washington D.C. Dec 11  1933.

Director of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:

     Would you kindly give me the service record of George Markel who served in the Revolutionary War.  I understand he insisted from the State of Pennsylvania.
     I have a letter from a relative of him who desires this information or any other information you can furnish in regard to his service.
     Thanking you in advance.  I am very truly.
                      Samuel Myers
..4 Maryland Ave N.E.
664 
   

circular seal located at the top showing the clock dial around the edge 1-12 An arrow pointed to number 3. From top to bottom RECEIVED Dec 23 1933 Mail-Sub-Div
Dis. Two words are illegible due to fading. 27
Page 18

                          Mrs. Emily Haslett
                           7409 Madison Ave
                           Kansas, Mo.
(A circular seal was stamped to the left of the above address. The clock dial with time numbers with an arrow pointing up to the number 11. In the center is RECEIVED JAN 10 1934 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS ADM. READER #18)

January, 4, 1934.

Director of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

      A friend who made inquires at the War Department, was referred by Mr. James L. McKinley to the Director of Pensions. It is in regard to one, George Markle, born in 1761 and who fought at the defense of Wheeling, W. Va. (Formerly Ft. Henry or Ft. Dunmore) during the Revolution, September 1782 - this was said to be the last battle of tht war.  This belonged to Virginia.  The British were under Capt. Brandt the Americans under Col. Ebenezer Zane.
     Have you any record of George Markle - He was from Westmoreland County, Pa.  And about 1804 he emigrated to Butler County, Ohio.  He died there February. 3, 1850.  I am wondering if he received a land grant - for I have been told many soldiers of the Revolutionary War settled in Butler County, Ohio.  It is possible he received pension.  If he has been a pensioner I would like to have the data you have on him.  Would the record of the battle or soldiers who took part in it be found in the Archives of Virginia - or is there. Any way to find out were this company under Col. Zane enlisted.
     George Markle was my great - grandfather and I would like to get all the information on him and is war record that is obtainable.  There was another George Markle - a cousin, who fought at the battle of the Brandywine.  There were many Markles who fought in the Revolution.

                 Thanking you, I am, 
                 Very truly yours,
                 Emily Haslett
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Veterans Administration seal stamped on the left upper corner of document. 

                    VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
                                WASHINGTON

January 4, 1934
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

IN REPLY REFER TO:
BA-J/AWF

Mr. Samuel Myers 
(Address lines were lined through)

Dear Sir:

      Reference is add to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of George Markle.
     The data furnished by you relative to George Markle are not sufficient to enable this office to identify the record of the soldier, in whom you are interested.  You will please furnish this office as much as possible of the following data in regard to George Markle - approximate dates of birth and death and places of residence at enlistment and after service.
     Upon receipt of this information another search of the records will be made in your behalf, and the history furnished you, if on file.  Please return these letters, should you reply.
Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
Page 20

Copy.

January 8, 1934.

Re. Ba-J/AWF.

Pennsylvania  Muster Rolls.

Northumberland County, Pennsylvania.
ON page-9. Northumberland County Militia

Capt Wesers Company

A Muster Roll of Captain Benjamin Wesers Company of Northumberland County Militia at Philadelphia Pa.   January 30, 1777

Capt. Benjamin Weser
First Lieut. Christopher Snider
Second Liet. Adam Shaffer
Third Liet. Joseph Grundy
———————————————-
First Sargent - Marx Haine, Second Sargeant George Markle
Corporal Philip Meyer
2nd Corporal, Frederick Eisenhauger
Drum r Will Thompson

This was in 1777 - am not sure that this is the same Geo. Markle - I have in mind.  Mr. Meyers obtained this from the Congressional Library - to make sure - this might be traced back.  My Geo. Markle would have been 16 years old at this time - he was 21 when he fought at Ft. Henry.

Emily Haslett.
Page 21

Kansas City, MO.
January 8, 1934
RE-BA-J/AWF.  (Circular seal stamped middle of page showing the numbers of a time dial with an arrow pointing to the numbered 2. RECEIVED below JAN 11 1934 MAIL SUB-DIV VETS ADM with READER#2 below.)

A.D. Hiller
Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
     I am returning your letter to Mr. Sam Myers, 664 Maryland v. N.W., Washington, D.C.  He made inquires regarding George Markle in my behalf. 
     My great grandfather, George Markle was born in 1761 in Berks County, Pa.  His father was Caspar Markle and mother Elizabeth Grim.  He was taken when about nine years old to Westmoreland County, Pa. On the frontier.  His home was a sort of a fort and he became and Indian fighter in early life.
     I have this record from the Cincinnati Library - he fought at the defense of Wheeling,  W. Va. (Known first as Ft. Dunmore and than Ft. Henry during the Revolution).  The British and Indians were under Capt. Brandt and the Americans under Col. Ebenezer Zane.  Where this company was recruited, I do not know but at this time this belonged to Virginia.  But it could have been raised in Pennsylvania.  I found this in Pennsylvania Archives Vol. 2 - George Markle (New Class) County York - 1782.  This would coincide with the date of the battle of Ft. Henry - which was September 1782 - this was said to have been the last battle of the Revolution. 
      George Markle moved to Butler County about 1803 - 04 might have been earlier.  settled near Darrtown (near Oxford, Ohio) and died there February 3, 1850.  He is buried there in Darrtown Cemetery.  He was eighty nine years old when he died.
     There is another George Markle of Rev. record, who was a cousin - from Berks County, Pa.  He was in the battle of the Brandywine.
     I will deeply appreciate any information you can give me on this.
     Thanking you, I am, 
Very truly yours,
Emily Haslett
Page 22

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES.             DIVISION OF VETERANS’ ADMINISTRATION ARCHIVES

       BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

NAME: Merlis, Clement GRADE Private LINE Hazen’s Regiment


WARRANT
NUMBER. 13456. ACREAGE:  100 ISSUED: April 5, 1793 to - not shown - 

——
* The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of “Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800” which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates.  Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.