Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8891, for Benjamin Merrell, North Carolina
Page 1

SERVICE
N.C.
S.C.
Born in N.J.
Merrell, Benjamin
NUMBER
S8891
Carded
Page 2

Date of death
not on a/3
North Carolina
23.179
North Carolina -
Benjamin Merrill -
of Ashe in the State of N. Caro
who was a Pr. in the Compy commanded
by Captain Collier of the - commanded
by --- in the N.C. *
7 month 12 day
N. C. and S. C.
Oct 31/84
Records completed.
Inscribed on the Roll of No Carolina
at the rate of 24. Dollars 66 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Nov:33-
and Sent N.W.
Woodfin - Ashville - N. Car
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1803 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 34 
61.65.-
12.33
$73.98
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Nath Rice Clerk
Book E Vol. 6 1/2 Page 65
Page 3

State of North Carolina
Buncombe County
peared in open Co
Superior Court of law. October Term 1833
On this fourteenth day of October 1833 personally appeared
in open court before the Judge of the Superior Court of Law
for the County aforesaid now Sitting Benjamin Merrell a resident
in said County and State aged 81 years the 2nd day of December next 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
the 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named 
officers and served as herein stated. That he volunteered Gilford County North
Carolina on the last of February or first of March 1776 in the company of Militia Commanded by Captain John Collier and served in the said County of Gilford and 
Rowan County. during the whole tour disarming the tories but was in no
engagement of importance and served under said Captain about six weeks,
but he cannot say precisely what length of time and was discharged by said
Captain Some time in April 1776 but recvd no written discharge. That in August
the same year he volunteered again under Captain John Anderson in
York District South Carolina in the Regiment commanded by Captain
Thomas Neel and marched across Broad River at Smith's ford and passed
by Waffons [?] fort on chlet [?] River and from there to Princes [?] Fort and
from there by the place where Greenville Village now stands and
from there to the Senica [?] fort and to the head of the Tennessee River
in the Indian Country where we had considerable battle with the Indians
and Tories in which he lost Eleven men on the 19th day of September 1776
and from there we marched to the head of the Hiwassa River and through
the Indian country to the head of the Chattahoochy River and returned to the
Senica [?] fort from which place we marched back to York District where we
wise discharged some time in October 1776 the precise day not recollected,
having served about two months he thinks not less but had no written
discharge. That in February 1779 he was drafted in York District South Carolina
then known by the name of Neels Regiment in the company commanded
by Capt. William McCullock in Neel Regiment under General Ashe's command 
and marched across Broad River at Smith ford and passed the
place where the Block house was afterwards erected on the Far Forest and
Crossed Liger at Bober[?] then crossed Enoree at Jane's Mill and Crossed Saluda
Page 4

opposite. Ninety six and from there to Augusta and from there to the mouth
of Bryer Creek where we joined camp with Genl Ashe where we had
an engagement with the Brittish commanded by Major Turnbull in
which we were created before General Rutherford could get his army
on the Savannah River to our assistance and a great number of our men
were drowned in and endevouring to cross the River and the most of us lost one
horses Guns &c. and were permitted to return home and he returned home
in the latter part of March 1779 having served about six weeks the precise
time not recollected but he thinks not less that 6 weeks but had no written discharge
That he was again in March 1780 called out (it being his time in turn
according to the No. of the class to which he belonged) under Captain Moffit in the
Regiment commanded by Col. William Bratton and marched from Col Bratton in
York District South Carolina toward Charleston Crossing Congaree River at 
McCord's ferry thence towards Charleston until we heard that the Brittish had surrounded
the town we then to and across Santee River then to a place on said River
called Writes Bluff, where we continued in camp a few weeks untill the
Brittish had taken Charleston and were advancing up the Country we then
returned home in the latter part of May 1780 after having served at least two months
we came home by permission without any written discharge and That in September
1780 he again volunteer under Capt. Robert McGomury and went in pursuit of
Furgason & his party marching from the same place crossing the Catawba River
at the Tuckaseegah for thence up the East end of said River to Beattys ford then
up the South fork of Catawba thence crossing Broad River at the Island
Ford thence to the Cowpens thence across Broad River at the Cherokee
Ford from which place our company were forth to return home to join
in the pursuit on the next day but before the time that answer for Stating
the intelligence as receive that Furgason had been defeated and we
were not again called out at that time this was in October 1780 he thinks the
11th day of October he was out on this tour not less than five or six weeks that
this and all the foregoing service was rendered as a Militia Man. That he served
in several other short tours in Scouting parties which he does not pretend to describe
as he does not recollect the particulars of them.  That he has no documentary evidence
of his service except a certificate from Jacob Barnes a Captain under whom he
was enroled in South Carolina this is herewith enclosed. That he knows of no
person now living by whom he can prove his service except his Brother
3
Page 5

4
John Merrell whos affidavit is hereunto attached. He hereby relinquishes
very claim to a pension or annuity except the present and allows that his
name is not on the roll of the agency of any state
[seal on paper]
Question 1st Where and in what year were you born?
Ans 1st I was born in the State of New Jersey Hesterton County in Hopewell township
on the 2nd day of December in the year of 1752
" 2nd Have you any record of your age and if so what is it?
" 2nd Yes I have.  it at home on Cane Creek in this County in my fathers family bible
" 3rd Where were you living when called into the service; where have you
lived since the Revolution; and where do you now live?
" 3rd I was living in Gilford County North Carolina when called in the first
tour and in 1776 I removed to in what is now called York District in
the State of South Carolina where I resided when called out at every tour 
after the first; and in November 1780 I removed back North Carolina at
the same place where I left but the County was divided before I returned so as to
throw my residue in Randolph County which was formerly a piece of Gilford County
I remained there till the year 1798 then moved to Cane Creek Buncombe
County North Carolina where I now live & have residence there since.
" 4th How were you called into the service; were you drafted, did you volunteer
or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom?
" 4th The two first tours volunteered the next two tours I was drafted and the last
one I volunteered but never served as a substitute.
Quest 5th Did you receive a discharge and if so where is it and by whom was it given
Ans 5th I never recd a written discharge but always left by and with the approbation
and consent of the officers in command.
Quest 6th State the names of some of the Regulars who were with the troops when you served such continental & Militia Regiments as you can recollect
and the general circumstances of your service.
A 6th There were no Regulars with troops where I served Except Genl Sumpter in
the 2nd tour that I served I recollect Col. Caswell Regiment of Militia Col Thomas'
Regiment Col Bratton's Regiment, Col Lacie Regiment Col Wills Col Hammans
Regiment and Col Neels in which I served all of Militia. The general
Page 6

circumstances of my service as for as I recollect them are stated
in the Declaration on the other page.
Qust. 7th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present 
neighbourhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity and
their belief of your Service as a Soldier of the revolution.
Ans 7th Benjamin King and Philip Britton and many others
Sworn to in open Court
the 15th of October 1833
P. Roberts Clk
Benjamin Merrell
We Benjamine King a Clergyman residing in Buncombe County North
Carolina in the Neighbourhood of Benjamin Merrell and Philip
Brittain a citizen residing in the same Neighbourhood do hereby
certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Merrell who
has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe 
him to be 81 years of age that he is reputed in the Neighbourhood in which
he has to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in
that opinion Sworn to and subscribed in open Court this day and year
above
P. Roberts Clk
B King
P. Brittain
And the said Court do hereby certify their opinion after the investigation of
matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department
that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier 
and that he served as he states and the court further certify that it appears
to them that Benjamine King is a Clergyman residing in Buncombe
County North Carolina in the Neighborhood of Benjamine
Merrell and that Philip Brittain who has also signed and swore
the foregoing certificate is a citizen residing in the same Neighbourhood
that they are credible persons and that the statement is entitled to credit
I Joshua Roberts Clerk of the Superior Court of law for said County
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the
Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Merrell for opinion
in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the
Seal of office this 14th day of October A.D. 1833
J Roberts Clk
Page 7

State of N Carolina / August this 27th 1833 This day
Buncombe County John Merrill Came before me
John Young one of the Justices of the Peace for the
County aforesaid and being sworn in due form of
law deposeth and saith as followeth that in the
time of the Old Revolutionary War his Brother
Benjamin Merrill in the year of 1776 served
a tour Under Capt John Collier against the tory
party and in the year of 1779 he was in the South
Army the head commander General Ash and Major
Frances Ross and in Capt Wm McCullon Company
Besides in Several Scouts against Connel Fanning
and others Sworn and Subscribed to before me the
day and date first above by John F Merrill his mark X
Just John Young JP
Also Mr John Swears that he is in low State of health
was not to be able to ride to Court without injuring
his health and having in many sworn to by
Just John Young
John Merrell his mak X
I of Also believe that the above Deponent is entitled to
Credit Certifyed by John Young JP
Page 8

State of North Carolina
Buncombe County ⎬
County Court office,
I John Miller Clerk of the Court of pleas and
quarter sessions in and for the County of Buncombe
aforesaid certify that John Young Esquire who
attested the within affidavit is a magistrate
as stated and that his acts and doings as such
are entitled to due faith and credit certified
under my hand and the seal of office the
5th day of October
Dist John Miller Clk
By N.W. Woodfin
Page 9

November 4, 1936
Mr. O. A. Merrell
Duncan
BA-J/EE
Benjamin Merrell-S.8891
Arizona
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the
pension record of Benjamin Merrell or Merrill, who served as private
in the militia of Buncombe County, North Carolina, in the
Revolutionary War.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on
file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.8891, based upon the
military service in that war of Benjamin Merrell, the only soldier
of that name who served with the North Carolina Troops, that
is found on the records of this office.
Benjamin Merrell was born December 2, 1752, in Hunterdon
County, New Jersey. The names of his parents are not shown.
While residing in Guilford County, North Carolina, Benjamin
Merrell enlisted about March 1, 1776 and served about six weeks
as a private in Captain John Collier's North Carolina Company:
he moved to York District, South Carolina, enlisted there in August,
1776, served as a private in Captain John Anderson's Company
in Colonel Thomas Neel's South Carolina Regiment, on September
19, 1776, was in a battle with the Indians at the head of the
Tennessee River and was discharged in October, 1776, having served
about two months; he enlisted in February, 1779, served as a private
in Captain William McCulloch's Company, Colonel Neel's South Carolina
Regiment, and was in the battle of Brier Creek: he
enlisted in March, 1780, served as a private in Captain Moffett's
Company, Colonel William Bratton's South Carolina Regiment, and
was discharged the latter part of May, 1780, having served two
months; he enlisted in September, 1780, served as a private in
Captain Robert McGomury's (?) South Carolina Company and was discharged
in October, 1780, having served five or six weeks. He
also served at various times on short tours and was out of scouting
Page 10

scouting parties, details of these services not given. At one time he
served under Captain Jacob Barnett, dates and length of this service
not given.
In November, 1780, he moved to Randolph County, North Carolina,
and in 1798, he went to Cane Creek, Buncombe County, North Carolina,
where he was residing when he was allowed pension on
his application executed October 14, 1833.
It is not stated that soldier was ever married.
In 1833, soldier's brother, John Merrell, made affidavit in
Buncombe County, North Carolina.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the
name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death
of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Benjamin Morrell (S.8891), you
should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office,
Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Benjamin Morrell, Certificate No. 23179, issued November 25,
1833, rate $24.66 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June
7, 1832, North Carolina Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 11

S.C. 8891
Rev
Benj. Merrill
dft. of service
Oath of allegiance
S.C.
Page 12

Benjamin Merrell
A File 8891
N.C. & S.C.
Page 13

South Carolina November 7th day 1780
This is to Certify that Benjamin Merrell
Belonging to the Second Class of My Company
hath performed his duty as a friend to his Country
a right to for a pension under my hand
Jacob Barnett Capt.
Page 14

Admit as a private
7 mo 2 days
$24,66
To the Secret[ary]
War Dep
Washing
Nov 15
N.C.
23.33
1.37
[stamp with the date Nov 7 with letters NCASWEV]
Page 15

Asheville Nov. 5th 1833
Dear Sir
When the return is made
pleas direct it to me at this place
Yours &c
N.W. Woodfin
2
1.12
2
2
---
7.12
[illegible stamp on document]
Page 16

December 2, 1932
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/EEL
Benjamin Merrell-S. 8891
Mr. W. Ernest Merrill
Penrose
North Carolina
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information
in regard to Benjamin Merrill, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file
in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.8891, based upon the military
service of Benjamin Merrell in that war.
Benjamin Herrell was born December 2, 1752, in Hunterdon County,
New Jersey.
While residing in Guilford County, North Carolina, he enlisted
about March 1, 1776, and served about six weeks as a private in Captain
John Collier's North Carolina Company: he moved to York District,
South Carolina, enlisted there in August, 1776, served as a
private in Captain John Anderson's Company in a regiment commanded
by Thomas Neel in the South Carolina Troops, on September 19, 1776,
was in a battle with the Indians at the head of the Tennessee River
and was discharged in October, 1776, having served about two months;
he enlisted in February, 1779, served as a private in Captain William he called
McCulloch's Company, Colonel Neel's South Carolina Regiment, and was
in the battle of Brier Creek, he enlisted in March, 1780, served as 
a private in Captain Moffett's Company, Colonel William Bratton's
South Carolina Regiment, and was discharged the latter part of May,
1780, having served two months; he enlisted in September, 1780, 
served as a private in Captain Robert McGomury's (1) South Carolina 
Company and was discharged in October, 1780, having served five or
six weeks. He also served at various times on short tours and was
out on scouting parties, details of these services not given. At 
one time he served under Captain Jacob Barnett, dates and length of
this service not given.
[marginalia note]
Could
not
find a
 Neal or
Neill of
SC As
he called
him Capt
& said he
commanded
a regt.
left out
the rank
could
not identify
this Capt
McGomury
looked for
Montgomery etc
Page 17

In November, 1780, he moved to Randolph County, North Carolina,
and in 1798, to Cane Creek, Buncombe County, North Carolina, where
he was residing when he was allowed pension on his application executed
October 14, 1833.
It is not stated that soldier was ever married.
In 1833, soldier's brother, John Merrell, made affidavit in
Buncombe County, North Carolina, in support of Benjamin Merrell's
claim for pension. There are no further family data.
The above is the history of the only soldier named Benjamin
Merrell or Merrill, who served with the North Carolina Troops, found
on the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
[note at bottom]
Date of sol's
death not on AB
Page 18

[seal of VA and date seal of NOV 18 193?]
Mr. W. E. Merrill
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON
November 7, 1932
xxxxxx
IN REPLY REFER TO:
BA-J/MMHF:MLB
Mr. W. E. Merrill
Penrose, North Carolina
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of October 17, in which
you request information in regard to a number of soldiers of
the Revolutionary War.
Because of the very large number of requests similar to
yours, and the lack of a clerical force available for furnishing
Revolutionary War data, it has not be possible to make
a series of investigations and reports pertaining to soldiers
of the Revolution, for one person.
Kindly designate the particular ancestor in whom you are
most interested, named in your letter, and his record will be
furnished, if on file.
Please return these letters with your reply, to expedite
the search of the records.
Very truly yours
A. D. Hiller
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 19

Duncan Ariz
Oct-13 -36
Veterans Administration Bereau
Washington D.C.
Will you please give me the
pension record of Benjiman Merrell
or Merrill a revolutionary war
veteran who served as private in
the militia of Buncombe Co N.C.
I will greatly appreciate any
data or information you can
give me regarding him-
Sincerely
O. A. Merrill
Duncan
Ariz
Page 20

[stamp dated Nov 19 193?]
Penrose, N. C.
Nov. 15, 1932
Mr. A. D. Hiller
Asst. to Administrator
Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I greatly appreciate your letter of
November 7, 1932 regarding the information
about the military service of Revolutionary
soldiers.
I am enclosing your letter as well as my
letter of October 17, 1932 and I wish to
designate Benjamin Merrill as the one particular
ancestor in which I am most interested.
I shall greatly appreciate any information
concerning this man and I want to thank you
very much for your kindness.
Very truly yours,
W. Eenest Merrill
W. ERNEST MERRILL
EM/MG
Page 21

[stamped date of Nov 18 1932]
Penrose, N. C.
Oct. 17, 1932
Director of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Will you please inform me if any of the following
North Carolina men had any Military Service in the Revolutionary
War;
Andrew Merrill
Azariah Merrill
Benjamin Merrill [this is checked]
Charles Merrill
Daniel Merrill  [this is checked]
Elijah Merrill
Jonathan Merrill
John Merrill  [this is checked and has number "2"]
Sam ( uel ) Merrill
Timothy Merrill
The name Merrill is sometimes spelled Merle, Merel,
and Merrell.
WEM, p
Respectfully yours,
W.E. Merrill
W. E. Merrill
WEM/cp
[date stamp on bottom received Oct 20, 1932]
Page 22

1932. Dec 2- Hist to
W. Ernest Merrill ┃
EGL
1936 Nov 4- Hist to the
O. A. Merrill Esq
Rev War
8891
INVALID.
File No. 8891
Benjamin Merrell
Priv. Rev War 
Act: June 7th 1832
Index: -- Vol. [illegible], Page 253
[Arrangement of 1870.]