Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31,253, for Andrew Merrell, New Jersey
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
New Jersey

Merrel, Andrew
or Merrill

NUMBER
S. 31,253

CONTENTS
Page 2

May 29, 1835
Agency Book

13580
Kentucky

Andrew Merrell
of Clark Co in the State of Kentucky
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Cirns[?] of the Regt commanded
by Ford --- in the N Jersey
line for 2 years

________________________________

Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky
in the State of 80 Dollars ---Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

____________________________________

Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of May
1833 and sent to Samantha Hughes [name crossed out]
J.P. Bullock Winchester
______________________________________

Arrears to the 4th of March                         160.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept =          40.00
                                                                        ======
                                                                        $200.00

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Avt June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk,
Book 6      Vol. 7        Page 18
Page 3

(1)
State of Kentucky, Clarke County Jct -
On the 28th day of January 1833 personally
appeared in open court, before the County Court of
Clarke County aforesaid, now sitting, Andrew
Merrill a resident of said County, aged seventy
five years on the 8th day of May last, whom
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 under the following named officers 
and served as he in stated -
I was born in Roxbury Township, Morris County
State of New Jersey on the 8th day of
May 1757 - I have a record of my age
in my family Bible at my place of 
dwelling in Clarke County aforesaid - 
I now live in Clarke County aforesaid and
have lived there ever since the 5th day of January
1833. -
I moved from Morris County aforesaid in the year
1783 to Loudon County in Virginia and I continued
to reside in Virginia, to wit[?] in
Loudon County aforesaid and [illegible]
County in said state, about two years
when I moved to Washington County, state
of Maryland where I resided two years - and
then moved back to Loudon County aforesaid in
Virginia in which last [?]ate I lived to wit[?]
in Loudon County aforesaid & Hampshire County 
about ten years and then about the
year 1797 or 1798, I moved from Virginia
to Clarke County in Kentucky, and in said
last state to wit in said Clarke County & Estill
County I have continued to reside ever since.
Page 4

(2)
1st  In the year 1775, the month not recollected, I entered the
service of the United States, during warm weather as a
volunteer in the militia of New Jersey in Morriss 
County aforesaid and where I was then residing in the company of Capt Zoph. Carnes under Colonel Ford and from Elizabeth Town in said
state  I was marched to Perth Amboy and
served six weeks on this tour and we were discharged
at said Elizabeth Town - but said discharge was
not in writing.
2d.  In the year 1776 I was drafted in Morriss County of aforesaid
where I continued to reside in the Militia of New Jersey for a tour of four
months in Capt. Lewis's company, and in the Battalion
of Major Horton & in the Regiment of Col.
Martin and on this tour I served four months and
we were marched to Elizabeth Town where we
were stationed - I was discharged there but not
in writing. I don't remember the month when I
was drafted and entered the service or the month
when I was discharged but this service was performed
principally in cold weather
3d. In the year 1776 I again entered said service in
said militia as a draft in Capt Cook's company,
in said Morriss County, where i still continued to reside
and on this tour I served one month where
I was discharged at said Elizabeth Town but not
in writing - and during this tour I was stationed
at said Elizabeth Town
4th - afterwards I served in said militia, as a draft,
one month in Capt Mathew Horton's company - I was
drafted in said Morriss County where I then resided
and I was discharged from said service at Elizabeth
Town where we were stationed during said
tour _ but my discharge was not in writing
and I don't remember the month or years, but
I think it was in 1777.
5th  I entered the service as a militia man in said
New Jersey Militia in Capt Solomon's company
I was drafted in said Morriss County where
I was then living and on this tour I served one
month - But I don't remember the month or
Page 5

(3)
tear I served this tour, we were discharged
at Elizabeth Town aforesaid but not in writing -
and at Elizabeth Town we were stationed
during this tour
6th  I was drafted as a militia man in
Morriss County where I was then living and
marched in Capt Stark's company and
on this tour I served one month and was
stationed at Elizabeth Town aforesaid, where 
I was discharged but not in writing - but
I can't recollect the month or year -
7th  I was drafted as a militia man in
Morriss County aforesaid and marched thence
to New York and thence to Long Island - I was
then living in Morriss County and on said tour
was attached to Capt Lewis' Company
in Col Martin's regiment -
Our corps was called the Flying camp
and on this tour I served five months
I was discharged in the vicinity of New 
York - I have forgotten the year I performed
this tour and the month when
I entered the service and was discharged
but it was during the summer and fall months
my discharge was not in writing and during
this tour I was in the Battle at Long Island
where Lord Sterling commanded the
American troops - and I saw him captured -
and made a prisoner of War -
I remember that Kniphausen was one 
of the Generals who commanded the British
forces - and I understood that Daniel Morgan
Page 6

(4)
was in command of a part of the American troops
at said battle.
8th  I entered the said service in Morriss County
aforesaid, where I then resided in the company
of Capt Hezekiah Richey under Col Sealey
and on this tour I served three months
We were marched from said Morriss County
to Dobbs' Ferry on north river thence to
Elizabeth Town Farms where we were
stationed and on this tour we
were engaged in several skirmishes. I was
discharged at said last mentioned place but
not in writing and I don't remember the
year or the months where I entered said
service and was discharged there from[?]
though I know it was in the fall of
the year as it was seeding time when
I left home -
9th - I entered said service again as a militia
man in Morris County aforesaid, in the company
of Capt Stephen Brown in Col Lewis's
regiment (formerly said Capt Lewis) and
marched from said County to Elizabeth
Town aforesaid and on this tour I served
one month and was discharged at Elizabeth
Town Farms where we were engaged
with the British Troops under
Kniphausen, a Hessian General -
who commanded the Hessian troops.
My discharge from this tour was not in writing
at the last mentioned Battle we were not
engaged in the first of the Battle, but on the
Page 7

(5)
[illegible] at our company got into the engagement -
I can't state the year or the
months when I entered upon and was
discharged from this tour - It was early
in the spring of the year as I recollect
that the field we formed in had been 
sown in flax and oats and oats 
were about half leg high -
10th - I entered said service in Morriss County aforesaid
as a drafted militia man under Lieutenant
Minthorn and served on this tour one month guarding
the Company stores at [illegible] Plains
about eight miles from my place of residence
I believe that said Plains were situate[?] in said
County where I then resided and I was
discharged at said Plains but not in writing
I don't remember the year or month
when this tour was performed; but the
weather was not cold -
11th  I served in the Militia of New Jersey
as a minute man being drafted for that
purpose - i served in said Capt.
Lewis's company on said service - I can't
remember the year I entered it nor the
month - nor the year and month when
I was discharged from said service
I was discharged, but not in writing, at
Bar Brook and I served as 
a minute man two years and during said
service was not engaged in any Battle
though frequently engaged in skirmishes -
My service was not constant in said minute
service but occasional; that is as we
were called out from time to time - We
had alarm posts fixed as on the fire
Page 8

(6)
from a field piece there stationed we
were required to rally to the service
and as a minute man I served actually
in the course of said two years not
less than seven months -
And I claim a pension for two
years, as I served not less than that
period as above -
I state that owing to my very advanced
age and the consequent loss of my memory
I cannot state with more precision
than I have done above the length
of my several tours aforesaid
not their commencement and term termination
and I know that I served said
tours, but I don't remember the order
in which I performed them nor can
I state that I have correctly set
them forth, as to the order of time
in which they were performed.
While performing said tours I saw
General W[?]res, General Wayne, General
Putnam, General Morgan and
General Washington and helped to
build Fort Washington on Yonkers[?]
Island - I also saw General Lee -
While I was performing one of said
tours Major Andre was taken near
where I was stationed - and I saw
him while a prisoner when in the
American camp - but I did not see
him executed although I was then in
Page 9

(7)
the service - and at the time I was shown
the very spot where said Andre was
taken  I was a private in said service and
I was always drafted when I went out
I have not any written or documentary evidence
of my services aforesaid and I know no
person now living by whom I can prove
said services or any part of them -
I am known in my present neighborhood
to James Clark  Samuel M. Taylor, Samuel
Hanson, David Hampton  Travis
L. Jackson and Chilton Allan now a representative
in Congress from this state,
all of whom can testify as to my character
feracity[?] and their belief of my service
as a soldier of the Revolution
And I hereby relinquish every claim whatever
[?] a pension or annuity except the present, and declare
that my name is not on the Pension Roll
of the Agency of any State -
Sworn to and subscribed the
day and year aforesaid -
Andrew Merrill
his mark X

We Wilson Styvers   a Clergyman
residing in Clarke County - State of Kentucky
and Armstead Hughes
residing in said County and State hereby
certify that we are well acquainted with
Andrew Merrill who has subscribed and sworn
to the above declaration: that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood where
he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution
and that we concur in that opinion - Sworn
and subscribed the 25th day
of February 1833.
[signed]
Wilson Stivers
Armstead Hughes
Page 10

(8)
And now on the 25th day of February 1833, during February term 1833
the said court do hereby declare their
opinion after the investigation of the matter
and after putting the interrogatives prescribed
by the War Department, that
the above named applicant was
a Revolutionary soldier and
served as he states - and the Court further
certifies that it appears to them
that Wilson Styvers who has signed
the preceeding certificate is a Clergyman
resident in Clarke County, Kentucky and
that Armstead Hughes who has
also signed the same is a resident of 
said County and state and that
their statement is entitled to credit.
Commonwealth of Kentucky}
Clarke County, Sct.}

I James P. Bullock, Clerk of the County
Court of the County aforesaid, do certify that
the foregoing eight pages contain the original
proceedings of the said Court at their February
and January Terms 1833, in the matter of 
the application of Andrew
Merrell for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have
herewith set my hand and
affixed the seal of said Court
on this 27th day of February
1833. [illegible]  J. P. Bullock  [illegible]

These papers were properly authenticated
but I had to cut them open in order to
read them      Joseph Rowen  Clerk

23616   Andrew Merrell declaration [written in margin]
Page 11

ORIGINAL CLAIM.
___________

Declaration, in order to be placed on the Pension List, under the Act of
the 18th March, 1818.

County of Clarke   88.
On this 24th day of November 1828, personally appeared in
open court, (a) (being a court of record (b) for the county,)
aforesaid Andrew Merrill
resident in said county, aged seventy three years, who,
being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration,
in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18th March,
1818, and the 1st of May, 1820; that he the said Merrill enlisted (c) for
the term of five months on the   day of June or July, in the
year 1776 - in the State of New Jersey in the company (d) commanded
by captain Luse in the regiment commanded by colonel Martin
in the line of the State of New Jersey on the  continental
establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps until the five
months elapsed when he was discharged from the service in Morris County
in the State of New Jersey - * ; that he hereby relinquishes every claim
whatever to a pension, except the present; that his name is not on the roll of any
State, except New Jersey; and that the following are the reasons for
not making earlier application for a pension : (e) he thought untill he
was lately[?] informed by the Hon James Clark that
this pension fund was raised by taxes which was
oppressive to the poor, and he determined not to
take it
And, in pursuance of the Act of the 1st May, 1820, I do solemnly swear, (or affirm,
as the case may be,) that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day
of March, 1818, and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner
disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as
to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide
for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States
in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have
not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or
debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule
hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. (f) That, since the 18th of March, 1818,
the following changes have been made in my property. (g)

No material change has taken place or been
made on my property. I have now 67 acres of land
one old horse and cow though old. furniture $15 

Sworn to, and declared, on the 24th day of November - 1828 -. (h) in open
court before Dalton W Jefrees  Isaac Cunningham & Pre. Harrison presiding members of the
County Court of Clarke County.

I James P. Bullock Clerk of the County Court of
Clarke do hereby certify, that it appears, to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said
Andrew Merrill did serve in the Revolutionary war, as stated in the
preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under
one engagement, on the continental establishment. I also certify, that the foregoing
oath, (or affirmation,) and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the
records of the said Court; and i do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said
Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule
is two hundred dollars and    cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the
said Court, on this 24th day of November 1828.

[signed]
James P Bullock
Clerk of the Court of the County
of Clarke


*that after that he served two other terms of five months when on the   day of  January or February.
in the year 1780 as well as he recollects he enlisted for two years in the State of New Jersey,
in the company commanded by Capt Lewis in the Regiment commanded by Col Drake and
Col Stewart on continental establishment, and continued to serve in sd. camps untill the two years
expired where he was discharged at men???, morris county new jersey
[written in side margin]

1828
    73
_____
       5
Page 12

State of Kentucky
Clarke County}  Sct.  November Court 1838
On the motion of Andrew Merrell his declaration
and oath was made and received in Court in order
to be placed on the pension list under the Act of
Congress of the 18th of March 1818 and ordered to
be certified and entered of record, which was done
accordingly given under my hand as clerk of sd
Court this 24th day of Nov. 1828
[signed]
James P Bullock


__________________
20.84.5
Andrew Merrell
declaration -
Page 13

23616

Andrew Merrell
Clarke Co.
Kentucky

from 1775 private
2 years.
$80.

Winchester

Jas. P. Bullock Clerk
Clarke Co.
Kentucky
Page 14

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has 
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 
A Statement, shewing [illegible] Service of Andrew Merrell. Clarke Co Kentucky.
[table form starts]
Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the claimant's service. | Years.| Months.| Days. | Rank of the claimant. | Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. | Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. | Proof by which the declaration is supported. 
1775. |"|1|12| Paci | Col. Ford  Cap. Corns | 75. years | Traditionary.
1776. | " | 4| " | " | Col. Martin Maj Horton Cap. Lewis | Morred Co. N. Jersey|
Ditto | " | 1 | " | " | Cap. Cook |
1777. | " | 1 | " | " | Cap. Horton |
{Not accollected - - | " | 1 | " | " | Cap. Soloman |
Ditto | " | 1 | " | " | Cap Stark |
" | " | 5 | " | " | Col Martin Cap Lewis Loro Sterling |
" | " | 3 | " | " | Col. Laley Cap Richey |
" | " | 1 | " | " | Col. Lewis Cap Buswer | 
" | " | 1 | " | " | Lt Mintbern |
" | " | 7 | " | " | Cap Lewis 
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 15

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service. but not those who were occasionally employed with, the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops. Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of }ss.
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years
 of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but it neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are know at the department. a very full account of the services of each person
Page 16

3
 will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore. these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace. the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
" Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of bis service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:
For year months, and days, I served as a ; For mouths and days, I served as a and for such service I claim a pension."
{It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with au embodied corps called into service by competent authority that lie was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 17

Lexington Ky - 3-16-11.
200 West High St.

Hon. James L. Davenport,
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir,
My great Grandfather, Andrew Merrill, of Clark Co.
Kentucky, was, on May 30, 1833, granted a pension (Revolutionary)
of $80 a year, being then 77 years old. He had
been a private in the New Jersey Line & was with Gen.
Washington at the battle of Yorktown.
Will you kindly have sent to me (if
the Records of your office show) the dates & places
of said Andrew Merrill's birth, to whom (& where
& when) he was married, the names of his children at
the time the pension was granted, & what other personal
information you may deem of interest?
It is a family tradition that the old
soldier was of German extraction & that his
name was Anglicized from Andreich Merilles,
or Merl, or something of the sort, but Andrew
Merrill sounds more like Scotch, to me.
Thanking you in advance I
am Very truly your friend & obt. svt.

[signed] C.E. Merrill
Is the name, "John Merrill", on your Revolutionary list? And the date
of Andrew Merrill's death?

M.
Page 18

November 23, 1934.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/ady
Andrew Merrell or Merrill
S.31253

Mr. Clyde W. Kurtz
Reliance
Wyoming

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter relative to Andrew
Merrill, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.

The data contained herein are obtained from the
papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, 
S.31253, based upon his military service in that war.

Andrew Merrell or Merrill was born May 8, 1757 in
Roxburg Township, Morris County, New Jersey. No reference
is made to his parents.

While a resident of Morris County, New Jersey, he
enlisted in 1775 and continued to serve at various times
in short tours throughout the war, two years in all, in
the New Jersey troops, as private under the following
officers; Lieutenant Minthorne, Captains Zophar Carnes,
Lewis, Cook, Horton, Salmon, Stark, Rickey, Stephen, Brown
and Colonels Ford, Martin, Seeley and Lewis, and was in
the battles of Long Island, and Elizabethtown and several
skirmishes.

In 1783 he moved from Morris County, New Jersey to
Loudon County, Virginia, and lived in said county and Frederick County, Virginia, about two years, then moved to
Washington County, Maryland, where he lived two years, then
returned to Loudon County, Virginia, and lived in said
county and Hampshire County, Virginia, about ten years, 
about 1797 or 1798 he moved to Kentucky and lived in Estill
County and Clark County.

He was allowed pension on his application executed
January 28, 1833 while a resident of Clark County, Kentucky.
(His pension certificate number was No.13580.)
Page 19

Soldier died May 29, 1835, place not stated.

There are no family data.

This the record of the only Andrew Merrell or 
Merrill, all spellings of the surname searched, that is
found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.

Very truly yours


A. D. Miller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 20

June 19, 1934.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/ady
Andrew Merrell or Merrill
S.31253

Mr. Joseph B. Lutz
Box 115
Cheyenne, Wyoming

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Andrew
Merrill, a soldier of the Revolutionary War and Nicholas
Merrill, a soldier of the War of 1812.

War of 1812 data furnished by this office are obtained
from claims made to the United States for pension based
upon military service of soldiers in that war.

A careful search of the records fails to show a claim
for pension on file on account of the sevices of Nicholas
Merrill, all spellings of the surname searched.

The data contained herein are obtained from the papers
on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.31253,
based upon the military service of Andrew Merrell, or Merrill
in that war.

Andrew Merrell or Merrill was born May 8, 1757 in
Roxburg Township, Morris County, New Jersey. No reference is
made to his parents.

While a resident of Morris County, New Jersey, he
enlisted in 1775 and continued to serve at various times in short tours throughout the war, two years in all, in the New Jersey troops, as
private under the following officers: Lieutenant Minthorne, Captains Zophar Carnes, Lewis, Cook, Horton, Salmon, Stark, Rickey, Stephen Brown and Lieutenant Minthorne ["next time" written in margin],
Colonels Ford, Martin, Seeley and Lewis,
and was in the battles of Long Island and Elizabethtown and
several skirmishes.

In 1783 he moved from Morris County, New Jersey to
Loudon County, Virginia, and lived in said county and
Frederick County, Virginia, about two years, then moved to
Washington County, Maryland, where he lived two years, then
returned to Loudon County, Virginia, and lived in said
county and Hampshire County, Virginia, about ten yars, about
Page 21

1797 or 1798 he moved to Kentucky and lived in Estill County
and Clark County.

He was allowed pension on his application executed
January 28, 1833 while a resident of Clark County, Kentucky.

Soldier died May 29, 1835, place not stated. On A.B.

There are no family data.

This is the record of the only Andrew Merrell or Merrill,
all spellings of the surname searched, that is found on the
Revolutionary War records of this office.

Very truly yours,

A. D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 22

March 17, 1910.

Mrs. J. W. Sturgis,
1835 North Delaware Street,
Indianapolis, Ind.

Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 8" and received the 11"
instant, relative to the claim of Andrew Merrell, Sur. File No. 31,253,
you are advised that the record of this Bureau shows that he died May
29, 1935, but does not state where, and that in order to obtain his last
known residence, the date of last payment of his pension and name of the
person to whom said payment was made, application should be made  to the
Auditor for the Interior Department, U. S.Treasury Department, citing
the following data: "Andrew Merrell, Certificate No. 13,580, issued May
20, 1833, under the Act of June 7, 1822, at the Kentucky Agency."
Very respectfully,


Commissioner.
Page 23

[top of this page is folded over the beginning sentence and is unreadable]

[...] of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired
ration as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension
on file in this Bureau.    Andrew Merrell S. file  31,253

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment: Vol. in 1775 & continued to serve in short terms throughout the war.

Length of Service: 2 years

Rank: Private

Officers Under Whom Service was Rendered:
Captains.
Zophar Carnes, Lewis, Cook,
Horton, Solomon,
Stark, Rickey,
Stephen Brown &
Lt. Mintorne

Colonel.
Ford, Martin
Seeley and Lewis

State
N.J.

Battles engaged in, 
Long Is. & Elizabethtown

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Morris Co., N.J. until 1783

Date of application for pension, Jan. 25, 1833. His claim was allowed.

Residence at date of application, Clark Co., Ky. from Jany 5, 1833.

Age at date of application, born May 8, 1757 Roxburg Twp,
Morris Co., N.J.

Remarks:    Died May 29, 1835 (Agency book)
Page 24

Loudon      Co.    Va
Frederick    "        "
Hampshire  "        "

Wash   Co. Md

Clarke     Ky
Estill
Page 25

Acts of July 11, 1862, and March 3, 1873. [crossed out]

7125.

P.O.
Andrew Merrill

Service:

Enlisted:_______, 18   .
Discharged:____, 18   .

[Stamped] REJECTED

Application filed:__________, 18   .

Alleges:___________

Re-enlisted:_____________

Attorney:__________

P.O.____________
____________ Recognized.    ________Contrac

_________Cert. of Dis.    Searched for__________, 18  [checked]
Page 26

J. W. Sturgis
1835 N. Delaware St.
Indianapolis, Ind.

Rev

3/8/10

The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington.

Dear Sir:
Your very kind letter
containing the Revolutionary
War record of one Andrew
Merrell has been received.
Will you please inform me
where this Andrew Merrell
lived at time of death. In
Page 27

31253
Rev[?] INVALID.

___________

File No.   31,253
Andrew Merrell
Pri  Rev  War


___________

Act: June 7th  32"

Index:--Vol. 2,  Page 268

{Arrangement of 1870.}


1910 Mch. 2. Hist to Mrs, J. W.
Sturgis letter in W. file 454
John Dey.
1910 Mch. 17. Mrs. Sturgis referred
to Auditor for last residence etc -
1911 Mch. 23. C.E. Merrill -
________________________________
1934 June 19. Hist. to Joseph B. Lutz A. D. Y.
_______________________________
1934 Nov. 23. Hist. to Clyde W. Kurtz A. D. Y.
________________________________
Page 28

3--871.
_______
Record Division.

Department of the Interior,

Bureau of Pensions.
________

Briefed by    W. T. Conboye
Claim No.   Feb 21, 1910.

Certificate No.  Wife Elizabeth resided
Princeton, N.J.

Claimant

Soldier   Andrew Merell

Service    N.J.       Rev.

Additional Service

No   claim, State records ..., 190...
No claim, combination records ..., 190...

REMARKS:
No claim as above except
O W Inv File
31,253.

0-8   Chief Division
Page 29

Office of Superintendent
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 7
Sweetwater County
Reliance, Wyoming

Nov. 13, 1934

[stamped received Nov. 15  1934, 3:45]

Department of Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:
Page 30

WYOMING SOCIETY
SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Organized May 18, 1908

President
Edwin E. Fitch, Laramie

Vice-President
Maj. Geo. W. Brower, Ft. Warren

Secretary
Joseph B. Lutz, Cheyenne

Treasurer 
Edward H. Rawson, Laramie

Registrar and Historian
John C. Blackman, Cheyenne

Board of Governors
Clyde L. Titus, Cheyenne
Clarence B. Richardson, Cheyenne
James H. Walton, Cheyenne

6-6-34

[stamped received 3:45, Jun 11, 1934]

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.
 
Dear Sir:

What is your record on Andrew Merril, Virginia Revolutionary
Soldier? The County is not known but take it that there was
not likely two persons of this same name. He is said to have been
a pensioner.

Also the record of Nicjolas Merrill, Virginia soldier and son
]of Andrew Merrill, who was in War of 1812. Supposedly a Captain.

One of the above is said to have been drawing his pension
at the time of his death in Estelle County, Ky.

Thanking you, I ma

Sincerely yours, 
[signed]

J. L. Lutz, Secretary
Page 31

Recd. 24 Jan. 1829

20.845
Andrew Merrill
Kentucky.
Rejected: See
letter Hon. J.
Clark H.R. dated
24th Jan. 1829
See letter 27 [illegible]
[illegible]
Act 1822
 March 1818
7125

Edwards
Pension office
Washington City
Page 32

Representative Hall

Sir

I send you enclosed the declaration
of Andrew Merrell for a pension, will
you be pleased to have it attended to

Respectfully [?]

J S. Clark