Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 563, for Andrew Mershon, New Jersey
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Service: New Jersey

Mershon, Andrew
Mary

Number: W563
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32.291 
New Jersey 
Andrew Mershon, deed of Mercer Co. in the State of N. Jersey who was a Wagon master in the ___ commanded by Captain ___ of the ___ commanded by ___ in the New Jersey line for 13 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey the rate of 325 Dollars ___ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. & and 10th March, 1834, when he died.

Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of February 1845 and sent to Hon W. L. Dayton, Senate U. States.

Arrears to the 4th of 
Semi-annual allowance ending 
$[illegible]2.00
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Wm. Stewart Clerk, Book E. 2. Vol. 3 Page 147 
Refd by letter to Pen. agt: 22d Feby. ‘45
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Reported 
6677. Increase 
New Jersey. 
Mary Mershon, decd widow of Andrew Mershon who was a Wagon Master in the Revolution for 19 mos 24 days 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 495 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. & end 15 June 1845, when she died 
Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of Sept 1850 and sent to Hon W. A. Newell House of Reps
[Acts of March 3, 1843 & June 17, 1844
Increased from $325 
Recorded in Book A 1
Vol. 2 - Page 98 
Payable to Maria A. Yard Ex for she having left no children
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State of New Jersey 
Mercer County

on this Eighteenth day of April one thousand Eight hundred and forty four persons appeared before the Subscriber, one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common pleas in and for said County Mary Mershon a resident of the township of Lawrence in the County of Mercer and State of New Jersey in the Eighty ninth year of her age who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7, 1838. Entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. That she is the widow of Andrew Mershon who was a Wagon Master under Col Moore Furman D.Q. Genl of New Jersey in the Revolutionary war in the service of the United States that she has no particular knowledge of his service having married him in the year 1787. Except such as he often named and spoke of to her that he commanded a Brigade of wagons in the service of the United States of which he was Wagon Master that his Brigade Carted from the Delaware River to the North River that the posts he frequented most was Trenton and Pittstown that he often spoke of Peter Gordon Q.M. at Trenton who loaded his wagons and gave directions when to deliver them, that her said husband served some years in that capacity heard him frequently say before his death that he was entitled to a pension for his services as Wagon Master in the Revolution she further declares that the vouchers or papers hereto attached have always been in their possession viz. the remains of an old commission and other papers
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and the signatures of Andrew Mershon thereon is in the proper handwriting and signature of her said husband that the voucher endorsed Andrew Mershon's Brigade except the endorsement is also in the handwriting of her said husband.
She further declares that she was married to the said Andrew Mershon on the Second day of February Seventeen hundred and Eighty seven by the Rev'd Mr Armstrong of Trenton that her name was Mary Yard, that Mr Armstrong has left no record of marriages that she had a record of the births of her children which was torn out of the Bible by her grandchildren and destroyed some years ago. There are witnesses living who were present, that they had two children Viz, Sarah Mershon her eldest born on the 12th of January 1788, and Edward Yard Mershon born June 4th 1790 while they lived on the homestead farm, where her husband lived while in the service of the United States only a few miles from their present residence, where they moved in the spring of 1794 and where they lived till the death of her said husband and where she continues to live.  That her husband the aforesaid Andrew Mershon died on the tenth day of March Eighteen hundred and thirty four, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four. Viz at the time above Stated. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before 
Chas. Burroughs Judge 
Mary Mershon
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[stamped]
RECEIVED
JUL 8 1937
MAIL SUB-DIV.

[stamped]
RECEIVED
JUL 9 1937
EMPLOYEES
ACCOUNTS
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The Association of the Descendants of Henry Mershon, Inc.
Organized at Trenton, N. J., September 8th, 1923. 
Meets annually in Lawrenceville, N. J., on the Saturday nearest to September 20th of current year.

The Association is a blood fellowship, has no membership dues, and functions through the Annual Meeting, Board of Trustees and Executive Board. Voluntary contributions constitute the sole support of the Association and are earnestly requested. Address inquiries to the Secretary-Treasurer. 
The Board of Trustees and the Executive Board ask every one of the Mershon family to appoint himself a committee of one to make a research for any Genealogy Data in the locality in which he is living, and to report the findings to the Genealogy Research Committee; also to report the birth, marriage or death of any member of the Mershon family.
MERSHON FAMILY AND ITS NAME 
Marchand (French), Marchant (Middle English), Merchant (Modern English), Marchan (Dutch), Mershon (Phonetic).
First 4 generations, gleaned from research, tradition and correspondence during the past sixty years:
I. – HENRI MARCHAND b. 1648 – d. after 1685, of Normandy, France (probably Caen.)
   III. HENRY b. 1696 d. 1777  
      IV. William, Jospeh, Benjamin, Henry
   III. ANDREW Bapt. 1706 d. 1793
      IV. Henry, Benjamin, Cornelius, Nathaniel, Andrew, Timothy, Hannah. Sarah, Rebekah. Catherine
   III. PETER b. 1707 d. 1747
      IV. Andrew, Daniel, Elizabeth, Ann, John , Aaron
   III. THOMAS b. 1710 d. 1790
      IV. Robert, Samuel, Job, William, James, and 4 or 5 daughters
   III. HOUGHTON b. near 1820 d. 1798
      IV. Henry, Fanny, Andrew, Moses, Sarah, Anna	

II. – HENRY MERSHON = ANN (HOUGHTON?) b. 1672 – d. 1738 Landed at New York, age 13, Huguenot refugee
   III. MARY
   III. ANN
   III. REBECCA b. 1711/12
   III. ELIZABETH bapt. 1714
   III. SARAH
   Our data concerning Henry’s daughters are meager.  Elizabeth marries Joseph Green; Rebecca married Nathaniel Fitz-Randolph and had 14 children.  Her grave is within Princeton College grounds.
GRAVE OF HENRY MERSHON II
Marking the grave of Henry Mershon II in the cemetery on the hill at Lawrenceville, N.J., (formerly Maidenhead) is a granite field boulder weighing 4 ½ tons, erected by the Association and bearing a replica bronze tablet: “Here lyeth the body of Henry Mershon who departed this life the 20th Sept. 1723.”

OFFICERS
James Maxwell Fassett, President
Alfred L. Johnarud, Vice President
Miss Dorothy Brown, Recording Secretary
W. Wallace Fritz, M.D., Secretary Treasurer 1614 Spruce St. Philadelphia, PA
Mrs. Irving W. Mershon, Genealogist 159 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Oliver F. Mershon, M.D.
Irving W. Mershon
Miss Hope L. Mershon
Isaac L. Green
Mrs. Alfred L. Johnarud
EXECUTIVE BOARD
James Maxwell Fassett
Alfred L. Johnarud
W. Wallace Fritz. M. D.
Miss Dorothy Browwn
Mrs. Irving W. Mershon
Mrs. James B. Mershon
Frederick H. Mershon
Miss Mary Mershon
Robert G. Milne
Leroy A. Mershon
John J. Mershon

21661
159 Nassau St.
Princeton N. J.
July 3, 1937

Mr. A. D. Hillyer
Executive Assistant
Veterans Administration
Washington D. C.

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of July 1, 1937 and to your Files “Andrew Mershon, W. 563. BA-J//MMHF:MLB
Request is for photostatic copies of all receipts presented by widow of Andrew Mershon for pension W563 and a document dated June 15, 1778, “Valuation of a brigade”.
I suppose one page of photostatic copy will contain several receipts, as I understand there were many more than five receipts.
I enclose money order for $1.25 as cost stated in your letter.  Thank you for your favor.
Very truly yours,
Grace L. O. Mershon
(Mrs. Irving W. Mershon)
[stamped]
RECEIVED
JUL 7 1937
CASHIER
VETERANS’
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April 5, 1940
Mrs. I. W. Mershon 
159 Nassau Street 
Princeton, New Jersey 

ANDREW MERSHON
W.563
BA-J/[illegible]

Dear Madam:
 Reference is made to your letter of recent date, in which you request for Mrs. John B. Warner, of 270 Yates Street, Albany, New York, the Revolutionary War record of Andrew Mershon, who resided near Trenton, New Jersey, and served as wagonmaster in that war. 

The record of Andrew Mershon follows as found in the papers of pension claim, W. 563, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War. 

The date and place of birth of Andrew Mershon, his age, and the names of his parents were not given. 

Andrew Mershon, while residing near Trenton, New Jersey, was appointed wagonmaster and served from May 19, 1777, to January 15, 1779, under Colonel Moore Furman, Deputy Quartermaster General of New Jersey, and commanded a brigade of wagons. 

He died March 10, 1834, in Hunterdon (that part later Mercer) County, New Jersey. 

Andrew Mershon married February 2, 1787, Mary Yard. April 25, 1844, Ann Phillips, then aged seventy-eight years and a resident of Trenton, New Jersey, testified that she was the half-sister of Mary Mershon and that she well remembered that "Mary Yard, her half-sister was married to the said Andrew Mershon on the second day of February, seventeen hundred and eighty-seven by the Reverend Mr. Armstrong of the City of Trenton at her father's house in said city. She also recollects that it was the birthday of her mother and that on the same day of said marriage Hannah the daughter of Daniel and Mary Yard was born." Mary Yard was the widow of Daniel Yard in 1844 and was then in the eighty-eighth year of her age and a resident of Trenton, New Jersey.
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Mary Mershon was allowed pension on account of the service of her husband, Andrew, on her application executed April 18, 1844, while residing in Lawrence Township, Mercer County, New Jersey, and aged eighty-eight years. She died in Mercer County, June 15 or 16, 1845 (both dates shown). 

Andrew Mershon and his wife, Mary, had two children, namely Sarah Mershon born January 12, 1788, Edward Yard Mershon born June 4, 1790. Both children, named above, were deceased at the time of their mother's death. 
Soldier's wife, Mary Mershon, had a brother, Captain Edward Yard, who was a sea captain. He had a daughter, Maria Yard. One Maria A. Yard was executrix for Mary Mershon's estate. 

Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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In the case of Mary Mershon widow of Andrew Mershon inscribed on the rolls of New Jersey at the rate of $325 per annum. An increase of Pension from $325 to 600 is asked.

On the 20th of June 1844. Lieutenant William E Hunt of the United States Navy a resident of Nottingham County of Mercer State of New Jersey, sworn that the foregoing paper hereto attached is cut from a blotter in his possession late the property of his Grandfather Col Moore Furman D.Q. M. General of New Jersey, that the writing thereon is the hand writing of the said Moore Furman deceased. Deponent further says that Voucher No.2. is attached to identify the date of said leaf - the figures "1778" over "June 15" being blotted and somewhat defaced on said leaf. Said receipt with the endorsement is also in the handwriting of the said Moore Furman deponents Grandfather except the name of the recipient I. Burnet A D Camp which said receipt bears date “June 22nd 1778” and corresponds with the record (A1)
See record taken from Blotter, attached to the above Affidavit. (A2.) certificate of the Secretary of State of New Jersey, B
Proof of the death of Andrew & Mary Mershon and that they left no children (C) 
Letters of Administration to Maria A Yard (D) 
The certificate of the Secretary of State of New Jersey shews that Andrew Mershon was in service to 15 of January 1779. It appears from the leaf of the Ledger of Moore Furman that Mershon’s service commenced on 19th May 1777 and as is alleged, that he served more than 3 years. There is a paper filed in this case purporting to be a receipt from
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Andrew Mershon for one barrel of Tan dated May 1780. but a part of the signature as well as part of the receipt is torn off which so mutilates the document that without some further proof in support of the genuineness of this paper, it cannot be received as evidence of his service up to that period.  As the case now stands the service of Andrew Mershon from the 19th of May 1777 to 15 Jany. 1779 may be allowed. See Commissioners letter 24th of September 1850.
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Allowed by Mr. Evans
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Andrew Mershon, dec.
Act of June 1832 
Adm 2 yrs wagonmaster inc. to $600 per annum, 
Ded’g former payts at $495 per annum.  [illegible] 4 March 1831 & endg 10 March 1834, payable to Maria A. Yard Executrix inc. to $600, ded’g former payts at $495, Acts 38. 43 & 44 End’g 15 June 1845 payable as above 
A. Ray [illegible]
Present
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Mary Mershon
N.J.
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Trenton April 17. 1851 
Sir
On the 12th March 1857 I was notified of an increase of Pension to Andrew & Mary Mershon, and instructed by you to pay to Maria A. Yard Executrix.

 On the 17th Oct 1850 a former increase was ordered, and I was similarly instructed but by a letter of the 2d Nov 1850 from the pension office, I was directed to pay to Mrs Yard as administratrix not Executrix as you will perceive by reference to your letter book.

The evidence I believe to be that she is admin not Executrix, and I must beg you to instruct me to pay to her in the former capacity as heretofore.

I am very Respectfully your ob. Servant
Philemon Dickinson 
P. Agent N. Jersey
J. E. Heath Esq.
Court of Pensions
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56 
Washington DC 
Nov. 9. /50 
Alexander Ray 
appeals from the decision of the Court of Pensions in the case of Andrew Mershon his widow Mary Mershon, Revol. Pensioners

Ref. to Court of Pension for Report Dep. [illegible] 
Nov 1 1888
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Washington
November 9th, 1850

Hon. A. H. H. Stuart 
Secretary of the Interior

Sir
As attorney in fact, in the case of Andrew Mershon, and his widow, Mary Mershon, Revolutionary pensioners, both late of New Jersey, deceased, I beg to appeal from a late decision of the Commissioner of Pensions. 

There is but one single question to be submitted for your consideration, and with a view to an understanding of that point, I enclose a copy of the Commissioners letter of the 24th Sept. last in the case. 

It will be perceived that it is admitted “as the case now stands the service of Mershon from the 19th May 1777 to 15 Jany 1779 may be allowed”, making 21 months service as a Wagon master. But it is claimed in the original declaration, made under oath by Andrew Mershon, that he served for more than three years, and in support of his service, it seems he filed certain papers or receipts with his application. Two of the number have been regarded as satisfactory evidence, to wit from the 19th May 1777 to the 15th Jany 79. It appears that there is also "a paper filed in the case purporting to be a receipt from Andrew Mershon for one barrel of Tan dated 8th May 1780.” But, says
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the Commissioner, "a part of the signature as well as a part of the receipt is torn off, and further proof in support of the genuineness of this paper is required.”  The requirement is not capable of proof, for if the paper of itself does not bear the evidence of genuineness, no proof can be adduced to change is appearance, its date, nor is antiquity. 

Again, it is used as an argument, that but a part of the signature as well as a part of the receipt is torn off, which mutilates the document. 

Not having seen the paper in question, but as it is expressed a "receipt" I judge there are other words written than the signature, and presuming as to the fact, then the paper should be considered as a whole, not in part, that is, of the date and words embodied in the receipt be distinct.  The signature, altho a part may have been torn off, may very satisfactorily compare with the record admitted. The date being the important question in the receipt, because it goes to establish a longer period of service.  

If upon your examination of the paper, it should be decided in favor of the claim, in receiving the receipt in evidence, then but three months of the time from Jany 1779 to 8th May 1780 would be required to entitle the applicants to a full pension as 21 months service has already been allowed. 

Having endeavored to present to you the question
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in the light it appears to me, I shall rest with the hope that upon an inspection of the receipt of the 18th May 1780 you may deem it admissible, and this grant the allowance asked for.

In submitting the case I have the honor to remain 
Very Respectfully 
Your most obt 
Alex. Ray
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State of New Jersey 

I Charles G McChesney Register of the Prerogative Court of the State of New Jersey holden at Trenton in and for said State do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Andrew Mershon, who was a Wagon Master in the Service of the United States, died in the County of Hunterdon (now Mercer) on the 10th day of March in the year 1834 leaving a widow named Mary who received a pension from the United States for the services of her said husband at the rate of $325 per annum, both of whom are now dead leaving no child or children them surviving.

 In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Trenton this fifteenth day of October One thousand eight hundred and fifty 

Charles G. McChesney 
Register
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D
And. Mershon
New Jersey Nov/32

Alex. Ray
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STATE OF NEW JERSEY. 
I, Oliver S Halsted, Ordinary or Surrogate General of the State of New Jersey , do hereby certify, that on the fifteenth day of October A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty administration of the goods and chattels, rights and credits, which were of Andrew Mershon late of the county of Mercer (formerly Hunterdon) who died intestate, was granted by me to Maria A. Yard of the county of Mercer who is duly authorized to administer the same, according to law. 

Witness my hand, and the seal of the Prerogative Court, at Trenton, in said state, this fifteenth day of October A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty. 

BY THE ORDINARY, 
Charles G. McChesney 
O. S. Halsted 
Register.
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State of New Jersey 
I Charles G. McChesney Register of the Prerogative Court of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true Copy of Letters of Administration granted by Oliver S. Halsted Ordinary of said State on the fifteenth day of October 1850 to Maria A Yard Administratrix of the goods Chattel &c of Andrew Mershon, late of the County of Mercer dec. 

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Trenton this fifteenth day of October eighteen hundred and fifty.
Charles G. McChesney
Register
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(C.)
Increase Mary Mershon a Widow of Andrew N. J. Act of May 1838 
[illegible 19 mo 24 day
$495 per from  4 March 1836 to 4 March 1841. also on the act of 3 March 43 & 17 June 44 as $495 from 4 March 1843 to 15 June 1845, the day of her death, payable to Maria A Yard Executrix She having no children now living deducting what has been paid at the rate of $325 an for same time.

Hon W A Newell 
House of Reps
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State of New Jersey 

I Charles G. McChesney Register of the Prerogative Court of the State of New Jersey holden at Trenton in and for said State do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Mary Mershon late of the County of Mercer in said State, died on the sixteenth day of June A.D. 1845, that she was a pensioner of the United States, that she left no child or children her surviving: and I further certify that letters testamentary were granted by Oliver S. Halsted Esq. Ordinary 1 of the State of New Jersey on the twenty seventh day of June A.D. 1845 to Maria A. Yard, the executrix in the last will and testament of said Mary Mershon named.

 In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Trenton this twenty fifth day of September One thousand eight hundred and fifty. 

Charles G. McChesney
Register
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Mary Mason Wid of Andrew Mershon N.J.
Act 17 June 1844   $325 per Ann 
To what time was she last paid? 
Pension Office Sept 27 1850
To her death June 15, 1845.
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Thompsons Third year. 
[column headings: When paid. No. of vouch. Paid to. No. of certif.. Date. Signed by. Payable to. Interest commenced. Amount Dolls. 90th]
1788 Jan. 5. 655. And. Mershon. 3113. 1785 Aug 10. Benj Thompson. Andrew Mershon. 1779 Jan 15. 185.4 
State of New Jersey 
I Charles G. McChesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true extract from a Book headed as above, as taken from and compared with the original record in my office.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Trenton this seventh day of September Eighteen hundred and fifty.

Charles G McChesney 
Secy of State
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Mary Mershon 
Widow of Andrew Mershon 
Wagon Master 13 months
$325 per ann.
Act 7 July 1838 
New Jersey Roll 
married in 1787 - 2d of February 
husband died 10 March 1834 

Hon. W. L. Dayton 
Senate U.S.
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Widow Mary Mershon
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Elizabeth Dunning
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Washington 11th Mar. 1850

Sir 
Mary Mershon of New Jersey widow of Andrew Mershon, who was a wagon master in the war of the Revolution, received a pension under the act of June 7, 1832 at the rate of $320 per ann. from 4 Mar. 1831 to 10 Mar. 1836, the date of Andrew Mershon’s death.  She also received a pension in her own name, at the same rate on account of the services of her husband from 4 Mar. 1836 to 4 Mar. 1841 and from 4 Mar. 1843 to 16 June 1845 the date of her death.

I respectfully request that the pension allowed her may be increased from $320 per ann. to $600 the rate established for Services as a Wagon Master.

Very Resp.
Your obt. Servant
Caleb B. Smith 

J.L. Edwards Esq 
Comm of Pensions
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J. L. Edwards
Court of Pensions
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Senate Chamb.  30 Dec 1849

Sir.
A Note of the name of Mrs. Mary Mershon, whose claim the enclosed papers were intended to support, was I think made by you at the time of my leaving the papers. 

The objection you will recollect, was that it did not appear that the services were rendered in a military capacity, and that the pay of $80 per month [?] differed so much from the true am't [amount] allowed the military officer as to be conclusive against the claim.

The Resolution of Congress 11 May 1779 of which a copy is enclosed seems to me to settle the question it proves conclusively, that the Wagon Master was a military officer and his pay the exact sum of $80.#  I need not remind the Department that more than one

[written in margin]  # The other papers seem to me of not much importance and the originals [underlined] I was requested to return after you had examined them.
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pension has been allowed to such officers that there are numerous cases of the kind, some at an early & some at a later day.

It may be, that Wag. [Wagon] Masters have upon emergencies been employed in a civil capacity, but in such cases (if any) it would almost of course be for short spaces of time, and without the formality of any appointment or commission. Everything in this case indicates, so far as I can see, that the husband of the applicant was regularly in service. His commission it was said is mutilated, but that he had a commission, that he served, and was paid as a Wag. [Wagon] Master, that the office was a military office, cannot now be questioned.  Having made out these matters, it seems to me, with defference, that an inference without the slightest evidence, that he might possibly have been employed in a civil capacity is uncalled for and unjust.  

By the clearest evidence she shows
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that the service of her husband was of the usual military character, and it does seem to me that on every principle of evidence, they who allege his case to be exceptions are bound to show it.

The fact that he had a team allowed for &c was common in all such cases.

May I beg Mr Edwards' personal attention to this case? 

Respectfully 
Wm L. Dayton 

J. L. Edwards Esq.
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Washington 7 Feb 1845

Sir

Your letter of yesterday in reference to the case of Mrs. Mershon induced me to call at your office this morning, but unfortunately you had just gone.

We have now got back to that point where we started a year ago or thereabout.

You write now for the original blotter referred to. This was the first exception June 19. 1844 (see your letter to me of that date).  The original blotter was immediately furnished. The first paragraph in your letter of July 18, 1844 is as follows. 

“I have the honor to inform you that the claim of Mary Mershon, has been again examined with the benefit of the original blotter” &c.   No further objection was made to this part of the case; but it was then further excepted, that Mershon’s Commission was mutilated &c. and that the fact that $80 was his pay, was conclusive ag'st [against] him being a Military Waggon Master, differing so much as it did from the true sum paid Military Waggon Masters. We then produced the Resolution of Congress showing that it was the
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exact sum the law allowed a military Waggon Master.

The next exception is the one raised lately - to wit, that the length of service is not sufficiently proved.

The blotter shows at least 12 or 14 months service, unless the Depart. [Department] expect proof of intermediate days. On this point let me refer to my last let. [letter].

The last caption (in letter of yesterday) is as before said identical with the first. The want of the blotter. This the Depart. has got or has had & been satisfied of its original character.

Capt. Hunt is not now, I believe, in Trenton, but is any in command of the U.S. Brig Porpoise. If the Depart. have mislaid the blotter itself, his character I should think would justify reliance on the copies. Neither he, as witness, nor Mr. Dickinson (Pres't. of Trenton Banking) as agent, would have been instrumental in getting up a spurious case.

Yours 
Wm L. Dayton
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Sen. Chamber
3rd Feb 1845

J.L. Edwards Esq 
Sir

The last communication in reference to Mrs. Mary Mershon of Trenton I inclosed to her agent. He informs me that he cannot, so far as he can now learn, be more specific in his proof of the length of time of service. This seems now to be only object'n [objection] to the claim.

Mrs. Mershon is now 90 yrs old and bed-ridden and they are anxious that she shall have some relief if not all they think her entitled to.

The Commission of her husband, the original entry by Moore Furman proved by Wm E. Hunt of U.S. Navy shows by the clearest evidence that he ent'd [entered] the service 19 May 1777. His Brigade of waggons was paid for, as is shown by the same paper, 15 June 1778, and on 20th June 1778, on some papers is a receipt from B. Lindsley A. Q. M. [Assistant Quartermaster] Morristown 593 [illegible] for his Brigade. 

There is other evidence to show a
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further continuation of the service, but it is not perhaps entirely satisfactory though I presume that as point of fact, there is no doubt of the continuation of the service for at least 3 yrs.

Will it not be consistent with the view of the Depart. to grant for the part of time above proved?

It has been repeatedly held in the Pension Depart. that where the service is under a commission, proof like the above is evidence of continuous service. In the nature of things (unless there happen to be pay rolls in existence) there cannot be proof of service thro' each intermediate day. In the Waggon department in particular, the service must have been continuous.  The Horses &c, required continuing care.  There could be no such thing as a Waggon Master serving at short intervals only. The service here, was a regular service under a Commission.

I am really tired of this case, but believing it to be an honest one & knowing the parties, I have felt some anxiety
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to have justice done the applicant in whole or in part. 

Permit me to ask your personal attention to this matter.

I have the honor to be
Yours 

Wm L. Dayton
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Payment to be made 
At
By
Agent for paying pensioners, in the Agency of 

Recorded in the P. Pension Office, in Book   Volume   Page    by

Clerk.
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WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim. 

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th of June, 1832, Andrew Mershon, deceased, who was Wagon Master in the Revolutionary war, was entitled at the time of his death, to a pension at the rate of three hundred and twenty five dollars per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and ending on the 10th of March, 1834, the day of his death, which will be paid upon the production of the proper voucher to Mary Mershon his widow.

Given at the War Office of the United States this 21st day of February one thousand eight hundred and forty-five. 

Secretary of War.
Examined and countersigned.}
Commissioner of Pensions
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Declaration of Mary Mershon of N.J. Act March 3, 1843 & June 17, 1844 

$325 per ann. 
Acts 43 & 44 

Hon W. L. Dayton 
Senate U.S 
Fees paid $.50
Page 44

Declaration 
Act of Congress 3rd March 1843 & June 17 1844

State of New Jersey 
Mercer County SS 

On this fourteenth day of February Eighteen hundred and forty five personally appeared before the subscribed one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County Mary Mershon a resident of the Township of Lawrence in the County of Mercer and State of New Jersey, in the Ninetieth year of her age who being first duly Sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3rd March 1843, and June 17th 1844. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.  

That she is the widow of Andrew Mershon who was a Wagon Master in the Revolution, and the annual amount of the pension which she received under the act of July 7th 1838 was Three hundred and Twenty five Dollars.

She further declares that she is still a widow.

 Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me February 14, 1845, Chas. Burroughs 

Mary Mershon 

I Certify that I am personally acquainted with the above declarant and know her to be a person of truth and credibility.
Chas. Burroughs Judge
Page 45

State of New Jersey 

I Charles G. McChesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that Charles Burroughs Esquire before whom the within declaration was made and taken was at the time of the doing thereof a Judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Mercer in said State duly appointed, commissioned & sworn that full faith and credit are to be given to his official attestations, and that the signature thereto is in the proper hand writing of the said Charles Burroughs.

 In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Trenton in said State this Seventeenth day of February A.D. One thousand eight hundred and forty five. 

Charles G. McChesney 
Secy. of State
Page 46

Declaration of Mary Mershon of N.J. 
Act June 7, 1832 

Payable to the widow up 10 March ’34 when he died 
$325 per ann.

Hon W. L. Dayton 
Senate U.S 

Fees Paid $.50
Page 47

State of New Jersey 
Mercer County 

On this fourteenth day of February one thousand Eight hundred and forty five personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said county Mary Mershon a resident of the Township of Lawrence in the County of Mercer and State of New Jersey, in the Ninetieth year of her age, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That she is the widow of Andrew Mershon who was a Wagon Master in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war, for whose 2 Services she has received a pension from the United States under the act of Congress passed July 7, 1838  at the rate of three hundred and twenty five dollars per annum, she now claims the arrears of pension due her said husband from the 4th of March 1831 to the 10th day of March 1834 Eighteen hundred and thirty four, being the day of his death, for such other facts as may be necessary in this application she would very respectfully refer the Honorable Commissioner of Pensions to her papers on file in the war department under the act of July 7, 1838.  She hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present, and such acts as she is justly entitled to subsequent to the act of July 7, 1838 the benefits of which she has received, and she declared that the name of her husband is not on the Pension roll of any agency in any State.

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Chas Burroughs

Mary Mershon

[written in left margin]  The words “before the subscriber one of the judges of the Court of Common Please of said county” intended before execution.
Chas. Burroughs Judge
Page 48

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the foregoing declarant and know her to be a person of truth and credibility and on account of bodily infirmity is unable to appear in open Court.

Chas. Burroughs Judge 

State of New Jersey

 I Charles G M Chesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that Charles Burroughs Esqr before whom the within declaration was made and taken was at the time of the doing thereto Judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Mercer in said State duly appointed commissioned and sworn, that full faith and credit are to be given to his official attestations, and that the signature thereto is in the proper handwriting of the said Charles Burroughs.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Trenton in said State this seventeenth day of February A.D. One thousand eight hundred and forty five.

Charles McChesney
Sec’y of State
Page 49

D May 19 1777
Seventy

Andrew Mershon
Page 50

I hereby certify that Mary Mershon the above declarant on account of bodily infirmity is unable to leave her house or appear in open court that I am personally acquainted with her and that she is a person of truth and veracity.
Chas. Burroughs Judge. 

You are hereby appointed a Waggon Master in Service of the United States to [paper folded-illegible] unless sooner released, and for your services [paper folded-illegible] to receive pay at the rate of Eighty Dollars per month, two rations per day one of which you are to receive in provision to be paid for the other at the common rate. 

Given under m [paper folded-illegible]

On demand I promise to pay to Joseph Milner on order Seventeen Dollars Twenty Cents Value receiv'd. Witness my hand & seal this second day of August Seventeen hundred and Ninety Six 1796.
Andrew Mershon

Witness Present
R. Voorhees
Page 51

Sir 

Please to pay John Phillips the sum of two pounds Ten Shillings and four pence, and oblige your humble serv.
June 12th 1794 
To Jonathan Hunt Gen.
Andrew Mershon
£2.10.4 

[columns Recipient | Item | Pounds | Shillings | Pence]

Andrew Mershon | two grays | 80 | 0 | 0
|two grays to D| 125 | 0 | 0
|wagon and gears [illegible] | [illegible] | 0 | 0

Michell Kelley | One black mare | 65 | 0 | 0
|one gray horse | 70 | 0 | 0
|one sorrel horse | 75 | 0 | 0
|one wagon and gears | 100 | 0 | 0

Elijah [illegible] | a black horse | 75 | 0 | 0
|one black mare | 100 | 0 | 0
|one bay horse | 35 | 0 | 0
|one gray mare | 45 | 0 | 0
|one wagon and gears | 100 | 0 | 0
Page 52


[columns Recipient | Item | Pounds | Shillings | Pence]

[illegible] | [illegible] | 70 | 0 | 0
|one sorrel horse | 75 | 0 | 0
|one one-eyed horse brown | 30 | 0 | 0
|wagon and gears | 100 | 0 | 0

Elijah [illegible] | a black horse | 75 | 0 | 0
|one black mare | 100 | 0 | 0
|one bay horse | 35 | 0 | 0
|one gray mare | 45 | 0 | 0
|one wagon and gears | 100 | 0 | 0

Richard [illegible] | a black horse | 85 | 0 | 0
|one black mare | 112 | 0 | 0
|one sorrel mare | 100 | 0 | 0
|one bay horse | 75 | 0 | 0
|one wagon and gears | 100 | 0 | 0

[illegible] Mathes | one bay horse | 70 | 0 | 0
|one black mare | 45 | 0 | 0
|one brown mare | 75 | 0 | 0
|one wagon and gears | 75 | 0 | 0
|one dun horse | 37 | 10 | 0

John Melick | one bay mare | 90 | 0 | 0
|one black mare horse| 65 | 0 | 0
|one black horse | 50 | 0 | 0
|one red mare horse | 65 | 10 | 0
|one wagon and gears | 65 | 0 | 0
||335| |
Page 53

Sir 
Please to pay John Phillips the sum of two pounds ten shillings and four pence, and Oblige your Humble Servt 
June 12th 1794 
To Jonathan Hunt Gen.
Andrew Mershon

£2.10.4
Page 54

10.923 
Declaration of Mary Mershon of New Jersey 
Act of Congress July 7. 1838. 

[illegible]

Hon Wm L. Dayton 
U.S. Senate
Page 55

State of New Jersey 
Mercer County 

Be it Known that on the 26th day of April A.D. 1844 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Personally appeared Maria Yard of the City of Trenton in the County and State aforesaid Known to the Subscriber as a person of truth and veracity, who being duly sworn according to law on her oath deposeth and saith that she is the daughter of Capt. Edward Yard and niece to Mary Mershon widow of Andrew Mershon, that the letter hereto attached, dated January 11, 1792, at Perth Amboy is in the handwriting of her father and directed to Andrew Mershon for his wife who is deponent’s father's sister.  Deponent’s father was not married at that time and was a Sea captain, and in said letter refers to the children of Andrew and Mary Mershon, deponent found it, together with the other papers attached to her aunt’s declaration among the old papers of her said aunt on the 18th day of April 1844. She is acquainted with the handwriting of her uncle Andrew Mershon, that the Signatures of his, attached to her aunt’s declaration and writing on the paper "Andrew Mershon’s Brigade” is genuine, and the 3 Receipts shown deponent this day in the possession of Lieut. William E Hunt dated June 6th & 16th 1778, and May 8th 1780.
Page 56

the two first signed "Andrew Mershon W.M." and of the last containing only "Andrew" (being partly destroyed), is in the hand writing of her said uncle Andrew Mershon, that he departed this life on the tenth day of March Eighteen hundred and thirty four.  Her aunt the said Mary has remained his widow ever since, and is now applying for a pension.

Maria Yard

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before me.
Abraham R. Harris J.P.
Page 57

Mr. Andrew Mershon 
Maidenhead
Trenton
Page 58

P. Amboy Jan [illegible],1792

My Dear Polly,

I once more am going to leave you & my friends. That I never do it but with regret & pain, you well know.  But more especially now - while thoughtless & careless of the world, & any particular characters of it.  I went gay, I returned happy.  But now other thoughts [illegible] all the fond attachments to connexions & others, present themselves to my mind & make me unhappy in relinquishing the pleasure of naturally attending the good & tender affections.  These are feelings I am not able eradicate yet I go with confidence.  Heaven will protect me will bring me once more to those I love
Page 59

I conclude wishing your dear children may ever enjoy happiness, may they be the darlings of Providence, & be as good as happy.  I am your ever after
Devoted Brother
Edw. Yard

P.S. If any accident should happen me, there is a paper and that will be interesting to you & your children.  I will take care that is among my other papers, & to the care of W. John Nielson.
Page 60

State Mary of New Jersey 
Mercer County

On this 8th day of May A.D. 1844 I Charles Burroughs of the City of Trenton, one of the Judges in and for said County, in the 57th year of my age do hereby certify that my Father John Burroughs was a soldier of the Revolution and I have frequently heard my said Father speak of Andrew Mershon as Wagon Master in the service of the United States during the Revolutionary War and they resided in the same neighbourhood a few miles from the City of Trenton.  My Mother Rhoda Burroughs who is now living well Remembers the same facts. 

Chas. Burroughs
Page 61

State of New Jersey
Mercer County
S S 

On the 8th day of May A.D. 1844 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared William E. Hunt of Nottingham in the County and State aforesaid a person of veracity and truth, who being duly Sworn according to law on his oath deposeth and saith, that he is the Grandson of Moore Furman deceased, who was D.L.M. General for New Jersey in the Revolutionary War that he has in his possession a number of his Grandfather's papers and Books, that the following is a true and correct extract from an old Blotter of his said Grandfather’s and in his own handwriting.

“June 15, 1778, p’d Andrew Mershon's Brigade up to this day inclusive 
June 15. Andrew Merson's Brigade of Wagons-- valued this day, they entered into the Service Tuesday 19. May 1777. 
Thomas Yates.  John Disberry. Joseph Phillips
Richard Hunt.  David Merril.  John Melick
Thomas Mount.  Stephen Barton.  Andrew Mershon”


And that the 4 vouchers hereto attached have always been in deponent’s possession since the death of his grandfather in 1808.  The Receipts No 1 and 2, is his handwriting and endorsements on No 2, 3, and 4, also in the handwriting of his grandfather the said Moore Furman.

Wm. E. Hunt
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year above written before me.
Tho. [illegible]
J.P.
Page 62

No. 1
June 16. 1778 Rec’d of Moore Surman Three Camp Kettles for the use of my Brigade of Wagoners consisting of Ten 
3 Camp kettles
Andrew Mershon W.M.

No 2. 
Received Pitts Town 6th June 1778 of Moore Furman D.Q.M.G. Three Gallons tarr for the use of my Brigade of Waggons
3 Ga. Tarr
Andrew Mershon W.M.

No. 3 [right side cut off]
Received Trenton May 8th 1780 of on barrel of Tar for use of
1 bb. Tar
Andrew
Page 63

J. Pomeroy June 18 -1778

Moore Furman D.Q.M.G
for New Jersey 
att [illegible] Town
On Publick service
Page 64

No 4.

Sir
The Brand & Shorts that I Recd of Mr. Lowery you’ll perceive it over runs in the account of 
Issuing finding it to be most part Shorts and Grain very scarce at that time. I did not allow the carter the same measure as Mr Lowery.  Let me have the most part of it Two But for one having hay at same time to issue that what I allowed the horses was sufficient.  Without any Complaint I send you the return enclosed in this for the month of May with the vouchers by A. Mershon W.M.

From Your Most Obedient & very humble servant
Morristown June 18 1770
Jon. Bummeroy (?)

P.S. We are in a likely way to be ready for the Army com as soon my it will

Con. Furman DQMS at Pittstown New Jersey
Page 65

State of New Jersey

I Charles G. McChesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that Charles Burroughs Esquire before whom the declaration of Mary Mershon was made and taken was at the time of the doing thereof one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Mercer in said State, that Samuel Evans Esqr before whom the affidavits of Ann Phillips and Mary Yard were taken, that Abraham R Harris Esqr before whom the affidavit of Maria Yard was taken, and that Thomas J. Stryker Esq. before whom the affidavit of William E. Hunt was taken, were all at the time of the doing thereof Justices of the Peace in & for said County of Mercer; all duly appointed, commissioned and sworn; that full faith & credit are to be given to their official attestations, and that the signatures thereto are in the proper handwriting of the said Charles Burroughs, Samuel Evans, Abraham R. Harris & Thomas J Stryker Esqr.  In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Trenton in said State this ninth day of May A.D. Eighteen hundred & forty four.

Charles G. McChesney 
Sec’y of State
Page 66

State of New Jersey 
Mercer County 

On the twenty fourth day of April 1844, before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Personally appeared Ann Phillips of the City of Trenton a person of truth and veracity in the twenty ninth year of her age who being duly sworn according to law on her oath deposeth and saith that she is the half-sister of Mary Mershon widow of Andrew Mershon deceased, now making application for a Pension for the services of her husband.  This deponent well remembers that Mary Yard her half-sister was married to the said Andrew Mershon on the Second day of February Seventeen hundred and Eighty Seven by the Reverend Mr. Armstrong of the City of Trenton at her father’s house in said City. She also recollects that it was the birthday of her mother and that on the same day of said marriage Hannah the daughter of Daniel and Mary Yard was born. Andrew Mershon died about ten years ago.  They had two children viz Sarah Mershon and Edward Yard Mershon. 

Ann Phillips
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written Before me.
Samuel Evans, Justice of the Peace
Page 67

State of New Jersey 
Mercer County 
SS

On the twenty fourth day of April A.D. 1844, before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Personally appeared Mary Yard of the City of Trenton in the Eighty Eighth year of her age a person of truth and veracity who being duly sworn according to law on her oath deposeth and saith that she is the widow of Daniel Yard and has always resided in the City of Trenton that she is well acquainted with Mary Mershon widow of Andrew Mershon, remembers that they the said Andrew Mershon and Mary Yard was married on the Second day of February Seventeen hundred and Eighty Seven as deponent was confined on that day with her child Hannah.  Deponent was well acquainted with Andrew Mershon during the Revolution and well recollects that he was a Wagon Master in the service of the United States and frequently saw his teams.  Deponent’s husband had a team in the service they loaded said teams in the City of Trenton at which time Peter Gordon was Quarter Master. Andrew Mershon has been deceased about ten years his widow resides about ten miles from this city and is making application for a pension for the services of her husband the said Andrew Mershon.

Mary Yard
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written Before me.
Samuel Evans Justice of the Peace
Page 68

Additional evidence in the case of Mary Mershon
(A)
Act July 7. 1838 

May 19 1777 to Jany 15 1779
Page 69

June 13. Recd of 
In Toms 
55 Shovels, from German Town
[illegible]
52 pick Axes 
1 Wagon 
Two horses

#
June 15 Andrew Mershons Brigade up to this day inclusive 
June 15. Andrew Mershons Wagon Brigade of Wagon Values this day they entered into the Service Tuesday 19 May 1777 
Thomas Yates   John Disberry   John Melick 
Richard Hunt   David Merril   Andrew Mershon 
Thomas Mount   Stephen Barton   Joseph Philips 
16 Recd from Philip Grandine 90 Bushels Bran Shorts & Meds Silverthorn & Debow 
17 Recd of Ben. Lindsey Morris Town 206 Horse shoes &
4 Boxes felling axes by Alex Brenan 
20 Recd of Ben. Lindsey Morris Town 593 Camp [illegible] by Andrew Mershon’s Brigade 
Recd from [illegible] Black river by Ichabod & D Moore
June 22d 1778 Received of Moore Furman Three Saddle horses for the [illegible]
2 White & bay
1 Gray

J. Burnet
 
22 Hugh Runyon to cash pd. Joe Jenkins W.M. for the use of his brigade of wagons
Deliv. J. Burnet for Gen. Graves 3 horses 2 white and bays 1 gray
23 Rec’d of Jacob Hire Princeton by Jacob Opdyke
116 caps 51 cartridge [illegible] 134 guns 23 canteens
Page 70

June 13. Rec’d of John Toms 55 Shovels; from German Town 
[illegible]
52 pick axes 
1 Wagon

#
June 15 W.M. Andrew Mershon Brigade up to this day inclusive 
June 15 Andrew Mershon’s Wagon Brigade of Wagon Valued this day they entered into the Service Tuesday 19 May 1777 
Thomas Yates   John Disberry   John Melick 
Richard Hunt   David Merril   Andrew Mershon 
Thomas Mount   Stephen Barton   Joseph Philips 
16 Rec’d from Philip Granding 90 Bushels Bran Short & Meds Silverthorn & Dow 
17 Rec’d of Ben. Lindsley Morristown 206 W horse shoes & 4 boxes felling axes by Alan Brenan
20 Rec’d of Ben Lindsley A.Q.M. Morristown 593 by And. Mershon’s Brigade
Rec’d from 
   88 Axes
   64 cannon balls
   3 fifty 
   3 boxes artificers’ tools
   2 old [illegible] kettles
   4 pr scales with beams
   4 pr do without beams
22 Hugh Runyon cash pd John Jenkins W.M. for the use of his brigade of wagons  £15
Deliv J. Burnett for Genl Greene 3 horses viz 2 white & bays 1 gray
23 Rec’d of Jacob Hire Princeton by Jacob Opdyke
116 caps. 54 cartridge boxes. 134 guns. 23 canteens
Page 71

State of New Jersey 
Mercer County

On the twenty ninth day of June A.D. 1844 before the Subscriber one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County Personally appeared Lieut. William E. Hunt of the United States Navy (Steam Ship Princeton) is resident of Nottingham in the County of Mercer and State of New Jersey & being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith That the foregoing paper hereto attached is cut from a Blotter in his possession late the Property of his Grandfather Col Moore Furman D.Q.M. Gen’l of New Jersey, that the writing thereon is the handwriting of the said Moore Furman Deceased, deponent further declares that Voucher No 2 I attached to Identify the date of said leaf the figures "1778" over “June 15" being blotted and somewhat defaced on said leaf. Said receipt with the endorsement is also in the handwriting of the said Moore Furman deponent’s Grandfather Except the name of the recipient “J. Burnet A.D. Camp” which said Receipt bears date "June 22d 1778” and corresponds with the record.

Wm. E. Hunt

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before 
Thomas J. Stryker
J.P.
Page 72

State of New Jersey

I Charles G. McChesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that Thomas J Stryker Esqr. before whom the within affidavit of William E. Hunt was made and taken, was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Mercer duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, and that full faith and credit are to be given to his official attestations and that the signature thereto is in the proper hand writing of the said Thomas J Stryker.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Trenton in said State this twenty ninth day of June A.D. One thousand eight hundred and forty four.

Charles G. McChesney
Sec’y of State
Page 73

32.291. 
New Jersey 
Andrew Mershon dec’d of Mercer Co. in the State of New Jersey who was a Wagon Master in the ___ commanded by Captain ___ of the ___ commanded by ___ in the New Jersey line for 2 years.

Inscribed on the Roll of Trenton at the rate of 600 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. & end’g 10th March 1834 

Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of March 1837 and sent to Alex Ray Esq. 

Present inc’d from $495.

Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7, 1832. 

Recorded by H. R. Weightman, Clerk
Book E.2. Vol. 3 Clerk, Page 147
Page 74

Reported 
Certificate returned for corrected, which being done, is returned [illegible] notified Nov 2, 1850 

32. 291. Increase 
New Jersey. 
Andrew Mershon, dec’d of Mercer Co in the State of New Jersey who was a Wagon Master in the ___ commanded by Captain ___ of the ___ commanded by ___ in the New Jersey line for 19 months & 24 days.

Inscribed on the Roll of Trenton at the rate of 495 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831 & end 10th March 1834, when he died.

Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of October 1851 and sent to Alex Ray, 
prevent 

Increased from $325 Payable to Maria A. Yard Ex he having left no successor children from surviving.

Recorded by Vol. J. B. Chase Clerk,
Book E2   Vol. 3   Page 147
Page 75

9047. Increased 
New Jersey

Mary Mershon dec’d Widow of Andrew Mershon who was a pensioner under the Act of ___ and who died on the 10 March 1834 of Mercer Co. in the State of New Jersey who was a Wagon Master in the ___ commanded by Captain ___ of the ___ commanded by ___ in the N. Jersey line for 19 months & 24 days 

Inscribed on the Roll of Trenton at the rate of 495 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Sept 1850 and sent to Hon. W. A. Newell St. R.

Increased from $325.00 
Act July 7, 1838. 

Recorded by J.B. Chase, Clerk
Book C Vol. 1 Page 201
Page 76

New Jersey 9047 

Mary Mershon widow of Andrew Mershon who was a pensioner under the Act of ___ and who died on the 10th March 1834 of Mercer Co. in the State of N. Jersey who was a Wagon Master in the___ commanded by Captain ___ of the ___ commanded by ___ in the N. Jersey line for 13 months. 

Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 325 Dollars ___ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836 

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of February 1845 and sent to Hon W. L. Dayton, Senate U. States. 

Total Amount $1625.00
(Act July 7, 1838)
Recorded by D. Brown, Clerk
Book D.   Vol. 1 Page 201.
Page 77

Hon. Moses B Cornin 9 Apr 1850 
Hon W. A. Newell 2th Sept 1850 

6677 
New Jersey 

Mary Mershon widow of Andrew Mershon he was a Wagon Master in the New Jersey line

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 325 Dollars 0 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of February 1845 and sent to Hon W. L. Dayton Senate U. States

Act of March 3, 1843. 

Recorded in Book A. Vol. 2 Page 98
Page 78

677 
New Jersey
Mary Mershon dec’d widow of Andrew Mershon who was a Wagon Master in the Revolution for 2 years N.J. line

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 600 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. and ending 15th June 1845

Certificate of Pension issued 21 day of March 1831 and sent to Alex Ray Esq. Present 

[Acts of March 3, 1843 & June 17, 1844.] 
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 98 

Inc’d from [illegible]
Page 79

9.047
New Jersey
Mary Mershon dec’d
Widow of Andrew Mershon who was a pensioner under the Act of ___ and who died on the 10 March 1834 of Mercer Co. in the State of New Jersey who was a Wagon Master in the ___ commanded by Captain ___ of the ___ commanded by ___ in the New Jersey line for 2 years.

Inscribed on the Roll of Trenton at the rate of 600 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of March 1857 and sent to Alex Ray Esq Present 

Inc’d from $495
[Act July 7, 1838.) 
Recorded by H.R. Weightman Clerk 
Book D Vol. 1 Page 201
Page 80

Increase

Andrew Mershon 
N. Jersey
Act 7th June 1832 
Ad 
Wagon Master 19 months
$495 per annum from 4 March 1831 to 10 March 34, when it died.

Payments under said act at the rate of $25 per annum to be deducted. Payable to Maria A. Yard, Executrix in there being no children nor widow.

(Mercer Co. N.J.) 

Alex Ray 
Present
Page 81

In Congress 11th May 1779 

Resolved That all Deputy Quarter Master General, who transact business upon Commission shall not be entitled either to pay or rations, but where they act without receiving such commissions, whether stationed at a post or with the army, they shall be allowed two hundred dollars per month, two rations pr day and forty dollars per month subsistence. 

That the pay of an Assistant Quarter Master be one hundred and forty dollars per month and the usual rations and subsistence. 

That the pay of a Deputy Wagon Master General be one hundred per month and one ration and Twenty dollars per month subsistence.  And that A Wagon Master be allowed Eighty dollars per month and one ration and ten dollars per month subsistence.

That a Deputy Commissary General of Forage attending the main army or attached to an army in a separate department be allowed the same pay and rations as a Deputy Quarter Master General acting without commissions. 

That the Assistant Commissary's of forage either attending the army to collect forage on a march or those employed in purchasing under the principal purchasers in districts, have the same allowance of the assistant Deputy Quarter Master General and the forage Master who attend the receipt & issues of forage at Posts magazines
Page 82

and one with each Brigade of the army be allowed the same pay and rations as Wagon Master.

That all Staff officers who serve with the army shall be allowed clothing on the same conditions as offices in the line provided, they engage for a year or longer.

Extract from the minutes 
Charles Thomson Sec’y

Resolve of Congress
Pay of persons employed in D. M. & forage departments.
Passed May 11th 1779
Page 83

Bloomsbury Feby 16, 1779


Dear Sir

I received your favor by Derrick with two axes which I will [illegible], they are of a very proper size and appear to be well made.  On consulting General Green it was concluded to prevent disappointment it would be necessary that there should be at least ten brigades of continental teams procured and kept in this State independent of the Country teams which we have reason to apprehend will be scarce at the opening of the next campaign.  I have therefore to request you will purchase on the best terms in your power as many good strong wagons and horses with all necessary years as will complete ten Brigades with those you now have to be ready by the first of April with drivers enlisted for twelve months if in your power, at ten pounds per month and a suit of clothes per annum.  You will likewise get made 250 pair of strong iron traces exclusive of those necessary for your own teams, 75 Pole and Breast chains, 75 lock chains, 125 Wagon Cover, 500 well-made felling axes of the size of those sent by Derrick, 500 sets of horse shoes with nails sufficient.

I can’t say anything to that part of your letter touching the Swamp tract till after I have had an opportunity of conferring with Reed as I know not to whom he committed the management
Page 84

of it, when he was last up but should we on talking over matters conclude to sell you shall have the refusal.

I am with respect & esteem 
D. Sir your Obedient Servant
J. Cox, Asst. Q. M. G.

On public service
Moore Furman Esq.
D. Quart. Mas. Genl.
For New Jersey

Favored by Mr. Derrick
J. Cox
Page 85

C. Pettet   17 May 1778 

“Publick service” 
To Moore Furman Esq 
D.Q.M. Genl 
Pittstown

Exchange
Chas. Pettet  A.Q.M.Gen’l
Page 86

Camp Valley Forge 
17 May 1778

Dear Sir

Before this reaches you, I doubt not you will have rec’d my letter by Mr. Johnson with 36,000 dollars I sent you by him.  You will have a further Supply as long in the meantime this will keep you from starving. 

The constant run of intelligence from Phila strongly indicates a movement of the enemy. The most probably conjecture is that they intend for New York.  In that case it may be necessary for our army to move through New Jersey towards the North River. His Excellency has therefore given it in charge to the Q.M.G. that Magazines of Forage should be immediately provided on the different routes, particularly those by way of Coryells, Morristown and Bound Brook, Westfield.  Smaller ones should be formed on the roads by Howell’s Forge, Goshen.  On the subject of forage however Col Biddle wills you by this Conveyance, whenever this movement becomes necessary a considerable number of wagons will be wanted in New Jersey.  We want them indeed here, but I believe it will be best to keep the Jersey Wagons on your side the river. You will therefore please to collect as many of our purchased and hired teams as can be spared on the communication I have mentioned, to be ready to receive the army and stores on crossing the river.  In the mean time they may be employed in drawing together at the proper places, such forage and stores as will be wanted on the march, particularly forage so however as that they may be called to the river at Coryells or higher
Page 87

Up on short notice, if they should be wanted. I suppose in case of need; a number of Country wagons could be suddenly collected to aid the army on the march or in collecting forage. We probably have no time to lose and shall rely upon your Executions that everything will be done on your part in preparing for events.

Please to let me know as precisely as you can your present situation as to teams, horses & forage and your prospects as to the assistance you can afford in Jersey.

As I have a variety of letters to dispatch this day, I cannot spare much time to each.

I am D Sir 
Moore Furman Esqr D.Q.M.G.

Your most humble Servant 
Charles Pettet A.Q.M.G

P.S. Col. Chas. Stewart will be with you tomorrow with some instructions from his Excellency concerning the [illegible] posts SQ
Page 88

WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 563 
Mary Mershon 
Widow, 
Andrew Mershon 
Wagon Master 2. Yrs. Rev. War
Act: March, 3. 1843 
Index: -- Vol. M. Page 41 
(Arrangement of 1870.] 

1931-Dec 8. Hist. to Mrs Irving W. Mershon 
1937, July 22, Photos mailed to Mrs. Irving W. Mershon & acctg notified same date.
Apr. 5 Sept. to Mrs. D. W. Mershon
Mr John B. Warner
Page 89

159 Nassau St. 
Princeton N.J. 
Nov. 19, 1931 

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:
For the purpose of completing family genealogy, will you kindly send me what information you have concerning the service of Andrew Mershon during the Revolution.

If you have record of an Andrew Mershon who was killed in that war, I should especially appreciate having the name of wife and children or other kin and any dates given.

Yours very truly, 
Grace L. O. Mershon
(Mrs. Irving W.)

[stamped]
Received NOV 20 1931
RECEIPT SECTION
PENSION FILES SUB-DIVISION
Page 90

The Association of the Descendants of Henry Mershon, Inc. 
Organized at Trenton, N. J., September 8th, 1923. 
Meets annually in Lawrenceville, N. J., on the Saturday nearest to September 20th of current year. 
The Association is a blood fellowship, has no membership dues, and functions through the Annual Meeting, Board of Trustees and Executive Board. Voluntary contributions constitute the sole support of the Association and are earnestly requested. Address inquiries to the Secretary-Treasurer. The Board of Trustees and the Executive Board ask every one of the Mershon family to appoint himself a committee of one to make research for any Genealogy Data in the locality in which he is living, and to report the findings to the Genealogy Research Committee; also, to report the birth, marriage or death of any member of the Mershon family. 

MERSHON FAMILY AND ITS NAME 
Marchand (French), Marchant (Middle English), Merchant (Modern English), Marchan (Dutch), Mershon (Phonetic). 
First 4 generations, gleaned from research, tradition and correspondence during the past sixty years: 
I. – HENRI MARCHAND b. 1648 – d. after 1685, of Normandy, France (probably Caen.) 
   III. HENRY b. 1696 d. 1777 
      IV. William, Jospeh, Benjamin, Henry 
   III. ANDREW Bapt. 1706 d. 1793 
      IV. Henry, Benjamin, Cornelius, Nathaniel, Andrew, Timothy, Hannah. Sarah, Rebekah, Catherine 
   III. PETER b. 1707 d. 1747 
      IV. Andrew, Daniel, Elizabeth, Ann, John, Aaron 
   III. THOMAS b. 1710 d. 1790 
      IV. Robert, Samuel, Job, William, James, and 4 or 5 daughters 
   III. HOUGHTON b. near 1820 d. 1798 
      IV. Henry, Fanny, Andrew, Moses, Sarah, Anna 

II. – HENRY MERSHON = ANN (HOUGHTON?) b. 1672 – d. 1738 Landed at New York, age 13, Huguenot refugee 
   III. MARY 
   III. ANN 
   III. REBECCA b. 1711/12 
   III. ELIZABETH bapt. 1714 
   III. SARAH 
Our data concerning Henry’s daughters are meager. Elizabeth marries Joseph Green; Rebecca married Nathaniel Fitz-Randolph and had 14 children. Her grave is within Princeton College grounds. 
GRAVE OF HENRY MERSHON II Marking the grave of Henry Mershon II in the cemetery on the hill at Lawrenceville, N.J., (formerly Maidenhead) is a granite field boulder weighing 4 ½ tons, erected by the Association and bearing a replica bronze tablet: “Here lyeth the body of Henry Mershon who departed this life the 20th Sept. 1738.” 

OFFICERS James Maxwell Fassett, President 
Alfred L. Johnarud, Vice President 
Miss Dorothy Brown, Recording Secretary 
W. Wallace Fritz, M.D., Secretary Treasurer 1614 Spruce St. Philadelphia, PA 
Mrs. Irving W. Mershon, Genealogist 159 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Oliver F. Mershon, M.D. 
Irving W. Mershon 
Miss Hope L. Mershon 
Isaac L. Green 
Mrs. Alfred L. Johnarud 

EXECUTIVE BOARD James Maxwell Fassett 
Alfred L. Johnarud 
W. Wallace Fritz. M. D. 
Miss Dorothy Brown 
Mrs. Irving W. Mershon 
Mrs. James B. Mershon 
Frederick H. Mershon 
Miss Mary Mershon 
Robert G. Milne 
Leroy A. Mershon 
John J. Mershon 21661 

159 Nassau St. 
Princeton N. J. 
April 26, 1937 

Administrator
Veterans Dept.
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir,

In a letter from Mr. A.D. Hillyer, date of Dec. 8. 1931 – BA-J/EEL, you give data furnished from papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, W.563, of one Andrew Mershon.  I understand that the original claim by widow was accompanied by various original receipts, most of them dated in June 1778, for equipment and supplies of a wagon brigade.  I believe you also have a copy of a “valuation of the brigade June 15, 1778, Andrew Mershon being listed as a driver of one of the nine teams.”
Page 91

I am very desirous of having an exact copy of these "original receipts” and the “valuation of the brigade”.  Could these he photostated for me and if so, what would be the cost?

You people must be beset with questions from folks like me, but I do hope I am not imposing upon you.  I shall deeply appreciate a reply.

Yours very truly, 
Grace L. O. Mershon 
(Mrs. Irving W.)
Page 92

Will you be kind enough to send to Mrs. John B. Warner, 270 Yates Street, Albany, N.Y. the complete data on file in the department of Veterans Administration regarding Revolutionary service and family of Andrew Mershon, Wagonmaster, residing near Trenton New Jersey. Many thanks. 

BA-J/EEL  By request of Mrs. I. W. Mershon, Princeton N.J.

[stamped]
RECEIVED
MAR 13 1940
MAIL SUB_DIV
Reader No. M
VETS ADM
Page 93

December 8, 1931 

BA-J/EEL

Mrs. Irving W. Mershon 
159 Nassau Street 
Princeton, New Jersey 

Dear Madam: 
Reference is made to your letter relative to Andrew Mershon, a soldier of the Revolutionary War. 

The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, W.563, based upon the military service of Andrew Mershon in that war. 

Andrew Marshon, while residing near Trenton, New Jersey, was appointed wagon master and served from May 19, 1777 to January 18, 1779, under Colonel Moore Furman, D. Quartermaster General of New Jersey, and commanded a brigade of wagons. 

He died March 10, 1834, in Hunterdon (later Mercer) County, New Jersey.

The soldier married February 2, 1787, Mary Yard. On April 24, 1844, Ann Phillips, then in the seventy-ninth year of her age and a resident of Trenton, New Jersey, testified that she was the half-sister of Mary Mershon and that she well remembered that "Mary Yard, her half-sister was married to the said Andrew Mershon on the second day of February seventeen hundred and Eighty seven by the Reverend Mr. Armstrong of the City of Trenton at her father's house in said City.  She also recollects that it was the birthday of her mother and that on the same day of said marriage Hannah the daughter of Daniel and Mary Yard was born. Mary Ward was the widow of Daniel Yard in 1844 then in the eighty-eighth year of her age and a resident of Trenton, New Jersey. 

Soldier's widow, Mary, was allowed pension on her application executed April 18, 1844, while residing in Lawrence Township, Mercer County, New Jersey, and in the eighty-ninth year of her age. 

She died in Mercer Co. June 15 or 16, 1845.
Page 94

They had two children. 
Sarah Mershon   born Jan 12, 1788. 
Edward Yard Mershon   born June 4, 1790

Both were deceased at the time of their mother's death. 

The above is the history of the only soldier named Andrew Mershon found on the Revolutionary War records of this office. 

Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

Widow’s bro. Captain Edward Yard was a sea captain.  He left a daughter Maria who was admns. Of the estate of Mary Mershon.
Page 95

July 22, 1937 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mrs. Irving W. Mershon 
159 Nassau Street 
Princeton, New Jersey

Andrew Mershon
W.563
BA-J/[illegible]:MLB

Dear Madam: 

You are furnished herewith, as requested, photostatic copies of receipts, etc., which were presented by Mary Mershon in support of her claim for pension based upon service of her husband, Andrew Mershon, in the Revolutionary War, which original receipts are on file in pension claim, W. 563. 

Very truly yours 

A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 96

NO. 360
BA-J/MLB

July 16, 7.

REV. & 1812 WARS SECTION XXXXXXXXX 
War & Navy, Branch 970

Rev. War claim for pension of Andrew Mershon, 
File No. W.563   Actual 1 of each page

List of Page pages to Mrs. Irving W. Mershon:

Page 1, has two old papers pasted on it the last one somewhat greenish, & starts "On demand, I promise” etc. signed by soldier was copied with a plain piece of paper placed over the writing at top of page, "I hereby certify etc. signed Chas Burroughs, Judge, & that was shown in photo.

Page 2, was reverse side of above described copied all way to bottom as one page ending with figures “335” & begins with "Sir, please to pay John Phillips, etc.” 

Page 3 - Three receipts all signed by soldier, the last ends: “1 BB tar”

$1.25 5 pages 

Page 4 - Is "No 4" Sir, the brand & shorts” etc. signed Jon Pummeroy” dated June 18, 1778

Kindly leave margin of 1½  inches at top of each page and return papers in folder with corresponding name and number.  The word “exit” written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
Chief, Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

Page 5 - Valuation of Andrew Mershon's Brigade, June 15, 1778. The page begins "June 13 Recd of Jno Toms. The little slip pasted at side dated June 22 1778, signed J. Burnet A.D. Camp was turned back & omitted from photo.
Page 97

July 1, 1937 

XXXXXXXXXX

Mrs. Irving W. Mershon 
159 Nassau Street 
Princeton, New Jersey 

ANDREW MERSHON
W. 563 
BA-J/MWHF:MLB

Dear Madam: 

Reference is made to your letter in which you request photostatic copies of certain original receipts presented by the widow of Andrew Mershon in support of her claim for pension, W. 563, said receipts dated June, 1778, and one document dated June 15, 1778, designated by you as a “valuation of the brigade”. 

Photostatic copies of the documents designated by you will be furnished at the rate of twenty-five cents a page. The number of pages to be copied is five. 

Please make remittance of $1.25 by money order drawn to the order of the Treasurer of the United States and mail to the Veterans Administration, Arlington Building, this city, when the copies will be made and mailed to you. 

Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 98

Camp Valley Forge 17 May 1778 
Dear Sir 
Before this reaches you I doubt not you will have recd my letter by W. Johnson with 36,000 Dollars, I sent you by him. You will have a further Supply ere long, in the meantime this will keep you from starving. 

The constant Run of Intelligence from Philadelphia strongly indicate a movement of the enemy. The most probable conjecture is that they intend for New York. In that case it may be very necessary for our Army to move through New Jersey towards the North River. His Excellency has therefore given it in charges to the Z.M.G.
That magazines of forage should be “immediately provided on the different routes, particularly “by way of Coryell’s, Morristown, and Bound Brook. Westfield and smaller ones should be found on the road by Howel Ferry, Goshen”.  On the subject of forages, however, Colonel Biddle writes to you by this conveyance.  Whenever this movement becomes necessary a considerable number of wagons will be wanted in New Jersey, we want them indeed here, but I believe it will be best to keep the Jersey Wagons on your side the River, you will therefore please to collect as many of your purchased & hired teams as can be spared on the communication I have mentioned, to be ready to receive the Army & stores on crossing the River. In the meantime they may be employed in drawing together at the proper Places such Forage and stores as will be wanted on the [illegible] particularly forage, so however as that they may be called to the River at Coryell’s or higher up on short notice if they should be wanted. I suppose in case of need a number of Country Wagons could be suddenly collected to aid the army or the March or in collecting forage.   We probably have no time to lose, and shall rely upon your exertions that everything will be done in your part in preparing for event.  Please to let me know as precisely as you can your present situation as to Teams, Horse and Forage, and your prospect as to the assistance you can afford in Jersey.

As I have a variety of letters to dispatch this day, I came spare much time to each.
I am your most humble servant
Chas. Pettit, AQ M

P.S. Col. Charles Stewart will be with you tomorrow with some instructions from his Excellency concerning the [illegible] posts,