Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7223, for John Merrell, North Carolina
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(3—1776)
SERVICE
N. C.
Merrell, John
or Merrill
NUMBER
S.7223
CONTENTS
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[typed form, with handwritten responses]
25.763
Mississippi
John Merrell (8)
of Monroe Co. in the State of Mississippi who was a pr in the Company commanded by Captain Smith of the Regt. commanded by Col. Ruthford in the N Carolina line for Militia
2 yrs pr $80.00
John Merrell
Record & corrected
Inscribed on the Roll of Mississippi at the rate of 80 Dollars – Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2d day of Jany 1834 Stephen Cocke Esqr. Athon Miss
Arrears to the 4th Sept 1833 200.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending October ’34 40
$240.00
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by J. T. Sprague Clerk,
Book C Vol. 8 Page 72
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20.666
John Merrill
18 March 1818.
Mississippi.
Stephen Cocke Esq.
Hamilton
Mississippi
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The State of Mississippi
Monroe County
On this 15th day of May in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight; personally appeared John Merrill before the undersigned presiding judge of the circuit court of said county & being a court of record, and being made so by the laws of this state, a resident citizen of said county of Monroe, aged about seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the acts of congress of the 18th of March 1818 and the 1st of May 1820- That he the said John Merrill volunteered his services on behalf of the United States, the precise time not recollected, but the affiant states that it was about the commencement of the revolutionary war, in the north Carolina continental establishment, and was a drummer in the company commanded by Captain David Caldwell in the regiment commanded by Col. Francis Lock in the line of the state of North Carolina continental establishment, that he continued to serve in said corps for about nine months at Camden, where the troops were ordered to return, under the order of the governor of North Carolina & were disbanded, that some short time after which he entered the service under a commission of Lieutenant by the board of war.
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Sitting at Salisbury – in an expedition against the Cherokee Indians in the company commanded by Captain Lopp in the regiment commanded by Col. Francis Lock, which expedition lasted about four months – that some time after which he entered the service as Lieutenant under governor Martin, in the company commanded by Paul Patrick, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Martin Armstrong, under general Rutherford, in the corps of artificers – that under General Rutherford he joined the army, commanded by general Gates’ defeat he rendezvoused at Salisbury, and was brevetted by General Davidson Captain of a ranging company, in which he served about thirteen months – that he went on another expedition against the Cherokee Indians, as Lieutenant under Captain Moses Gess, in the regiment commanded by Col. Joseph McDonald, which last about three months, after which he went the expedition to Wilmington as Lieutenant in the company commanded by Captain John Cleaveland, in the regiment commanded by Col. Smith, the affiant thinks
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his name was Minor Smith – shortly after the army drove the British from Wilmington, news was received that Cornwallis was taken, and peace being made, the army was disbanded & he regularly discharged in the State of North Carolina – This affiant states that he was at the Battle of Gates’ Defeat – at the battle against the tories at Pee Dee, was at two battles at Wilmington, was at the battle of Allamance at the race paths, where they defeated Col. Piles, and at several skirmishes – This affiant states that the following are his reasons, for not making earlier application for a pension to wit – That he never knew the manner in which to make application. That he has been a healthy stout old man, and thought he would get his living by his own industry – But now by old age, he has become infirm, & having understood that Stephen Cocke, would perhaps have the goodness to do him the favour to make out his application for him, he now makes this application
That he does not know of any evidence of his said services now in his power except his own oath, and that he expects, that his name may be found in rolled on the North Carolina continental establishment, or payrolls – and that he has understood that old Mr. Isaac Morgan of this county, knows of his being in the service –
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But is advised it will be sufficient if his name is to be found on the North Carolia rolls – And in pursuance of the act of the first of May 1820 I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner whatsoever 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 services of the united states in the revolutionary war, passed 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 in any income, other that what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed & by me subscribed to wit
I have no property except wearing apparel and one bed - & that a man by the name of Christopher Baker owes me about twenty dollars, but has ran away, and he excepts never to realize anything from him. And this applicant further states, that he is not now able to state the changes that have taken place in his property, but that his declaration has been pretty much as
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herein disclosed, for a number of years – That he hereby relinquishes any claim whatsoever to a pension, except the present, and that his name is not on the roll of any state, except North Carolina, that he knows of. And this affiant states that he is by occupation a black smith, and that his ability to pursue his said occupation, is his own personal exertion, which is now very feeble, and he has now pretty much been compelled by inability to pursue it, to resign it – That he has no family residing with him – But himself resides with his son James Merrill, who is a poor man, and has a wife & small children to provide a support for, & which he is illy able to do
John Merrill
Sworn to before the undersigned judge of the circuit court of Monroe County State of Mississippi
Given under my hand and seal this 15th day of May 1828.
I. R. Nickolson Seal
Judge of 5th ped cirt.
The State of Mississippi
Monroe County
I Isaac R Nickolson presiding Judge of the Circuit Court of the County aforesaid, where the declarant resides, do certify that the above named John Merrill is from having received a wound
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by falling from a pair of stairs, on 5 yesterday evening, unable to come into court, of which I am judge, to make his declaration – that he has attended this term of the court now in session, as I am credibly informed for the purpose of making his declaration
But having received by the fall, so severe an injury as to disable him from coming into court-, I have in pursuance of the act of Congress of the 1st of March 1823 attended at the tavern, where in he now confined, and administered the foregoing oath
J. R. Nickolson Seal
Judge 5th ped cict.
The State of Mississippi
Monroe County
I Stephen Cocke Clerk of the Circuit Court of said county do certify that Isaac R Nickolson the above citizen whom the above affidavit of John Merrill who is now confined at the tavern of Stephen Smith and is wounded by a fall so as to disable him from coming into court now in session was made a Judge of said Court
I also certify that the said schedule and oath have been admitted to the record of said court and that the same are truly copied therefrom and I further certify that it is the opinion of the court that the property of the declarant is as set forth in said affidavit and schedule – In testimony whereof I have
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hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court on this 15 day may 1828.
Stephen Cocke Clerk
6
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No. 24777
John Merrell Monroe County
Mississip[p]i
Return [blacked out]
Adm 2 years
$80
Stephen Cocke Athens Mississip[p]i
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[typed form, with handwritten responses]
(5)
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
31st May 1830
V 3 Oct 1833
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 show 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, showing the Service of John Merrell Monroe County Mississippi
Period when the service was rendered.
Duration of the claimant’s service.
Years.
Months.
Days.
Vol Winter 1776 or 1777 3 Months.
Vol July near 4 Months
Vol about 4 Months
Served about 3 Months
Served about 10 Months
Served 3 Months
Rank of the claimant.
Drummer
Lieut.
Drumr.
-
Captain.
Lieut. in a Horse Copy.
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Cap Smith, Colonel Rutherford
Cap Lopp, Col Locke & Col Rutherford
Cap Caldwell, Colonel Locke
G. Gates
Genl. Sumpter
Cap Clevland, Col Minor Smith
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
82 years
County of Rowan North Carolina
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary evidence & Clergyman’s certificate, witness certified credible, papers not properly attached-
Battle of Gates Defeat – and Race Pattes Bogue County – Peedee
The affidavit states that he served about 3 years
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
[handwritten note]
The regulation of the Dept. require all claimants under the act 7 June 1832 as Commissioned officers to produce their original commission as satisfactory proof they were duly commissioned and served in that capacity for the time alleged. – If the claimant cannot produce evidence on this point; and is willing to receive his pension as a private, and will officially notify his claim will be admitted.
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. 
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been constructed 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 benefit of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular areas 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 in 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 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; and 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 days 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. and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and their statement is entitled to credit. 
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of 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 if neither of these can be obtained, the party will also state under oath, and will the 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 witnesses cannot be found, the applicant will also 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
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alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principle 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 State troops, Militia, 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 current neighborhood, and who can testify 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 he is the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary Solider, 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 the 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 the 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 the 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 require is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can provide, 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 on 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 significant 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 soldier or officer 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 old age, and the consequent 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 his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served no less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: --For------year-----------months, and ---------days, I served as a -----------. For ----------months 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 officers, and the 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 an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or 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 affix 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 matter of his leavings the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify 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 [illegible] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers, and State Troops. The proof required by rule in point [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in military 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.
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The State of Mississippi
Monroe County
On this 10th day of November eighteen hundred and thirty two personally appeared John Merrill in Open Court before the circuit court of said County now sitting aged eighty two years the 11th of December next, and a resident citizen of said County, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the 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 herein stated.
The said John Merrill states he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer in the County of Rowan State of North Carolina where he then resided in the winter of the year 177 or 1777, the precise date his memory does not furnish him, as a drummer in the company commanded by Col. Griffin Rutherford afterward, Brigadier Genl. Rutherford, on an expedition against the Scotch down on Cape Fear River in N. C.  that he continued in the service about two months and started back home on or about the first of March. 
This declarant states that about the month of July of that year he volunteered to go again expedition against the Cherokee Indians and was commissioned a Lieutenant by the board of war sitting in Salisberry in N. C. in the company commanded by Capt John Lopp in the regiment commanded by Col Francis Locke Col Rutherford having been made brigadier general this expedition lasted near four months. He marched through Burke County N. C., through the [illegible] gardens by the head of [illegible] river up the [illegible] Brad River and into the Cherokee territory his next expedition was to the State of South Carolina wherein Peter Parker made his appearance
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over the bar at Charles Low S. C. the governor of South Carolina made a requisition on the governor of North Carolina for troops this declarant volunteered a drummer in the company commanded by Capt. David Caldwell in the regiment commanded by Col. Francis Locke before we got to Camden his porter had started back to New York after the troops arrived at Camden they were continued in the service at Camden from the fall to the opening of the year a period of about four months this declarant don’t think they were during this time of the came upon any regular troops in those sections of the country and he cant speak of his recollection of the names of any of the regular officers. The troops went back to No. Carolina.
Afterwards Lord Cornwallis came in South Carolina and troops were sent from North Carolina to fair general Gates. His company joined the army of general gates on their march of the army to Rugle’s Mill, the army of genl. gates went the mill and stationed about week he was then one of the officers in the No. Carolina militia commanded by Brg Genl Rutherford. From Rugle’s Mill Genl. Gates army started the same evening to attack the British at Camden in the morning and the British started from Camden the same time to attack us and we met in the night and had an engagement, the fighting after sometime lasted until morning and in the morning the [illegible] from Virginia and North Carolina ran and Genl. Gates was defeated. He says on the Battle of Gates Defeat when General Rutherford was taken prisoner the affiant cannot state the precise time of this battle but it was work weather and he thinks in the latter part of the summer. At this battle the army was primarily regular troops but this declarant was not [illegible] to [illegible] with any of the regular officers and knows very little about them. He knew Genl. DeKalb got killed, this tour lasted about three months. After General Rutherford was taken prisoner his command was supplied by the
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appointment of Brg. Genl. William Davidson who was afterwards killed by the British at Catawba-
General Davidson give me the command of Captain of a ranging company and sent me over the Yadkin on a scouting party in which the affiant served as such about ten months before he returned home and was [illegible] at the battle of the [illegible] on the Alamance Creek in Orange County when the tories that were there were nearly all killed & wounded – He was at the the battle of of Pedee and at that battle commanded this ranging company at Mask’s Ferry when about 300 tories were killed & wounded at the prisoners that were taken were took to Salse’s Ferry and delivered there up to General Sumpter – He states that afterwards he went as Lieutenant on [illegible] company commanded by Capt. John Clevland Col. Minor Smith on the expedition to Wilmington against a par of Cornwallis’ army who was then sent there, in the approach of the American army the British left Wilmington & this was the last expedition in No. Carolina which lasted the rise of three months. This declarant is not able to state the precise time he was engaged in the service of the united states but can now state with perfect confidence that he served as a true soldier from first to last about three years. He states that his memory in his old age has greatly failed him and he is not now able to be particular in dates. This applicant states that he has now no documentary evidence of his service that he kept his commission as above stated for many years but not anticipating that they would ever be of any service to him they have become worn out and destroyed that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service as aforesaid
He hereby relinquishes any claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state- sworn to
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and subscribed in open court the day and year aforesaid
John Merrill
S. H. Buckingham Clerk
The State of Mississippi
Monroe County
Circuit Court 10 Nov. 1832
Personally appeared William Brown, aged seventy three years, in open court and made oath that he was a revolutionary soldier, in the militia of North Carolina, that he has no personal acquaintance with the above named John Merrell at that time but was well acquainted with him by reputation. This affiant states that the said John Merrell was by reputation a true whig and an active soldier & officer on the part of the united states and was much engaged all for a long time in the service – 
S. H. Buckingham Clk William Brown
We Robert Bull a, a clergyman resident of Monroe County and James Ganaway residing in the same county do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Merrell who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty two 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 to and subscribed in open court this 10th Nov. 1832
Robert Bell
James Ganaway
S. H. Buckingham Clerk
And the said court do hereby give their opinion after the investigation of the matter and
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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 Robert Bell who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the county of Monroe aforesaid and that James Ganaway who has also signed the same is a resident of the same county and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. 10th Nov. 1832. 
I. R. Nicholson
Presiding Judge
The State of Mississippi
Monroe County
I Sterling H. Buckingham Clerk of the circuit court of said county do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Merrell for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of my office this 18th day of December 1832.
S H Buckingham Clerk
The State of Mississippi
Monroe County
Probate Court 26 August 1833.
The amended declaration of John Merrell
And now on this day personally appeared the above named John Merrill in open court and being duly sworn states by way of amendment to his original declaration that the period of the war when he served as stated in
Page 20

his original declaration was from 1776 to 1781 or 2 to the best of his recollection and he further deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively to the precise length of his service but to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below
That in the first expedition as stated in his original declaration he served under Capt. James Smith Col. Griffin Rutherford not less than three months. That in the second expedition as stated in his original declaration he served under Capt. John Ross Col. Francis Locke as a lieutenant not less than three months and two weeks. That in the third expedition as stated in his original declaration he served as a drummer under Capt. David Caldwell Col. Francis Locke not less than four months. That in the fourth expedition as stated in his original declaration he served under Capt. James Gess Col. Benj. Cleavland not less than three months. That in the fifth expedition as stated in his original declaration he served as a [illegible] ranging company not less than ten months. That in the sixth expedition as stated in his original declaration he served as a lieutenant in a horse company commanded by Capt. John Cleavland Col. Minor Smith not less than three months and for such service he claims a pension he further states that when making his original declaration he described the period of his service so that the same should not extend beyond the period actually served in the full in an unbodied troop in which time he was not employed any civil pursuit. That he supposes his service was called for by competent authority that they was called for by the officers on behalf of the United States, that his services were needed by his country and he volunteered then and in obedience to which his services were performed – In answer to the questions propounded by the court in conformity
Page 21

to the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department the declarant states that he was born on the 11th day of December 1750 in Hunderden [Hunterdon] County State of New Jersey that he has now no record evidence of his age, that when he was called in the service of the United States he resided in Rowan County State of North Carolina that he has lived since the revolutionary war in the states of Georgia and Mississippi and now resides in Monroe County State of Mississippi and has resided there for the share of fourteen years last passed that he received regular discharges from his superior officers that they were signed respectively by Capt. James Smith, Capt. John Ross, Capt. David Caldwell Capt. James Gess and Capt. John Cleavland as well as he now recollects but that by length of time and accident they have become worn out and destroyed
The said John Merrell states that to the best of his knowledge and belief that his first commission as lieutenant as stated in his original declaration was signed by Alexander Martin governor of North Carolina to the best of his knowledge and belief.
And the said John Merrill states in reference to the persons in his present neighborhood to whom he is known and who can testify to his character for veracity and to their belief as to his services as a soldier and officer (as stated) of the revolution he will name the Sir Robert Bell Major James Ganaway Jacob Laughridge Esq. Capt. Isaac R. Earle Col. Augustine Willis Honl. Daniel. W. Wright Judge of the high court of errors and appeals for the State of Mississippi Capt. John Bell surveyor general of the Chickasaw nation and he could name more than a hundred other respectable citizens of his neigh
Page 22

hood whom he is confident could willingly bear testimony thereto
John Merrill
Sworn to in open Court
26 August 1833.
D. H. Morgan Clerk
And I Richard Dilworth presiding judge of the probate court of said county do certify that I propounded the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department to the above named John Merrill that I am well acquainted with him personally and have been for a number of years that he has been reputed among his acquaintances to have been a soldier of the revolution and I am of opinion that he was a revolutionary soldier and officer and served as he states I further certify that I am acquainted with the Rev Robert Bell and Major James Ganaway who have testified to the original declaration of the said John Merrill both of whom are residents of said County and that they are men of the first respectability and credible staring and that the utmost credit is due to their statement.
26 August 1833
Richard Dilworth
Presiding Judge
The State of Mississippi
Monroe County
I Davis H. Morgan Clerk of the Probate Court in and for said county do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the amended declaration of John Merrill for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said court at office this 26th day of August 1833.
D. H. Morgan Clerk
Page 23

January 8, 1934.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/ady
John Merrell
S.7223
Mrs. Charles L. Sarrazin
593 Oneota Street
Shreveport, Louisiana
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to one John 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.7223, based upon his military service in that war.
John Merrell or Merrill was born December 11, 1750, in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, no reference is made to his parents.
While a resident of Rowan County, North Carolina, he enlisted in the winter of 1776 or 1777 and served about three months as drummer in Captain James Smith’s Company, Colonel Griffith Rutherford’s Regiment. A short time later he was commissioned a lieutenant and served about four months in Captain John Lopp’s Company, Colonel Francis Locke’s North Carolina Regiment. He next enlisted and served about four months as drummer in Captain David Caldwell’s Company, Colonel Francis Locke’s North Carolina Regiment. He also served about three months in Captain James Guess’ Company, Colonel Benjamin Cleveland’s North Carolina Regiment. He served as Lieutenant in Captain Paul Patrick’s Company, Colonel Martin Armstrong’s Crops of Artificers and was in the battle of Camden. He then served about ten months as Brevet Captain of a Ranging Company and was in the battle at Masks Ferry on the Peedee. He also served about three months as Lieutenant in Captain Moses Gess’ Company, Colonel Joseph McDonald’s Regiment, went on an expedition to Wilmington, shortly after Cornwallis was taken, the army disbanded, and he left the service. He was in the battle at the Race Paths on Alamance Creek and in several skirmishes.
Page 24

After the Revolution soldier lived in Georgia, place not stated.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 10, 1832 while a resident of Monroe County, Mississippi, where he lived for fourteen years.
In 1828 soldier lived with his son, James, who had a wife and five children, no names are given. The name of soldier’s wife is not stated and there are no further family data.
This is the history of the only John Merrell, all spellings of the surname searched, of Rowan County, North Carolina, that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Said records fail to afford any information in regard to pension or bounty land having been claimed on account of the services of Andrew or Abner Merrell, all spellings of the surname searched, as described by you.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to the Administrator.
[there is one handwritten note]
Date of death
Not on A. B.
Page 25

(7)
John Merrill
Revo. Mississippi
☞ Rejected. See letter to Stephen Cocke, June 20, 1828.
7128
Page 26

Athens Monroe County Mi (6)
12 Nov. 1833.
Sir,
I enclose you herein the manner of John Merrill to a claim as an officer for a pension – No prescribed form not having been furnished the one observed was the best one we knew of. If it is expected it will answer – The old man is very aged infirm and destitute. He requests me to say to you that he is anxious for you to forward the [illegible] of his claim as a private as early as your official deployments will reasonably permit you.
It is expected he will be placed on the rool [roll] of the Mississippi agency. Where are in forms in this quarter prescribing the mode for him to apply by, to the pension agent at Natchez for the payment of the stipend as it becomes due under act of 7 June 1832. If there be such in the department the enclosing him a copy would greatly facilitate his early obtaining his stipend.
Gideon, Randolph, & Brown will be anxious to learn their fate-
Yours Very Respectfully,
Stephen Cocke
To
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 27

20.666
Free
John Merrill
18 March 1818
Stephen Cocke Esq.
Hamilton Miss
Barbour
Secretary of War
Washington City
Page 28

(3)
Hamilton Monroe County ellist
30th May 1828.
James Barbour
Secretary of War.
Sir,
I am requested by old man John Merrill to solicit you to have any communication that may be made to him on the subject of his pension directed to my care at this place as I reside at my post office & will afford him information concerning earlier than be would otherwise receive it.
Very respectfully your obt servt
Stephen Cocke
Page 29

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
information as contained in his (or his widow’s) application for pension on file in this Bureau. John Merrell S.F.7223
Dates of enlistment or appointment.
Winter 1776 or 1777
July same year
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Length of Service.
3 mos
3 mos + 2 wks or 4 mos
4 mos
3 mos
10 mos
3 mos
Rank.
Drummer
Lieut
Drummer
Artificer
Capt.
Lieut
Pensioned Merrill
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
Captain
James Smith
John Lopp
David Caldwell
James Guess
of a Ranging Company
John Cleveland
Colonel.
Griffin Rutherford
Francis Locke
Francis Locke
Benj. Cleveland
Minor Smith
State.
N. C.
Battles engaged in, Camden, Race paths on Alamance Creek, Pedee, and Masks Ferry
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Rowan County N. C.
Date of application for pension, Nov 10, 1832. His cl was al
Residence at date of application, Monroe Co, Miss.
Age at date of application, born Dec 11, 1750 in Hunterdon Co, N. J.
Remarks: ✓
Page 30

Rev. War.
February 5, 1912.
Mrs. J. A. Monfort,
Box # 26,
Cartersville, Ga.
Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 22nd and received the 24th ultimo, you are advised that the record of John Merrell, Sur. File No. 7,223, Rev. War, was forwarded you April 17, 1911.
It is not the practice of this Bureau to furnish more than one such statement to the same person.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 31

593 Oneota St,
Shreveport, La.
Dec 8th, 1933.
Director of Pensions.
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Will you please send me the Revolutionary War service records of Andrew, John and Abner Merrill of Rowan Co. North Carolina, particularly that of Andrew Merrill
Respctlly,
Mrs. Chas. L. Sarrazin
593 Oneota St,
Shreveport, La
BUREAU OF CENSUS
1933 DEC 14 AM 9 01
CHIEF CLERK
[there is one stamp]
RECEIVED
DEC 15 1933
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS ADM
PENSION #3
Page 32

S7223
Cartersville, Ga
June 22, 1912.
Commissioner of Pensions,
My ancestor John Merrell, whose Revolutionary War record I ask for, was enlisted from North Carolina, afterward moved to Miss.
Probably born about 1750.
Date of death not known.
Wife’s maiden name Mary Wiseman.
Respectfully,
Mrs. J. H. Monfort
Box 26 Cartersville, Ga.
Page 33

[typed form, with handwritten]
A. O. T.
3-871.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by a. Mrs. D. 13/4/11
Claim No.
Certificate No.
Claimant
Soldier John Merrell or Merrill
Service N. C.
Additional Service Rev.
Lieut N. C. Troops + Capt of Light Horse
No…… Claim, State records……, 191…
No claim, combination records……., 191…
REMARKS:
No will, any service for 18,000
Rej: atall
No Rev below N. 18000 for any John Merrell, and only John Merrill of N. C. is S.7223, and only John Merrill is S7220.
Never a capt.
Chief Division.
Page 34

Cartersville Ga
April 6- 1911.
Pension Commissioner
Washington D. C.
Please send me Revolutionary War record of my ancestor John Merrill, who went from North Carolina, was Lieutenant for several years, but just before the close of the war was appointed Capt. of “light horse.”
Will greatly oblige me by furnishing record.
Sincerely,
Mrs. J. A. Monfort.
Cartersville,
Ga.
Page 35

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
[crossed text] Acts of July 14, 1862 and March 3, 1873.
7128
P. O.
John Merrill
Service:
Enlisted:____________, 18
Discharged:_________, 18
Application filed:____, 18
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P. O.
_____ Recognized. ______ Contract
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for_____, 18
[there is one stamp over the page]
REJECTED
Page 36

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
7223
Rev War INVALID
File No. 7223
John Merrill
Priv Rev War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index:- Vol. 13, Page 253
[Arrangement of 1870.]
John Merrell July 19/04
Records corrected SS.
[there are multiple handwritten notes]
1911 Apr. 17 Hist to Mrs. J. A. Monfort V. L. M.
1912 Feby 5 Mrs. J. A. Monfort that she has already been furnished a record, see above.
1934 Hist to Mrs. Charles Jan 8 L. Sarrazin A. D. Y.
Page 37

Athens Monroe County Miss
12th November 1833.
Sir
The regulations of this department requiring that all claimants under the act of the 7 June 1832 as commissioned officers, to produce their original commissions, or satisfactory proof that they were duly commissioned and served in that capacity for the time alleged and the fact being that my commissions as stated in said declaration having become by length of time and accident worn out and destroyed it is out of my power at this time to produce them. Not having any proof but that stated in my said declaration of my services as such I hereby waive my claim to a pension as a commissioned officer and at your suggestion officially inform you I am willing to receive my pension as a private which you inform me on my notifying the department thereof my claim for a pension as a private will be admitted. You will therefore accept this as my waiver of my claim as an officer, the acceptance of the allowance of a pension as a private and official information to you thereof.
Respectfully your very obedient servant~
John Merrill
To J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City
The State of Mississippi
Monroe County } Personally appeared the
Page 38

above named John Merrill before me James Gray a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and acknowledged that he signed the foregoing letter of advice to J. L. Edwards the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City on the day and year thereto mentioned.
John Merrell
Given under my hand and seal this 12th day of November 1833.
James Gray Seal
Justice of the Peace
The State of Mississippi
Monroe County
I Davis H. Morgan, Clerk of the probate court in and for said county do hereby certify that the above named James Gray before whom the foregoing acknowledgement was made at the time of taking the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified as such that their said signature purporting to be his is genuine and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be given to his official acts as such.
Given under my hand and the seal of said court at [cut off] this 12th day of November 1833
D. H. Morgan Clk