Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7140, for Stephen Merritt, North Carolina
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(3-1776)

SERVICE
NC

Merritt, Stephen
Marrett
Maritt

Margaret or Peggy

NUMBER
R.7140

CONTENTS
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State of Kentucky
County of Rockcastle}
On this 28 day of February 1853 Personally appeared before the Judge of the Count court of Rockcastle county and state above mentioned in open court while in sesion on this day Mitchel Marett aged 55 years - administrator of the Estate of Peggy Marrett, dec’d widow of Stephen Marrett a resident of the county and state aforesaid - who being first duly sworn according to law - doth on his oath subcribe to the following declaration on behalf of the Children of said Peggy and Stephen Marrett, dec’d. This affiant being one of the number. In order to obtain the Benefit of the Provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4tth 1836 - granting pensions to certain widows of pensioners who fought in the war of the Revolution. Deponent declares that his father on his oath said Stephen Merritt was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and that she is the widow of said Stephan Merritt aforesaid, who Reputation say is the identical man who Entered the service of the war of Revolution in the State of Northcarolina about the year 1776 - a Private Soldier and on account of his good conduct was appointed Lieutenant and was promoted to that of Captain in said War - and served several years - to the close of the Revolution in that capacity - as he has been informed - that he served under the following named officers Col Cleveland, Franklin Col. Armstrong and Pinkney - Col McDonald or McDowell
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Singleton & Gen’l Lincoln and was under several other officers - not recollected - that he did the great portion of his service in the NC Militia - a part of the time in the NC State troops and was possibly in the Continental Line - That his said Father Stephen Merrett - ever married to his said Mother said Stephen Merritt - about the year 1781 or 1782 -near a town called Hillsburough also in Randolph County State of Northcarolina and that her name was Peggy Brown before his said marriage and that his said Father died in Garrard County Kentucky December 1816 leaving his said wife Peggy a widow and some children who survived his life - that his said widow did not again marry - but continued the widow of the said Stephen Merritt and to the date she died - which her said death took place in the county of Garrard & state of Kentucky - between the 10th & 15th day of August (1840) Eighteen Hundred and forty, and at her said death she left the said Peggy Merritt left 5 children who survived the life of the said Peggy Merritt and said Stephen Merritt dec’d her husband, as follows - John Merritt aged 67 years - Michel Merritt aged 55 years - Alvy Merritt aged 45 years, Isabela Finnel aged 43 years - Elizabeth Pullins about 57 years of age there only surviving children of the said Stephen and Peggy Merritt dec’d that upon [??] a former [?] he did not my said E. Pullins [?] is - he further states that he made a former declaration for this Pension in 1850 - and being informed by my attorney - that said petition is lost or mislaid so it cannot be found - that said parties have not drawn any pension on acount of the service of the said Stephen Merritt - or rights of his wife Peggy in whose right the Pension is claimed and Respectfully
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ask the Liberty that this Petition may be filed at the Department of the United States at Washington city for the arrears of Pension due the children of the said Peggy & Stephan Merritt - dec’d on acount of his said service in the war of the Revolution - the Pension being claimed is rights of his wife aforesaid, he further declares he know of no family Record - belong to his said Father & Mother - the said Stephen Merritt & Peggy Merritt and shoeing the date of the marriage of the said parties not the Births of the said children in existence - at this time - doubtless has long since been lost - so I cannot be found and to sustain this claim to the arrears of said Pension he respectfully Refers. The department of the United States - at Washington City to the proof - the cause hath amassed and to the Evidence doubtless in the posession of the complete at Raleigh Northcarolina to the Revolutionary Rolls - on file at said deponent the U.S., that he has no doubts his mother was Ignorant of her rights to a Pension to her death - and the
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State of Kentucky
County of Rockcastle}
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above mentioned - in open court and approved and appeared to the satisfaction of said County court that Steph Merritt mentioned in the foregoing declaration served as stated in the war of the Revolution. By reputable testimony introduced and id ordered to be certified to the commissioner of Pensions at Raleigh City. I do certify that Mitchel Merritt whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing declaration is known to me to be reputable and his oath is entitled to full faith and credit and that I believe him to be of the age stated - I Jesse Fish Judge of the County court of Rockcastle County and State aforesaid and certify that I have no Interest in the result of this Pension Claim - erasure and insertions was made before signed.
Jesse Fish Judge of Rlc
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Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date above written I do certify that Wm Champ whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit is known to me to be a reputable resident citizen of the county of madison and state aforesaid and his oath is entitled to full faith and credit and I believe his statement to be true and to be of the age stated erasures and interlinations before signed and I have no interest in the result of this pension nor concern in its prosecution
Wm Woods Judge
Garrard county KY

State of Kentucky
Garrard County} ss
I William B Mason clerk of the County Court within and for the County and State above named do hereby certify that William Woods Esq whose genuine signature appear to the foregoing acknowledgement is and was at the time of taking and signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and state aforesaid duly elected commissioned and sworn that his said signature above is genuine that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and
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that said County court is acount of Record.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of the Garrard County Court at office in Lancaster the 29th day of June AD 1853
attest William B Mason
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State of Ky
County of Garrard}
Be it known that on the 29th of June 1833 personally appeared before me the undersubscribing Justice of the pear in and for the county and state above mentioned Wm Champ aged seventy seven years resident of the county of madison and state aforesaid and personaly known to be respectable and of deficiency of memory who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath subscribed to the following affidavit On a petition of Mitchel Marett of the county of Rockcastle and state aforesaid for a pension to the pension office of the United States at Washington city on behalf of the children of Stephen and Peggy Merritt and on account of Stephen Marritt services in the revolution.

States that he has been a resident neighbor to the above named Stephen and Peggy Marretts (deceased) for the last sixty six years and distance only about 2 miles and knew them well all the time till their death and is well appeared that said Stephen Marritt served in the North Carolina service in the revolutionary war witness well recollects of hearing said Marritt speak of having the care of the prisoners after the battle at Kings mountain while they were under guard and also knows that Stephen Marritt and Peggy his wife has hence together as man and wife
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and since witness first acquaintance and their marriage was never doubted and raised a large family of children with them witness is well acquainted and knows, that Stephen Marritt died in the county of garrard state of KY many years since [?] at his dec'd Peggy Marritt her death which was on the 21st of august 1840 from witness last information are at her residence, she left five children who survive her life with whom witness well knows there names are John Merritt aged 67 years Mitchel Merritt aged 55 years Elizabeth Pullins late Elizabeth Merritt 44 years Alvah Marritt aged 45 years Isabele Finnell late Isabel Marritt aged 43 the only surviving children of Peggy Marritt ded’d and declares that the said Stephen Marritt is the identical man who is the husband of said widow his wife Peggy Merritt whose children are the applicants of the [?,?] and that  Mitchel Marritt on behalf of the children is one of those said children and said witness is a disinterested witness
Wm Champ
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Typed form partially completed in handwriting, stamped REJECTED 

[strikethrough] Act of July ? and March ?]

71411

P.O ---
Peggy Merritt
Service: wid. of Stephen
Enlisted:---, 18
Discharged: ---, 18

Application filed: ---, 18

Alleges: ---

Re-enlisted: ---

Attorney: ---
P.O. ---

---Recognized. --- Contract.

--- Cert. of Dis.  Searched for ---, 18
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No. 8.

Copy of Deed from Margaret & Stephen Merritt dated Apl 5. 1790
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This Indenture made the fifth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety between Stephen Merritt and Margaret his wife of the County of Madison of the one part, and Michael Wallace of the County aforesaid of the other part.  Witnesseth: That the said Stephen Merritt for and in consideration of the sum of fifteen pounds current money to him in hand paid by the said Michael Wallace, the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge that he the said Stephen Merritt hath granted , bargained and sold and by these presents doth grant bargain and sell, alien and confirm unto the said Michael Wallace, and to his heirs and assign forever one certain tract or parcel of land, contain thirty-seven acres, be it more or less, lying and being. in the County of Madison on the waters of Paint Lick creek, and bounded as followith, to wit: Beginning at a white walnut tree, corner of Brown’s survey of three hundred acres, thence North seventy -two degrees, West to Alexander Henderson’s corner, thence the course continued with said line, in all two hundred and [strikethrough] tow poles [strikethrough] thirteen poles to a small hickory, thence North thirty degrees East seventy six poles to a sugar tree on Michael McNeely’s line, nigh a great poplar and sugar tree, thence with his line South fifty five degrees East two hundred and six poles to the Beginning: and all the estate right, title, interest, claim and demand of him the said Stephen Merritt of, in and the said land and premises, and all deeds, evidences and writings toughing or in any wise concerning the same.

To have and to hold the said thirty-seven acres of land and premises hereby bargained and sold, with the appurtenances, to him the said Michael Wallace his heirs and assigns forever, to the only proper use and behoof of him the said Michael Wallace and of his
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heirs and assign forever; and the said Stephen Merritt doth hereby covenant and agree to and with the said Michael Wallace, his heirs, Executors, and administrators and assign, that the said Stephen Merritt, his heirs, Executors and administrators, shall and will forever warrant and defend the said land and premises, with the appurtenances, hereby bargained and sold to him the said Michael Wallace, his heirs, Executors and administrators and assigns against the claim of all and other persons whatever

In witness whereof the said Stephen Merritt and Margaret his wife hath hereunto set their hands and seal, the day and year first above written
Stephen Merritt
Margaret Merritt

Signed, Sealed and delivered in presence
Michael McNeely
Wm Wallace
John Wallace}

At a court held for Madison County on Tuesday, the first day of June 1790.

This Indenture was acknowledged by the within Stephen Merritt and Margaret Merritt to be their acts and deeds, she being first privately examined as the law directs and relinquishes her right of Dower therein and ordered to be recorded.
Tests. Will Irvine, [?]

State of Kentucky
Madison County} Seb.

I Thomas H Barnes, clerk of the County Court within and for the County and State aforesaid, do certify that the foregoing Deed and certificate are correctly transcribed from the records of my office - I further certify that in the year 1796, Garrard County, Ky, was formed - all the lands
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belonging to this county lying South and West of Paint Lick creek being taken into and made part of said county of Garrard, KY - that the land embraced in the foregoing Deed call, to lie on the water of said Paint Lick creek, but that I am unable to determine from said deed upon which of the creek said land lies, whether in the County of Madison or Garrard.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court, at office, in Richmond, this Sixth day of October, in the year 1853.
Tho. H. Barnes Clerk
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State of Kentucky. Rockcastle County ssct
I Milton J Miller Clerk of the County Court for the County and State aforesaid do certify that Jesse Fish whos genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit is and was at the time of signing the same the Presiding Judge of the County Court of Rockcastle and State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and that the county court aforesaid a Court of Records and that the declaration aforesaid was presented in open court on this day and sworn to by Mitchel Merritt and was appointed by said court together with the deposition of John Clark was presented in said Court & approved at the same time and was ordered to be certified to the Commissioner of Pensions at Washington City & I further certify that Mitchell Merritt whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing declaration did at the Spring Term of the County Court of Rockcastle County 1850 take out letters of administration on the state of Peggy Merritt here mentioned via the foregoing declaration for the purpose therein mentioned and entered into Bond and Security at the Law direct which was approved by said County Court I do further certify I have no interest in the foregoing annexed
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pension claim due the heirs of the said Stephen and Peggy Merritt dec’d

In Testimony of Which I have hereunto subscribed my hand and affixed my seal of said court the 28th day of July 1853
M J Miller Clerk
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Know all men by these present that I Mitchel Merritt of the county of Rockcastle and State of Kentucky - administrator of the Estate of Peggy Marrett (dec’d) widow of Stephen Merritt dec’d, and one of the Legal representatives of the said Stephen & Peggy Merritt, dec’d, who was a Revolutionary Soldier and reputation [?] was a officer in said war - and Peggy his wife who is now (deceased), do hereby, irrevocably constitute and appoint A. H. Markland & Oliver Philps of Washington City my true and lawful attorneys for me and in my name, to examine into and present any claim that may be due or found due, the children and legal representatives of the said Peggy & Stephen Merritt (dec’d) in virtue of said Stephen Merritt service in the armey of the Revolution war, - and the several acts and resolution of Congress relation thereto, and that might have accrued, to in their. said parties, and not drawn during their lifetime, and now due to their legal representatives and to receive the certificates of Pension tho., when issued by the Department of the US and forever  the same to Alfred Smith of mt vernon Rockcastle county Kentucky and he my agent will hand the same over to me - I hereby confirming wh & sons my said attorneys my do or cause to be legally done either in
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in person or by substitute in the premises of said claim as directed. I revoking any other authority I may have given to any other person or persons in the premises whatsoever - my petition for the Benefit of the said, Hear, of said Peggy & Stephen Merritt (dec’d) being made from Rockcastle county Ky for said Pension

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand seal this 1st day of March 1853.
Mitchel Marritt
Signed - presence of 

State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County set}
On this 1st day of March 1853 - personally appeared before me Mitchel Marritt - a Justice of the Peace in and for the county and State aforesaid and acknowledged tho with Power of attorney to be his act and and
G. Proctor J.P.
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State of Kentucky Rockcastle County} set
I Milton J Miller clk of the county court for the county aforesaid Certify that George Proctor whose genuine signature appears in the foregoing certificate and was at the time of subscribing the same an acting Justice of the peace with and for said county aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn according to Law and that his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit

In Testimony of Which I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County the 1st day of March 1853
M J Miller clerk

There is an affixed seal
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State of Kentucky
County of Rockcastle}
On this 25th day of July 1853 Before me Jesse Fish Judge of the County Court in and for the County of Rockcastle and state above mentioned personally appeared Mitchel Merritt, the administrator of the estate of Peggy Merritt dec’d widow of Stephen Maritt (deceased), aged 55 years a resident of the County and State aforesaid - who being duly sworn in open Court in and for said County & State aforesaid now in session according to law doth on his oath make the following statement as an amendment to his declaration now on file in the pension office at Washington City under Act of Congress passed 4th July 1836 as administrator of his mothers estate said Peggy Marett (dec’d) in whose right the pension is Claimed 

That after a careful examination there is no private or publick Family record of the marriage of his mother the said Peggy Merritt (dec’d) to his Father said Stephan Merritt (dec’d) to his Knowledge now to be found in existance and that from reputation they were married by publication without a License and no record of said marriage can be found, and that no private of Publick Family record
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of the Births of the children of said Peggy Mirrett decs’d and said Stephen Maritt des’d her husband, can be found in existence long since Lost - so they cannot be found.

That he further declares in making his former declaration allow to - that he made an honest mistake as to the date his said mother died - the said Peggy Merritt (dec’d) the widow of said Stephen Marett (des’d) that the true date of there decease was inscribed on the head stone of there graves the said Stephen and Peggy Marett (decs’d) that he has lately visited the Graves of the said Stephen Marett (des’d) and said Peggy Marett (decs’d) his widow, and ind the following inscription made on the head stones of each of there said Graves. Stephen Merritt died the 26th day of December 1816 - Peggy Marett died on the 21st day of August 1840 - which is the true genuine inscription and date of the death of his said Mother Peggy Maritt (decease) and that the said Graves aforesaid is the Identical same Graves where they were burried; that he had not sean said Graves for some nine years before he made his former Declaration; and [?] himself the small mistake as to the date of the (decease) of his said Mother will weigh but little with the department as it
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as it was an honest error made without design that he resides some 20 miles distant from said Graves and to sustain this Claim marriage as since of the said Stephen Merritt (dec’d). the referred, Commissioner of Pensions at washington City is respectfully [?] to the Deposition of David Benge and John Clark now on file and to the proof hereto annexed:
Mitchel Merritt 

State of Kentucky
County of Rockcastle}
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this day and year above mentioned, in open Court while in session in and for the county aforesaid I do certify that Mitchel Merritt whose genuine signature is signed with his own hand to the foregoing amended declaration, is personally known to me to be reputable and s a resident Citizen of the County and State aforesaid and that his oath is entitled to full faith and credit and that his signature thereto attached is Genuine, and is known to be to be the exact same man who is the applicant for the Revolutionary Pension on behalf of the children of Peggy Maritt 9decs’d) and widow of Stephen Marett (deceased) as he states in the declaration aforesaid. erasures & c was made before Signing and that I believe his statements to be true and to be of the age stated and that I have no interest in the results of this pension nor concerned in its prosecution
Jesse Fish Judge. R. C. Ky
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State of Kentucky Rockcastle County}set
I Milton J. Miller Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do certify that Jesse Fish whose genuine signature is signed in my presence with his own hand to the foregoing Certificate is and was at the time of signing the same Presiding Judge of the Rockcastle County Court in the State aforesaid duly commissioned & sworn in the Law directs that his official acts as such is entitled to full faith & credit and that the County Court aforesaid is a court of Record I do further certify that Mitchell Marett whose genuine signature is signed by his own hand to the foregoing declaration is the admin’r of the Estate of Peggy Marrit dec’d mentioned in the foregoing declaration and widow of Stephen Marrett dec’d that he has Entered in to Bond and Security as required by Law - which was approved by the court as appears of Record in my office and that the said Mitchell Marett aforesaid is the applicant for this Pension.

In Testimony of which I have hereunto subscribed My Name and affixed the seal of said Court at Mt Vernon Ky July 25th 1853
MJ Miller clerk
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POWER OF ATTORNEY.

KNNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, THAT I Mitchel Marett Administrator of the estate of Peggy Marett decs’d who was the widow of Stephen Marett decs’d having made application for a Pension from Rockcastle County Kentucky under act of 1836 4th July on the account of the service of said Stephen Maritt who was [strikethrough] a [strikethrough] engaged in the Army of the Revolution in the state of North Carolina, as one of their children

do hereby constitute and appoint AH Marklaw JS. Cauendy, Oliver Philps Jr of Washington City - my true and lawful Attorneys for me and in my name to prosecute against the Government of the United States, before and Department thereof, any and all claim or claims I have to arrears of pay or Pension money, under any Act or Acts, Resolution or Resolutions, of the Congress of the United States, and especially the Acts of 4th July 1836,  7th July, 1838, 3rd March, 1843, 17th June, 1844, 2nd February 1848, and 29th July, 1848; as well as the more ancient  Acts of 18th March, 1818, 15th May 1828, and 7th June, 1832 and all other Acts bearing upon the interest of said claims to date, of the Congress of the United States, hereby revoking any other power of attorney given at the premises.

Said Attorney is moreover authorized in my name to demand at any Department of the said Government, a Reconsideration of any Decision hitherto or hereafter to be given touching my interest, and to obtain from any Department, or the Archives thereof, any and all information or evidence of whatever character relating to, or in anywise bearing upon the claim or claims we hereby seek the investigation of.

Said Attorneys is morever authorized to do any and all things necessary to carry out the foregoing purposes and to received the Certificate of Pension on said Claim, and forward said Certificate of Pension to Alfred Smith of Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County, Kentucky, and he, my Attorney, will hand the same over to e. By virtue of these Presents, I have hereunto subscribed my name this ---  day of Octr 1853
Mitchel Marritt  {L.S.}

STATE OF Kentucky
COUNTY OF Rockcastle}

BE IT KNOWN, That, on the 26 day of October 1853, before the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Mitchel Marett administrator of the estate of Peggy Marrett decs’d widow of Stephen Marett dec’d Subscriber to the foregoing POWER OF ATTORNEY, and acknowledged the Signing, Sealing and Delivering the same to be his own voluntary Act and Deed for the purposes therein set forth.

In Testimony whereof, I do hereunto subscribe my name, the name of J.S. Edwards was Interlined before signed
Joseph B. Parsons
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State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County}set
I Milton J. Miller Clerk of the County Court for said Court Certify that Joseph B. Parsons whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate on the reverse side hereof is and was at the time of signing the same an active Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly commissioned and sworn according to Law and that his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit

In Testimony of which I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said county the 23rd day of Nov: 1853
MJ Miller clerk
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State of Kentucky
County of Garrard}
Be it known that on this 25th day of June 1853 Before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County and State above mentioned personally appeared Salem Wallace aged 58 years a resident of the County of Madison and State above mentioned and known to me to be reputable who being first duly sworn according to law doth on oath subscribe to the following affidavit upon a petition of Mitchel Merrett of the County of Roccastle and State of aforesaid to the pension office of the United States at Whashington City for a pension on behalf of the children of Stephin and Peggy Marrett (Dec’d) due on account of said Stephen Merrett’s services in the Revolutionary war in the N.C. Troops.

Witness states that he was born near the residence of Stephen and Peggy Maritt (Dec’d) aforesaid and has lived a neighbour to them up to the date said Peggy and Stephen Meritt died and knew them well and that the said Stephen Meritt and Peggy Meritt lived together as man
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and wife up to the date he died raised a large family of Children together with who Witness new well and that marriage was never doubted. Witness thinks he has heard said Meritt tell of his service in the Revolutionary was he also was a man much beliked in the neighbourhood civil and respectable.

Witness knows said Stephen Meritt and said Peggy Meritt died in the County of Garrard and State of Kentucky. Witness further states that he did on this day visit the graves where said Stephen Merritt and said Peggy Meritt his widdow was buried on the head stones of each of these said graves was inscribed in large legable letters. Stephen Meritt died on the 26th day December 1816 - Peggy Meritt died on the 21st day of August 1840 and declare the graves mentioned are the Identicle graves where said Stephen Meritt and Peggy Meritt his said widdow was buried and siad inscription is genuine. Witness states that al the decease of said Stephen Meritt he left Peggy Meritt his wife a widdow who remained a widdow up to her own death which took place at the above named date in the County of Garrard and State of Kentucky leaving at her
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decease five living children John Meritt, Alva Meritt Isabel Finnell Mitchel Meritt Elizabeth Pullins with whom witness knew well and that they are the only surviving children of said Peggy Meritt Dec’d by her said Stephen Meritt dec’d and that said Stephen Meritt is the Identical man who is the husband of Peggy Meritt dec’d his said widdow whose children are the applicants for said pention and that he is a disinterested witness
Salam Wallace {there is a drawing of a seal}

State of Kentucky
County of Garrard}
Sworn to and subscribed to before me the day and year above mentioned and I do certify that Salem Wallace whose genuine signature appears signed by him to the foregoing deposition is genuine and that he is known to me to be reputable and his oath is entitled to full faith and credit and that he is a resident of [?] of the County of Madison and State aforesaid and that I believe him to be of the age stated and I have no interest in the result of this pension nor concerned
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N. Sandifer J.P.
Garrard County Kentucky

ps. The interlineation of Madison wade before  signings
N. Sandifer J.P.

State of Kentucky
Garrard County} Set
I William B Mason clerk of the County Court within and for the county and state above named do hereby certify that N. Sandifer whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing acknowledgement is and was at the time of taking and signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county and state aforesaid duly elected commissioned and sworn that his said signature above is known to me to be genuine. That all his official acts are as such and entitled to full faith and credit and that said county Court is a court of Record,

In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of the Garrard county court at office in Lancaster the 29th day of June AD 1853
Attest William B Mason
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State of North Carolina
Comptroller’s Office}

I, William J Clarke, Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office, among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for Military Services in the Revolutionary War as follows, to wit:
Stephen Merritt
Book No 3 page 35           L32.  S5.  specie
Book Am No 15 page 77    L.5 S16 specie
Book C No 17 page 17.     L11L1S15 specie
Vol C entry     3546L 8S D10 specie
Vol C entry  1455 Captain Stephen Merritt for Militia services of himself and company L333 S2 specie

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 25th day of May 1853

Wm. J. Clarke, Comptr.

Self & Co
333.2
    20
|---------
6662
|----------
832.75
________
416.372
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Hon Commissioner of Pentions

D/w I am informed that Mr Isaac Loven a citizen of this County is a witness in the Application of the heirs of Peggy Merrit widow of Stephen Merrit - Dec’d for a Pension to the pension office of the United States at Washington city from Roccastle County Kentucky under act of congress passed 4th July 1836 pension claim on act of the servises of said Stephen Merrit in the Revolutionary war. I have well known the said Isaac Loven for the last 23 years. I know him to be an Honest man (and altho poore.) I view him from my knowledge of him to be a man of Good character and entitled to credit on oath of otherwise and is believed by his neighbours to have been a soldier in the revolutionary war and I further believe him to be the age he represents himself to be 91 years his reputation for a man of truth, I have never known Questioned.

Please present my best respects to the Hon. John M. Elliott W.C. from Ky. I have no interest whatever in this claim.
Very Respectfully yours
Jacob Hackney

Loudon Laurel Cty. Ky
January 30th 1854

Turn over
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State of Kentucky Laurel County Set
Sworn to and Subscribed before me on the day and year aforesaid and I certify that Jacob Hackney whose genuine signature is signed with his own hand to the foregoing letter is a reputable Resident Citizen of the county of Laurel and State forsaid and his Statement is entitled to full faith & credit - And I have no interest in the results of this pension nor concerned in its prosecution erasure &c were made before signed - and is in his own handwriting
John J Evans JP

State of Kentucky
Laurel County Set.
I William H Randall Clerk of the County Court of [?] county aforesaid do Certify that John J Evans Esq. whose genuine Signature is Subscribed to the foregoing Certificate, and before whom the foregoing deposition of Jacob Hackney was taken & made, is and was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly commissioned and Sworn and his official acts entitled to full faith credit.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court this 31st day of January 1854
WH Randall Clk
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I am well acquainted with Jacob Hackney and take pleasure in testifying to his honesty probity & good character. He is not only a mad of truth but has all the elements which constitute the honest and honorable man. He resides in the capitol I represent in Congress and I know him well and whatever he states may be relied on.
Yours rep
John M Elliott MC

@ no. 4.
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Son Adison while

Mail} Richmond Madison County Kentucky
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X Roads Laurel County Kentucky
June 29th 1853

Hon Adison White
Richmond Kentucky

Dear Sir
We have known John Faubus, who is a Revolutionary pensioner in Laurel County Kentucky for many years and is now a Resident Citizen of Said County, to be a man of Respectability, and his oath should be respected and Believed. We understand Said John Faubus is a Witness its establish the service of Stephen Marett (deceased) of Garrard County Kentucky in the Revolutionary War whose children has made application for a pension due on account of Said Marrett service from Rockcastle County Kentucky the pension is claimed in right of his widow who is Peggy Marett  decs’d as we are informed.
Thos. J. Buford
H.H. Scoville

names contained in this affidavit are personally know to be and are of high respectability; and their comments should be taken without hesitation
Addison White (M.C)

I am a citizen of Rockcastle County but I have been intimately acquainted with the above named John Forbus for more than 20 years and can state that I consider him a creditable witness and should be believed upon
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oath or otherwise
J. A. Moore

State of Ky Madison County

I ---- Police Judge of the Town of Richmond Ky do certify that Addison White our present Representative in Congress personally appeared before me and acknowledged the foregoing statement to contain the truth and signed the same in my presence
July 16th 1853
Dudley Webster Police Judge

State of Kentucky
County of Madision
I Thos H Barnes Clerk of the County Court in said Madison county Kentucky do certify that Dudley Webster whose name appears to the above certificate is police Judge of the town of Richmond & State of Kentucky duly commissioned and sworn as the law [?] and that the Signature purporting to be his is genuine this 16th of July 1853 in testimony whereof I hereunto set my name as clerk of said County & State and affix the seal of Said Court
Tho H Barnes Clerk
Page 37

No 12.
Oct 11, 1853
Letters in case of Peggy Merritt, widow of Stephen, and Rachel Scott widow of Jesse

Alfred Smith. Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle co., Ky

Mt Vernon Ky
Hon Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 38

Mt Vernon Rockcastle County Kentucky 15 Oct 1853

Hon. Commissioner of Pension
Washington DC

I find from your letter dated 20th June Last

In your examination of the Deposition of David Benge a witness in the application of the (Heir) of Peggy Merritt (decs’d) from Rockcastle County Kentucky.

It seems Benge had omitted making his mark and an explanation of that fact was required. I took the deposition of Mr. McWherter a Justice of the peace of Clay County Ky who qualifide said Benge to his deposition in the said Application and explained to the Justice why Mr. David Benge did not make his mark - was not thought of at the time and that all was right that said Deposition was read and explained to said Benge before signing and the same was signed understandingly. So nothing was ever intended or thought of at that time. I forwarded to the Justice deposition to Mr A H Markland of [Zors?} City, the 26th of July last together with the deposition of John Laubis - William Cheop - Salam Wallace [strikethrough} is him [strikethrough] and the amended declaration
Page 39

of Mitchel Maritt - the administrator of Peggy Merritt (des’d) widow of Stephen and the order of the county court of Rockcastle & state of K. proving the date of the death of the parties - all was attached together and forwarded it to Mr A H Markland of Washington City to his files in this application of Peggy Merritts Heirs or [?] the Settle of Col Adison White (MC) of the 6th District K who also forwarded in support of the Character of these witnesses. Will you please inform me if the above papers is or not on file in said application for the pension.
Very [?] 
Your friend
Alfred Smith

Will you please examine the claim soon if the papers aforesaid is on file 
A Smith

Rachal Scott the widow of Jesse Scott des’d a U.S. Pensioner [?] his award: his said widow made application for a pension from Rockcastle County Ky under act 3 Feby 1853 it will be a deed of charity to examine her claim as she is very old and infirm and very poor will you please attend to it the papers was forwarded last spring
A. Smith
Page 40

JnAS
Mt Vernon J5 Feb 10 Paid 3

Honl. Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City D.C.
Mail}

Peggy Merritt
Stephen 
Ky sus 1836
Page 41

Mt Vernon Rockcastle County Ky 10th Feby 1855

Honl. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC

Dear Sir
In application of the heirs of Peggy Merritt widow of Stephen for a pension from Rockcastle County Ky under Act of Congress passed 4 July 1836.

If I mistake not the last opinion in the case was that Stephen Merritt Mentioned in the Comptrollers certificate on file was not Identified by the proof to be the husband of Peggy Merritt.

This claim has cost me considerable money in its prosecution, and I feel very lost to give it up - I could if necessary produce 20 respectable witnesses aged persons who will remember the said Stephen Merritt was his country men in his lifetime who would swear that the service of Stephen Merritt in the N.C. service in the revolution was never questioned or doubted and was reputed to have served in the revolution, and was highly respected &c - and by paying out a little more money I am informed to day that I can get another Certificate from the Comptroler of the service of Stephen Merrit noting the same service as stated in the Certificate on file in the papers with this addition, that Colonel Cleveland Commended the N.C. Militia from Welks County in said state with this addition. if you think Coupled with the evidence on file, would change your opinion in the case I will procure the certificate & remit. upon this point I will like to hear an expression
Page 42

provided it does not conflict with the duties of your office, not otherwise, I have paid out money in this claim until I am wared out in that respect. and still My confidence in the Justness of the claim - I am fully as lost to abandon it. I do not believe I can find any more evidence who personally know Stephen Merritt in the service.

I believe but not sure it is alleged he entered the service from Wilks Co or a place called Hilsborough in N. C.
I am Dear sir Very Respectfully
Alfred Smith
Page 43

Washington D.C.
Dec 5 1853

Sir
The application of the heirs of Pegging Merrit wid of Stephen under act 4 July 1836 is rejected, because proof of service & marriage is not sufficient = a careful examination of the papers in the case I think will prove the marriage & service beyond question.  The Comptrollers Certificate of North Carolina show a union of more than 12 Months as private & the like period of service as Capt. David Benge a Revolutionary Soldier proves service from 1778 to 1783 to the close of the war. John Faubus also proves that Stephen Merritt served in the Revolutionary War in the state of North Carolina & with Benge identifies the said Merritt with the certificate of the Comptroller of N.C. & the marriage is as clearly proved, as having taken place before the termination of her husbands service by the same witness, as also by John Clark & Salam Wallace
Yours &
John S Edwards

There is a note on the side which says: Benge according to his [?] Declaration was made in service entered through 1781
Page 44

State of Kentucky
County of Laurel}
Be it known that on the 4th day of July 1853 Personally appeared before me the undersigned an Acting Justice of the peace in and for the County and State above mentioned John Faubus aged 89 years a resident of the County and State above mentioned and known to me to be Reputable and now of lapsing memory who being first duly sworn according to law doth subscribed to the following affiant upon a petition of Mitchel Marett from the county of Rockcastle and State aforesaid on behalf of the children of Stephen and Peggy Maritt (dec’d) for a Pension to the pension office of the (US) at Washington City due on account of Stephen Marritts service in the Revolution - the pension is claimed in right of his wife Peggy Maritt (decs’d)

Witness states that he new the above named Stephen Marritt well - in the Revolutionary War -- and that his service was done in the State of North Carolina and well remembers said Stephen Marritt was called Captain in said Service.
Page 45

and thinks he served as such in the War of the Revolution and witness thinks said Stephen Marrit was a Militia officer - not sure as to that but is sure he new him in the service aforesaid and that said Stephen Marritt at that time was called Captain - Witness new said Stephen Marrit in the County of Garrard and State of Kentucky before he died - and declare that said Steph Marritt died in Garrard County Kentucky many years since - and further states said Steph Marritt is the identical man who witness new in the North Carolina service in the War of the Revolution as aforesaid - and sworn that he is a disinterested witness -
X his mark
John Faubus
Page 46

State of Kentucky
County of Laurel}
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above mentioned [?] that John Faubus is personally known to me to be a Revolutionary United States pensioner and is a Resident Citizen of the county of Laurel and State aforesaid and that his signature was made by him by making his mark and the same is genuine and that said John Faubus is known to me to be Reputable and his oath is entitled to full faith & credit - and I believe his statement to be trusted and to be of the age stated - erasures was made before sign said deposition was made to this before sign = and he signed the same understanding I have no interest in the results of this pension nor concern in its prosecution.
Hector H Scoville J.P.
Laurel County Ky

State of Kentucky
Laurel County Town
I William H Randall Clerk of the County Court of in the County aforesaid do Certify that Hector H Scoville Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit of John Faubus was taken and made and whose genuine Signature is affixed & subscribed to the foregoing Certificate is now and was at the time
Page 47

time of so doing a Justice of the peace within and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and his official acts entitled to Credit.

In Witness of which I have hereunto Subscribed my name & affixed the seal of said County at London this 7th day of July 1853
W.H Randall Clk
Page 48

Peggy Merritt widow of Stephen Merritt for Revolutionary Pension at 1836 Kentucky Suspended file
Page 49

7.937
Peggy Merritt Dec’d
widow of Stephen = Ky =

A.H. Markland June 20 1853
A.H. Markland Sept 16 1853

Jno S Edwards Dec 20 1853
Jno S Edwards Feby 20 1854
Jno S Edwards Sep 27 1854
Jno S Edwards Octo 20 1854

Secy Int Nov 21 1854
J.S. Edwards Dec 12 1854
Alfred Smith Feby 21 1855

Jno S. Edwards May 7. 1855
Hon J.B. Thompson Jany 25 1856

July 4 1836
Page 50

No 7.937
Peggy Merritt Dec’d
widow of Stephen  Ky 

A.H. Markland June 21/53
Same Sep 16 1853
John S. Edwards Dec. 20. 1853
John S. Edwards Feb. 20/54
John S. Edwards 27 Sept. 1854.

Sec [?] Nov 21. 1854
Let J.S. Edwards Dec. 12, 1854

Act July 4 1836
over
Page 51

State of Kentucky
County of Rockcastle}
Be it known that on the 21st day of March 1855 personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for the county and state aforesaid Alvah Pullins a resident of the county of Garrard and State of Kentucky, and personally known to me to be respectable and of good mind, who being first duly sworn according to law upon his oath doth make the following affidavit says that in the month of February 1855 he was looking through and examining the old papers belong to one of the children of Stephen Merritt, deceased, who has long since departed this life, that he found among the said piles of old papers two papers of an old appearance and ancient date, old date in time of the Revolutionary war one of the same purporting to be a discharge the other a permit both given to the said Stephen Merritt pertaining to his service and friendship to his country in the Revolution, which papers this deponent believed to be genuine, and the following is a correct Copy (viz)

State of Northcarolina [?] County January 6 1782 this is to certify that Stephen Merrit has served seven weeks as are insign in my company and by order of Colonel Isaacks is now discharged by me
Samuel Johnson Capt

S. N Carolina with County whereas Stephen Merit an honest Resident of said
Page 52

County and good Friend to his Country Desires to Trevis into the state of Georgia to view that Country and about his lawfull Buseness he therefore Desired hereby pass and repass without Molestation he Behaving himself well
Elijah Isaace Col

Given under my hand this 25 of October 1783
Beng. Herndon J.leal

(our name not made out on edge of permit)

and the original of the forgoing copy is attached to their affidavit this deponent has many years ago saw the papers relating to the service of the said Stephen Merritt in the Revolution which cannot now be found - further this deponent has been personally acquainted with the said Stephen Merritts Family from his infancy resided in the same neighborhood & know said Stephen Merritt was regarded by his neighbor as having served in the Revolutionary war in the state of North Carolina, his service was never questioned or doubted. Said Family of Merritt is a Respectable Family of People and further the said Stephen Merritt died in the County of Garrard and State of Kentucky many years ago, leaving Peggy Merritt his wife a widow who remained his widow to the date of her own decease which took place in the county of Garrard in the State of Kentucky many years ago leaving her following children as follows (viz) John Merritt, Mitchel Merritt Alvy Merritt, Isabela Finnel the only children now alive she had by her husband the said Stephen Merritt deceased and further
Page 53

the said Stephen Merritt is the Identical man who is the husband of said Peggy Merritt his widow whose children aforesaid is now the applicants from Rockcastle county Kentucky to the pension office at Washington city for the arears of pension due said on account of the service of her husband said Stephen Merritt in the Revolution and sworn that he is disinterested in this
Alvah Pullins

[There is a paper stuck to the original document possibly blocking some information.]

State of Kentucky
County of Rockcastle}
I Samuel Wiliford a Justice of the peace in and for the county of Rockcastle and state aforesaid do certify that Alvah Pullins personally appeared before me on the day and year first above written and made oath to his foregoing deposition according to law and signed the same in my presence with his own hands understandly & I certify that the said Alvah Pullins is personally known to me to be respectable witness and a resident of the county of Garrard and state of Kentucky whose oath is entitled to full faith and credit - I further certify that I did with my own hands attach the two old papers to this that of paper with wafirs - one of the same is a discharged and the other I Term a permit given to Stephen Marrett [?] relation to his service in the Revolution & the same is truly coppied in the boddy of
Page 54

State of North Carolina Surrey County January 6 1782 this is certifi that Steven Merit has [?] serve me as an insign in my company [?] of Colnal Isacks is now discharged by me Samuel Johnson

S N. Carolina Wilkes County Whereas Stephen Merit an Honest Resident of said County and good Friend to his Country Desires to Traves into the State of Georgia to View that Country and about his lawfull Business is therefore having pass and Repass Without Molestation Behaving himself Well HG Elijah Isaace Colo

Given Under my Hand this 25th of Octob’r 1783
Benj’ Herndon  [?]

The bottom line on the paper is cut off
Page 55

the forgoing affidavit and I believe the same original papers to be genuine good papers and I certify that I have no interest in their claim or concern in its prosecution
Saml Williford J.P.

State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County} Set
I Egbert T. Fish Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do certify that Samuel Williford whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the said a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn accordingly to Law and that his official acts are entitled to full faith & credit. I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the affiant Alva Pullins and know him to be a man of good character strict integrity and one that can be fully relied upon and that the County Court aforesaid is a Court of Record

In Testimony of which I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of Said County Court the 22nd day of March 1855
E.T. Fish Ck. C.C.
Page 56

Add evidence 
[?] of Peggy Merritt wid of 
Stephen Merritt 
for Rev Pension Act of 1836 or 1838 
Kentucky responded file

filed by John S Edwards
Feby 11 1854
Page 57

Washington D.C.
Feby 11th 1854

Sir
Enclosed I send you additional evidence in the case of the Admr of Peggy Merritt widow of Stephen Merritt for Rev Pension and ask a reexamination of the case
Respy
John S. Edwards
Court of Pensions
Page 58

add evidence
Peggy Merritt
Widow of Stephen 
Merritt
Rev Pension
Ky sus 1836

Cole

filed by
John S Edwards

15
Page 59

State of Kentucky
County of Clay }
I William Woodcock Clerk of the County Court in and for the county of Clay and state above mentioned do certify that D B Stevers whose genuine signature is signed to the foregoing certificate affidavit is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for the county and state above mentioned duly commissioned and qualified according to law and that his official acts as such is entitled to full faith and credit - and that the county court aforesaid is a Court of record.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said county court and subscribed my name clerk of said court the 12 day of July 1853.
William Woodcock Clerk

There is an affixed seal
Page 60

State of Kentucky
County of Clay}
Be it known that on the --- day of July 1853 Personally Appeared before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County and State above mentioned J. H. McWhorter aged 39 years a resident of the county and state aforesaid and known to me to be Reputable, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath subscribe to the following affidavit.

That some time in the winter 1853 witness attended at the residence of David Benge who is a revolutionary Pensioner and a resident of the county of Clay and state of Kentucky - witness is and was an acting Justice of the peace - in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer oath - at that time and qualifide David Benge to his deposition given by said Benge in the application of the children of Peggy Marett decs’d, that said David Benge is the Identical man who gave his deposition aforesaid in support of the service of said Stephen Marett decs’d in the Revolution war in the Northcarolina
Page 61

Service -- and further declares that said deposition was read and fully explained to the Said David Benge in witness presence to the said David Benge before signed and all was dun before me a Justice of the peace as aforesaid to which said Benge was qualified by me to the full satisfaction of Said D. Benge when at that time authorized his name signed to said deposition which was dun by me or Mr. A Smith who drew the said affidavit - Said David Benge cannot write and how witness came to fail to have his said David Benge mark made or to certify the same in witness certificate to said deposition was not witness suppose thought of at the time - but will remember said David Benge name was signed to said Deposition by witness or Mr A Smith - not recollected but or know well Said Deposition was signed as aforesaid and at the same timey by Mr David Benge order after said Deposition was read and explained to him and. his name was signed as aforesaid understandingly and all was satisfactory to said David Benge and that said David Benge seamed to be as familure acquainted with said Stephen Marett - while in the Revolution was to have served as an officer a Lieutenant and thought he served also as
Page 62

Captain in said service - Northcarolina - Revolution, - Seams to have also a distince Recollection and now said Stephen Marrit in Kentucky - up to his death and new him to be the same Steph Maritt he new well in the Revolution war in the State of Northcarolina - now Peggy Maritt will also to be the widow of Steph Maritt aforesaid  all the forgoing {/} petition to the service of said Steph Maritt said David Benged learned to be as familure acquainted with as witness is with his common transaction with his neighbor -- and that said David Benged seamed to Identify the said Steph - Maritt (dec’d) will to be the same man he new in the N.C. service - witness resided some eight miles distant from said David Benge - know him well - to be a reputable man and a Revolutionary pensioner in Clay County Kentucky to be a man of Irreproachable character and to be a man the fullest confidence can be placed in him whether on oath or otherwise - whose mind is very good both upon Revolutionary matters - or late transactions and would state nothing but what he new to be totally true - and the witness is not interested in the claim -
J H McWhorter [there is a hand drawn seal]
Page 63

State of Kentucky
County of Clay}

Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and year above mentioned and I do certify that J. H McWhorter whose Genuine Signature is signed with his own hand to the forgoing deposition is personally known to me to be a Reputable resident Citizen of the county Clay and state above mentioned and that said J H McWhorter is now and was an acting Justice of the peace as he states  - the winter 1853 - in & for the county aforesaid - and that. his oath is entitled to full faith and credit = erasure & c. was made before signed - & I have no interest in the result of this pension nor concerned in its prosecution and I believe him to be of the age stated and his statement to be true.
D B. Stevers clerk
Clay County Kentucky
Page 64

State of Kentucky
Laurel County set}
Be it known that on the 27th day of January 1854 personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the county and state aforesaid Isaac Loven age he does not precisely know but thinks is 91 years a resident of the county and state aforesaid and known to me to be reputable and of deposing memory - who eing first duly sworn as the law directs - doth on his oath Subscribe to the following affidavit, on a petition of Michel Merritt administrator of the Estate of Peggy Merritt decs’d widow of Stephen Merritt (decs’d) on behalf of there children for a pension - from the county of Rockcastle and State of Kentucky to the pension office of the U. S. at Washington City under act of Congress passed 4th July 1836 - due on account of the service of the said Stephen Merritt in the Revolutionary war.

Doth declare that he was a soldier in the Northcarolina Troops in the war of the Revolution, and is now an applicant for a pension for the county of Laurel State of Ky - under act of 1832 which he refers to. That while he was in the Service aforesaid - War of the Revolution in the year 1780 before the battle of Kings Mountain witness - became well acquainted with the
Page 65

above mentioned Stephen Merritt, and knew him to be the identical man - whom he well remembers was a Lieutenant in the Northcarolina Troop under Col Cleveland in that year 1780 - where in the beginning the year 1781 - the said Stephen Merritt was appointed a captain of a Company of the Northcarolina Militia and was in the Battle of Guilford - early in the year 1781 - witness was in that engagement and personally knew the said Steph Merritt was Captain of a company of NC militia in that Battle - that he well remembers - the above mentioned Steph Merritt is the Identical man who served in the Northcarolina service as aforesaid in the war of the Revolution for at least twelve months or more, that said Stephen Merritt and Peggy Merritt his wife lived together as man and wife to witness own knowledge before the battle of Guilford and there marriage was never doubted said Battle came of in 1781 - in the Revolution war & know there marriage was never doubted and personally know they lived together as man and wife until the said Stephen Merritt died in Garrard County Kentucky - witness lived a neighbor to the said Stephen Merritt and Peggy Merritt his wife in the County of Garrard
Page 66

State of Kentucky at an early day new him well in Ky to the date he died - that said Steph Merritt and Peggy his wife raised a large family of Children with where the witness new well and at the date the said Steph Merritt died - he left his wife Peggy a widow - who remained a widow up to her own decease in the county of Garrard State of Kentucky to and declare it is personally known to witness that - the above mentioned Stephen Merritt is the identical man that he new in the service aforesaid to be the husband of said Peggy Merritt whose children are now the applicants for this pension - and that Mitchel Merritt the administrator, of said Peggy Merritt (dec’d) is one of there children who is the applicant are the part of said heirs - the children of said Peggy and Stephen Merritt (decs’d) for said pension - and swear he is a disinterested witness.
X his mark
Isaac Loven

State of Kentucky Laurel county sct
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above mentioned before me by making his mark and I certify that Isaac Loven whose
Page 67

Genuine Signature is signed aforesaid with his own hand to the foregoing deposition is personally known to me to be reputable Resident citizen of the county of Laurel and State of Kentucky and his oath is entitled to full faith and credit & that - said deposition was read and explained to him before signed and he signed the same understandingly - and that he is known to me to be of deposing memory - mind good and I believe him to be of the age stated -erasures interlineation &c was made before signed & I have no interest in the results of this pension or concerned in its prosecution.
John J Evans J.P.

No. 6.
State of Kentucky
Laurel County Sct
I William H Randall Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do certify that John J. Evans Esq before whom the foregoing deposition was taken and made and whose genuine Signature is Subscribed to the foregoing Certificate is and was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly commissioned and Sworn and his official acts entitled to full faith and credit

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court this 3rd day January 1854
WH Randall Clk

There is an affixed seal
Page 68

State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County Court}sct
July Term 1833

It is herby ordered to be certified to the Hon’l Comm. of Pensions at Washington City that it has on the day satisfactory evidence was exhibited and approved in open court in and for said County now in session and hereby attached that Stephen Marrett formerly of the State of North Carolina and who was reputable to have served as a private soldier a Lieutenant and a Captain of the North Carolina Militia and State Troops, and Possibly in the Continental line in the War of the Revolution died in the County of Garrard State of Kentucky on the 26th day of Dec. 1816 leaving Peggy Meritt his wife a widow and remained a widow up to the date of her own death. Which took place in the County of Garrard State of Ky on the 21st day of August 1840 That said Peggy Marett his widow left but five living children by her said husband Stephan Marett dec’d whose names and ages are John Marett aged 67 years Mitchell Marett aged 55 years Elizabeth Pullins late Elizabeth Marrett aged 57 years Alvy Maritt aged 45 years Issabella Finnel late Issabella Marritt aged 43 years and who are the only surviving children of the said Peggy Marrett dec’d widow of said Stephen Maritt dec’d and that Mitchell Marrit
Page 69

is the Administrator of the Estate of the Said Peggy Marritt dec’d and the applicant for said Pension on behalf of the said heirs of the said Peggy Merritt dec’d
A copy
Att
MJ Miller Clerk

There is an affixed seal
Page 70

No 1
add evidence
case of Peggy
Merritt widow of
Stephen Merritt
for Revolutionary 
Pension
Ky - sus 1836


Filed by
John S. Edwards
Page 71

{State of North Carolina
Comptroller’s Office
I. William J Clarke Comptroller of public accounts in and for the State aforesaid do hereby certify, that it appears of record in said Office, among the payments made to sundry persons for Military services in the Revolutionary was as follows to wit:
‘Stephen Merritt”
Book A No. 11 Page 79 L 8.05. dio Specie
Book A M No.  15 Page 77 L5.116 do Specie
Book C No, 17 Page 11 L1.15.do Specie
Book C No. 3 Page 35 L32.05.do Specie
Vol. C Entry 3546 L8.05.dio Specie
Vol. C Entry 1455 L Cap’t Stephen Merritt for Militia services of himself & company L333.S2 Specie

In order to ascertain the length of services for which the foregoing payment of L333.02 was made, I make the following calculation I find the average number in service for any length of time to have been about 35 Officers & Privates, then the following would be the pay for month
1 Cap’t @ L16 or $40
1 Lieu’t @ L10.110 or $26
1 Ensign @ L8. or $20
2 Sergts @ L6.8 or $16
2 Corpls @ L 5.18.2 or $14.50  29.32
31 Privates L82.13.4 or $206.67 being L2.10.4 or $6.66 2/3 each
                    ------------       ----------
                    L129.9.6        325.17
Consequently L333. or $832. amounts to nearly 3 Months pay for the company & Captain
In testimony whereof
Page 72

whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Office this September 6th A.D. 1854
Wm J. Clarke, Comptroller

There is an affixed seal
Page 73

Washington, Dec 2nd 1853

Sir:
Enclosed I have the honor to present additional evidence in support of the claim of Peggy (or Margaret) Merritt widow of Stephen, of Ky. This evidence conclusively shows that said Peggy (or Margaret) Merritt was the wife of Stephen Merritt on the 5th day of April 1790, when she joined him in the execution of a deed, of which the enclosed is a duly certified copy.

This I am aware, does not establish the claim under the act of 1836 - but it proves marriage early enough to Establish the claim under Act of 7th July 1838. I therefore respectfully ask that the case be examined under said last mentioned act.

The last letter written in this case, objects that the evidence does not prove six months service.

It is admitted that the payments do not amount to quite enough to cover six months service as Captain. -
Page 74

But the service claimed in the declaration was in the capacities of private, Lieutenant and Captain. The witnesses who know Merritt in service, say they knew him as Lieutenant and Captain.

The certificates of the comptroller of N. C. show one payment made to “Captain Stephen Merritt,” for himself and Company, and [strikethrough] three [strikethrough] four small payments to “Stephen Merritt” without mentioning any grade. Is not the inference a fair one, that the payments then made to “Stephen Merritt” with out any title were made for service in a lower grade than that of Captain? I am very sure that if such an inference would operate against the claim, it would be regarded as a fair and legitimate inference.

The payments made to “Capt Stephen Merrit,” (or himself and Company is L333.2 (or $832.25) which shows a service, as Captain of about two month.

The other payments to “Stephen Merritt” viz. L32.5 - L5.16 - L 1.15 & L8.510 - making L 48.1.10 - or $120 would cover [strikethrough] nearly [strikethrough]
Page 75

[strikethrough] five months [strikethrough] four and a half months service as Lieutenant.

Making - Capt.  2 mos
Lieutenant        4 ½ months
   in all              6 ½ months

If any, or even all the service except the two months shown to have been rendered as Captain, he completed in the grade of a private or any other grade below that of Captain, the result as to the amount of Pension, will be the same.

I am very Respectfully
Your Obt Svt
A.H. Markland
Page 76

John Clark 
Depponte
Page 77

State of Kentucky
County of Garrard}
Be it known that on the 21st day of September 1852 personally appeared before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the peace withing and for the county and state above mentioned John Clark aged 90 years a resident of the county and state aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law and known to me to be reputable and of deposing memory - declares on his oath on a petition of Mitchel Merritt of the county of Rockcastle & state aforesaid - on behalf of the children of Steph & Peggy Merritt (decs’d) for arrear of Pension to the department of the united states at washington City on account of services rendered by the re ancestor the said Stephen Merritt (decs’d) in the war of the Revolution against Great Britain.

Deponent states on his oath that he resided in the state of N. Carolina near a town called Hillsburrow in time of the Revolutionary war and new the above named Steph. Merritt at that place, and time of the war well and new well the said Steph Merritt is the Identical man who was always since his first recollected reputes to have been a soldier in the War of the Revolution, some kind of an officer - and that his service was never doubted and that he did the service in the state of Northcarolina aforesaid, deponent new well the
Page 78

Said Steph Merritt is the Identicle man who was married to Peggy Brown in the County of Randolph state of N carolina which marriage took place before the Battle of Guilford in time of the Revolution - aforesaid deponent did not sea them married - but saw the said Steph Merritt and Peggy Merritt a few days after the war married - and new well them marriage was never doubted - and that they. have lived together as Man and wife ever since before the Battle of Guilford in the war aforesaid - dates deponent does not well recollect - but remember well the marriage aforesaid was before the above named Battle and that was before 1783 said marriage was at the place foresaid - and that said Merritt and wife moved to Ky shortly after the war aforesaid Garrard County as deponent moved to Ky to the same county and lived with said Merritt after he moved to Ky and now that Stephen Merritt aforesaid died in Garrard Co Ky living his wife Peggy a widdow and some children and that Peggy Merritt aforesaid is now decs’d and that Mitchel Merritt is one of the children - who applied for the arears of this Pension and states on his oath that the said Stephen Merritt is the identicle man who was the Husband of the widdow - whose children are the applicant for the arears of the Pension and swares that he is a disinterested witness
X his mark
John Clark
Page 79

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written I do certify that John Clark whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing deposition is personally known to me to be Reputable - and that his oath is entitled to full faith and credit and that I have the most reliable confidence his statements are true and that he is of the age stated - eraser - interlineations & c were made before the execution of the same was read to him before signing the same-
Daniel Ray J.P.
Garrard Co Kentucky

State of Kentucky
County of Garrard}
I William B. Mason clerk of the County Court of Garrard and state above mentioned do certify that Daniel Ray whose. genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace with and for the county and state above mentioned duly commissioned and sworn and that all his official acts as such is entitled to full faith and credit and that the county court aforesaid is a court of Record

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said county court and subscribed my name Clerk of said court --- day of Sept 1852

W.B. Mason Clerk
Page 80

State of Kentucky
Rockcastle County Court
Feby Term 1853

It is hereby ordered to be certified to the commissioner of Pensions at Washington City that it has on this day satisfactorally appeared to the Court in and for said county now in Session by reputable Testimony introduced that Stephen Marritt formerly of the State of North Carolina and who was reported to have served as a private a while and as a Lieutenant and a Captain of the North Carolina Militia a part of the time and a part of the time in the State Troops and possibly in the continental line in the war of the Revolution died in the County of Garrard and State of Kentucky in the year 1816 - leaving at his decease Peggy Maritt his wife a widow and some children who served his life & who remained a widow untill her own death which took place between the tenth (10th) and fifteenth (15th) day of August Eighteen hundred and forty (1840) That Peggy his said widow left at her decease five children by her said husband the said Stephen Maritt dec’d whose names are John Maritt aged 67 years Mitchell Meritt aged 55 years Alvy Meritt aged 45 years Issabella Finnell aged 43 years Elizabeth Pullins aged about aged about 57 years and who are the only surviving children of the said Peggy Meritt at her decease widow of said Stephen Maritt dec’d and that said Mitchell Meritt is the admin’ of the estate of said Peggy Meritt dec’d who is the applicant.
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for this Pension

In Testimony of Which I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court this 1st day of March 1853
MJ Miller Clerk
Rockcastle County Court
Page 82

State of Kentucky
County of Clay }sct
I William Woodlock Clerk of the County Court aforesaid Certify that J H McWhorter whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate in and was at the term of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified and that the signature church is genuine that due regard should be paid to all of his official acts as such

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my said office this 25 day of February 1853
William Woodlock clk
Page 83

State of Kentucky
County of Clay}

J H McWhorter

Be it known that on the 15th day of February 1853 Personally appeared before me J H McWhorter an acting Justice of the peace in and for the county and state above mentioned David Beng aged 95 years a resident of the county and state aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law and know to me to be reputable and of deposing memory - doth declare upon his oath and subscribed to the following affidavit on a Petition of Mitchel Merritt of the county of Rockcastle and State aforesaid to the department of the united states at washington City for arears of Pension on behalf of the children of Stephen Merritt and Peggy Merritt (decs’d) on acount of the services rendered by the said Stephen Merritt in the war of the Revolution in the state of Northcarolina - who was resident of Garrard County Kentucky - at there death-

Deponent states on his oath that his name was placed upon the Kentucky pension agency while he was a Resident of Clay County Kentucky - that his name should have been spelled Beng instead of Burge - that his name was placed upon said List on acount of services he rendered in the state of Northcarolina in the war of the revolution as will more fully appear by refference to his declaration
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on file at the department of the united states at washington City and state on his oath that he new the above named Stephan Merritt will, while he was in the service in the war of the Revolution in the State of Northcarolina and declare upon his oath that the above named Stephen Merritt is the Identicle man who was a soldier and an offiicer in the war of he Revolution in the State of Northcarolina and new well that said Merritt was a Lieutenant or Captain in said service in the war of the revolution: and thinks it most likely said Stephen Merritt served in said war in said state in both capasities as a Lt & Capt: deponent states that he did not serve in the same company or under said Merritt during said service but was together a great deal in the same Regiments the state of Northcarolina - that said Stephen Merritt was under Col. Cleveland - Armstrong- Col Richard Singleton and some other Colonels - not recollected about said service - that he service a part of the term in the Militia and a part of the time in the State N.C. Troops - and that said Merritts Grade of office was not under Lieutenant - that he new the said Merritt well while he was in said service from 1778 to the close of the war and that said Merritt served as an officer from said date to 1783 - the close of the war of the Revolution in the State
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of Northcarolina and that said Stephen Merritt made a faithfull officer and was much beloved by all that new him in said service and that he new the said Stephen Merritt and Peggy his wife will in time of the war of the revolution. deponent did not sea them married by nos well that said Stephen Merritt did considerable service in the war of the revolution after his marriage else after him and his wife Peggy lived together as man and wife - deponent new then both in 1781 in Northcarolina - at that time they were living together as man and wife and that there marriage was never doubted - that said Merritt and wife shortly after the year 1783 moved to Garrard County Kentucky - deponent lived in the adjacent county to said Merritt in Kentucky the year 1795 [?] Both said Merritt & Peggy his wife will in Said County Ky - up to there deaths and - noes well they lived together as man and wife from 1781 - up to there death and raised a large Family of children and there marriage was never doubted - that said Stephen Merritt died in Garrard County Kentucky many years since leaving his said wife Peggy a widow who survived his life who died not many years since his said widow Peggy aforesaid and that Mitchel Merritt - the applicant for this Pension is one of there children with whom
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deponent noes well - deponent swears that he lived in the adjacent county in K to said Merritt they often talked over there service - while living in Ky [?] in the Revolution and deponent is fully satisfide the said Stephen Merritt is the same man he new in the service in the war of the revolution in Northcarolina as foresaid and sware that the said Stephen Merritt is the Identicle man who is the Husband. of the widow (dec’d) whose children is now the applicants for the arears of this pension and swares that he is a disinterested witness
David Benge

State of Kentucky
County of Clay
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written I do certify that David Benge whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing deposition is a Revolutionary Pension in Clay Co Kentucky and that he is reputable and his oath is entitled to full faith and credit and that I believe him to be of the age stated and his statement to be true - Erasures interlineations &c was made before signed and said deposition was read to him before signed & he signed the same understandingly.
J H McWhorter J. P.
Page 87

State of North Carolina
County of Randolph }
I Benjamin F Hoover Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Session in and for the County and State Aforesaid, I hereby certify, that I have made careful and diligent examination in my office for the Bond of Marriage License between Stephen Merritt and Peggy Brown, and that no such bond nor any other evidence of such marriage can be found on file in my office.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County as office in Asheboro this the 19th day of October AD 1852
B.F. Hoover Clerk