Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7,139, for Reuben Merritt, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Merritt, Reuben
PP. 7.139
Mary
CONTENTS
1

Westchester County ss;
Esther Smith of the Town of North Castle. County aforesaid and State of New York. being duly sworn, doth depose and say that she is Seventy-one years of age; that she has lived in the town aforesaid sixty-two years; that she knows Mary Merritt the widow of Reuben Merritt and did know the said Reuben Merritt during his life time and up to the date of his death: that he died in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine in the said Town of North Castle; and that he was always esteemed and reputed to have been a soldier in the Revolutionary War in the service of his country; that she has frequently heard him mention the period of his service as aforesaid and that he was generally in his neighborhood styled an old Seventy-Sixer , and was honored as such. This deponent further says that the said Reuben Merritt and Mary Merritt lived together as man and wife for the space of forty-four or forty-five years and until the time of his death, and that they had a family of eight children, that they were always reput- ed, esteemed and treated as Husband and Wife by all in the Town of North Castle where they

lived together for many years. And further This deponent saith not.
Esther Smith
State of New York - Westchester Co } ss: Town of North Castle - }
On the ninth day of May one thousand eight hundred and fifty personally appeared before me Esther Smith well known to me to be the person who signed the foregoing deposition, and a perfectly credible and most respectable person, who being by me duly sworn did make oath to the truth of the facts set forth in said deposition and signed the same in my presence.
Frederick G. Read Justice of the Peace

Westchester County SS
I Jotham Carpenter of the Town of North Castle County aforesaid and State of New York who being duly affirmed according to law doth depose & affirm that I was Eighty Six years old the Twenty Sixth Day of August last and have lived in this Town of North Castle all his life except thirteen years He knew Rheuben Merritt and Mary his widow and know the said Ruben Merritt during his life time and up to the date of his death he died in the said town of North Castle has been acquainted with them both since he was Twenty One or Twenty two years old that said Ruben Merritt was reputed to have been a Soldier in the Revolution War in the service of his country that he has heard him mention of his services in said War This deponent deponent further says that the said Ruben Merritt and Mary Merritt lived together as man and wife for the space of forty four or five years until the time of his death and that they had a family of eight children that they were always reputed esteemed and treated as Husband and Wife by all in the town of North Castle where they lived together for many years. And further this deponent saith not.
I hereby certify that the reason why he makes his mark is because his hand trembles so he cannot write his name
Jotham his Carpenter mark
Frederick G. Read Justice of the Peace

State of New York Westchester Co } B Town of North Castle — }
On the Ninth Day of May One thousand eight hundred and fifty personally appeared before me Gotham Carpenter well known to me to be the person who signed the foregoing deposition and a perfectly credible and respectable person who being by me duly affirmed disposes and affirm to the truth of the facts set forth in said deposition and signed the same in the manner as it appears in my presence
Frederick G Read Justice of the Peace

Westchester County ss
Joseph L. Brunridge of the Town of North Castle, County aforesaid and State of New York, being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is in his Sixty-Third year and has lived in the said Town Forty-seven years; That he knows Mary Merritt, the Widow of the late Reuben Merritt and did know the said Reuben Merritt during his life time and up to the date of his death; That he died in the year One Thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine, as near as this deponent can recollect. That he died in the said Town of North Castle and lived there as long as this deponent can recollect at least as long as this deponent lived there previous to the death of the said Reuben Merritt, and that he was always in the said Town and neighborhood esteemed and reputed to be an old Revolutionary Soldier and was universally revered and respected as such. And this deponent further says that the said Reuben and Mary Merritt lived together as Husband and wife for the period of forty years or more and had a family of children seven or eight in number; That they were always respected, esteemed and treated as Husband and wife during all the acquaintance of this deponent with them and by all who knew them.

And further deponent saith not..
Joseph L. Brundidge
Westchester Co State of New York } ss, Town of North Castle - }
On the Ninth day of May one thousand eight hundred and fifty. Personally appeared before me Joseph L. Brundidge, well known to me to be the person who signed the foregoing deposition, and a perfectly veracious, credible and respectable person, who being by me duly sworn, did make oath to the truth of the facts set forth in said deposition and signed the same in my presence.
Frederick G. Reade Justice of Peace
STATE OF NEW YORK,
COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER, SS.
I, ROBERT R. OAKLEY, Clerk of the County aforesaid, and also Clerk of the Courts in and for said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Frederick G. Reade Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed Instrument and endorsed thereon, was, on the day of the date of the said Certificate a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, residing in the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same, according to the laws of the said State. And, further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said County Courts, the 17 th day of May 185 0
Robt R Oakley CLERK.

13 Westchester County ss:
John Merritt, of the Town of North Castle, County aforesaid, being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is the son of Reuben and Mary Merritt - that he is sixty four years of age, was born in North Castle aforesaid on the fifteenth day of July one thousand seven hundred and eighty five as he has always been informed by his parents and others and verily believes. That he is the oldest child of the said Reuben and Mary Merritt and that he has always understood from them and others that they the said Reuben Merritt and Mary his wife were married about the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty four. This deponent further says that his said parents always during the life-time of the said Reuben Merritt lived together as man and wife - that the said Reuben Merritt, his father, died on or about the nineteenth day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine.
And this deponent further says that his mother the said Mary Merritt, widow of the said Reuben Merritt is now living in the City of New-York, but is exceedingly imbecile and helpless - that her memory has entirely departed, so much so that she is unable to recognise this deponent when she sees him. And this deponent further deposes and says, that he always understood from his said Father Reuben Merritt during his life-time and from other credible and respectable aged persons, that he was a Revolutionary Soldier belonging to the Company of Capt. Odle Close, stationed on the lines of the State of Connecticut, - That whilst he was in said service and in the

line of his duty he was taken prisoner by the British in the Town of Greenwich and State of Connecticut in the Early part of the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty - that he was kept a prisoner for two years and upwards, and this deponent has every reason to and verily does believe that such statement was in every respect honest and true, And this deponent further says that his said mother has not married again since the decease of his Father.
John Merritt
State of New York - Westchester County } ss: Town of White Plains }
On the fourth day of May one thousand eight hundred and fifty personally appeared before me John Merritt of the Town of North Castle, well known to me to be the person who signed the foregoing deposition, and a credible and respectable person who being by me duly sworn did make oath to the truth of the facts set forth in said deposition, and signed the same in my presence.
Hosiah J. Mitchell Justice of the Peace

STATE OF NEW YORK,
COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER, ss.
I, ROBERT R. OAKLEY, Clerk of the County aforesaid, and also Clerk of the Courts in and for said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Cosiah J. Mitchell Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed Instrument, and endorsed thereon, was, on the day of the date of the said Certificate, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, residing in the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorised to take the same, according to the laws of the said State. And, further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said County Courts, the 17 th day of May 185 6
Robt R. Oakley CLERK.

In the matter & of The Application of Mary Merritt for a Pension, under Act of July 7 th 1838
Declaration of Guardian.

State of New York } County of New York. } ss.
On this fourteenth day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty, personally appeared, in open court, before the Supreme Court of the State of New York for the first District, now sitting, John Merritt, of Westchester County in said State, Guardian of Mary Merritt, widow of Reuben Merritt, duly authorized to act as such guardian by an Order of this Court bearing date the fourteenth day of May instant, who being first duly sworn, doth, on his oath, make the following Declaration, as such Guardian, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838, entitled, "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" for the said Widow, Mary Merritt.
That the said Mary Merritt is eighty-eight years of age, a resident of the City of New York, and the Widow of Reuben Merritt who was a Soldier in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War. That her said husband enlisted in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine in the month of February into a Company of Dragoons commanded by Captain Odell Close under General John M c Dowall, for the period of the duration of the War, in the line of the State of Connecticut, in which State he then resided, in the Town of Greenwich and County of Fairfield; that he was a Volunteer. That said Company was stationed on the lines in said State, and that while

he was in such service and in the line of his duty he was taken prisoner by the British in the said Town of Greenwich in the month of January or February one Thousand seven hundred and eighty and was kept a Prisoner till the end of the War. And that her husband, the said Reuben Merritt in the year seventeen hundred and seventy-six belonged to a Company commanded by Captain Samuel Townsend. under in the regiment of Col. Thomas Thomas, and brigade of Genl George Clinton. And that at the time of joining said Company he was a resident of the said Town of Greenwich: And that this Declarant has heard his father the said Reuben Merritt frequently, and as this Declarant has always believed, honestly and truly, say that he was engaged in the battle fought at White Plains in the month of October 1776. and that he fought on that occasion under Col. Thomas and General Clinton.
And the said John Merritt, as such Guardian as aforesaid, doth further declare that the said Claimant has no record or documentary evidence in support of her Claim, within the knowledge of this declarant: That there are no full muster-rolls of Capt Odell Colos's Company in the State of Connecticut, as this declarant is informed by the Comptroller of said State and verily believes, and no muster-rolls for 1776 and but imperfect ones for 1777 & 8. in the State of New York.
And this Declarant, as such Guardian for the said Widow Mary Merritt, further declares that she was married to the said Reuben Merritt about the year seventeen hundred and eighty-four

; and that he has not in his possession and has been unable to discover any record or documentary proof of this marriage; but has sufficient legal evidence of their cohabitation of as man and wife for many years prior to 1794.
That the husband of this claimant. The said Reuben Merritt died on or about the nineteenth day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine.
That the said Reuben Merritt was never a Pensioner. but died whilst collecting and perfecting the evidence of his services. with a view to an Application.
And this Declarant for the said Widow Mary Merritt, further declares that she was not married to the said Reuben Merritt prior to his leaving the service. but the marriage took place prior to the first January one thousand seven hundred and ninety-four. viz; at the time above stated. And that she is now a Widow. and that she has never before made any application for a Pension. and that no application has been before made by any one in her behalf.
John Merritt
Sworn to and subscribed. (The words "in the month of February" being first interlined on the 1 st page) on the day and year above written. before me. in open Court
R. P. Mason Justice of Sup. Court New York.
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of R. P. Mason now an acting Judge of the Supreme Court of New York in the first district. and that I verily believe the above to be his genuine

signature.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court New York May 11 th 1850
George W. Rubble Clerk

A.W.Y.
July 34, 1928.
Mrs. Pearl Merritt Schwing, 117 Corson Avenue, New Brighton, S. I., New York.
Madam:
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 7139, it is alleged that Reuben Merritt, while a resident of Greenwich, Fairfield County, Connecticut, served in 1776, in Captain Samuel Townsend's Company, Colonel Thomas Thomas' Connecticut Regiment and was at the battle of White Plains; enlisted in February 1779, in Captain Odle Close's Company of Dragoons, was taken prisoner in January or February 1780, and detained as such until the end of the war.
Soldier married in 1784, Mary (her maiden name not given). He died at North Castle, Westchester County, New York, May 19, 1829, at the age of eighty-five years. His widow Mary applied for pension May 14, 1850, while a resident of New York City, aged eighty-eight years.
Her claim was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of service as required by the pension laws.

In 1850, John, the eldest of eight children, was sixty-four years old, no other names stated.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

In the Matter of The Application of Mary McNeil Widow of Reuben McNeil for a Pension
Order of Supreme Court appointing Guardian
4

In the Matter of the Application of Mary Merritt for a Pension
City and County of New York ss: John Merritt, Farmer of Town of North Castle, County of Westchester and State of New York, being duly sworn doth depose and say, that he is the oldest child of Reuben and Mary Merritt, formerly of the said Town; that his said father was a Revo- lutionary Soldier in the service of the United States and died in the Town of North Castle aforesaid in the year one thousand eight hun- dred and twenty-nine, leaving his said wife Mary Merritt him surviving. That said Mary Merritt is still a Widow never having married again since the death of the said Reuben Merritt. That affidavits have been taken and proceed- ings instituted to obtain a Pension for the said Widow under the Act of Congress of the 7 th of July 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows". That the said Mary Merritt has for some years been and is now a resident of the City of New York, and by reason of her advanced age, being now about eighty-eight years old, her mind is greatly impaired and her memory entirely departed, so much so that she is unable to recognize this deponent when she sees him; and in consequence of the imbecility and unwoundness of her mind and memory she is totally unable to make the Declaration required by law or to be sworn in this or any other matter whatever. And further the de-

Spencer South not. Given in open Court this 14 th } John Merritt day of May A. D. 1850 } before me R. P. Morris
Justice Sup. Court
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of R. P. Morris now an acting Judge of the Supreme Court of New York in the first District and that I verily believe the above to be his genuine signature.
Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court New York May 14 th 1850.
W. H. Riddell Clerk

In the Matter of the Application of Mary Merritt for a Pension
City and County of New York ss. John J. White of the said City being first duly sworn doth depose and say that he is well acquainted with Mary Merritt, the Widow of Reuben Merritt of North Castle, Westchester County State of New York. That she is at present a resident of the said City of New York, that she is about eighty eight years of age, that she is imbecile and in the opinion of the de- ponent utterly incapable of being sworn and testifying or declaring in any cause or matter.
Sworn in open Court this 14 th day of May A D. 1850
John J. White
R. P. Mason Justice of Sup. Court
City and County of New York ss. Hiram Galt - of the said City being first duly sworn doth depose and say that he is well acquainted with Mary Merritt, the Widow of Reuben Mer- ritt late of the Town of North Castle, County of Westchester and State of New York. That she is at present a resident of the said City of New York, that she is about eighty eight years of age and that she is very imbecile and in the opinion of the deponent utterly incapable of being sworn testifying or declaring in any cause or matter
Sworn in open Court this 14 th day of May A D. 1850
Hiram Galt
R. P. Mason Justice of Sup. Court
(C.W.R.)

I hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of R. P. Warner, now an acting Judge of the Supreme Court of New York in the first District, and that I verily believe the above to be his genuine signatures Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court New York May 14 th 1850
(George W. Pilest Clerk)

Supreme Court County of New York } 3
On reading the affidavit of John Merritt, son of Reuben and Mary Merritt and also the affidavits of John A. White and Hi- ram Gale, as to the infelicity of the said Mary Merritt widow of the said Reuben Merritt, it is hereby ordered that the said John Merritt be and he hereby is appointed the Guardian of the said widow in the matter of her ap- plication for a Pension as said widow, with authority as such Guardian for her and in her name to assert her claim to such pension.
This order made May 14. 1850. in open Court in the City of New York
R. P. Marvin
Judge of Sup. Court
R. P. Marvin Judge of Sup. Court
This is to certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of R. P. Marvin now acting Judge of the Supreme Court in the first District, and that I verily believe the above to be his genuine signatures. Given under the seal of the said Court, New York May 14 at 1850
George W. Rible Clerk

Depositions in the case
— of —
Reuben Merritt taken before John Townsend Esq. in 1828.
13

Westchester County ss. Reuben Merrill of the Town of North Castle in the County of Westchester being duly sworn on his oath saith, in eighty four years of age that he into the service of the United States of America an or about the month of February  December in the year 1779 into a Company of dragoons Left commanded by Captain Abel Close for the period of during the war in the line of the State of Connecticut that said Company was stationed on the lines in said State that whilst he was in said service and in the line of his duty he was taken a prisoner by the British in the Town of Greenwich in the said State of Connecticut an or about the month of January or February 1780. and this Deponent further saith that he was kept a prisoner for two years and upwards. & further this Deponent saith not.
Reuben Merrill
Sworn this 18th day
of Nov 1828 before me John Townsend one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Westchester

Westchester County ss. Caleb Green of the Town of Northcastle in the County of Westchester being duly sworn on his oath saith he knew Reuben Merritt in the time of the Revolutionary war whereby s d Reuben Merritt was in the service of the United States in the revolutionary war, that s d Reuben Merritt belonged to capt m Biddle Clark's company of Dragoons on the line of the State of Connecticut at the time that s d Reuben Merritt was afterwards taken prisoner by the British as a recollects well that s d Merritt was a prisoner for the space of two years and upwards - and further his deponent saith not -
Caleb his Green Mark
Sworn this 24 th day of Nov r 1828 before me
Phoebe Townsend
one of the Judges of the court of common pleas for s d County of Westchester

STATE OF NEW YORK,
COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER, SS.
I, ROBERT R. OAKLEY, Clerk of the County aforesaid, and also Clerk of the Courts in and for said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That John Townsend Esquire, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof for acknowledgment of the annexed Instrument and endorsed thereon, was, on the day of the date of the said Certificate, a Justice of the Peace and for the said County, residing in the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorised to take the same, according to the laws of the said State. And, further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Judge and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said County Courts, the
9th day of July 1850
Robt R. Oakley CLERK.

Nathan Merritt of the Town of New Canaan County of Westchester and State of New York Saith he was acquainted with Reuben Merritt then of the Town of Greenwich County of Fairfield State of Connecticut now of a resident of the Town of North Castle County of Westchester and State of New York and well recollects that the s d Nathan Merritt belonged to a company commanded by Capt. Samuel Townsend to which he him- self belonged, in the Regiment commanded by Col. Thomas Thomas in Gen. George Clinton's Brigade in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war on or about the year 1776.
Nathan Merritt
Sworn to before me
This 11 th day of August, 1828
John Townsend a fore Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Westchester

In the matter of Reuben Allen's Pension application
Decem. 10. 1828
Ref d with reso. to Com ee on Military Service
Feb. 14. 1829 Report - Ref d to 'CW' - bill 317
14
Refer Committee of the whole to which is referred bill 317
Lawrence 2. AR 317
Deposition of Ambrose Reynolds

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, COUNTY OF FAIRFIELD, COUNTY COURT, CLERK'S OFFICE,
ss.
City of Bridgeport
I,
William H. Noble
Clerk.
of the County Court, within and for Fairfield County, and keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commission of Justices of the Peace for said County, hereby certify:—THAT,
John Jay Tracy
Esquire,
was on the 6 & 13 days of November 18 28  and a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, having full power and authority by the laws of this State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and other instruments, and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; that full faith and credit may, and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations; that the signatures to the instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, I believe to be his genuine official signatures and that said instrument are executed, acknowledged and duly authenticated according to the laws of this State.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the Seal of said Court, at Bridgeport in said County and State, on this 13 th day of July A. D. 185 0
W. H. Noble
Clerk.

I James Green of Greenwich Fairfield County and State of Connecticut do depose and say that about the years 1780 or 1781 (as near as I can recollect, I saw Reuben Merritt (now of North Castle in Westchester County and State of New York) taken prisoner by William Seymour & one other person (name not recollected) they both belonging to a party of refugees it was at Daniel Merritt's Mill in said Greenwich where said Merritt was made prisoner by said refugees. The said Merritt had his gun with him when taken prisoner and further the deponent saith that that he has understood and believes that the said Merritt belonged to Captain Ode Close's company of calvary at the time when said Reuben Merritt was taken prisoner and further saith not
James Green
Fairfield County ss Greenwich November 6 th 1828 personally appeared the above named James Green who made oath to the truth of the above deposition & subscribed the same in my presence
John Jay, Jr. One of the Justices for Fairfield County Connecticut

I Ambrose Reynolds of Greenwich Fairfield County Connecticut of lawful age do depose and say that Ruben Merritt formerly of said Greenwich but now of North East New York was in in Captain Ode Clowes Company of Cavalry about the years 1779 or 1780. I was a private in said Company, I think said Merritt was sergeant in said Company, we were under Genl John Mead, about said time I went with said Merritt to Stratford with prisoners in charge of said Merritt further he saith not
Ambrose Reynolds
Fairfield County of Greenwich November 13 th 1828 personally appeared the above named Ambrose Reynolds who made oath to the truth of the above deposition & signed the same in my presence
John Jay Tracy } One of the Justices for Fairfield County Connecticut

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, COUNTY OF FAIRFIELD, COUNTY COURT, CLERK'S OFFICE,
} ss. City of Bridgeport I, William H. Noble Clerk.
of the County Court, within and for Fairfield County, and keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commission of Justices of the Peace for said County, hereby certify:—THAT,
Daniel Lockwood Esquire, was on the 6 th day of August 18 28  and  was a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, having full power and authority by the laws of this State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and other instruments, and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; that full faith and credit may, and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations; that the signature to the instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, I believe to be his genuine official signature; and that said instrument is executed, acknowledged and duly authenticated according to the laws of this State.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the Seal of said Court, at Bridgeport in said County and State, on this 15 th day of July A. D. 1850
W. H. Noble Clerk.

I Deborah Palmer of Greenwich in Fairfield County and State of Connecticut of lawful age testify and say that I am knowing to Reuben Merritt Board- ing there in the Family on parole as I understood the said Merritt & others in the years of 1781-1782 & 1783 I well recollect at  said the time that the the British came here that the said Merritt was here and he the said Merritt told the British that he was a Prisoner on parole and they did not take him away. Deborah Palmer
Fairfield County ss Greenwich Personally appear- ed Deborah Palmer and subscribed the foregoing deposition in my presence under oath that it is the within deposition was the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth Greenwich August 6th Day A.D. 1828
Daniel Lockwood
Justice of Peace

I Seth Palmer of greenwich in Fairfield County and State of Connecticut of Lawful age testify and say that Benjamin Merritt Boarded at my House more or less in the years of 1781-1782 & 1783 and I understood by the said Merritt & others that he was a Prisoner a Parole at the time above mentioned from the British officers
Seth Palmer
Fairfield County of greenwich personally appeared Seth Palmer and subscribed the foregoing deposition in my presence under oath that the foregoing Deposition was the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth - greenwich August 6th Day 1828
Daniel Lockwood Justice of Peace

59.
Washington
July 6. 1852
Evans & Fanks appeal
Rel: to the case of Mary Merritt -
Triplett
Ref to the Comt of Pensions for Report Sent into Ex. 9/52 Rec. Feb. 7. 1852

Washington, Feby 6 th 1852.
Sir.
Sometimes since we appealed from the decision of the Com r . of Pensions in the case of Mary Merritt. When the letter of appeal was sent to the Pension Office for a report, it was found that the proper authority was not with the papers to authorise us to prosecute the case. We enclose a letter from Mr Robert Cochran, which we think sufficient to enable us to renew the appeal. Very respectfully Evans & Hunt.
How A. A. A. Stuart Secy of the Interior.

Westchester County New York Dec 1 st 1857
To the Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
I hereby substitute as Agent Ebenezer Faint of Washington D.C. in my place & stead, to act as agent & attorney in the application of Mary Merrill for Pension
Robt. Cochrane White Plains

Dec 27 1867
See Mr Wilson
18 Mr Howard
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

Home of Rev. J. G. L. Dec. 1850
Sir,
Permit me to call the attention of the Comtee. of Pensions to the case of a Widow Merritt for a Pension as the Widow of Revolutionary Soldier. The papers were submitted to the late Comt. of Pensions by me in the course of the last session of Congress & no reply to the case has yet been recd. by me - I am urged by the friends of this Widow who is now very old & dependent for subsistence upon the charity of her friends, to ask for an early disposition of this case & I shall be obliged by having the matter disposed of -
Respectfully Yr. ob. servt W Wilson
Col. Beattle Comt. of Pensions

Home of Reps 1 st March 1851
Sir/
Permit me to ask your attention to the papers in the case of the Widow Merritt of White Plains N.Y. for a Pension as the widow of a Revolutionary soldier - The Papers were presented by me I think at the commencement of the Present Session of Congress. & I am troubled with letters from the Children of this old woman as to the fate of her application - It is very certain that this woman is entitled to a pension under existing laws, & I hope her papers are sufficiently full to make out her case -
Respectfully Yours
bdg
W Nelson
Committee of Pensions

Home of Rep't 15 th August 1850
Sir,
I herewith find you the papers in the case of Mary Merritt, Widow of Rufus Merritt, for a pension &c
These persons are constituents of mine & I shall be obliged if the papers can shall receive yr. attention at your earliest conven- ience -
The papers were heretofore presented by me, but they were pre- pared in such an informal & imperfect manner as not to present the case in a proper manner. I have such knowledge of this family as to have no doubt upon my mind that it is a meritorious case & trust the papers now present the case in such a manner as will entitle the widow to the pension she claims - Very Respectfully Your S r . serv t W m Wilson Col. Edwards Commr. of Pensions

White Plains May 14th 1851.
Sir;
On or about the 20th November last I sent to your Office the applications of Bailey Allen, Jesse Clark, Thomas Brown and James Sutton for warrants under the Act of 1850, and on the 6th of January last, I forwarded the application of Isaac Ferguson, the receipt of which last was acknowledged.
You requested me to wait a reasonable time before making application to know what has been done in relation to Ferguson's claim in your letter of 8th January. I have forborne to trouble you in relation to any of these claims and hope I am not too urgent in making application for information in regard to them all, now .
The Applicants all reside in N. Salem Westchester County.
Permit me further to call your attention to the communication from your Office to me bearing date Dec. 12th 1850 in relation to the Case of Mary Ferritt.
Of the suggestion in regard to the want of documentary or record proof be not
Brady Land

intended as a final disposition of the Claim, (and I presume it is not), may I trouble you to return to me those affidavits on which the Justice omitted to certify the credibility of the deponents, that I may attach thereto the affidavits of the Justices?.
I may be permitted respectfully to remark that I had supposed and been led to believe, from reading reported cases and opinions of Attorneys General that in applications for Pensions based upon services of revolutionary soldiers , applicants must produce the best evidence they can, and where the impossibility of producing documentary proof is shown, a proper foundation is laid for the admission of inferior and secondary evidence.
The Military records of that period were necessarily kept with less regularity and system, more loosely and partially than during the period of subsequent services.
The chaos of the times did not leave the War Department unaffected.
With great respect
Your Obt Servt.
Robt. Cochran
White Plains.
W. C. C. D. G.
To J. E. Heath Esq. Com d of Pensions.

State of Connecticut Comptroller's Office Hartford June 26 th 1850
I certify that on application for evidence of the service of Reuben Merritt in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the books and documents remaining in this office, and do not find the name of the said Merritt upon them.
In the Book called "Haskells Receipts" under the following heading, viz, "The United States, D r To the State of Connecticut "for the service of State Troops & Militia raised for defence "of the State and allowed by Act of Congress December 28 th "1779, computed according to the Continental establishment "of Pay," I find four entries re Capt. Odle Close under heading "Officers Pay Rolls,"
1 st | Oct. 1 st 1779. | Capt. Odle Close | amt. paid in nominal money | £42. 3 | Computed value of services from Apr 1 st to Oct 1 st 1779 £4. 3. 2 d 2 nd | Oct. 5 th 1779 | Capt. Odle Close | amt paid in nominal money | £155. 2. | Computed value etc. £14. 8. | 3 | Oct 6 th | Capt Odle Close | amt paid in nominal money | £587. 19. 11 | Computed value etc. £56. 13. 5. | 4 th | May 27 th 1779 | Capt Odle Close | amt paid in nominal money | £60. 12. 8 | Computed value etc. £31. 17. 1 |
The service above specified extended from April to November 1779
There is no Roll of the above service now found in this office.
R. G. Paine, Comptroller by Geo. Robinson Clerk.

Washington, Nov. 16 th 1853.
Dear Sir.
During the administration of your predecessor, we appealed from his decision in the case of Mary Merrill, widow of Reuben Merrill, New York, Supp. Act of 7 th July 1838.
Under date of June 3 rd 1852, we furnished the the Secretary of the Interior, with our views of the case, which we presume is with the papers, and which we hope that you will read.
On the 13 th August 1852, the Secy of the Interior, affirmed the decision of the Board of Pensioners, rejecting the claim.
On the 13 th May 1853, we filed additional evidence, to remove the objections urged by the Secy of the Interior. In your letter of the 3 rd August 1853, you state that it "does not in the least change the complexion of the case." Now I am certain, that a fair and liberal construction would have given a pension in the first instance, but when we presented additional evidence, fully

meeting the objections of the Secretary of the Interior, we were surprised that it was not allowed. We honestly believe that this is a good claim, and made out, in accordance with the regulations of the Office.
The rejection by the Secretary does not bar, a re-examination, as we have filed new and material evidence .
In a word, we shall not be satisfied until you shall have examined the claim yourself . You can take your time, as we are in no hurry, and if you do not allow the claim, we have never been more mistaken.
Very respectfully Evan J. Hunt.
Dear S. P. Waldo Caret of Pensians.

Washington 1 st Decem r 1881
Mr Heath
Will please allow Mr Evans to examine the case of Mrs. Merrill for Pension under the act of 1831 or S. 8. & oblig
Yours Abt J. H. James G. Burd

Evans & Fanch argument in the Case of May. Merritt.

Sir.
Washington June 2 nd 1852.
Having taken an appeal from the Commission of Pensions in the case of Mary Merritt, widow of Reuben, we propose to review the report from the Pension Office, and think that we can show, that the case has not been presented in its true light, and that the evidence is sufficient to authorize the allowance of the claim.
The Com ee of Pensions urges the following objections. "It is claimed that her husband enlisted for the war under Capt o Odell Bloss, was taken prisoner and detained in captivity to the close of the war. The proof on this subject consists in certain vague depositions taken in 1828. The credibility of the witnesses is not certified as required. And the claim itself is disproved by the fact that Capt o Bloss himself was not a trans man but an officer of the militia"

Those who are intimately acquainted with the records of the Pension Office, know that the terms volunteer , enter , and enlist , are frequently used to mean the same thing. In very many cases the soldier who served in the Militia , has stated in his declaration that he enlisted , when in fact, he was a volunteer or a drafted soldier . It is the fact that should be regarded in the adjudication, and if the Narrative is in accordance with the history of the times, this is what the Lord contemplates.
Reuben Merritt on the 18 th Nov r 1828 made a declaration, at that time there were but two Acts under which he could claim a pension, viz: The Act of March 18 th 1818, which gave a pension to all who served in the Continental line for 9 months, and upwards; and the Act of May 15 th 1828, for those who enlisted for and served to the close of the war . It is evident that Mr. Merritt, supposed that his case was embraced by the Act of 1828.

At the time of his making the declaration he was 84 years of age, and stated that he enlisted in Febry 1779 into a company of dragoons commanded by Capt d Odell Bliss, for during the war, in the Boston line, was taken prisoner in Janry or Febry 1780, and was kept a prisoner upward of two years. He entered the service at Greenwich, Fairfield County, Conn te .
It should have been known at the Pension Office that Fairfield County lies in part Long Island Sound, and was almost constantly exposed to marauding parties from the British shipping, and hence the necessity of such a corps as that to which Mr Merritt was attached. No doubt that it was a corps, which was to be in readiness at every alarm, and therefore embodied for an indefinite period.
Upon the 16 th Nov r 1828, James Green, of Greenwich, Fairfield County, testifies that in 1780 or 81 he saw Reuben Merritt, taken prisoner. That said Merritt was armed

at the time, and he believes that he belonged to Capt Clason's company.
Seth Palmer , and Deborah Palmer in August 1828, testified that in 1781. 2, and 3, Reuben Merritt, boarded at their house, that he was a prisoner and parole - during the time that Merritt was with them, the British troops were at their house, and Merritt informed them that he was a prisoner and parole.
Ambrose Reynolds, on the 13 th Nov r 1828 - testified, at Greenwich, Fairfield County, that Reuben Merritt, was a member of Capt Clason's company of Cavalry in 1779-80. - That he Reynolds, was a private in said company, thinks that said Merritt was Serg t . About that time he went with said Merritt to Stratford, in charge of prisoners.

Caleb Green on the 24 th  May November 1828, testified that he knew Reuben Merritt, in the time of the Revy War, that said Merritt was in Capt o Close's company of Dragoons, that said Merritt, was taken prisoner and was such, for two years and upwards.
Nathan Merritt , 11 th August 1828, testified that he was in the company of Capt o Samuel Townsend, Col e Thomas, of Gen l Clinton, about the year 1776 Reuben Merritt was in the same company.
The Certificate of the Comptroller of Com ts shews that Capt o Adele Close, was in service in 1779 - several payments were made to him, but there are no muster rolls of his company on file.
The foregoing affidavits are drawn up in the usual form with the exception that the officiating Judge, failed to that that the affiants were credible witnesses, which is not surprising, as these deposition

were taken many years since, at which time the Act of May 15 1828, was repealed that the Treasury Department, and the office of Commissioner of Pensions, had no existence. The official character and signature of the Officer before whom the deposition were taken, is duly authenticated by the Clerk of the Court under his seal of office.
But there is a letter among the papers requesting the Com r . of Pensions, to inform the parties that if he shall deem it need- -ny, they will have the credibility of the witnesses duly certified.
These depositions are not "vague", but on the contrary, are full and to the point, and such testimony would establish the fact before any enlightened jury of the country.
Mary Merritt, Widow of said Reuben, in and the 14 May 1850, made a declaration by her guardian, asserting the service under Capt Chase, and also service in

1776, under Capt Thomas. The claim is asserted under the Act of July 7 th 1838.
There is no record evidence of the marriage, but abundant evidence of their living together as man and wife for several years prior to 1794.
Reuben Merritt died about 19. May 1829, and was collecting evidence for his application for a pension at the time of his decease.
John Merritt , aged 64 years, 4 th May 1850, certified to be a credible witness, testifies to the marriage in 1784, and the statements in his mother's declaration has frequently heard narrated in the family.
Esther Smith , aged 71. years 9 th May 1850, and certified to be a credible witness, has frequently heard R Merritt detail his services, and was always regarded in his neighborhood as a Rev'd soldier - said Merritt & wife regarded as husband & wife.

Nathan Carpenter , aged 86 years, 9 th May 1850, certified to be a credible witness, states that R. Merritt, was a Revolutionary soldier, and so regarded, has heard him detail his services, and has known Reuben & (Mary) Merritt, as man and wife for 44 or 45 years. They had a family of 8 children.
Joseph L. Boundige , aged 63 years, gives limited testimony.
We feel no hesitancy in saying that there are hundreds of claims now in the files of the Pension Office, which have been admitted, and much less evidence.
Very respectfully Ezra G. Hart.
How A. A. A. Stuart legally of the Subsidy.

Mary Merritt Madam of Reuben New York Susp. Act 7 th July 1838.
Add Evidence
Evans of Hart, Washington City

State & County of New York; John Townsend of Westchester County in said State, a credible and disinterested person, makes oath that he was the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Westchester County New York. That he was acquainted with Caleb Green, Nathan Merritt, and James Green, witnesses in support of the claim of Ruben Merritt for a Revolutionary Pension. And they were persons entitled to credit and belief. John Townsend
Given before me this 2 nd day of May 1853
Dan d H. H. Notary Public

White Plains. May 2, 1850
Sir,
The papers in the matter of the application of Mary Merritt, widow of Reuben Merritt of North Castle, a revolutionary soldier for a Pension, have been placed in my hands to conform them to the letter of the Acts of Congress if possible. The affidavits as to service and marriage or cohabitation were taken informally, the first in 1828 when Reuben Merritt was desirous of applying himself, and the latter shortly after his discharge in 1829. These affidavits state nearly the substance required, but most of the deponents are dead, and the Justices before whom they were taken, though still fortunately alive, have gone out of office. The principal imperfections in these documents are technical. The prominent one is that the officers omitted to certify to the respectability and credibility of the deponents. This was an omission arising from their ignorance of the law in such cases, and they are ready to correct the omission, but before enlarging the prints or taking their individual affidavits of

These matters. I desire to solicit your opinion as to the most advisable and legal method of sup- plying this defect. The widow is herself imbecile and unable to name new witnesses. Though the chance is, few if any survive, as they would necessar- ily be very aged at this date.
I regret the necessity of troubling you in this matter, but desire to act strictly in accordance with the laws of your office. May I beg an early reply?
Yours very respectfully Robt Cockran
To Col. J. L. Edwards      White Plains Westchester Co Commr of Pensions      N. Y.

1838
Correspondence and Envelopes Care of Mary Merritt

Sir.
Washington, May 13 th 1853
We herewith enclose additional evidence in the case of Mary Merritt, widow of Reuben, Oct July 7 th 1838 New York, Susp d .
This case has been prejudiced by the decision of the Secretary of the Interior, yet we know that the appeal Clerk at the Dept t of the Interior, was of the opinion that it was a good claim, and should have been allowed.
This opinion was expressed by him on sundry occasions. We refer you to our brief filed with the papers as furnishing a full and fair history of the case.
Very respectfully Evans J. Grant
Hon. S. P. Waldo Counsel of Petitioner

Department of the Interior Washington August 13. 1852.
Sir,
I have examined the appeal of Mary Merritt from your decision refusing to allow her a pension
I find from the testimony, that Reuben Merritt died in 1829, and that his widow was living in 1830, having survived him 21 years - Reuben Merritt made no application for a pension in his life time, and none was made by his widow, whilst she retained her faculties - The application was made for the first time in 1850, after the widow had become imbecile, in her mind, and it was then presented by her guardian or Committee - These circumstances are well calculated to throw a cloud of suspicion over the case.
But how is it sustained? - There is not a particle of record or documentary testimony in the papers to establish it - It depends entirely on affidavits, purporting to have been taken in 1828,

but which are produced for the first time in 1850 — These affidavits are not only defective in substance, but they are altogether informal, and improperly authenticated — The only thing tending to give an Official character to them, is, the Certificate of the Clerk, authenticated by his Seal of Office in 1850, that a person bearing the same name with the magistrate whose name purports to be signed to the affidavits, was an acting justice of the peace, in 1828 — But there is no proof of the handwriting of the justice, nor anything tending to identify him as the person who took the depositions; nor is there any evidence to prove the credibility of the witnesses.
It is said by the Counsel that Reuben Merrill was preparing to apply for a pension in 1828, and that the depositions were then taken, but that he died before his testimony was completed — If this be true, why did not his widow proceed to perfect it? — The steps he had taken were sufficient, to call her attention to his rights, and to lead her to prosecute them —
Upon a full view of the whole case, I regard it as one entirely destitute of merit, and unsupported by evidence; and the decision of the Commission of Pensions is therefore affirmed.
I am very respectfully

Your obedient servant Alex. R. H. Stuart Secretary.
H. H. C. Hipton Esq. Acting Commissioner Of Pensions

Pension Office March 11 th 1852.
Sir:
I have the honor to transmit the papers, numbering 19, relating to the case of Mary Merrill on which Messrs Evans and Faint appeal.
It is claimed that her husband enlisted for the war under Captain Odle Close and was taken prisoner afterwards and detained in captivity till the conclusion of peace. The proof on this subject consists in certain vague depositions apparently made in 1828. The credibility of the witnesses is not certified as is required. And the claim itself is disproved by the fact that Captain Close himself was not a war's man but an Officer of the Militia. The foundation of the demand thus being overthrown by an historic fact the demand could not stand even if supported by much stronger

er testimony than is adduced in the present case.
Very Respectfully, Your Obt Servt., H. Meath Comm. of Pensions.
Hon. A. H. H. Stuart Secretary of the Interior.

117 Coison Ave., New Brighton, S.I. N.Y.C.
1862 Revolutionary War Section Bureau of Pensions, Wash. D.C.
Dear Sirs. - I am trying to get some records for my D. A. R. qualifications and thought you might help me.
My revolutionary ancestor was Reuben Merrill from Westchester Co. N.Y. His widow registered an application for a pension about 1850. If you have records of this man, I would be very much obliged if you would send them to me.

Especially would I like his marriage date.
Thanking you for any assistance you may give me, I am
Very sincerely,
(Mrs.) Pearl Merritt Schwing
Oct. 2 - 1927.

Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
Dear Sir: -
Will you kindly let me know if you have the record - of a Roger or Reuben Merritt who fought in the Revolutionary War. He received in payment for his services a portion of land in Rye, N. Y. which place has since been divided

I believe into Port Chester & White Plains.
I am not sure but think he may have insisted from New York as I believe there are records of the death of some of his descendants in North Castle, Westchester Co. New York.
Very respectfully
Ethel DeWitt Hull (Mrs. George S. Hull)
Clinton
Box 108.
Connecticut

N o 13, 697
Mary Bennett wi- dow of Reuben. New York.
Letter to
Robt. Cochran 12 th Dec r 1850. Hon. W. Nelson 18 th  and Aug: 1851. Robt. Cochran 13 th Aug: 1851. Secy. Interior. 7 th Jany: 1851. Decision Affirmed by Secre- tary Interior 13 th Aug: 1852. Evans & Frank 28 th Nov r 1853. Same 16 th Aug: 1852. Same 1 st Aug: 1853. Same 28 th Nov r 1853.
7139 Act 7 th July 1838.

W. C. W. C. C. Crown of Persians

No 13.697
Mary Merrett, widow of Benben. N.Y.
Act 7 th July 1838.
Let Rob t Cochran 12 th Dec r 1852
Rev W. Nelson 8 th Ap l '57
Let Rob t Cochran Aug th 28/51.
Seiz g of the Interior May 7. 1857
19
1838

Set Evans & Part, Augt 16, 1852. - Augt. 1. 1853
Mary Merritt N.Y.
Set 7 July 88

1913, June 16- History to Mrs. Geo. S. Hull. For
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
1928 July 24 Hist. to Mrs. Pearl Merritt Schwing, A.N.Y.
7139
P. O. _____
Henry Merritt Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____ _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____ _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

War Section.
June 16, 1913.
Mrs. George S. Hull, Box 108, Clinton, Conn.
Madam:
In response to your letter with  without date, received the 7 th instant, you are advised that in the claim R. File No. 7,139. Rev. War, it is alleged that Reuben Herritt, while a resident of Greenwich, Fairfield County, Connecticut, served in 1776, in Captain Samuel Townsend's company, Colonel Thomas Thomas' regiment, and was at the battle of White Plains; enlisted in February 1779, in Captain Odle Close's company, of Dragoons, was taken prisoner in January or February 17 80 79 , and detained as such until the end of the war.
Soldier married in 1784. Mary --- He died at North Castle, Westchester County, New York, May 19, 1829, at the age of eighty-five years, and She applied for pension May 14, 1850, while eighty-eight years old and a resident of New York City.
The Cl. was not allowed as she failed to fut. proof of service as required The application was rejected on the ground of insufficient proof of service as required by the Act of July 7, 1838, under which she applied. by the pension laws. In 1850, John, the eldest of eight children, was sixty-four years old. no other names stated.
Very respectfully,
G. M. Saltzgaber.
Commissioner.