Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 22,396, for David Meriam, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Meriam, David
822,396
CONTENTS
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing.
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing.

Vermont 85 21
David Merriam
of Rutland Co in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Gates of the Reg t commanded by Colo Bellows in the Mass Mil tia time for 6 Mo 11 days service
d Feb 15 1849 (a B)
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 21 Dollars 22 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Oct r 1835 and sent to Pensioner Rutland Vermont
Wears to the 4th of Mar. 1835 $84. 88 semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sep t " 10. 61
$95. 49 { Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832, }
Recorded by Post Clerk, Book W-2 Vol. 3 Page 77 85
Ap r 22, 1885 Statement sent Ezra B. Stearns of East Bridgewater, Mass. see copy inside.
They H d 30 certificates etc s having been recently discovered again made to Pensioner at Rutland Vt Letter to Hon. H. Hale 20 May 1836

May 14 Non-Res. V.R.
Stratford N.H. } April 30.
Free
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner Pensions Washington City D.C.

I Isaac Merriam of Southumberland in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire aged Seventy three years do testify and say that David Merriam of Brandon in the County of Rutland in the State of Vermont was a Revolutionary Soldier that he served in the Army of the United States during Three Months in Dorchester & its vicinity in the State of Massachusetts in the year 1776 I think; I also was knowing to his volunteering in the service of the United States in 1777 at the time of and in the Campaign against, and at the surrender of The Army Under Gen. Burgoyne, was in the service at this time if I recollect right two weeks, that he came in the year 1778 or 1779 and took my place in the Army at Providence, Rhode Island and served Three Months and I returned home That I was not personally with him in all those terms of service but know of his going and being in and returning from the said service and I have no doubt that the above statement is correct.
Isaac Merriam
State of New Hampshire Coos ss - April 24 A.D. 1885
Personally appeared Isaac Merriam and subscribed and made oath to the above affidavit -
Before me Joshua Marshall Justice of the Peace
I further certify that the above named Isaac Merriam is of sane mind and is a credible witness and may be believed - Joshua Marshall Justice of the Peace
The above Deposition is Read by me -
Joshua Marshall Jus. of Peace

State of New Hampshire } I William Farrar Coos County ss. } Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Coos do certify That Joshua Marshall is a justice of the Peace within and for the County of Coos duly qual- ified to take Depositions and that the within signature purporting to be his is genuine Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this twenty-fifth day of April Anno. Domini 1895-
Wm Farrar Clerk

May 15.
pt
✓
To the Hon, J. L. Edwards Com, of Pension Washington

Brandon May the 8 1836
To the Honorable J L Edwards
Sir yours of the 17 of february was duly Received which informed me that I could not be Restored without further proof of my services in the Revolution I have been to Considerable trouble and Expence to obtain my Evidences I wrote to my Brother who was knowing to all my services his place of Residence is Northumberland County Coos St Newhamshire and he informed me that he had made out his affidavit and sent it on to you which I Expect you have received or will soon. I have obtained affidavits of two others which I inclose
with due Respect I remain your humble Servant
To Mr Edwards
David Meriam

David Merriam
Brandenburg
8 mo
19077
Writ for service
Deacon Merriam has not been able to procure his brother's testimony
20 6. 11
Adm d
6. 14 d. pri

STATE OF VERMONT, } RUTLAND COUNTY, ss. }
On this 18 th day of July A. D. 1832 personally appear- ed in open Court before the Judge of the Probate Court of Rutland Dist. now sitting, David Merriam a resident of the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged 72 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. In 1776 he lived at Ashuelot , Massachusetts , & on the 27. Jan'y. he enlisted into Capt. Hand's company & served three months - he forgets the names of the other officers - marched to Dorchester & labored on the forts - the enemy killed 4 men whilst he was at work at Dorchester point - They picked up 1400 hundred balls the next day it was in March a few days before they evacuated the place. He was discharged at Dorchester . In 1777 when they heard of Burgoyne's coming down he enlisted for two months & served in Capt. Gates' company, Col. Bellows' ; Regt. marched to Burnington but did not arrive until a day or two after the battle - then he joined the  Rangers  to  Fort Edward - joined the main Army at Stillwater - was Died? at Fort Edward after serving two months - was at Fort Edward when Burgoyne surrendered. In 1779 he enlisted for three months & marched to Providence - served in Capt. Fish's company (afterwards May's ) - does not remember the names of his other officers - thence to Bristol & after the enemy left Shepard he marched in & was one that took possession, where he was discharged after serving three months - was sick part of the time. He cannot distinguish the different corps of the Army - He knows Genl. Washington , Col. Gates & several other continental officers, but cannot name them. He never rec d . a written discharge. He has no documentary evidence, & knows of no person whose testimony he can procure, except his brother who lives in N Hampshire , who can testify to his services. He was born in Concord, Massachusetts .

the 28. Jan'y. 1760 - his age is recorded in his Bible. Since the revolution he lived in Walpole N.H. his years, then moved to Brandon, where he has ever since lived. He is known to the Rev. Ira Ingraham, & has been many years a member & deacon of the church there, & is known to most of the people of Brandon
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the } day and year aforesaid. }
N. Royce Regt
David Meriam
We Ira Ingraham a Clergyman residing in Brandon and Seth Keeler residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with David Meriam who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 72 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the } day and year aforesaid. }
N. Royce Regt
Ira Ingraham -
Seth Keeler
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Ira Ingraham who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in Brandon and that Seth Keeler Esq who has also signed the same, is a resident in Brandon and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Rodney C. Royce Regt
Clerk of the Court of Proteate
do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of David Meriam for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 24 th day of July A. D. 183 2
N. Royce Regt

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of David Meriam a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S. F. 22,396.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Jan 27, 1776. 3 mos. Pri. Rand. Dike. Mass.   1777. 2 " Jonathan Gates. Benj. Bellows.   1779. 3 " Fish. ✓  
Battles engaged in, _____ Residence of soldier at enlistment, Ashburnham, Mass. Date of application for pension, July 19, 1832. His cl. was al. Residence at date of application, Brandon, Rutland Co., Vt. Age at date of application, 13 Jan 28, 1760, Concord, Mass. Remarks: He died Feb 15, 1849.
There is no data relative to wife or children.
Respectfully,
(Date of death taken from Agency Book.)
Commissioner.

Revolution
22396 INVALID.
File No. 22,396
David Merriam
Rev War
Act: June 7 th 99 th
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 267
[Arrangement of 1870.]

July 5-1900 Mrs. H. J. Erickson Shoshone Agency Wyoming
1917, Nov. 22. History to Mrs. Helen F. Daily. Letter with {Cl. S. 35686 Samuel Varnum

David Merriam 27. Jan 76. Rand 77. Gates Bellows 79. Fish
Encs. 2.16 2 " - 25 3 " 3.  6.11

8521
Vermont
David Merriam
of Rutland Co in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Comp y . commanded by Captain Gats of the Reg t . commanded by Col. Bellows in the Mass s militia for 8 mo s
actual service 6 wks 11 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of April 1833 and sent to R. Temple Esq. Rutland.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $53.32 Semi-annual allowance ending Sept " 13.33
$66.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Witham Clerk, Book C Vol. 3 Page 77

Let to Specuine 17 Feb 1835 " " " 16 May " " " " 8 June 35

June 8
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com d of Pensions Washington D.C.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, June 2 d 1835.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Davide Merriam, as a private, is borne on a Muster Roll of Capt. Manasseh Sawyer's Company, in Col. Dikes' Regt. where he is allowed from Decem r 14 th 1776, to the last day of Febr y 1777 two Months and seventeen days. ————— 2-16
Davide Merriam's name is borne on a pay roll of Capt. Jon a Gates Company where he is allowed from Oct 1 st 1777, twenty five days, 23 The name of Isaac Merriam is borne on a pay roll of Capt Thomas Fish's Company, in Col. Nathan Tyler's Regt. where he is allowed from the 23 d of July 1779, four Months & eight days. 4.8 The name of Isaac Merriam is also borne on a

pay-roll of Capt. Thomas Fish's Company, in Col. Nathan Tyler's Regt. where he is allowed from the 30 th of Novem r . 1779, to the 5 th of Jan y . 1780 one month and five days. ————— 1-5
Isaac Merriam's name is also borne on a pay-roll for the six months men, raised for the Town of Ashburham in 1780. where he is allowed from June 29 th to Decem r . 14 th 1780. five months and twenty six days. ————— 5-26
David Merriam claims for part of the above mentioned services of Isaac Merriam, as his substitute.
Wm. Snfts. Depy Secretary

Boston June 3 d 1835
Sir, By request of Mr. Merriam we send you the Certificate of evidence of his services in the Revolutionary War.
Yours Respectfully Eleanor H. H.
Henry White
Ms. A. 9. 2. 16 16. 11

J
Hon. J. L. Edwards Chairman of Pensions Washington D.C.
pt-

Brandon February 6 1825
To the Hon g L Edwards Commissioner of the pension Sir I saw in one of our papers the course how pensioners should proceed to obtain their pensions which have been suspended. Sir I resided in Ashburnham Mass when I first enlisted it was the 27 of January 1776 and went to the Encampment near Boston and was there when the British Left Boston, at that time I served three Months under Capt Ran from Westminster and if I Recollect Right Colo Dike was the Commanding officer of the Regiment the Next time I volunteered and went at the time of the Battle in Bennington and was out at that time a bout one month. The next time I was out in Listed for one month and joined the army under General Gates at the time Burgoin was taken. My Capt was Jonathan Gates and our Colo Benjamin Bellows) in my former statement Mr Temple put those two Last men- tioned Month to gether and paid them two months the next term I served if I Recollect rite was 1779 I then went to Rhode Island and served three Months under Capt fish; the other officers Names I cannot Recollect while I was there Capt fish was raised to the Rank of Major I was there when the British Left that place. I now reside in Brandon Rutland County St 7A when I made application for my pension Esq Temple Administered the oath to me: the amount of what I received annually $26.66 the Last time I drew any Money was the fourth of Last March; very Respectfully I remain yours David Merriam

Prf. Sir if there is any thing farther necessary which I have omitted please to let me know in what particulars and write immediately
I can obtain an Evidence by sending two hundred Mules of their living if you think it necessary

David Merriam Brande $26.66
Payments to be made at Burlington by Presd. U. S. Br. Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Vermont
May 2. 1833 - Capt. Read Col. Dike - of Brande 45 years - previous of Walpole Vt
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E Vol. 3 Page 77 by W. L. Williams Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, David Meriam of the State of Vermont who was a Private in the war of the Revolution - is entitled to receive Twenty Six dollars and Sixty Six cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 16 day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty- three
Lawson
Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
J. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

J L Edwards Esq
David Merriam of Brandon Regiment was originally allowed a pension for 8 months service in the Revolutionary war; but, upon a reexamination of his case, the term of service for which he was allowed was reduced to 6 months & 11 days. Will you have the goodness to state to me, for his information, what portion of the service for which he was originally allowed was finally disallowed, and the reasons for such disallowance.
I am &c
William Slade
May 28. 1836.

I Jonathan Samson of Cehennemham in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy six years - do depose & say that I am well acquainted with David Meriam, of Brandon in the State of Vermont - formerly of said Cehennem- ham - that I served with him in the Army of the revolution for the term of three months - in a company of Mass. Militia commanded by Myles Sawyer of Sterling in Col. Dyer's Regt. I do not recollect in what year the service was performed, but it is the winter - commencing in January or Feb'y I think - The said Meriam & I were myp Motes - the service was performed at Dorchester Point, Mass. near Boston - Cehennemham 31 March 1835 Jon a Samson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester ss. March 31 - 1835 - Then the above named Jon a Samson, personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace for said County & made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true. And I further certify that I have been acquainted with said Samson for many years & that he is, in my opinion a dis- interested & credible witness -
Jonathan Pierce
} Just. Peace

I, Ebenezer B. Davis, of Ashburnham in the County of Worcester Commonwealth of Mass., aged seventy four years, do depose & say that David Merriam, now of Brattleboro, in the state of Vermont, formerly of said Ashburn- ham, enlisted into the Army of the Revolu- tion, near the close of the year 1776 - for the term of three months, & actually served during that term in a company of Mass. Militia commanded by Capt Mansel Sawyer, Lieut. Sam l Sawin & First Lieut. & Ensign Jo s Holden, in the Regt. of Col. Dyke. I served in the same company with said Merriam & was a messmate with him, during said three months - The service was performed at Dorchester Point Mass. Ebenezer B. Davis Ashburnham 31. March 1835
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester ss. March 31 - 1835. Then personally appeared Ebenezer B. Davis above named & made oath that the above affidavit, by him subscribed is true. I also certify that I am personally acquainted with said Davis & that he is in my opinion, a disinterested & credible witness -
Jonathan Pierce } J. W. Pierce

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester ss. - I Jos. G. Kendall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County, Being a Court of Record, Certify that the within named Nathaniel Pierce before Whom the foregoing Affidavits were sworn to, is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County - duly qualified to administer the said Oaths - and that the foregoing Sig- natures appear to be in his own hand writing.
In witness whereof I have set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this Seventh day of April A.D. 1835 = Jos. G. Kendall, Clerk.

L P Edward
Pension Office Washington D.C.
Mr. August 8 The Comptroller David Mearns advised
free

Brandon. Aug. 1 1835 To the Hon. G. L. Edwands Commissioner of pension. etc.
Sir agreeable to your directions I send back my Certificate Mr Bangs says that he found by the Role that I enlisted the 19 Day of December and says that Col. Dikes Regiment was discharged the Last of February. I know not how that was I Listed for three Months and served my full time and was not Dismissed till after the British Left Boston. I was there and saw them when they Sailed out of the Harbour and our officers when they entered the town on the other side this was the 19 Day of March 1776 it is possible I might have been transferred to some other Regiment or Company one week previous to the British leaving Boston I was selected with a company of 300 to go me night and build a fort on Dorchester point next to Boston the British discovered our object and kept up a constant cannonade all night and four men were shot dead by my side. This I know I am not Mis taken. When I went to Bennington at the time of the Battle I volunteered did not join any Regiment nor form in to any Regular Company and I do not know that I can make any proof of my services except my Brother Isaac's testimony which you have. and this I must Leave to your Honor to do as you see fit Liberty and Equal rights was what we contended for then and what I wish for now I remain your humble servant David Merriam

22.396
David Merriam
Aug 19-32 - 72
Brandon Vt
Aug 27-32 Ashburnham Mass
Capt - Rand
Cat - 9 mos
77 Capt Spates
Cat Ballou 2 m
79 Capt Fish
Cat - 3 m
Born in and near
Dig 23-1760.
No Pal

U. S. Pension Office.
Jonathan Samson & Spence- zer B. Davis, both of Ash- burnham, are alleged that they served with a new Mess-mate of David Merriam, in the Co. of Capt. Manasseh Sawyer, of Col. Dykes Regt. in the service at Dorchester point in 1776-77.
In a subsequent statement David Merriam insists that he must have been in service at Dorchester until later than the last day of Feb'y - that he was still there in service when the British left Boston - saw them when they sailed out of the harbor - saw our of- ficers when they entered the other side of the town - & says that this was the 17 th day of March - He thought that he might have been assigned to some other Co. before that date, and could not recol- lect only recollected that he was certainly there when says that one week before the British left he was selected with 300 others to go at night & build a fort on Dorchester point next to Boston - that the British discovered their object & kept up a constant can- nonade all night so our men were shot dead by my side."
(13579-200,000.)
In regard to his War Service

he says that his father paid two of his services - $100 month each - together $200. Called it two months. That at the time of the battle of Bennington he was out for one month - that the night time he was out he enlisted for one month & joined the army under Genl. Gates at the time Burgoyne was taken - That the Col. of the service was Jonathan Cales
Copy of statement from this case furnished to Com. S. Steam of East Bridge N. H. for history purpose - connected with the history of Ashburnham, Mass.

U. S. Pension Office.
David Merriam - of Brandon, Vt. July 19 th 1832 - aged 72 - Alleged - In 1776, when living at Ashtabula - enlisted Jan'y 27 - in Capt. Rands Co. marched to Dorchester & labored on the forts - the enemy killed 4 men while he was at work at Dorchester point - they picked up 1400 heads the next day - it was in March a few days before they evacuated the place. Served there until he was discharged at Dorchester.
In 1777 when they heard of Burgoyne's approach, he enlisted for 2 mos. in Capt. Grafton Co. of Col. Bellows Regt. - marched to Bennington, but did not arrive until a day or two after the battle - marched thence to Ft. Edward where he joined the Rangers & then they joined the main Army at Stillwater - he was discharged at Ft. Edward after two mos. service - was at Ft. Edward when Burgoyne surrendered.
In 1779 he enlisted for three mos. in Capt. Fish's Co. (afterwards Major) - marched to Providence - thence to Bristol where the enemy left Newport - they marched in - he was
(13379-200,000.)
discharged after three mos. service - was sick part of the time -

Says he was born at Concord, Mass. Jan'y 28 th 1760. After the Revolution he lived for 6 years at Walpole, N.H. Then moved to Brandon where he afterwards continued to reside.
The Sec'y of State of Mass. reported reported that he found the service of David Merriam as follows.
In Capt. Manassah Sawyers Co. of Col. Dike's Regt. from Dec. 14 th 1778 to the last day of Feby 1779.
In Capt. Jonathan Gage's Co. from Oct. 1 st 1779 for 25 days. He also reports the following service of Isaac Merriam.
In Capt. Thos. Fish's Co. of Col. Nathan Tylers Regt. for 4 mos. & 8 days from July 23 rd 1779.
In Capt. Thos. Fish's Co. of Col. Nathan Tylers Regt. from Nov. 30 th 1779 to Jan'y 1 st 1780.
Also on pay roll of six months men raised for the town of Aspelburnham in 1780. where he is allowed for 5 mos. & 26 days, from June 29 th  to to Dec. 14 th 1780.
David Merriam claimed for a part of these services of Isaac Merriam.
Isaac Merriam testified for David. Isaac said that David came in 1778 or 1779 & took his (Isaac's) place in the army at Providence & served three months & that he (Isaac) returned when home.

Q W
Shoshone Agency Wyo. June 23 rd 1900
Hon. Com. of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Can you give me the Company and Regiment of David Meriam, a Revolutionary Pensioner , He died at Brandon Vermont, Feb. 15 th 1849. age. 89 years.
Very truly Mrs H.G. Hickerson Shoshone Agency Wyoming
I desire this information to enable me to become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. and cannot find any family record Mrs. H.G.H.