Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20254, for Samuel Merrill, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn. _____
Merrill, Samuel _____
N. 20254. _____
Merrel " _____
Merrils " _____
CONTENTS
Artemetia _____

let 11 Thick.
Nov 26 June
Connecticut
1729
Saml. Merrill
A middling in the State of Conn who was a private in the Comp - commanded by Capt. Gorton of the Regt - commanded by Col. Ely in the Conn line for 8 Mos. A.D.
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 27 Dollars 32 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Aug, 1833 and due to F. G. Cummings Clatton
Arrears to the 4th Pa. 5) $54.64 Remant. allowance ending Sep 93 / 3.66 $68.30
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by O. Estlin Clerk, Book 6, Vol. 3 Page 28

Connecticut 237 Artemetia Merrills of Middlesex in the State of Ct who was a Con in the comm by Captain of the  comm by in the  for widow of Samuel Merrills, dec d late a private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 27 Dollars 32 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1833 (amt p. to 16 Dec r 1833 to be deducted)
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of Nov r 1836 and Lieut David Wright by Killingworth Ct
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 1836 $150.26 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar ch 13.66 $163.92
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1836 }
Recorded by H. H. Madison Clerk, Book A Vol. 1 Page 83
112, 7

Nov. 30
Samuel Merrill
19301
v
on Hols
mul d 2, June 1780
du d 3 dec "
5. mo. 6 ds
acord
Emoleosperu

State of Connecticut,
Middlesex County
Probate Court of Saybrook in said County
On this twelfth day of Sept r 1882 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of Probate held at Saybrook in and for the Probate Court of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut - the same being a
now sitting, Samuel Merrill - - - - - a resident of Willingworth in the County of Middlesex - and State of Connecticut, aged Eighty two - - - years, who being first 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.
Mr. Samuel Merrill
That he was born in Willingworth in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, and there received evidence - That he will be eighty two years of age if he lives until the 3 d day of Nov r next - and that there is no record of his age, that he is sure -
That he enlisted, at said Willingworth, in the month of December, he thinks the forepart, but cannot recollect exactly, of A.D. 1777 - to serve three months, in the War of the Revolution - that he joined the company in which he served, at New London immediately, then marched directly to Providence Rhode Island, and there was stationed until they were dismissed, there some time in the month of March. The applicant having served out in said company the full term of his said enlistment. That the company in which he served was stationed in the 2 d House North of the Bridge; and that part of the Regiment was quartered in the College - No battle during the time - The officers of the said company were Capt. Grant of Groton - Lieut. Green of said Town 1 st and 2 d Lieut. Geo. Nettleton of said Willingworth - The Regiment was commanded by Col. Ely - Has no written discharge -
That at said Willingworth, about the forepart of May 17 1780 - he was drafted for six months service in the Army of the Revolution, and served out the whole time - That he joined the company in which he served, immediately after the draft, at Nassau Point, opposite West Point in the State of New York - That the officers of said company,
2666 66 1732

2 name. Capt. Bascorne of said Billingsworth - and Ensign Gurn. of the same Town. He does not recollect the name of the Lieutenant. Reman Swift Colonel of the Regiment, but does not recollect the other officers of the Regiment. Their said Company, remained at said Nelsons Point, he thinks two or three Weeks. Then crossed to West Point and remained there about the same time. and thence to Pappan, remained there, say three or four weeks. Then to Totowa, and there remained until the time of service had nearly expired, when they crossed Kings- Ferry, within five or six days of the end of the said term for which they were, drafted, when Capt. Hearn, of S. Billingsworth, who commanded a company in said Regiment, procured the application to be discharged, so that he might come home with him - So that the applicant says, that he served out the whole six months some the said five or six days - Was in no battle during the time - He thinks he had a written discharge, signed by Col. Swift, but it is lost. He says that he, in the said company, were at Pappan when they encamped there - and that he was one of the Guards, and stood within twenty feet of him, when he was executed.
That he never applied for a person until this time -

The said Samuel Merriew — 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.
Samuel Hephern Judge of Probate
Samuel Marvel
We, Luke Wood — a clergyman, residing in the town of Billingworth and Samuel Marvel — residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Samuel Merriew who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 82 — years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Samuel Hephern Judge of Probate
Luke Wood Samuel Marvel
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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Luke Wood — who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Billingworth and that Samuel Marvel — who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Billingworth and is a credible person; and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Samuel Hephern Judge of Probate
I, Richard Williams Clerk of the Court of Probate for the County of New Bedford, State of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Samuel Merriew for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this tenth — day of September 1852
Richard Williams Clerk

Job Stannard of Saybrook in the county of Middlesex and state of Connecticut do hereby certify that he is 71 years of age that he is, and for years before the Revolutionary War, hath been well acquainted with Mr. Samuel Merrill of said Killingworth, who hath signed the annexed application for a pension, and that he the deponent served in the Revolutionary Army in the year 1780 six months, in a company commenced by Capt. Hall in a Regiment commanded by Col. Rensselaer Swift, which company and Regiment served during said time at Stormy Point, and in the State of New York - and the deponent further saith that during all of said time said Merrill belonged to a company in said Regiment commanded by Capt. Bardin - That the deponent frequently saw him, and was knowing to his being there, and serving as aforesaid -
And further the deponent saith not. Sworn and subscribed before me in open court of Probate at this tenth day of September 1842 - and I certify that same is true to the best of my knowledge. Job Stannard Samuel T. Dyer Clerk of Probate -
Neil Bull of Killingworth in the county of Middlesex and state of Connecticut do hereby certify that he is 67 years of age - that he is, and hath from his youth up hath been well acquainted with Mr. Samuel Merrill of said Killingworth, who hath signed the annexed application for a pension - That the said Merrill visited in the month of December 1777 at the House of the deponent, for the time being in said Killingworth, to serve in the Revolutionary War three months and that the deponent was present and saw him the said Merrill and that immediately after that said Merrill went away to join the Army - that he was enquired for serving as a soldier, that at the end of the said three months, the said Merrill was discharged - the deponent thinks in March - and that the deponent was present at the time, and saw said Merrill in said company, and saw him, when he was discharged - That the deponent hath always understood and supposed that the deponent hath always understood and supposed that said Merrill served out his said term of three months - and further the deponent saith not -
Sworn and subscribed before me in open court of Probate this 10th day of September 1842. Neil Bull I certify that I am well acquainted with said Neil Bull, and that he is a man of truth and a credible witness - Samuel T. Dyer Clerk of Probate -

John Buel of Hingham in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut who do hereby certify that he is 82 years of age that from his youth up he hath been well acquainted with Mr. Samuel Merrill of said Town, who hath signed the annexed application for a pension. That he served from Dec 1777 to March 1778. in this State, and the State of Rhode Island principally the latter, in the Revolutionary War, in a company by Capt. G. Buel and Regiment commanded by Col. Dyer. That the said Samuel Merrill belonged to said company and served therein as a common soldier the whole of said time, with the absent, and was with him honorably discharged. He thinks he was about Providence.
And the deponent further saith, that he served from the first part of May 1780. to the month of December of the same year in the State of New York. and principally at and about West Point in a company commanded by Capt. Buel and Regiment commanded by Col. Dyer. and that the said Samuel Merrill belonged to said company and served therein as a common soldier the whole of said time, except that the said Merrill was probably discharged a day or two before the absent and further the absent saith not.
John Buel
Sworn and subscribed in open Court of Probate before this 10th day of September 1832. and I certify that the foregoing is true to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, and so much of truth. Samuel Merrill  of  the  State of John Chittenden Clerk of said Court. I hereby certify that the foregoing application for a pension. That he the deponent served in the Revolutionary War, his services commencing in May 1780. in the State of New York, and in the Highland Brigade of West Point. in a company commanded by Capt. Stevens, and the Regiment by Col. Dyer. and the deponent further saith that he was knowing to, and well acquainted, that said Samuel Merrill during all of said time belonged to a company commanded by Capt. Buel, and in the said Regiment, and served out said time as a common soldier therein.
and further the deponent saith not
John Chittenden
Sworn and subscribed in open Court of Probate before this 10th day of September 1832. and I certify that the foregoing is true to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, and so much of truth, and a true copy thereof.
Samuel Merrill Lucy A. Proba

I Richard P Williams clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut. do hereby certify that the within and foregoing contain the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James M. [?]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 22 nd day of June A.D. 1838 —
Richard P Williams clerk —

State of Connecticut } ss. Tillingworth November 12 th A 1836 Middlesex County }
On this 14 th day of November 1836 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Tillingworth in said Middlesex County, being a Court of record established as such by the laws of the State of Connecticut aforesaid now sitting
Artemisia Merrill — resident in the town of Tillingworth in said Middlesex County , in said Probate District in said State of Connecticut aged eighty two years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4 th A 1836. That she is the widow of Samuel Merrill who served in the Revolutionary War, and who was placed on the Pension List by the law or act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 and who drew the pension allowed him by the act aforesaid up to the 4 th day of September 1833 and I draw the arrears of his pension from the 5 th of September 1833 to the time he died. She further declares that she was married to the said Samuel Merrill on the 13 th day of February Seventeen hundred and seventy one that her husband the aforesaid Samuel Merrill died on the 23 rd day of December A 1833 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed Artemisia Merrill
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me David Wright on the 14 th day of November 1836 before me Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Tillingworth

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss.
3
On this 14 th day of November 1836 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex aforesaid. Solenia Morris to me well known who being by me duly sworn deposeth and saith that the facts set forth in the foregoing declaration or affidavit by her subscribed are true, and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Solenia Morris that she is a woman of truth and whose statements are entitled to full credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and office the day and year last above mentioned
David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth
State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss.
I Jeremiah Hull Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut aforesaid do hereby certify that David Wright is a judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the 3 rd day of June 1836 and will expire on the 20 th day of June 1837 and that his signature above written is genuine
Given under my hand and seal of said Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid this 14 th day of November 1836 Jut. Jeremiah Hull Clerk.

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss. Killingworth Nov 15 th 1836. I Senior Pastor of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut Pastor of the first Presbyterian or Congregational Church and congregation in the town of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut aforesaid of lawful age depose and say that I find on the Parish or Church record for said Society or Church among the marriages made by the Rev. Eliphalet Huntington former Pastor of said Church and congregation that on the 13 th day of February One thousand seven hundred and seventy one Samuel Merrill was married to Artemisia Bedfield. That I am acquainted with Artemisia Merrill - widow of Samuel Merrill deceased and that her statements are entitled to full credit.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned before me on this 14 th day of November 1836 before me David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth Lewis Foster Pastor
State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss. On this 14 th day of November 1836 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid Senior Pastor to me well known who being by me duly sworn deposes and saith that the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed are true; and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Senior Pastor - that he is a man of truth and whose statements are entitled to full credit.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the day and year last above written. David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth
State of Connecticut, Middlesex County ss.
I Jeremiah Hull Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that David Wright is a Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified that his commission was dated on the 8 th day of June 1836 and will expire on the 20 th day of June 1837 and that his signature above written is genuine
Given under my hand and seal of said Court of Probate for the Probate District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid this 14 th day of December 1836 Test. Jeremiah Hull Clerk

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss.
On this 14 th day of November 1836 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid John Burnous to me well known who being by me duly sworn depoveth and saith that the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed are true, and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said John Burnous that he is a man of truth and whose statements are entitled to full credit. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affix the day and year last above mentioned David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth
State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss.
I Jeremiah Hull Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that David Wright is a Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified. That his commission was dated on the 3 rd day of June 1836 and will expire on the 20 th day of June 1837 and that his signature above written is genuine.
Given under my hand and seal of said Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid this 14 th day of November A D 1836
Test. Jeremiah Hull Clerk

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss, Killingworth No. 14 Nov 14 th 1836
I John Burrows of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut aforesaid aged seventy five years depose and say that I was well acquainted with Samuel Merrill deceased and well remember of the marriage of the said Samuel Merrill due to Artemisia Bedfield and know that the said Samuel Merrill is dead and that the said Artemisia Merrill remains the widow of the said Samuel Merrill deceased and unmarried
Sworn and subscribed on this 14 th day of November 1836 before me
David Wright John Burrows
Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth
Honorable Lewis Cass Secretary of war or John S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington.
Please direct any communication you may make in reply to the within to David Wright Esqr. Killingworth Middlesex County Connecticut
No 619 3 Dec.
adm 2 27 32/100 per deduct - said 16 dec 3 1833. spent other date
David Wright Esqr Killingworth Conn.

*** Lombstone data to Chas. R. Hale Mar 27, 1930
ECH
From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 20254, it appears that Samuel Merrill (the name also appears as Merrel or Merrills) was born November 3, 1750, at Killingworth, Middlesex County, Connecticut.
He enlisted at Killingworth, Connecticut, early in December, 1777, and served three months as a private in
Captain Grant's Company, Colonel Ely's Connecticut Regiment.
He enlisted early in May, 1780, and served six months as a private in Captain Baldwin's Company, Colonel Heman Swift's Connecticut Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 10, 1832, while residing in Killingworth, Connecticut.
He died December 23, 1833.

Rep
WIDOW, &c.
1930-Mar 27- Tombstone data to Chas. R. Hale. Letter in case of Elnathan Hale D.13585 - 8th
File No. 20254
Artemisia Merrill Widow of Samuel Merrill Prs Rev Mas
Act June 7th 36
Index: Vol. M , Page 44
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1831
Samuel Merrill 6. T.
advised
return this
L. Ingham

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Samuel Merrill which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yy II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yy III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yy V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yy VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yy VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yy VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yy IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yy X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yy

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Dec 12
Em-65
Mr Addison
J. G. Edwards Esq Commission of Pensions Washington
acknowledged by witness

Hartford Pension Agency December 9 1836
Sir
Adelia Merrill Widow of Samuel Merrill and Eleanor Geer Widow of Eliza Geer have applied at this Agency for payment on Certificates granted to them. I have not received directions to place their names upon the roll
I am very respectfully Your obed Servant
James D. Dole Agent
237 269
J. J. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Sarah Kimball Hannah Taylor Uncle
J L Edwards Commissary Wash

W.
Conn: Middletown Oct: 19. 1836.
I enclose you two applications for pensions, be pleased to notify me of the result.
A Pensioner in this County viz: Sam l Merrill an aged Man of Killingworth died nearly 3 Yrs ago having at his Deat h ab t 83 Yrs old - who is very much broken down & forgetful - it will be impossible for her to state her Deat h Husband's Services correctly - she was married to S am l Merrill say in 1770. - The Question is can she be allowed to refer in her application to the application & papers of her Deat h Husband which are on file in your Office - if she makes the necessary proof of Marriage & Death of her Husband.
W. H. S am l Dill