Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23960, for Abraham Merrifield, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Merrifield, Abraham Bethiah
W 23960
CONTENTS

5,334 Vermont. Parlin Bethiah, Mansfield, widow of Mahlon  Mansfield who died on the 26 th March, 1819 at M in the State of who was a private in the commanded by Captain of the  commanded by in the  Revolution line for 8 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington at the rate of 26. Dollars 66. Cents per annum, to commence on the 11 th day of March, 1831 and 11 th June 1837.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of May 1835. and sent to
Arrears to the 4 th of B. H. Baldwin Semi-annual allowance ending Present
G. G. G. { Revolutionary Claim, G. G. G. { Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by Book: 2 Vol. 2 Page 342 Clerk,

Mar. 29, 1906
ew shg H

Merrifield, Abraham
His name appears on a list of invalid pensioners returned by the Circuit Court for the district of Vermont, submitted to the House of Representatives by the Secretary of War on Dec. 14, 1792, and printed in the American State Papers, class 9, page 61.
Rank : Private
Regt : Colonel Learned's
Disability : Wounded on an expedition against the British troops at Boston light-house, by a musket ball, which passed through his right leg.
Date of commencement : June 29, 1792
Monthly allowance : $2.22
Arrears due : $50.00

aw
Aug. 27. 1906
at 8.5.

Merrifield, Abraham
His name appears on a list of claimants to be placed on the pension list returned by the Circuit Court for the District of Vermont, submitted to the House of Representatives by the Secretary of War on April 25, 1794, and printed in the American State Papers, class 9, page 119.
Rank: Private
Regt: Col. Learned's
Disability: Wounded at Boston light-house by a musket ball, which passed through his right leg; which wound, at times, breaks out afresh.
When and where disabled: August, 1775, Boston light-house.
Residence: Bennington.
Monthly allowance: $2.22 2 / 3
Arrearages: $50.00
Remarks: There are no musters of this regiment in this office.

FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS.
BIRTHS.
Nathan Merrifield Born in Shutesbury Conn. July the 7 th 1776
John W. Merrifield Born in Ashford Conn October the 4 th 1778
Chester Merrifield Born in Shutesbury Conn April the 1 st 1781
Isa Merrifield Born in Sunderland, State of Vermont - December the 13 th 1783
Lenas Merrifield, Born in Sunderland, Vt 1785 January the 30 th
Abraham Merrifield Born in Arlington July the 5 th 1787
Chauncy Merrifield Born in Arlington Dec r the 28 th 1789
Freeman Merrifield Born in Arlington Dec r the 19 th 1793
Fanny Merrifield, born in Pittsford, October the 12 th 1795
Adaline Merrifield Born in Pittsford State of Vermont, March the 10 th 1797
Family of John W. and Hannah Merrifield
Maria Merrifield Born in Dunkane, East Canada, May 2, 1821.
Frances Merrifield Born in St Armand, E.C. August 21, 1823
Eliza P. Merrifield Born July the 1- 1825
Stephen H. Merrifield Born in St Armand E.C. Sept 24, 1829
Harriett Merrifield Born in Franklin Vt May 23, 1832

FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.
Abraham Mansfield Married unto Bethiah Leach — in Coventry State of Connecticut in the Year of Our Lord 1775
John W. Mansfield (Son of Abm Mansfield) Married to Hannah Chibson Widow of David Joy Jr. Oct 23 1812.
MARRIAGES.
David Joy Jr. married to Hannah Chibson, in Frank- lin, Vermont, February the 27 th  1812 1814.
Polly Ann Joy, daughter of David & Hannah Joy born September 28 th 1817

City, County, and State of New York }
I, Truman Merrifield, of the City, County and State of New York, aged thirty years, testify and say that I am the son of John W. Merrifield, who died on the 21 st of July, 1848, who was the son of Abraham and Bethiah Merrifield, both deceased; - that my grandmother, the said Bethiah Merrifield, who died on the 14 th day of June, 1837, prior to her death, desired that her family bible should be given to me, and it was given to me by my aunt Mrs Adaline Hildreth of Richmond, Vermont, when I was about eighteen years old, since which time it has been in my possession, and the leaf herunto annexed, was this day taken from said family bible, which shows the marriage of said Abraham and Bethiah, my father grandfather and grandmother to have taken place in 1775.
The first column, on page 958 (at top) and the first entry in the second column, same page, shows the births of the children of my said grandfather and grandmother.
The record of the family of John W. and Hannah Merrifield, has been entered upon said leaf since said bible came into my possession, that the whole record might be brought together.
I further testify that I have no interest whatever

in the claim of the surviving children of Abraham and Bethiah Merrifield, deceased, for a balance of pension due the said Bethiah at the time of her death, and that I am not concerned in the prosecution thereof. I have, from my childhood, from what my father and others have told me, that understood that my grandfather, Abraham Merrifield, was a pensioner of the United States, on account of his revolutionary services.
J. Merrifield
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 25 th day of March, 1854. And I certify that I am acquainted with the affiant, and that he is a man of truth and veracity, and that I am not concerned in the claim for a pension therein referred to, either by having any interest therein, or being engaged in the prosecution thereof.
O. E. Westlake Commissioner of Pensions

State of New York, } ss. City and County of New York, }
I, RICHARD B. CONNOLLY , Clerk of the City and County of New York, and also Clerk of the Supreme Court for the said City and County, being a Court of Record, DO HERE-BY CERTIFY, That C. B. Mestlake before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Commissioner of Deeds, for said City and County, duly appointed and sworn, and authorized to administer oaths to be used in any Court in said State, and for general purposes; and that his signature thereto is genuine, as I verily believe.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 25 day of March 185 H
Richd B. Connolly Clerk.

V1525
Bethiah Merrifield widow of Abraham
(Dead.)
Ver t

State of Vermont District of Chittenden ss }
I, William Weston, Register of the Probate Court for the District of Chittenden and State of Vermont, do hereby certify, that Charles Russell, before whom the annexed declaration and depositions were sworn to, was at the time of taking the same and still is a judge of said Probate Court, and that the signatures thereto purporting to be his, are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said court and subscribed my name this ninth day of March A.D. 1837, at Burlington in said district
Wm Weston Register " " "

State of Vermont } On this 7 th day of March 1837, personally Chittenden County ss } appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Chittenden in said County, Bethiah Merrifield a resident of Richmond, in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont, aged 82 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, 1836: That she is the widow of Abraham Merrifield, who was a Soldier of the revolutionary war, and an invalid pensioner under the act of Congress, passed April 4, 1816 and received ninety six dollar per year.
She further declares that she was married to the Abraham Merrifield in the year seventeen hundred and sixtyfive in the month of May the day she does not recollect, she has a family record naming only the year she was married as aforesaid; that her husband, the aforesaid Abraham Merrifield died on the 26 th day of March 1819 ; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. Witness Charles Russell. her Bethiah x Merrifield mark
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, and I certify that the affiant is a person of credibility.
Thereby certify that the said Bethiah Merrifield on account of a fit of shock of the Palsy cannot write her name.
Charles Russell, Judge. State of Vermont } On this 7 th day of March 1837, personally appeared Chittenden County ss } Stephen Hildreth of Richmond in said County of Chittenden, who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, that he has been acquainted Abraham Merrifield and his wife Bethiah, for more than 30 years that they have ever been respected as husband and wife, having lived, and brought up a number of children; he further declares that he has seen and examined what is called the family record entered in the Family Bible and from its appearance of antiquity has no doubt that it is a true record of the year in which they were married, to wit 1775 deponent further states that Bethiah Merrifield has remained a widow ever since the death of her said husband Abraham Merrifield, which took place on the 26 th day of March 1819 .
Stephen Hildreth
Sworn to and subscribed the day and above written, and I certify that the deponent is a person of veracity.
Charles Russell, Judge.

State of New York
Clinton County ss. I, Depsaheth Atherton of the town of Plattsburgh in said County being duly sworn doth depose and say that she is the sister of Bethiah Merrifield of the town of Richmond in the State of Vermont and has known her from the earliest recollection of Deponent. That the said Bethiah Merrifield (whose maiden name was Bethiah Leach) was married to Abraham Merrifield at the town of Coventry in the State of Connecticut in the year 1775 and some time afterwards the said Abraham Merrifield went into the Revolutionary army and his wife came home to her father's to live while her said husband was absent with the army. That the said Abraham Merrifield and Bethiah Merrifield lived & cohabited together up to the time of his death, and since that time the said Bethiah Merrifield has continued to live unmarried and the widow of the said Abraham Merrifield deceased.
Depsaheth her Atherton mark
Clinton County } ss Surrogate's Court }
On the first day of March 1837 the above named Depsaheth Atherton personally appeared before the Subscriber Surrogate of the County aforesaid & made solemn oath in due form of law that the facts stated in the foregoing affidavit were true & I certify that she is a credible witness.
Given under my hand and official Seal the first day of March 1837
J. M. John Kinnear Surrogate

State of Vermont } Chittenden County ss }
On this seventh  twelfth day of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty two, personally appeared before the Hon. the Probate Court within and for the District of Chittenden, Zenas Merrifield, aged sixty seven years, a resident of Richmond in the County and district of Chittenden, in the State of Vermont, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain a balance of pension due to Bethiah Merrifield, late of Richmond, aforesaid, deceased, widow of Abraham Merrifield, late of said Richmond, deceased, under the act of July 4. 1836, granting pensions to widows of officers and soldiers of the army of the revolution, and subsequent acts and resolutions of Congress relating thereto;
That this declarant is the son of said Abraham Merrifield, who was, at the time of his death, an Invalid Pensioner of the United States, inscribed upon the Vermont Roll at the rate of Ninety six dollars per annum; - that the said Abraham Merrifield, as this declarant has heard him state, in his lifetime, repeatedly, entered the service at the commencement of the revolutionary war, and was in the battle of Bunker's Hill, and continued to serve in the revolutionary war for several years, and received a wound in one of his legs - (the right leg) between the knee and ankle, by a musket ball at Boston when the Americans took the light house from the British; - that he continued in the service until Washington went south with his army to fight Cornwallis, when his brother in law, Zenas Leach, took his place; that said Abraham was

in the service when Genl Washington retreated from New York; that he was pensioned as an Invalid in consequence of said wound received in his leg; -
That this declarant has often heard his father say that he served after he was wounded in the commissary department and was engaged in buying provisions and stores for the army; -
This declarant further declares that his father was married to his late mother, as he has heard them state, before the revolutionary war; - that the said Abraham Merrifield died on the 26 th day of March, 1819, and the said Pet Bethiah Merrifield died on the 14 th day of June, 1837, and that she was a widow at the time of her death; that prior to her death she made an application for a pension, but did not obtain one, under the act of July 4, 1836; - and this declarant refers to her declaration, and proofs, and the declaration of the said Abraham, now supposed to be on file in the pension office. The proof of her marriage, this declarant was informed, was satisfactory.
This declarant further says that the said Bethiah Merrifield, at the time of her death, left the following named children, viz. Zenas Merrifield, Adaline Hildreth, and Abraham Merrifield, who were her only surviving children, and were all of full age. Zenas Merrifield
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first above written, and I certify that the declarant is a man of truth and credibility.
Bradford Rixford Register and in the absence of the Judge, ex officio Judge of Probate,

State of Vermont District of Chittenden ss. }
I, Bradford Rixford, Register of the Probate court, do certify that, by the laws of Vermont, in the absence, or disability, of the Judge of Probate, the Register of such court is ex officio , Judge thereof, and may perform all the duties appertaining to the office of Judge, that Charles Adams, Judge of the Probate Court, is sick and absent, and in consequence thereof, the foregoing declaration was made and sworn to before me. I further certify that the word "sixth" in the date of said declaration was erased and the word twelfth interlined before signing.
In witness whereof I do hereunto affix the seal of said court and subscribe my name at Burlington in said district this twelfth day of March A. D. 1832
I further certify, that it has been satisfactorily proved to said Court that Bethiah Merrifield, widow of Abraham Merrifield, died on the 14 th day of June, 1837, and that she left the following named children, who are her only surviving children viz, Zenas Merrifield, Adaline Hildreth, and Abraham Merrifield, and that they are of full age.
Bradford Rixford Register

State of Vermont } Chittenden County, }
I Stephen Hildreth, aged Sixty one years, of Richmond, in said County, testify and say that I was well acquainted with Abraham Merrifield, late of said Richmond, deceased, in his lifetime, and know that he was a pensioner of the United States. I have always understood, from the family that he died in 1819, while absent from home on a visit. I was well acquainted with his wife, Betheah Merrifield, who survived him. She lived in my family at the time of her death, which event occurred on the 14 th , day of June, 1835; - She was a widow at the time of her death, never having intermarried after the death of her said husband, Abraham Merrifield, and prior to her death she made application to the Commissioners of Pensions for a pension.
She left the following named children, viz, Zenas Merrifield, Adaline Hildreth and Abraham Merrifield, who are her only surviving children and are all of full age.
Stephen Hildreth
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10 th day of March A.D. 1832, and I certify that the affiant is a man of intelligence and truth
Samuel Jones Justice Peace.

State of Vermont Rutland County ss }
I, Henry Hildreth, of Richmond, in said County, aged thirty  three years, testify and say that I was well acquainted with Bethiah Merrifield, widow of Abraham Merrifield, deceased.
The said Bethiah Merrifield died at my father's house, in said Richmond, on the fourteenth day of June, A.D. 1837. I was present at the funeral.
She was a widow at the time of her death, and she left the following named children, viz-
Zenas Merrifield, Adaline Hildreth and Abraham Merrifield, who were her only surviving children.
She recognized them as her children, always, and I have no doubt they were her children.
I cannot state from any personal knowledge - Henry Hildreth
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10 th day of March A.D. 1832, and I certify that the said affiant is a man of truth and veracity.
Ransom Jones Justice Peace.

State of Vermont Chittenden County ss. }
I, Daniel B. Buckley, Clerk of Chittenden County Court do hereby certify that Ransom Jones, before whom the foregoing affidavits were made and sworn to, was, at the dates thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Chittenden, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signatures to the certificates thereto are genuine.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto affix the seal of said Court and subscribe my name at Burlington this tenth day of March A. D. 1832.
Daniel B. Buckley

Ref
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23960
Bethiah Merrifield
Widow of
Abraham Merrifield
Prison War
Act: July 4 th 1836
Index:--Vol. M , Page 44
[Arrangement of 1870.]

State of Vermont } Chittenden County ss }
I, Abraham  Abraham  Merr  Merrifield
I, Zenas Merrifield, of Richmond, in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont, aged 66 years in January last, testify and say that I am a son of Abraham Merrifield and Bethiah Merrifield, his wife, both of whom are now dead; that the said Abraham was, as I understood from him in his lifetime, a native of Worcester, in the State of Massachusetts; that he entered the revolutionary army at the commencement of the revolutionary war, and was in the battle at Bunker's Hill; - that he continued to serve in the revolutionary war for several years, and was wounded in the leg by a musket ball, at Boston, when the Americans took the light house from the British troops; - that he continued in the service until Washington went south with his army to fight Cornwallis, when his brother in law Zenas Leach, took his place; - that the said Abraham  Zenas was in the service when Genl Washington retreated from New York, and I have frequently heard him speak of the death of a Captain Alden, who died from fatigue in said retreat; - that he was pensioned as an invalid, in consequence of said wound in the leg, inscribed on the Vermont roll; that I have frequently heard my father state that he served, after he was wounded in the commissary department and was engaged in buying provisions and stores for the army, but I cannot remember the capacity in which he stated that he served in said department. I further testify that I understood from my father and mother both, that they were married before the revolutionary war commenced. They removed from Shutesbury Ms. into the State of Vermont about the close of the revolutionary war. My father died on the 26 th

day of March, 1819. My mother died on the 14 th day of June, 1837, and she was a widow at the time of her death, never having married after my father's death, and at the time of her death she was an applicant for a pension under the act of July 4 th 1836; that, at the time of her death, she left the following named children, who were her only surviving children, viz. Zenas Zenas Merrifield, Adaline Hildreth and Abraham Merrifield.
I further testify that I am interested in the claim for the arrears of pension due my mother at the time of her death, and I hereby constitute and appoint William Weston, of Burlington, Vt. my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to obtain such balance of pension, for myself and the other surviving children of my said mother.
Dated at Burlington, Vt. this 5 th day of June 1851. "Zenas" erased and "Abraham" interlined, before signing. Sealed and delivered in presence of. Henry Weed                      Zenas Merrifield
State of Vermont Chittenden County ss. } Burlington, June 5. 1851. Personally appeared Zenas Merrifield above named and made oath to the truth of the facts set forth in the above affidavit, and also acknowledged the power of Attorney above to be his free act and deed. before me. And I certify that he is a man of intelligence and truth. Henry Weed Just. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
June 13, 1851.
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 Abraham Merrifield is borne on rolls of 8 mos. service in 1776, in Capt. W m Campbell's Co. Col. Learned, Reg t as a private, of Oxford, — on the coat roll, Oct 26, 1775. — There appears to be no evidence of any other service by Abraham Merrifield. —

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
James M. Clarke, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I embrace this present opportunity to inform you that I enjoy a better state of health than I have for some years past I have abundant reason to bless god Who has been the guide of my youth and through life for that support afforded me in the late trying circumstances which I have passed through he has indeed been a present help in the time of trouble how unsuitable should it be for us to have all our trials and trying changes in view at once therefore let us admire the Word of God sufficient to the day is the evil thereof many of us have been in the help of god I am indeed passing through the furnace of affliction and drinking the bitter cup of the same but it is the cup which my heavenly father gives me and it is mixed with mercy it is all right for I am sure that infinite goodness orders all things for the best for them that love him O why should such an unprofitable servant as I am be spared What are the designs of divine providence surely the Lord has something further for me to do in his world else I should have been cut down I am firm in the opinion that god will not take away his people before their work is done if there be one more stone to be tumed over I hope I live to do it I hope I shall be willing to waste all the days of my appointed time till my change comes then through divine grace be like a shock of corn fully ripe coming in in its season and May I shout amen or a Amen to stay on moment longer out of heaven than he can be useful Chase came to me he arrived here the 10 th of April he bro't with him the news that you were all well which revived my hope to hear I hope god will be with you through all seasons of life and preserve your health still I see you again as for giving any order of bread I wish you all to the right one By your several I wish you to live in peace and plenty I am sure the best can't catch me for the mad dogs cannot bite me that is on gate consolation I feel now way discouraged I think I shall see Will I have you here to night I hope the boys will be today and I will long to see you all again this last sign given me from twenty dollars more your mother during life they seen our room your friend and papal husband till death a beautiful to behold Merrifield

Burlington, Vt June 6, 1854.
L. P. Waldo Counsel of Plaintiff
Sir;
Your letter of April 11/54 informs us that you still lay under the evidence of identity incomplete in the case of Bethia , deceased wife of Abner Mansfield. — It seems to us that you must have given the evidence already filed a very slight examination, or else that you go upon the ground that the proof of identity in such cases cannot be established by the ordinary rules of human testimony. And your suggestion as to obtaining from the Secy. of State a true simile of Mansfield's signature to the Controll, would seem to imply that direct positive testimony is to be thrown aside for an unsearched and all but impossible mode of proof.
We hope to establish such cases as may present to the officers, if at all, by the fair and ordinary rules of evidence, and if there will not answer the officers, the blame is not ours. — Since the

Except of your letter of April 22 in this case, we have taken the trouble to send you the "American State Papers" and in the one entitled "Claims" page 61 - page 40 - return of United Services to Aug. Dec. 14 1792. - we find the following:
"The 78. V th Abraham Mendenhall Private Col. Learned . Wounded in an expedition against the British Troops at Boston Light House, by a musket ball which passed through his right leg"
Please compare this with the affidavit testimony given long ago in this case.
Very Respectfull Winton & Mayes

Burlington, V t April. 4. 1834.
Sir;
We enclose herewith a power of atty. in the case of Bethia, deced. widow of Abraham Mansfield, of V t ; & also the affidavit of S. Mansfield and the family record which was in her possession.
Memorandum.
The name of Abraham Mansfield is upon the printed Pension Roll, in the list of Invalid Pensioners who have been in the receipt of pensions at the Agency of Burlington V t , and whose residences cannot be ascertained in consequence of the destruction of the papers of the war office in 1801 and 1814."
If the evidence of identity is not sufficient - please inform us.
Very Respectfully
Worton & Moyer
Hon. J. P. Waldo, Comm r of Pensions, Washington,

Pension Office, 26 th Dec. 1854.
Sir,
The additional evidence in the case of Bethiah Merrifield decd. widow of Abraham of Vermont, has been received.
The evidence is insufficient to identify Abraham as the soldier whose name is found upon the Massachusetts coat roll. A comparison of the hand-writing adds nothing in favor of the supposition that the Abraham Merrifield who signed the coat roll, and the A. Merrifield who wrote the letter to Bethiah, are the same. The Certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts shows that no Abraham served from Oxford Massachusetts, while the family record proves that applicant's husband was married in Coventry Connecticut, and that the children born previous to his removal to Vermont, were born in Connecticut. There is nothing in the parole testimony to connect him in a satisfactory manner with the Massachusetts soldier: nor is it proved that the latter rendered as much as six months service. There is no such evidence that

Abraham performed any service after the date of his marriage. The witnesses do not satisfactorily show the dates of Abraham's and Bethiah's deaths and the names and number of their surviving children.
I am, respectfully,
Your At. Servt.
J P Malao Commissioner.
Benjamin H. Baldwin, Esq. Present.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Abraham Merrifield
Secretary's Office, Boston.
Oct. 31 st 1854.
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 Abraham Merrifield is fully written out upon the Coat roll in this office. and that it is believed to be written by the same hand, as that signed to a letter, now in my hand, written to Bethiah Merrifield. and signed A. Merrifield.
All the letters seem to be very similar except the Capital M. on the Coat roll, much more so. than the fac simile given above.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M c Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I know all men by these presents that I, Adaline Hildreth, of Richmond, in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont, one of the surviving children of Abraham Merrifield and Bethiah Merrifield, his wife, both deceased, do hereby constitute and appoint irrevocably, Weston Noyes, of Burlington, in the County of Chittenden aforesaid, my true and lawful attorney, with power of substitution, for me and in my name, and for the benefit of myself and the other surviving children of the said Bethiah Merrifield to procure from the Government of the United States the balance of pension due to the said Bethiah Merrifield, deceased, under the act of July 4, 1836, on account of the Revolutionary Services of the said Abraham Merrifield, deceased, who died on the 26 th day of March, 1819, while on a visit to New York, and who was at the time of his death an invalid pensioner of the United States, and was pensioned, as I always understood from him, in his lifetime, on account of a wound received while in the service in the war of the revolution.
Witness my hand and seal this
28 th day of March, 1864
Sealed and delivered in presence of us Oabez R. Gould, Ransom Gould
Adaline Hildreth
2 witnesses

State of Vermont Chittenden County } ss
Richmond March 28 th 1857.
Then the above named Adaline Hildreth personally appeared and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney by her subscribed to be her free act and deed; And she also made oath in due form of law that the facts therein stated are true. And I certify that the subscribing witnesses to said power of attorney, viz - I ss John D. Harnon Jows are personally known to me, and that they reside in said Richmond. I also certify that I have no interest in said claim for said balance of pension, and that I am in no way interested or concerned in the prosecution thereof. The words "or concerned" interlined in this certificate before signing.
Ransom Jones Justice Peace.

STATE OF VERMONT, } CHITTENDEN, S. S. COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. J. S. A. Adams
I, Daniel B. Beecher  J. S. A. Adams , Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Chittenden, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that,
Pearson Jones Esq.
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a
Justice of the Peace
within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his
signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; that the said paper writings
are executed
according to the laws of this State, and are
in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of
Court, at Burlington, this — Fifteenth — day
of April — Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred
and fifty- four — J. S. A. Adams — CLERK.

Abraham Merrifield private Col. Learned's Regt Aug. 1775 Boston Light House, wounded at that time.
Washington Dec. 21. 1854
Hon. L. P. Waldo Com d of Pensions
Sir. I beg leave to file herewith the additional proof required in your letter of the 11 th of April last, in the case of Bethea Merrifield widow of Abraham under the act of July 4 th 1836. In addition to the Eight Months Service in 1775 under Col. Learned (and during which the said Abraham was wounded &c) I would call your attention to the declaration of Greene Merrifield who says he has often heard his father relate the circumstances of a Captain Alden who died from Yatique, in the retreat of the Army from New York through New Jersey &c. By examining the book of Claims page 72 it will be found that Capt Isaac Alden of Conn. died Aug 22 d 1777. and I think it states he died from the effects of the heat &c. It is claimed that Abraham Merrifield served after he was wounded until Washington went south. From a former examination of the rolls in your office it would appear that a man of his name served in both the Conn & Mass lines and from the fact that Claimants husband was present when Capt Alden died as above, and that he was but lately married in the State of Conn. I hope evidence may be found on the Mass or Conn. Rolls showing service after the first period of eight months. As a further evidence of the identity of

Claimants Husband I would refer you to the book of Claims page 119. and to the Vermont Invalid Pension roll - and to the record of the births of his Children etc I would also call your attention to the testimony of Keepsabath Atherton a Sister of Bethiah the Claimant who testifies that Abraham & Bethiah were Married in Connecticut Comm in 1775 & some time after Abraham went into the Service & Bethiah came home to her Father to stay during his absence Also it will be observed the first Child was born July 1775 - I ask for this case a full and Critical Examination and that Claimant be allowed all the Service which her husband performed and of which evidence may exist in your office. whether Claimants has been able to designate it or not -
I am Very Respectfully Your Obedt Servt Rufus H Baldwin
My power of atty to prosecute this claim from Messrs Weston & Foyes Agents. I exhibited to you some time ago in connection with other
Comm Rolls.
Col Chandler, Rep't
for 3 yrs
Also Maryfield vouch Brighams Co, enlisted 1 st April 77, returned to priv- ate 18 July 77. Dischd 25 Jan'y 78.

Burlington, Vt. May 24, 1853
Sir.
We enclose, power of attorney, declaration and proofs of Zenas Merrillfield, son of Abraham and Bethiah Merrillfield, both deceased, in order to obtain a balance of pension, due to the said Bethiah Merrillfield, at the time of his death under the act of July 4, 1836. The declaration of Mrs. Merrillfield, and proof of her marriage is supposed to be on file in the Pension Office, to which we refer. Abraham Merrillfield was inscribed on the Invalid Roll, in Vermont, at $96.00 per annum. Reference was made, as we are informed, by the widow in her declaration, to the proofs of her husband, Abner Merrillfield, supposed to be on file in the Pension Office, when she made her declaration, but the Comrs. replied that in consequence of the destruction of the War Office, and of  with the papers destroyed by fire therein, it was impossible to trace the service.
If the proofs are satisfactory please enclose to us the certificate, if not, inform us of the defects in proof.
We are, very respectfully, Yours,
J. P. Waldo Esq. Comrs. of Pensions Washington
Weston & Noyes.

Bethiah Merrill's Estate.
Certificate of Admin,

State of Vermont } District of Chittenden ss. }
I, David French, Register of the Probate Court within and for said District of Chittenden, do hereby certify, that on the fourteenth day of December, 1854, the court aforesaid appointed Edward Hildreth of Richmond, in the County and District of Chittenden, and State of Vermont administrator of the estate of Bethia Merrifield late of said Richmond, deceased; that the said Edward Hildreth accepted said trust and gave bonds to said court, in due form of law, with satisfactory sureties, to said court  in the penal sum of One thousand dollars, conditioned for the faithful discharge of his duties as such administrator, as the law directs, and that said Edward Hildreth is now administrator of the estate of the said Bethia Merrifield, deceased. and that the bond given by the said administrator is satisfactory to said court.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto affix the seal of said Court and subscribe my name at Burlington, in said District this sixteenth day of December, A.D. 1854.
D. French Register

Burlington March 8, 1837
Dear sir; I must trouble you again to examine the claim of another poor widow. I was present at her examination before the Court, saw the family record in the good old Book of the Law and the testimony, and should willingly testify my firm belief of her having been married at the time she states; and she is really an object of compassion and charity. I request again your early attention to her case and your answer
Your obedient serv t Dwight Russell

Burlington July 21, 1837
Dear Sir,
In the case of the Widow Bennett, agreeable to your notice of the 16 th of May 1837, that she must make her declaration before a Court of the United States, she came to Burlington a short time since with her Son; I made out a new declaration for her from the best information she could give; her Son wanted certain additions made that I would not insert, and I went with her to the Court of Probate who took signature and oath to the declaration, which was handed to his Register to make the necessary certificate. Her Son without my knowledge took it from the Register's Office, and what he has done with it I know not, for I have not seen him since, but am informed, that he got some person to make out new declaration for his Mother, in what manner I know not, but hope it is made according to truth. I am informed that he got a Mr Johnson to forward the paper to your Office, and hope all will appear fair and just for her to obtain a pension under the Act. I am not satisfied with the conduct of the Son, the Mother is aged, but from my knowledge of her I believe she would not of her own accord state any thing she did not believe to be true according to her best recollection. Should the papers sent you by Mr Johnson be satisfactory, her certificate (if she obtains one) ought to be enclosed to me, but of that you will be the judge.
As to the case of the Widow Mansfield, you need not inumber your files longer with them she has cleared and needs not a pension.
Your obedient servant David Russell
J. S. Eastman Esquire

Brief in the case of Bethiah Merrifield , deceased, widow of Abraham Chittenden County and State of Vermont act July 4, 1836.
Claim, ("original," for increase )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Service - It appears from the records of State of Mass. that Abm Merrifield was in the 8 th Mass Service and on Mass Coat roll in 1775. He received an invalid pension of $8 per month but the papers were burned. It is alleged and appears by the State papers that he was wounded in the attack on the Light House near Boston, July 21, 1775.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage - in 1775, - proved by parole and family record.
Death of Abraham Mar 26. 1819 of widow . 14 June 1837. and her  widowhood and names of only surviving children, proved by parole
Administration and Bond duly certified.
consulted Commissioner
Name and residence of Agent
Benj H. Baldwin Present.
S. G. Dodge Examining Clerk.

Bethiah Merrifield, deceased, widow of Abraham Vermont
Act July 4. 1836
Admitted
Private 8 mos, at $26.66 per annum, from March 4 th 1831 to June 14 th , 1837, when she died. (Abraham died Mar 26. 1819)
Certificate payable to Edward Hildreth, her admr. for the benefit of
Jenas Merrifield, Adaline Hildreth, and Abraham Merrifield, her only surviving children.
Atty Benj. H. Baldwin Present.

Bethiah Merrifield, dec d , widow of Abraham West Act 1836.
The important declarations in this case are those of Lemas Merrifield who stated that his father was a native of Worcester, Mass - that he entered the war at its commencement and was at the Bat le of Bunker's Hill - and was wounded in the leg by a musket ball, when the Americans took the Boston Light House - Continued in the service until Washington went south to fight Cornwallis, when his brother in Law Lemas Leach took his place - Merrifield was in service when Genl W. retreated from N.Y. and said Capt Alden then died from fatigue. After being wounded he was in the commissary department, engaged in buying provisions & stores for army.
Understood married before commenc t of war.
About close of war they removed from Sherburne M s to Vermont.
Abraham died 26 th Mar 1819 - Widow died 14 June 1837 - Children Lemas Merrifield, Adaline Hildreth, & Abraham Merrifield c

Secy of state of Mass. certifies that A.M. is borne on rolls of 8 mo service in '75. Capt W m Campbells Co Col Severns's Regt. private of Oxford - coat roll Oct 26/75 Roll Col Chandlers Regt Count. Cont d Line - A.M. Merrifield Sergt Brigham's Co. enlisted 1 st Ap r '77- for 3 yrs. reduced to join July 18/77 disch d 25. Jany '78.
Terras Leach's name is not borne on the Roll of Ct Line
Oxford, Mass, and Coventry, Ct, are about 40 miles apart - Shutesbury is towards  in the N.W. part of the state That the marriage took place in 1775 is proved, but it does not seem to be established by proof that this was before the coat roll service. * A comparison of hand-writing satisfies me that he served near Boston in 1775- but I do not find that Merrifield's service in connexion with the commissary department is shown to have been in the capacity of a commissary.
* on this point the testimony of Elizabeth Atherton, sister of Bethiah, is important. She testifies that they were married in Coventry in 1775- and some time after the marriage Abraham went into service and his wife came home to her father's to live while her said husband was absent with the

Army". Now this is the testimony of a contemporary given in March 1837. If, as is declared, Merrifield was wounded in the taking of the Light House
The Light House was fired & destroyed by the Americans July 21 st , 1775. Sparks Wash n Vol. 3 p 35
The Coat roll was signed by Merrifield Oct 16. 1775
The son first child was born July 7 th 1776.
It is not improbable that Merrifield may have had a furlough after receiving his wound in July '75. and have been married and returned to service by Oct 16 th .

Look carefully into this case. The original record must be produced (Oxen)

England
A man of her husband's name
Served in Mass & Hon.