Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29,324, for Ithamar Merifield, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn.
Merrifield, Ithamar Merrifield or
S. 29,324
CONTENTS

18881 Massachusetts Nathan Merrifield of Hingham in the State of Mass o who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain D. D. Dyer of the 1 st Reg t commanded by Col. Gurney in the Washington line for 3 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of Aug y , 1833 and last Maria Merrifield, Mrs. Arrears to the 14th of Mar 1833 $160.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1 st Jan y 1833 40.00 $200.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by M c Adams Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 2a Page 93
Dead Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 1 st April 1838 from 14 March to 6 July 1839. the day of his death. Age Notified 29 July 1840
75- Wadsworth

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
July 25 th 1840.
Sir :
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Adm of Ithamar Merrifield, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of Sixty Dollars and _____ Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of March, to the 6 th July 1839, the day of his death.
Respectfully yours,
William B. Parsons Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

8082
Ithamar Merifield
Prob. 2 yrs
5. Mr. 1606
(March 22 1883)
P. 311
George Dany Sturbridge Mass:

BRIEF in the case of Ithamar Merrifield of Steubridge in the State of Mass. (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? Seventy three years.  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     In 1776 March } to 1 Jan'y 1777 } 9 Capt Grosvenor Col. Durkee   1778 Spring 7 Capt Batchelder Col. Wood   1777 July 6 Capt Libby Col. Hays   1780 May 9 Capt Faringham, Capt. Smith,   others - as stated 6 weeks Capt Robinson  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none stated  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Steubridge  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? A Clergyman & F.B. Cory certify to traditional evidence. Said Clerk joins 6/14/30 in 1777. Col. Batchelder the same, & enlistment in 1776. Stephen Merrill joins service in 1778. John Laplin service in 1776. Capt. Grosvenor joins service in 1776. Said Taylor enlistment in 1780.  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. Kins , Examining Clerk.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Fifth
County of Worcester ss - On the day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two personally appeared before in open court before the Hon. Nathaniel Daine Esq. Judge of Probate for said County of Worcester now sitting at Worcester within said County -
Thomas Merrifield a resident of Shutesbury in the County & Commonwealth aforesaid age 73 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oaths make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832 - that he enlisted in the army of the United States in a company formed in the state of Vermont raised by Thomas as. Grosvenor, & 20th Regiment formed in said state of Vermont commanded by Col. John Dakey, some time in
March 1776 on the year service, that he served till the first of January 1777 when he was honorably discharged - He afterwards enlisted into a company of militia commanded by Capt. David Batchelder of Sutton in said County of Worcester & Regiment commanded by Col. Wood of Linton in said County, in the month of the year 1778, for the term of eight months, was stationed at Pitskill & other parts of the state of New York - That he was ill before the time of enlistment closed, about one
month, & discharged in the of cold weather but cannot recollect the days or month, he feels very confident that he served having served at this time seven months. Col. Jonathan Dixon gave him a discharge about one month before the time when on account of ill health as before stated. That he enlisted another term prior to the last aforesaid in the month of July 1777 for six months into a militia company commanded by Capt. Joseph Sibley of Sutton in said County, & Regiment commanded by Col. Keyes

of Western in said County. That he served out his term of enlistment, as he well recollects, but cannot tell the exact time when this service closed. He was stationed in Rhode-Island.
at Providence
at North Kingston, at Old Point Neck-
Town, so called there, & other places. He then entered the service the fore part of May 1780 march from Stratford to Bridgeport, thence to Stamford in Massachusetts, was mustered under Capt. Frosting home at Stamford, & marched under him to West Point where he enlisted into a company commanded by Capt. Kelby Smith, was at West Point a short time marched to Morristown - New Jersey, Bremers & was in various other places in New Jersey, was not stationed at any place, was all this period of enlistment under Capt. Smith. was discharged at West Point. This term of service was nine months in the Continental Army. That he served out to the best of his recollection this term of enlistment.
I was born in Dorchester Massachusetts on the 12th day of April
1777 1759 - My age is recorded in the town Books in Dorchester, also in my Bible -
I was living when called in service in Stratford, & have lived 14 years since in Union, County of Windham & State of Connecticut. I now live in Hartford -
The names of some of the Officers under whom I served I have stated -
I volunteered in all the cases aforesaid. I went as a substitute in one case only I was at the camp of the Hessians at Trenton. I was in the service more or less every day during the year 1776. 1777 1778 - 1779 & 1780.
The Rev. Joseph S. Cook, one of the clergy- & Rev. E. Gay men, residing in said Stratford will testify as to my character for veracity & their belief of my services as a soldier of the revolution and I am sure of said Stratford can testify to the same
I further state that I was in the service two short periods which I have not previously mentioned - viz twice in Rhode-Island about six weeks at each period - Was at one of these periods

under Capt. Robinson of Stafford, Connecticut, was in Warren at the time in Rhode Island but have no evidence of this service - the persons as the witnesses are dead who were knowing to it - It took another man's place about the same length of time, was in Rhode Island to guard the coast, but cannot recollect the names of any officers, nor of any person living who can testify as to this service -
I therefore whatever She hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present & he declares that his name is not on the pen- sion roll of any agency in any state Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Thomas Norfield
We Joseph S. Clark, a clergyman residing in the Streetbridge of said Francis E. Povey of said Streetbridge hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Merifield who has subscribed to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be 73 years of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighbor- hood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion -
Joseph S. Clark F. E. Povey
Worcester Sept. 11. 1832 Then the above named Joseph S. Clark & F. E. Povey person- ally appeared & made oaths to the truth of the above affidavit by them subscribed. I certify that they sustain character of unquestionable credibility George Davis Jr. Pres.

And the said board do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above applicant was a revolutionary soldier, & served as re-enlisted. And the board further certifies that it appears to them that Joseph S. Clark, who signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Sturtevant, Twenty miles from the Court Francis D. Hovey, who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Sturtevant, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
NATHAN DAME Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester
2882 pupm J. Phillips I Theophilus Wheeler Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester in Massachusetts do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Thomas Merrifield for a pension and that George Davis and Barlow Freeman before whom the annexed affidavits were made are justices of the Peace in & for the County of Worcester, that they signed the same & are entitled to credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Probate Court. This sixth day of September in the year of our Lord 1832. Theophilus Wheeler Regr. of the said Probate Court.

29 324 Rev  INVALID.
File No. 29, 324
Stamar Merrifield
Rev Mrs
Act: June 7 th 32 nd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 268
[Arrangement of 1870.]

8082
Thamar Merrifield
Paper - not authorized
George Davis Esq. Sturminster Map

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Itamar Merifield which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes 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? yes 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? no VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes 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? yes

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? no
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? no
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? yes
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? in all but 2 cases, 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? 6
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.

Personally appeared before me, the under- signed, a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Worcester, & Common- wealth of Massachusetts, Thomas Merri- field of Stratford in said County who being duly sworn deposes & saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his ser- vice, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below & in the follow- ing grades - For the year 1776, nine months on the continental establishment, in the year 1777 six months in the militia, in the year 1778 - seven months, in the militia. in the year 1780, nine months on the continental establishment, making in all thirty one months - I served as a soldier & for such service I claim a pension -
Thomas Merrifield
George Davis Justice of the Peace Worcester April 1. 1833 - I certify that Thomas Grosvenor, deceased, sustained a very respectable standing in the community, & that John Lofgren deceased & Samuel Taylor were respec- table & that they both were reputed to sustain good character for truth, & that Samuel Taylor is reputed to sustain a good character for truth, all of whose depositions are herunto annexed.
George Davis Justice of the Peace

Worcester ss. Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I Theophilus Wheeler Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify that since making my certificate on the case of the application of Ithamar Merrifield for a Pension, dated Sept 6th 1832, this paper purporting to be the further representation of said Ithamar sworn to before George Davis Esq. who is now a Justice of the Peace in & for the said County of Worcester has been produced in Court, and that the papers now connected by ribbon under the seal of the said Probate Court, constitute the proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of the said Ithamar Merrifield for a Pension.
I further certify that the signature of the said George Davis is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Probate Court this second day of April in the year of our Lord eight hundred and thirty three
Theophilus Wheeler Reg of said Probate Court

I Second Clerk of Southbridge, in the County of Worcester Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age testify & say. That I Thomas Merrifield of said Southbridge entered the service in a company commanded by Capt. Joseph Sibley & situated in said County & regi- ment commanded by Col. Kings of Western in said County, some time in Feby 1777. That said Merrifield served to my knowledge six months, being the term for which we entered the service at this time - We were stationed at various places in the state of Rhode Island during this term of service - - - Leon, L. Blake
Worcester. Aug. 11. 1832. Then the above named Second Clerk personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed - The Clerk sustains a good character for truth -
Before me George Davis Justice of the Peace

I Caleb Allen of Studridge in the County of Worcester & Co. Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age testify & say - that I am well acquainted with Nathan Marribee of said Studridge & am knowing to his enlistment in the year 1776 in the Con- tinentals Army for the year service & saw him at various times during this period of his enlist- ment - I am also knowing to his enlist- ment at another time viz. in the month of July 1777 for the term of six months into a company commanded by Capt. Joseph Sibley of Sutton in said County & regiment commanded by Col. Densford Keyes of Western in said County, that he served out this enlistment to my knowledge was dismissed the first part of January 1778 - We were in the state of Rhode Island during this term of service - Caleb Allen
Worcester ss. Aug. 16. 1832 Then the above named Caleb Allen personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed I certify that the above named Caleb Allen's char- acter is good for veracity
Before me George Davis Justice of the Peace -

I Stephen Merrill of Sherbridge in the County of Worcester, I have now reached the advanced years of life and am of age to say, that I Thomas Merrill of Sher- bridge of course enlisted with me into the company of Militia commanded by Capt. Batchelder of Sutton in said Coun- ty & Regiment commanded by Col. Wood of Upton in said County. The said Mer- rill marched with me in said com- pany from Sherbridge some time in the Spring of the year 1778, into the state of New-York. The said Merrill was stationed with us at Pitskill & other places in New-York. I think he must have served at this time six or seven  six or seven months but cannot recollect the exact time when Merrill left. I recollect he was with us in cold weather - Stephen Merrill
Worcester Aug. 11. 1832 Then the above named Stephen Merrill personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed in my presence. I certify that said Merrill's character for veracity is good -
George Davis Justice of the Peace -

I John Laflin of Union in the county of Holland estate of medium of lawful age, testify & say that I am well acquainted with Thomas Merrifield, & that I am knowing to his being a soldier in the revolutionary war in the continental establishment, that I enlisted him about the middle of March in the year One Thousand seven hundred & seventy six, into the company command- ed by Thomas Grosvenor, in the Regiment command- ed by John Durgoy - That he continued in said service till the first of January following in the year 1777 & that he was honourably discharged -
John Laflin
Worcesters. Dec. 3, 1819. Personally appeared the above named John Laflin & made solemn oaths to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed in my presence.
Before me George Davis Just Peace Worcester April 1. 1833
N. B. The John Laflin now deceased sustained by reputation, a good charac- ter for truth -
George Davis Justice of The Peace

To the Hon ble J. C. Calhoun Secretary of War of the United States of America.
These certify that Nathan Merrifield of Newbridge in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts enlisted himself a Soldier in the Junker's Company in the 20 th Regiment (commanded by Col. John Durkee) of the Continental Army; for the year Service in the year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred & Seventy six and served in said Company till the first of January AD Seventeen Hundred & Seventy Seven when he was honorably discharged.
Given under my Hand at Pomfret Decem r 21 st AD 1819
Thos. Grosvenor Captain in said Regiment
State of Connecticut
Windham County ss. Pomfret Decem r 1 st AD 1819 Personally appeared Thos. Grosvenor Esq r . Subscribed to the above Certificate & made solemn Oath to the Truth of the Facts stated therein a before me Sam l Grosvenor Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Worcester, ss.
Samuel Taylor of Palmer, in the County of Hamp- den & Commonwealth aforesaid, but now being in Western, in said County of Worcester, aged ninety one years, do depose & state that I was acquainted with Nathan Merrifield of Starbridge, in said County of Worcester, before the Revolutionary War.
I enlisted in the Continental Army in April, A. D. 1779 1780. and went to West Point as a private soldier. My residence at the time of my enlistment was in Union in the State of Connecticut, a town adjoining to said Starbridge.
When I first went to West Point, I was a private in Colonel Wyllis' regiment, and General Parsons Parsons's brigade. I was then removed into the Light Infantry, and was in Colonel Swift's regiment, General Parsons Poor's brigade, and Captain John Buel's company. I stationed on the East side of the Hudson River at a place called Nelson's Point.
It was some time in May, I think, A. D. 1780, that I first saw said Merrifield as a soldier at West Point. He was a private in Captain Smith's Smith's company. I do not remember the names of any of the other officers in the regiment to which said Merrifield belonged. Said Merrifield and myself were both in the said brigade commanded by General Parsons Poor. There were three regiments in said brigade. The Marquis de La Fay- ette was Major General, and commanded two brigades, to one of which said Merrifield & myself belonged.
I think it was in June (possibly early July) the two brigades commanded by La Fayette crossed the Hudson River at Stoney  Stony Point, and marched down the river. We went to Orange town, to a place called Connecticut Farms, & to Hackensack. The troops were generally in motion, and we went, among other places, to Elizabeth town in the state of New Jersey. In December, A. D. 1780, we returned up the river Hudson, and, crossing again at Stoney Point, went into winter quarters on the East side of the river, about five miles above West Point.
During all the said time, and in all said marches, said Merrifield performed duty in said Captain Smith's Smith's company.
We being old acquaintances, I saw him (said Merrifield) often, generally two or three times a week; but after going into winter quarters, I am not certain that I saw him again, as the

Light Infantry, to which we belonged was disbanded on our return to winter quarters, and the men distributed into different regiments. I understood at said time that from said Merrifield, that he had enlisted for nine months, and always believed, & do now believe he served the whole time of his enlistment.
Dated at said Western, August 27 th 1832.
Samuel Taylor
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of Worcester ss.
August 27 th A.D. 1832. Then Samuel Taylor, above named, in my presence subscribed the above, and made oath that the above deposition & statement by him subscribed, is true.
Before me, Barlow Freeman, Justice of the Peace.