Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 36115, for Nathaniel Merrell, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
born.
Merrell Nathaniel Merrill
S 36115
{ B.L.Wt. 6141-100- Pkt. Issued Oct. 7, 1789. to Benjamin Tallmadge No papers.
CONTENTS

See letter to E. Parsons, P. age 24, 1834
Cont. Notif sent R Fred k Wolcott Esq. Litchfield, cont. March 24. 1821
(86) Connecticut.
Nathaniel Merrill, private, Capt Champion Army U. S. Con n
At $8. per mo. com d 28 th Mar: 1818.
Cert. issued 5 th April, 1818 & sent to Hon ble Uriel Holmes, House of Representatives U. S.
Int d to 4 th Sept 1818. 5 5 / 28 mo. $ 41.42
Rev d claim Act 18 th March, 1818
Connecticut Line
1 Feb 77 War
aug 29 1834 OS
Continued Mar 24. 1821.
Litchfield, Litchfield Co.

State of Connecticut ss town of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield March 28th A.D. 1818
Nathaniel Merrels of said Litchfield being duly sworn, deposes, testifies & says, That he is poor & is in need of assistance from his country, for support.
That he served the United States of Amer- ica as a soldier on the Continental estab- lishment in the war of the Revolution from the first day of February A.D. 1777 to the end of said War. That on the first of February afore- said he enlisted for and during the war. That he belonged to and served in various compa- nies and Regiments during said period. That for the last year of the war, he belonged to the company commanded by Captain Lemuel Pleff in the first Connecticut Regiment in which he served until he was regularly discharged on the 8th day of June A.D. 1783, by a discharge under the hand of His Excellency George Washington then Commander in chief of the American Army. - To which discharge a certificate is annexed, of six years faithful service, signed by Lieut: Butler.
Coln of sd Regiment Nathl. Merrell State of Connecticut ss town and County of Litchfield March 28th 1818 - -
Personally appeared Nathaniel Merrels signer of the foregoing affidavit and made solemn oath to the truth of the same and the allegations therein contained, before me, James Gould, a Judge of the Supr. Court.

State of Connecticut ss Litchfield March 29 th 1818
Hon ble John C. Calhoun Secretary of the Department of War
Sir. As a Judge of the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut I have taken the affidavit of Nathaniel Merrels of said Litchfield and have examined the discharge referred to in his affidavit, and it appearing to my satisfaction that the said Merrels served the United States in the Revolutionary war, against the common enemy agreeable to his affidavit, and that he is in indigent circumstances. I therefore hereby certify the same and transmit to you the testimony in the case & the proceedings had thereon. The aforesaid affidavit Discharge & certificate are enclosed herein.
James Gould.
regiment

Nathaniel Merrill
Oct 1818
[Large stylized signature]
on 1st Champion Co. Willer 4 th
a special in the County where he lives

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, County of HARTFORD,
ss. Special County Court, or Court of Common Pleas, holden by order of the Chief Judge of said Court, on the first Tuesday of August, 1820.
ON this 1 st day of August, 1820, personally appeared in open Court, the same Court in 3 d district being a Court of record for said County, having the power to fine and imprisonment,
Nathaniel Merrill aged 63 years, resident in Simsbury in 5 th  the County of Hartford ,
who being first duly sworn according to law doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows:
that he enlisted on the first day of February 1777 in the reg t commanded by Col o Samuel Wylllys & company commanded by Capt Henry Chapman to serve during the war that he was in an action at Boundbrook heights & Chatham Plains New Jersey at White Plains & Stony Point New York & at the taking & surrender of Lord Cornwallis at York Town Virginia that during his term of service was transferred from the reg t which he first enlisted into that commanded by Col o Dyer & afterwards into that commanded by Col o Butler that he was discharged at West Point in June 1783 that his original pension warrant bears date 5 th April 1818 &
numbered 86
"And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed."
I am not possessed of any property of any description except necessary clothing & bedding my occupation is that of a day labourer my family consists of four persons including myself my wife aged 59 years in feeble health my daughter Hannah aged 14 years my son Augustus aged 11 years
Nathaniel Merrill

Sworn to and declared by said Nathaniel Mervell on the 1st day of August, 1820, before said Court, and it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is
Said Nathaniel Mervell has no property except necessary clothing & bedding dollars and cents.
I, Thomas Chester
Clerk of the County Court or Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Hartford aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the record of said Court. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court on this 26 day of August 1820
Th Chester Clerk of the County Court or Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Hartford.
I also certify that Horace Bowles Esq. on the 10th of Sept 1818 was Justice of Peace of said County of Hartford & I believe that

The signature of his name to his certificate annexed to the deposition of Samuel Richards is the signature of said Justice Bowles The paper is marked H. b. T. b.
Th. Chester clk as aforesaid

April 3, 1937
Nathaniel Merrell S. 36115 BA-J/AWF
Mr. Robert J. Burritt 133 Genesee Street Auburn, New York
Dear Sir:
The data furnished herein pertaining to Nathaniel Merrell were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 36115, based upon his service in the War of the Revolution.
The date and place of birth of Nathaniel Merrell (as his signature is shown) were not shown, nor were the names of his parents stated.
He enlisted February 1, 1777 and served in Captain Henry Champion's company in Colonel Samuel Wylllys' Connecticut regiment, and in Captain Lemuel Clift's company in Colonels Durkee's and Zebulon Butler's 1st Connecticut regiment and was discharged June 8, 1783. During the service he was in the battle of Bound Brook, engagements at Chatham Plains and White Plains, in the battle of Stony Point, and at the surrender of Cornwallis.
He was allowed pension on his application executed March 28, 1818, at which time he was sixty-one years of age and a resident of Litchfield, Connecticut.
He was still a resident of Litchfield in 1820, and then referred to his wife, name not given, aged fifty-nine years, a daughter, Hannah, aged fourteen years, and a son, Augustus, aged eleven years. The sol-

dier, Nathaniel Merrell, died August 29, 1834.
The papers in this claim contain no further reference to family.
In order to obtain the name and address of the person paid the last payment of pension, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., and give the following data-
Nathaniel Merrill (as he was pensioned) Certificate # 86 Issued April 5, 1818 Rate $8.00 per month Commenced March 28, 1818 Act of March 18, 1818 Connecticut Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

April 1, 1937
*****
BA-J/MLB
Mr. Robert J. Burritt 133 Genesee Street Auburn, New York
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of William Carpenter who was born in Chappqua Village, Town of North Castle, Westchester County, New York, married Sarah Seaman and served in the Revolutionary War; of Nathaniel Merrill born in 1742 in Hartford, Connecticut, lived at West Hartford and Litchfield and married Hannah Belden, of Wethersfield, Connecticut, also, the military record of Zebulon Seaman who was born about 1728 on Long Island, removed to North Castle, Westchester County, New York, in 1758, and married Phebe Valentine.
The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched and no claims for pension or bounty land found based upon service of a William Carpenter of New York, or of any Zebulon Seaman, the surnames having been searched under all spellings. The record has been found of Nathaniel Merrell or Merrill, which is furnished you herewith.
It is suggested that information in regard to the military service of William Carpenter and Zebulon Seaman might be obtained from the Adjutant General, War Department, this city.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

August 29, 1936
Nathaniel Merrell S. 36115 BA-J/AWF
Miss Mabel D. Colvin Southwest Harbor Maine
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Nathaniel Merrill, born at Hartford, Connecticut, February 7, 1742, married in 1761, Hannah Belden, and died March 1, 1820.
The records of this office fail to show a claim for pension based upon the Revolutionary War service of a Nathaniel Merrill, born February 7, 1742 and died March 1, 1820. The surname was searched under similar spellings.
The record of one Nathaniel Merrell of Litchfield, Connecticut has been found, which may be of interest to you. His record is furnished herein as found in pension claim, S. 36115, based upon his service in the War of the Revolution.
The date and place of birth of Nathaniel Merrell are not shown, nor are the names of his parents given.
He enlisted, February 1, 1777, served in Captain Henry Champion's company, Colonel Samuel Wylllys' Connecticut regiment, and in Captain Lemuel Clift's company, Colonels Durkee's and Zebulon Butler's 1st Connecticut regiment, and was discharged June 8, 1783. During the service he was in the battle of Bound Brook, engagements at Chatham Plains and White Plains, battle of Stony Point, and at the surrender of Cornwallis.
Nathaniel Merrell was allowed pension on his

1818 66 1757 application executed March 28, 1818, at which time he was aged sixty-one years and living in Litchfield, Connecticut.
The soldier, Nathaniel Merrell, was still a resident of Litchfield in 1820, and then referred to his family- wife, name not given, aged fifty-nine years, a daughter, Hannah, aged fourteen years, and a son, Augustus, aged eleven years. The soldier died August 29, 1834.
There are no further data as to family.
In order to obtain the name and address of the person paid the last payment of pension, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., and cite the following-
Nathaniel Merrill (as he was pensioned) Certificate # 86 Issued April 5, 1818 Rate $8.00 per month Commenced March 28, 1818 Act of March 18, 1818 Connecticut Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
AWF/HMM
March 18, 1930.
Mr. George S. Godard State Librarian Connecticut State Library Hartford, Connecticut.
My dear Mr. Godard:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 36115 it appears that Nathaniel Merrell enlisted February 1, 1777 and served in Captain Henry Champion's Company, Colonel Samuel Wylllys' Connecticut Regiment, and in Captain Lemuel Clift's Company, Colonels Durkee's and Zebulon Butler's Connecticut Regiment. He was in the battles of Bound Brook, Chatham Plains, Stony Point and surrender of Cornwallis. He was discharged June 8, 1783.
He was allowed pension on his application executed March 28, 1818, at which time he was a resident of Litchfield, Connecticut, aged sixty-one years.
He died August 29, 1834.
In 1820 his wife was aged fifty-nine years. Her name is not given. At the same time a daughter, Hannah was aged fourteen years and a son, Augustus, was aged eleven years. There are no further data as to family.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of the person to whom said pension was sent, you should apply to the Records Division, General Accounting Office, Washington, D.C., citing all of the following data:
Nathaniel Merrill, Certificate Number 86, Issued April 5, 1818 Rate $8.00 per month, commenced March 28, 1818 Act of March 18, 1818 - Connecticut Agency.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C. , _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Nathaniel Russell a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
    DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Feby 1 1777 Henry Chapman Samuel Kelly Conn   Samuel Bliss Durkee   Zebulon Butler   discharged June 8. 1783   
Battles engaged in, Round Brook, Chatham Plains, *Hick Plains, Stony
Residence of soldier at enlistment. Total & Surrender of Cornwallis
Date of application for pension, Feb. 28, 1818. The cl. was ab.
Residence at date of application, St. Joseph's, Santa Clara
Age at date of application, 61 years. He died Aug. 29, 1834 (born A.D. 1773)
Remarks:  In 1860 wife was 59 yrs. old name not stated a daughter Hannah aged 14 yrs in 1860 Augustus 11 years
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

ROBERT J. BURRITT ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW NO. 133 GENESEE STREET AUBURN, N. Y.
March 16, 1937.
Veterans Bureau Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
I would greatly appreciate it if you would send me a copy of the military record of William Carpenter who was born at Chappqua Village, Town of North Castle, Westchester Co., New York and who married Sarah Seaman. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
I would also like a copy of the military record of Nathaniel Merrill born 1742 in Hartford, Conn., who lived at West Hartford and Litchfield and who married Hannah Belden of Wethersfield, Conn.
Also, the military record of Zebulon Seaman, who was born about 1728 on Long Island and removed to North Castle, Westchester Co., New York 1758 and married Phebe Valentine.
Very truly yours,
Robert J. Burritt

MISS MABEL D. COLVIN SOUTHWEST HARBOR MAINE
August 12, 1936
Veterans Administration Bureau Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
27 Oct 1936 I am desirous of obtaining such information as you may have regarding the Revolutionary soldier Nathaniel Merrill, born at Hartford, Conn. on Feb. 7, 1742, died at ... on 1 Mar. 1820: married on ... 1761 to Hannah Belden.
✓ In the book of Litchfield, Connecticut, Revolutionary Soldiers, pg. 24 I find Nathaniel Merrill. In Record of Connecticut Men p. 630 Nathaniel Merrill applied for a pension . Connecticut Line Levies 1779 - 1780, pg. 155; 180 has also been quoted as reference.
A son of Nathaniel Merrill, also Nathaniel, is said to have fought in the Revolution also, but it is the father in whom I am interested in particular, and whether he is the one who applied for the pension, in which case your record may be of value.
Yours very truly
Mabel D. Colvin
1818 1757

64 Elizabeth Street Waterbury Conn. Pension Department D. C.
I wish to find the birthplace of Nathaniel Merrill, also where he died. He was a Revolutionary soldier and is recorded in Goshen, Conn. records as such and as a pensioner in 1840. He married, July 2nd 1789 Huldah Hurlbut and is given in a genealogical record as from Hartford Conn. I am a descendant of Nathaniel Merrill and Huldah Hurlbut Merrill. The name is sometimes spelled with only one letter. l & sometimes with an s added, on old records,

I wish to join the D A R and would like this information to use in my application for doing same. In reply please inclose bill & I will send Post Office Order by return mail for same.
Most Respectfully Yours
Florence E. Andrews 64 Elizabeth Street New Haven County Waterbury Conn

Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
Dear Sir: -
I am writing in behalf of Mrs. Laura Perkins Steele of 16 Forbes St. Worcester Mass. to ask for the military history with details, of her gr.gr. grandfathers, Judah Benjamin and Nathaniel Merrill.
Judah Benjamin was born in Hampton Conn July 8, 1755 and died in Pike Township Penn in 1834
Nathaniel Merrill was born in Litchfield Conn. Oct. 3, 1762, and

died in South Dover R.Y. Aug. 20 1834. Will you please send them to my address as I have offered to trace the service for her. Thanking you in advance I am
very sincerely yours Mary Fuller Martin 30 High St - Bristol Conn.
April 14, 1914.

96 115
3-068. (Old No. 3-649.)
6-20
Bureau of Pensions.
Salmon Merrill
Dec 28 1818
Litchfield Conn. - 61
Feb 1. 77 -
~
Conn
Apt. Leonard Dept
Apt Hy Champion
Col Wyllys
Oct & June 1783
Brookbrook. White Plains
Stony Pt, Yorktown

GEORGE S. GODARD STATE LIBRARIAN
ALL CORRESPONDENCE SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE STATE LIBRARIAN
CONNECTICUT STATE LIBRARY HARTFORD, U. S. A.
March twelfth 1930
Honorable Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Attention: Commissioner Church
My dear Commissioner:
I thank you for your recent favor transmitting Pension Record in the Revolutionary War of one Nathaniel Merrill, born in Killingly.
The Nathaniel Merrill which our good friend Charles Miller of Waterbury is seeking was born in Waterbury and later removed to Litchfield where he resided some years, but did not die there.
If you are able to ascertain anything concerning him, our good friend, Leader of the Colonial and Mattatuck Drum Corp in Waterbury will be pleased to learn of it.
I am enclosing herewith photostat copy of Mr. Miller's letter of the 7th instant.
Very sincerely,
A handwritten signature in cursive, reading "Geo. S. Godard".
State Librarian,
GSG/ECR

3Bllh
MAR 11 1930
Oak Corner, R. D. 5, Waterbury, Connecticut, March 7, 1930.
Mr. George S. Godard, State Librarian, Hartford, Connecticut.
My dear Mr. Godard:
I thank you for yours of the twenty-seventh of February, enclosing history of Revolutionary service of Nathaniel Merrill. But this Nathaniel Merrill, the Pension papers state, was born in Killingly, Windham County; while the Nathaniel Merrill that I want to know of, was born in Waterbury, March 25, 1756, and was the son of Caleb and Susanna Tompkins Merrill.
He served in the Revolutionary War, and after the war I think he removed to Litchfield and applied for a pension from that town. Later he left Litchfield and I am unable to get farther trace of him.
I think his pension was granted.
Very truly yours,
Charles S. Biller.

36 115 INVALID.
Rev. y
File No. 36,115
Nathaniel Merrill
Rev Rev 1880
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 268
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1894 Mar 21 Wist to Edwird Lowville, N.Y.
Jany. 16-1903
M rs Merrill Saginaw Mich.
1914 Apr. 17 Wist to Mrs. Laura Perkins Steele. V.L. etc. 1922 Mar. 7 Wist to Florence E. Andrews. 1930 - Mar. 18 Wist to George S. Bodard for Chas. Miller awg 36 - Aug 29. Wist to Mabel Colvin awg 937. April 5 - Wist to Robert J. Burritt awg

District of Connecticut ss. County of Litchfield, to wit — Court.
On this 13 th day of December 1820 personally appeared in open Court, being a court of RECORD for said county in said district, having the power to fine and imprison
aged 68 — years resident in Nathaniel Merrill  Litchfield in said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows:
That he enlisted on the first day of February 1777 in the regt. commanded by Col. Sam l Wells and company commanded by Capt. Henry Chapman to serve during the war. That he was in an action at Brimfield heights and Chatham plains New Jersey; at White-Plain's & Stoney Point New York; & at the taking and surrender of Lord Cornwallis at York-town Virginia. That during his term of service was transferred from the regt. which he first enlisted into that commanded by Col. Durkee and afterwards into that commanded by Col. Butler. That he was discharged at Westport in June 1783. That his original Pension Warrant bears date 5 th of April 1818 and is number 86
And I do solemnly Swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provision of an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property, or securities, contracts or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
I am not possessed of any property of any description except necessary clothing and bedding my occupation is that of a clay labourer my family consists of four persons including myself my wife aged 59 years in feeble health my daughter  Elizabeth aged 14 years my son Augustus aged 21 years S. M. Merrill

Ob. p. 14.
WJ
Sworn to and declared on the 13 th day of December A. D. 1820 before said court Attest, Frederick Wolcott, Clerk
I, Frederick Wolcott, Clerk of the County Court, in the county of Litchfield, and State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing Oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the court ; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount in value of property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is said Mrs. Maria South dollars and cents. any property wch at present
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this 13 th day of December 1820
Frederick Wolcott Clerk of the County Court for the County of Litchfield.

Chas. [unclear] Hon: John C. Calhoun Secy of War
28/4000/142 28 120 112 80

Washington April 4 th 1818-
Hon: J. C. Calhoun Sec y of War. -
Sir - Enclosed is the application of Nath l Merrick for a pension under the late Law of Congress, with the Evidence to support his claim. -
It is Merrick's wish that his Discharge may be returned if not required to be lodged on file. -
I am very Respectfully your Hon or Sec y -
Wirt Holmes
Con t -

BY HIS EXCELLENCY GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq; General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America.
THESE are to CERTIFY that the Bearer hereof Nathaniel Merrill in the 1 st Connecticut Regiment, having faith- fully served the United States from the 1 st July 1777 and being enlisted for the War only, is hereby DISCHARGED from the American Army.
GIVEN at HEAD-QUARTERS the 8 th
June 1780
By His EXCELLENCY's Command
J. Humblet Ins. Sp.
REGISTERED in the Books of the Regiment,
utent.
THE above Nathaniel Merrill has been honored with the 10 BADGE OF MERIT for Years faithful Service.
Lib. Bullen Col

HEAD-QUARTERS, June 14 1783.
THE within CERTIFICATE shall not avail the Bearer as a Discharge, until the Ratification of the definitive Treaty of Peace; previous to which Time, and until Proclamation thereof shall be made, He is to be considered as being on Furlough.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
N o 36115 Nathaniel Merrell Count.