Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4442, for Abel Merrill, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Merrill, Abel
W. 4442
Goodwin, Huldah
B.L.W. 14526-160-55
Former widow
CONTENTS

Death not on A.B.
Increase.
No. 5. 192
Maine
Houldah Goodwin formerly widow of Abel Merrill who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private. M.G.
_____ Portland agency.
Rate 96 - Dollars _____ cents per annum.
Commencing July 27, 1868
Deduct payments made since
Certificate dated August 12, 1871. and sent to Pension Agent J. atty. Chipman Mosner & Co. Present.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act Feb. and July 27, 1868. January 3, 1853, Page 165. Vol. X

Maine 1336
Abel Merrill
He was a Private in the State of Maine who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Garman of the Regt commanded by Col Scammon in the Battle of Bunker Hill for the Militia for the M o and a Musician - 2 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 5 D l - Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of October 1832 and sent to D. Palmer Kennebec Maine
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $ 81 Pension allowance ending 27 $108
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E. D. Bullock Clerk, Book 9, Vol. 1 st Page 71.

102.031 act Mar 3/55 April 26 1855
Huldah Goodwin, formerly Hildreth Abel Merrill priv.
Mass. State Hosp. Revolutionary Pensions
Next War
Ad: 160 per, Jan: 14/56.
ms the Ref 53-5192
Vol m 2. page 4.
E. E. Bourne Kennebec Maine
C. E. Bourne Dec 13/55

No 2759
Abel Merrill
No 6
admit
Private 14 m o
myriam 2 m o
54 p y
B Palmer

On the twenty-fourth day of July 1832, personally appeared, before me Ashur Ware Judge of said Maine District Abel Merrill a resident of Kennebec port, in the county of York, and state of Maine aged 76 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order, to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832
That he served as herein stated.
"I enlisted in April 1775 into Capt. Jesse Dorman's company of Arundel, and Col. James Seammans Regt. for eight months, was stationed at Cambridge, in the state of Massachusetts, until about the last of December of that year, when we were discharged and returned home. I was a drummer in the company
In January 1776 immediately after my return from Cambridge, I enlisted into Capt. Tobias Lord's company of Arundel, for one year, and was stationed at Portland, in this state, I procured a substitute in April, of that year and was discharged, the  company I have forgotten the name of my substitute, he was a drummer and I presume, served out in the company as such afterwards. In this service, I served something more than three months. I was a drummer in the company.
In the summer of 1776 I enlisted for six months at Fort Sullivan, in Portsmouth New Hampshire, in the company commanded by Capt. Elishalet Daniels, of Portsmouth N.H. I served only two months, in this service and was discharged, I procured my brother, Jacob Merrill to take my place, who served out the other four months in Col. Pease's for which I was enlisted
In August 1777 I enlisted into Capt. Joshua Ward's company of Arundel for four months, in Col. Joseph Storer's Regiment, was at Stillwater and Saratoga, and was finally discharged, near Albany, in the state of New York, at the expiration, of our term of service.
I was born in Arundel, in the state of Maine in the year 1756 and have always resided, in that place, the name is now changed to Kennebec port, I enlisted and served voluntarily as above stated and was not a substitute for any one

He hereby relinquishes any claim to a pension or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll, of any agency, in any state.
Abel Merrill
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year, aforesaid. Before
Abner Warr
} U.S. Judge for the District of Maine
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant, was a revolutionary soldier, and served in the states.
John Nussey Clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Abel Merrill for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this seventh day of August A.D. 1832.
John Nussey Clerk
W.B. The name "Arundel" has been changed to Kennebecport

I certify that the above named Abel Stevens by reason of bodily indisposition was unable to attend to promote his declaration in due writing.
Arthur Ware Judge etc.
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original document.]

I Jacob Merrill of Kennebec County, Maine do hereby certify and declare that I am acquainted with Abel Merrill of said town which Abel Merrill was listed in the muster of 1776 at Fort Sullivan in Portsmouth harbor went in to the company commanded by Capt. Elizabeth Duncal of Portsmouth for the term of six months - he served only two months in that company - I then took his place as a substitute and he was discharged and returned home.
I saw Abel Merrill in the autumn of 1777 at Stillwater and Saratoga in the State of New York he was then a soldier in Col. Hovey's Regiment and Capt. Johnson's company. I belonged to Col. Brewer's Regiment at the same time. Abel Merrill is my brother, he marched from Arundel to Saratoga. I was well acquainted with the captain and many of the men some of which came from the same town I did. I belonged to the continental service. Abel Merrill was discharged with Col. Hovey's Regiment and returned home - I was not discharged until the March following.
Jacob Merrill
State of Maine York ss Augt 7 - 1832
Subscribed and sworn to before me
Barnabas Palmer justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I am acquainted with Jacob Merrill the deponent and he is a credible witness.
Barnabas Palmer justice of the Peace -

Marine District
District Clerk's Office August 10. 1832
In testimony that Barnabas Palmer Esquire who took the within deposition is a justice of the Peace duly qualified & that full faith & credit are due to his official attestations I have hereto set my hand & seal of office the day & year above written
John Mussey Clerk U. S. Courts

I Ephraim Wilds of Kennebecport in the County of York and State of Maine aged Eighty Eight years do hereby certify and declare that I am acquainted with Abel Merrill of Kennebecport, (formerly Ancestral), said Merrill enlisted into Captain Jesse Dorman's Company in April 1875 for eight months and marched to Cambridge in the State of Massachusetts where he served until the loss of Bunker Hill and was discharged - I was a corporal in said company.
In January immediately after our return from Cambridge in 1876 said Abel Merrill enlisted into Capt. Tobias Lord's Company for one year and marched to Portland where he remained in the company until some time in April when he procured a substitute and was discharged. I was myself a corporal in this company. I have known Abel Merrill from his youth and always received in the same town with him.
I further know that said Abel Merrill enlisted into Col. Joseph Storer's Regiment in the summer 1877 and went to some point of the State of New York, he was absent several months, and I have always understood that he was at the taking of Genl. Bragg's Army. I was not in that service myself. I never had the least doubt that said Merrill was in said service and never heard it doubted by any one.
Ephraim Wilds
State of Maine York ss. Aug 7 th 1882
subscribed and sworn to. Before me
Barnabas Palmer Justice of the peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Ephraim Wilds - and he is a credible witness.
Barnabas Palmer Justice of the peace

Maine District,
District Clerk's Office August 10. 1832
In testimony that Barnabas Palmer Esquire who took the within deposition is a Justice of the Peace duly qualified & that full faith & credit are due to his official attestations I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office the day & year above written
John Mussey Clerk U. S. Courts

Huldah Goodwin. Applicant for Revolutionary Pension .

State of Maine.
YORK, ss.
Clerk's Office, Supreme Judicial Court,
Alfred,
April 17
A. D. 18
55 }
I, James O. McIntire,
CLERK OF THE SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT,
In and for said COUNTY OF YORK, certify that
Edmond A. Powne is an
Acting Justice of the Peace,
within and for
the County of
York
as appears by
the paper hereto annexed; that he is DULY QUALIFIED TO ACT as such; that his COMMIS-
sion is dated
June 15
A. D. 18
1848 and will expire
And that Edmond A. Powne Jr. is Judge of the Municipal Court for the City of Biddeford in said County of York, duly qualified to act as such. That his Commission is dated March 27th A.D. 1855 and will expire March 27th A.D. 1862
and that the following SIGNATURE purporting to be
theirs are
GENUINE.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, for said State, the day and year first above written.
James O. McIntire
Clerk.

State of Maine York County ss
On this twelfth day of April 1855, personally appeared before me Edward E Bourne jun Judge of the Municipal Court of the city of Bedford, in said County, being a Court of Record, Huldah Goodwin aged seventy four 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 Feb 3 1853.
That she is the widow of Abel Merrill of said Kennebec Port, deceased, who was a private in the revolutionary War and served as stated in his declaration for a pension under the act of June 17. 1832, under which he received a pension till his death - He was in the company of Capt Jesse Dorman in 1775 and Capt Danner in 1776 and was at Saratoga in 1777 and received an annual pension of Fifty four dollars
She further declares that she was married to said Abel Merrill on the twenty second day of January eighteen hundred and twenty three - and that her husband the aforesaid Abel Merrill died on the twenty second day of March, eighteen hundred and thirty seven. - That she was married again to George Goodwin of said Kennebec Port, and that said George Goodwin died on the first day of January eighteen hundred and fifty five, and

from that time she has remained, and is now, a widow, as will appear by the accompanying evidence
Hulda Goodwin
State of Maine
Yorke - Subscribed and sworn to before me on the day and year aforesaid - the said Hulda Goodwin, in consequence of having informity been unable to attend herself -
I John Laws, a resident of Kennebec Port in the County of York, State of Maine on oath do testify and depose that I saw Hulda Goodwin sign the foregoing declaration; and I do know that she was the widow of Abel Merrill of Kennebec Port deceased at the time of her marriage with George Goodwin aforesaid that said Goodwin has since died, and that she is still a widow -
John Laws
I Sarah A Fletcher of Kennebec Port, to the State of Maine, on oath testify and depose that I saw Hulda Goodwin sign the foregoing declaration and that she is the widow of Abel Merrill of

Kennebec Port deceased - That after his death she was married to George Goodwin, who is also now dead, and said Huldah is now a widow - Sarah A Fletcher
State of Maine York ss.
The foregoing declaration and depositions were subscribed and sworn to before me on this twelfth day of April A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty five - The said Huldah Goodwin being unable to attend court by reason of bodily infirmity - And I hereby certify that said Huldah Goodwin, and said affiants, John Laws, and Sarah A Fletcher, are credible witnesses - Witness my hand, and the seal of said court,
Edw d E. Bourne Jr - Judge
We Benjamin Merrill and Phebe Merrill both of Kennebec Port in the county of York and State of Maine, do on oath testify and declare that the afore mentioned Abel Merrill was father of said Benjamin - that said Abel Merrill was married to said Hul- dah Fletcher, now the aforesaid Huldah Goodwin, was while the said Benjamin was absent at sea in 1823 - Said Phebe was invited to the wedding, but could not attend, her daughter was present - but she is now resident in Virginia - From said time

until the death of said Abel on the sixteenth day of April 1837, they dwelt together as man and wife - They were married by the Congregational minister in Kennebunk Port - After the death of said Abel the said Huldah married George Gordon who died on the first day of January eighteen-hundred and fifty five - From that time she has been a widow
Benj s Merrill
Phebe Merrill
Extract from the Records of the Town of Kennebunk Port in the county of York under the head of Publickments
Jan 4 1823. Abel Merrill v. Mrs Huldah Fletcher - both of Kennebunk Port
I Thomas Gannier - certify that I am Town Clerk of said Kennebunk Port and the foregoing is a true extract from the Records of said Town
Attest (Thomas) Gannier - Town Clerk
Huldah Gossner Att y for Pension Rev d
State of Maine
York County ss. Personally appeared Thomas Gannier, Benjamin Merrill and Phebe Merrill, who are a credible witnesses and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by them subscribed - Before me
Edward E. Bourne
Justice of the Peace
"The names Benjamin Merrill & Phebe Merrill" were duly inserted by me - Edward E. Bourne

I certify that in connexion with the Town clerk, I made diligent search to find the return of the marriage of Abel Merrill as aforesaid on the Records of the town of Kilmuel Port but that said marriage was not there to be found -
I further certify that the following is a true copy from the History of said town of Kilmuel Port published in 1837, under the genealogical head of the inhabitants,
" " Merrill
"Abel, m. Mehitable Burdank and Huldah Fletcher" - That the letter m, is the contraction used in said book for " married ."
Attest E V Bourne Justice of the Peace

State of Maine.
YORK, ss.
Clerk's Office, Supreme Judicial Court,
Alfred, April 3 A. D. 18 55
I, James O. McIntire,
CLERK OF THE SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT,
In and for said County of York, certify that
Oliver O. Powers & co
Acting Justice of the Peace,
within and for the County of York as appears by
the paper hereto annexed; that he is DULY QUALIFIED TO ACT as such; that his Commis-
sion is dated Nov 12 A. D. 18 57 and will expire
Nov 12 A. D. 18 58
and that the following SIGNATURE purporting to be
his
GENUINE.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, for said State, the day and year first above written.
James O. McIntire Clerk.

State of Maine } ss County of York }
On this twenty seventh day of March A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty five, personally appeared, before me, Edward E. Bourne Jr. a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of York Huldah Gordon aged seventy four years, a resident of Kennebec Port in said State of Maine, who, being duly sworn, according to law, declares that she is the widow of Abel Merrill, who was a revolutionary soldier and a private in the Company commanded by Capt Jesse Dorman in the Regiment of Col. Stannum that he was stationed at Cambridge in 1775. He was in 1776, in the Company of Capt Elistolel Daniels at Portsmouth in the State of New Hampshire And in 1777 he was in Col. Storer's Regiment at Stillwater and Saratoga He was in the battle of Saratoga - After which he was honorably discharged - She further declares that said Abel Merrill received a pension during his lifetime as a revolutionary soldier -
She further states that she was married to the said Abel Merrill, in Kennebec Port aforesaid on the twenty second day of January A.D. _____ by one Seth Burnham, a Justice of the Peace, and that her name before her said marriage was Huldah Dorman Fletcher; and that her said husband died at Kennebec Port on the twenty second day of March A.D. 1857. And that she is now a widow -
She makes this declaration for the purpose

Of obtaining the boundary land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3 d 1855
Huldah Goodwin
We James M. Stone and Edmund Hill residents of Kennebec, upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Huldah Goodwin in our presence; and that we believe her from the appearance and statements of the affiant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be -
James M. Stone. Edm d Hill
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person who represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim -
Ebenezer D. D. D. Justice of the Peace

We Edmund Hill and Lucy Hill both of Kennebec in the county of York, do on oath testify and declare that we well knew Abel Merrill late of Kennebec Port in said county, a Revolutionary pensioner, his wife Huldah Goodwin aforesaid being a sister of said Lucy - We further testify that she, the said Huldah, being then Huldah Fletcher, was married to said Abel Merrill more than thirty years ago - We were notified and invited to the wedding, but could not attend - Two of our family now absent, went from our house to said wedding - We have frequently visited them during the life time of said Abel - and they always lived together as man and wife - Said Abel died in 1837, and afterwards said Huldah married George Goodwin who died on the first day of January last - and from that time she has remained and now is, a widow -
Edm d Hill
Lucy Hill
Extract from the printed History of the town of Kennebec Port, published in 1837 - page 262 -
"Abel Merrill of Kennebec Port, & Huldah Fletcher"
I James H Stone of Kennebec Port in the county of York Esquire, do on oath testify and declare that the foregoing is a true extract

from said History, under the genealogical head of the "Merrill" family - and that the letter "m" is the contraction for "married" used in said genealogy
Chas. M. Stone.
York ss. The foregoing deposition of Edmund Will Lucy Will and James M. Stone were sub- scribed and sworn to before me and I certi- fy that said witness deponents are credible witnesses
Edw. E. Dorr Jr. Justice of the Peace
I perceive that in the original declaration the year of the marriage is left blank - The declarant had no remembrance of the year - It should be filled with 1823 - The testimony of the two witnesses is, that it was more than 30 years ago -
He I called at the house of the Mayor here, deceased many years since, and was in- formed by the daughter that every book of records had been entirely destroyed - I had also the same information from the son - I called on the town clerk and examined the records, and no return of it was made there - and the evi- dence is the best the case admits of.
Wm. E. Dorr
Full text transcription

March 19, 1937.
Nellie G. Merrill Astoria, Illinois.
BA-J/ILL Abel Merrill W. 4442
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Abel Merrill, of Kennebunk, Maine, who died April 16, 1837.
The data given herein were found in pension claim, W. 4442, based upon service of Abel Merrill in that war.
Abel Merrill was born in the year 1756 in Arundel, called later Kennebunkport, Maine (then in Massachusetts); the names of his parents were not given. He lived there during his entire lifetime.
He enlisted in April 1775, served as private in Captain Jesse Dorman's Company, Colonel James Scammon's Massachusetts regiment and was discharged the last of December; he enlisted in January 1776, and served three months as drummer in Captain Tobias Lord's Massachusetts company; he enlisted in the summer of 1776 and served two months as private in Captain Eliphalet Daniel's New Hampshire company at Fort Sullivan, then procured his brother, Jacob Merrill, to serve four months as his substitute, completing service of six months for which he enlisted; Abel Merrill enlisted in August 1777, and served four months as private in Captain Joshua Nason's company, Colonel Joseph Storer's Massachusetts regiment, during which he was at Stillwater and Saratoga.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 24, 1832. He died April 16, 1837 at his home in Kennebunkport, Maine.
Abel Merrill married, the date not given, Mehitable Burbank, said marriage recorded in Kennebunkport, Maine. He married January 22, or 4, 1823, Mrs. Hulda Fletcher; they were married by a Congregational minister in Kennebunkport, name of her former husband not shown. After the death of Abel Merrill, his widow, Hulda, married George Goodwin.

also of Kennebunkport, Maine, who died there January 1, 1855.
Hulda Goodwin, the widow, was allowed pension on account of service of her former husband, Abel Morrell, in the Revolutionary War on her application executed April 12, 1855; she was then a resident of Kennebunkport, Maine, aged seventy-four years. She was living there in 1871.
In 1855, Benjamin Merrill, the son of Abel Merrill, was a resident of Kennebunkport, Maine, aged sixty-nine years. He was then a master mariner; he stated that he was away on a sea voyage at the time his father married Hulda Fletcher, noted above. One Phebe Merrill made joint affidavit with said Benjamin Merrill regarding the soldier's marriage; she stated further that her (Phebe's) daughter was invited to that marriage, but did not state the name of the daughter, then (1855) residing in Virginia.
In 1855, one Sarah A. or N. Fletcher witnessed the widow's signature when she applied for her pension; no relationship between them stated.
In 1855, Lucy Hill, Hulda's sister, was a resident of Kennebunkport, Maine, aged sixty-four years. One Edmund Hill made joint affidavit with said Lucy in behalf of said widow. Lucy Hill had children in 1822, at the time of soldier's marriage to Hulda; Lucy Hill referred to her sister's sons, one of Massachusetts, two others in Illinois, who were at that wedding, but she did not give their names. No relationship between Edmund Hill and Lucy Hill was stated.
Jacob Merrill, brother of Abel Merrill, was a resident of Kennebunkport, Maine, in 1832.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following: Hulda Goodwin, formerly widow of Abel Merrill, certificate #5192, issued August 12, 1871, commenced July 27, 1868, rate $96 per annum, Act of February 3, 1853, Maine Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

WIDOW, &c.
Ray
File No. 44112
Katharine Goodwin
Widow of Abel Merrill
Prin. New York
Act: Feb 30 58 July 23 rd 68
Index:—Vol. A , Page 281
[Arrangement of 1870.]

June 26-1900 Mr. Ira L. McLean -
Chicago Ills.
Jan'y 23, 1904 Visited
- to
Mrs. Ina C. Allen
Monmouth Ill,
1910 Aug. 15. Visit to Mrs. F. D. Haldeman
1924 Feb. 27
Visit to Mrs.
Chas. S. Alexander
1924 March 18 Home B.N.
Haugen ref. Mrs. C. S. Alex- ander fur. his. of Abel Merrill
Feb. 27 '24 cur.
1937 Mar-19 Visit to Nellie
Merrill - Ill.

5192 Maine
Hulda Goodwin, formerly widow of Abel Merrill
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Pirate
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 54 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 19 th day of May 1855. and sent to
O. C. Bourne Kennebunk Me!
Rev 3m 55-102031
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853. Page 165 Vol. 1

1p: rec: of mda 3 deaths 22: mch, 37, Good: Lw...
Handwritten signature or mark

B: Oct 15 th , Me:
W. H. D.

5
14.526
[Large cursive flourish] Nov 1881

5628 Hulda Goodwin, for: coin of Abel Merrill,
S. H. E. Borne, Apr. 27/53,
— A. H. 153

Revolutionary Widow
2 o Sec Feb 3 rd 1883 INVALID.
Certificate No. 5.192
Claimant, Huldah Goodwin
Agency at which last paid, Portland
Pensioned at $54. per ann
Has pensioner been reduced?
When W. E. Trask Examiner. Last paid? Room No. 11
no Reduction shown by the Records of Finance Division, complete up to June 4/71
Pag Clerk.
Forwarded to F. D., Aug. 1. 1871
Returned to Ex'r,

WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4442
Huldah Goodwin form. C. Widow Abel Merrill Birt. Res. War
Act: Feb. 3 rd 1853
Index:—Vol. A , Page 279
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Boston Office, May 10/1855.
Sir: Please certify the time at which the within named residence was paid on the date of his death.
Very Respectfully,
D 16 Apr 57
L. M. Salton
Albany, N.Y.
Rev. Mr. H. H.
R. J. A. Kimball Esq., Chairman of the Treasury,

Abel Merrill died 16 Aprie 1837. paid in full
Noa p mnia
An auto

I Benjamin Merrill of Kennebec Port in the County of York and State of Maine, Master mariner, aged sixty nine years, do on oath testify and declare, that I am the son of Abel Merrill late of said Kennebec Port deceased. I further testify that my said father Abel Merrill was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States - and that Huldah Goodwin now living was the wife and afterwards the widow of said Abel - that said Abel died April 16. 1887 - that he was then eighty one years of age - That Huldah Goodwin now living, for whom I have before given my deposition, is the same person who was the wife of the aforesaid Abel Merrill who was a revolutionary pensioner. That I knew of the marriage of said Abel to said Huldah, on my return from a voyage to St Domingo in 1823 - They always from that time till her death dwelt together as man and wife to her death and no one that I ever heard of doubted their marriage.
Benjamin Merrill
State of Maine York County ss. May 2 1855 Personally appeared Benjamin Merrill

who is a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him subscribed
Before me Edward E Bourne Justice of the Peace
I Lucy Hall of Rensselaer in the County of York and State of Maine, aged sixty four years, do on oath testify and declare that I am the sister of Huldah Goodwin of Rensselaer Port widow of George Goodwin deceased - I further testi- fy that said Huldah Goodwin was before the wife of Abel Merrill - She was married to him in January more than thirty years ago - Her name previously was Huldah Fletcher - My family were invited to the wedding - My son and sister's son went to the wedding from my house - my child was sick and I was unable to go - They were married by S tt Burnham Esq, A.M. Moody the minister then being sick - The fact of the mar- riage was just as well known to me as any other fact, of which I was not the actual witness - My sister's son told me all about the wedding when he returned - From that day till the death of said Abel in 1837, they were man and wife and always dwelt together as man and wife - and I don't suppose any one ever doubted their marriage - Said Burnham has been dead many years, and my said sister's son is somewhere

in marriage Massachusetts — Two others who were at the wedding here in Illinois —
I further testify that said Abel Merrill was a Revolutionary Pensioner — and that said Huldah Goodwin is the identical Huldah Merrill who was the wife and widow of the identical Abel Merrill who was the Revolutionary Pensioner aforesaid and that her last husband George Goodwin died on the first day of January last past, and that she has remained a widow ever since — said Abel Merrill lived and died in Pennibank Port
Witness Edson Hill Lucy Hill
State of Maine
York County ss. May 2 1855 — Personally appeared Lucy Hill who is a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the fore- going declaration by her subscribed —
Before me
Edward E. Bourne
Justice of the Peace

Additional to No 75,149 B. Land claim of Huldah Goodwin
nothing found as above on admitted bounty land book for Abel Merrill
or George Goodwin nothing further can be done until rejected claims are in files

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston.
January 3 rd 1856.
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 Abel Merrill is borne on pay roll of Capt. Jesse (Dorman's Comp. Col. James Scammon's Regt of 8 mos. Service. Name borne on Cost Roll, dated Cambridge October 27. 1775. as private from Antrim.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES.
Made by the Widow
of the party who rendered the service.
State of Maine County of York - Town of Wiscasset
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of Abel Merrill in the war of the Revolution.
He was a native of the Town of Wiscasset (now called Wiscasset Port ) in the County of York and State of Maine
He enlisted from the Town of Wiscasset in the County of York and State of Maine in the year 1775 as a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Jesse Dorman in the Regiment of Col Seamans - and he served as follows,* viz: - eight months at Cambridge - also under Capt Isaac Lord in Portland in 1776 ten months and six days, and in Capt Jeremiah  Warren's Company of Col Joseph Stevens Reg't, at Belmont four months.
* Here describe, as fully as may be, the length of service, the rank, &c., of the claimant, or the capacity in which he served, and all other particulars known.

I am now _____ years old, and my memory does not enable me to state the services more fully than above stated.
Witness my hand, this 25 th A. D. 1855
day of December Hulda J. Goodwin
Signed by said in my presence,
Edward Bonner
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.

Huldah Goodwin
Payment to be made at
Portland
by
D. G. Emery Esq.
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
[Signature]
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 165. Vol. 76.
[Signature] Clerk.

[Handwritten initials]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that, in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853.
Caldah Goodwin , formerly widow of Mel Merrill, — who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of Fifty-four, dollars and — cents per annum, commencing on the 3 rd of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this Nineteenth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five
[Signature: P. M. C. Allen] Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and countersigned.
[Signature: L. P. Wallace] Commissioner of Pensions.
1 year Va. March 56.

Thurmont Jan 5 52
Dear Sir
I enclose additional evidence of Bounty Land claim of Huldah Goodwin, No 75189. Yours respectfully, E.E. Prince
Hon. J. M. Hunt Comr of Pensions Washington D.C.

Yarmouth April 23 d '55
Sir
I enclose you the declaration of Hulda Merrill, applicant for Revolutionary pension —
Yours respectfully E E Bourne

Thunbunh ill May 3 1855
Le Sir
I enclose additional depositions, in the case of Huldah Goodwin, Applicant for Revolutionary pension -
I supposed from your letter, that the principal failure in the former papers, was, the neglect to establish the identity of the husband as the revolutionary pensioner, which must have been entirely from my own carelessness, in wording the papers -
The identity is well known to myself. The evidence, enclosed I trust will be sufficient - The deponent Merrill, is an old ship Master - for several years town clerk - The other deponent is a woman of respectable standing - As the evidence of my authority as a magistrate is in the case, I do not suppose it is required to the additional depositions.
Yours respectfully E E Bourne
Hon G P Waldo Com of Pensions Washington D C

DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OF PENSION.
Under section 13, Act of July 27, 1868.
Huldah Goodwin Rev. Widow, of Kennebecport Maine
FILED BY
CHIPMAN, HOSMER & CO., Washington, D. C.

DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OF PENSION.
Under Section 13, Act of July 27, 1868.
STATE OF Maine COUNTY OF York } ss.
ON THIS 22 d day of July , A. D. 18 71 , personally appeared before me, Edward E Bourne Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County and State aforesaid; Huldah Goodwin , aged 91 years, a resident of Kennebec Port in the State of Maine , who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the identical Huldah Goodwin to whom was granted Pension Certificate No. 5192 payable at Portland, Maine , at the rate of fifty four dollars per annual month, issued under the act of Feb. 2 nd , 1853; that she makes this declaration in order to secure the increase of her pension, to which she is entitled under the thirteenth section of the Act of July 27, 1868.
Her Post Office address is as follows: Kennebec Port, Maine
And she hereby constitutes and appoints CHIPMAN, HOSMER & CO., Washington , Attorneys to present and prosecute this claim, and authorizes them to receive and receipt for any certificate that may be issued for the same, and to do any other act or thing necessary, or that she might do if personally present, with full power of substitution and revocation, hereby countermanding all former authority that may have been given for the above specified purpose.
Signature of Claimant: Huldah Goodwin
Also, personally appeared Amelia Pope and Sarah E Bryant , residents of Kennebec Port , persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Huldah Goodwin sign her name (make her mark), to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant, and their acquaintance with her, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; and they further state that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
Signatures of Witnesses. { Amelia M. Pope S. E. Bryant
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 22 d day of July , A. D. 18 71 ; and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim, and that the contents of the above were made known and explained to applicant and witnesses before signing
[SEAL.]
E. E. Bourne Judge of the Court of Probate York County

Brief in the case of Hulda Goodwin, formerly wid: of Mel Merrill York County and State of Maine , act 3 rd July, 1853.
Claim, ("original," for increase )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was pensioned under the act of June 1832, at the rate of $54. per An. Mariah Moore left him near 1832. Pensioned in 1837, as per the Affidavits of three Witnesses & report of the Third Auditor.
Widowhood is established by the Affidavits of three Credible Affiants.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
E. E. Burge, Esq. Remedunk, Me. Name and residence of Agent
H. B. B. Examining Clerk.

Proclamation
WAR of the Revolution.
2 d See Feb 3. 1853 and. 13 th See ACT OF JULY 27, 1868.
CLAIM FOR INCREASE OF WIDOW'S PENSION.
Supplemental to case in which certificate No. 5.192 was issued May 19 th , 1865.
BRIEF in the case of Mrs. Huldah Goodwin , formerly Abel Merrill , Widow of
Resident of York County, and State of Maine. Post Office address: Hennebunkport.
DECLARATION AND IDENTIFICATION IN DUE FORM. July 21. 1871
PROOF EXHIBITED.
The claimant is a pensioner, on the roll of Maine at $54.00 per Annum. She returns her certificate and applies for an increase under Sec 13 act July 27. 1868.
Identity Shown.
Agent, and his P.O. address.
Paid to June 4, 1871
Chipman Hosmer & Co.
Present
Sec 13 th
Issue certificate for 8.00 dollars per month, under Sec. 2, Act of Feb. 3, 1853, and act of July 27, 1868, commencing July 27 , 1868, ending _____, 186_____, deducting former payments. Since
Issue certificate for _____ dollars per month, under acts of June 3, 1858, and July 27, 1868, commencing _____, 186_____, deducting former payments.
Wm E Trask , Examiner.
Passed August 2 d , 1871.
APPROVED:
[Signature]
Rec p 10. No contract.

Astoria, Del., Feb. 20, 1937.
Sec. of the Veterans Administration, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
If you have the record, will you please send me the Revolutionary War record of Abel Merrill , a private? He was the son of Gideon Merrill of Kennebunk, Maine. He was born Oct. 1st. 1755, and died Apr. 16, 1837.
Very respectfully yours,
Nellie M. Merrill.

E. H. GIVLER
Cresco, Iowa,
Department of Interior - Bureau of Pensions - Washington - D.C. -
Dear Sir -
My cousin, Mrs J.C. Allen of Monmouth Illinois proved her record in 1904
Descent from Abel Merrill, born in Arundel (Kennebunkport Maine - Oct 1 st 1775 - died in Kennebunkport Maine - Apr 16 th 1857
Bureau Record Division 4442 - Rev. War National No - 466.50 -
What other information do you require and what does it cost to prove a record
Yours truly
Mrs Charles S. Alexander Cresco Iowa

E. H. GIVLER
Cresco, Iowa,
Descent from Abel Merrill, born in Arundel (Kennebec port) Maine, Oct 1 st 1755 died in Kennebec Maine - Apr. 16 1837
1- Nell Alexander, daughter of Eliza Cummings and John N. Green -
2 - Eliza Cummings daughter of Lucy Durell, born 1818 - died 1896 and A.P. Cummings born 1818 - died 1904 -
3 - Lucy Durell daughter of Ephraim Durell born 1778 - died 1852 and his wife Jane Merrill born 1788 died 1869
4 - Jane Merrill, daughter of Abel Merrill born 1755 - died 1837 and his 1 st wife Mehetable Burbank born 1754 died 1817

A.G.201(Merrill, Abel)3-10-24)ORD-ejt
WAR DEPARTMENT.
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,
WASHINGTON March 13, 1924.
RECORDED
Respectfully referred to the
Commissioner of Pensions,
inviting attention to the basic communication herewith from Honorable Gilbert N. Haugen, Representative in Congress, who has been informed of this reference by letter, a copy of which is herewith inclosed.
Robert Carris The Adjutant General. By [Signature]
2 Inclosures.

SIXTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS.
GILBERT N. HAUGEN, IOWA, CHAIRMAN. CHARLES B. WARD, N. Y.      JAMES B. ASWELL, LA. FRED S. PURNELL, IND.      D. H. KINCHELOE, KY. EDWARD VOIGT, WIS.      MARVIN JONES, TEX. M. O. McLAUGHLIN, NEBR.      F. B. SWANK, OKLA. J. N. TINCHER, KANS.      H. P. FULMER, S. C. T. S. WILLIAMS, ILL.      THOS. L. RUBEY, MO. J. H. SINCLAIR, N. DAK.      GEO. W. JOHNSON, W. VA. C. J. THOMPSON, OHIO.      THOS. A. DOYLE, ILL. FRANK CLAGUE, MINN.      JOHN MCSWEENEY, OHIO. JOHN D. CLARKE, N. Y.      W. P. JARRETT, HAWAII. JOHN C. KETCHAM, MICH.
L. G. HAUGEN, CLERK.
Committee on Agriculture
House of Representatives U. S.
Washington, D. C.
March 10, 1924.
The Honorable, The Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.
My dear Sir:
I am enclosing herewith a letter from Mr. C. S. Alexander, Cresco, Iowa, which is self-explanatory. I will be grateful to you for kindly advising me in the matter.
Very truly yours,
14 Received A. G. O. MAR 11 1924
incl.
RECEIVED
MAR 12 1924 9 38 AM
WORLD RECORDS DIVISION, A. G. O.

Ard, Nebraska,
Aug. 3, 1910
The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir,
Will you kindly send me the War Record of Abel Merrill, who served in the War of the Revolution. Abel Merrill, residence Arundel, now Kennebecport, Maine, served as a Private in Capt. Horner's Co., Col. Scammon's Regt., with the eight months' army at the siege of Boston in 1775; also an Abel Merrill, probably the same, served as a Private in Capt. Joshua Nason's Co., Col. Storer's regt., in Aug.-Nov., 1777. Also Abel Merrill, possibly the same, served as a drummer in Capt. Tobias Lord's company in Jan.-Feb., 1776, at Falmouth, now Portland, Maine, for seacoast defence.
His widow, Huldah, who afterwards

married a Mr. Goodwin, drew a pension on Abel Merrill's record thirty years later. His great-granddaughter, Mrs. Julia G. Abernethy, of Ord, Nebraska, has made application for membership to Coronado Chapter H. A. R. of Ord, Nebr. and we desire to verify her claim.
Thanking you in advance for the favor, I am
Very respz. (Mrs. F. D.) Olive A. Haldeman Regent Coronado Chapter H. A. R.
AUG 8 - 1910

The Western Supply Company.
O. W. & N. DIVISION JUN 16 1900 RECEIVED
A. O. AUTEN. Pres't & Treas. M. M. BAKER. Secretary.
EXPRESS 264.
MANUFACTURERS AGENTS. Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Arkansas and Kansas.
REPRESENTING THE AULTMAN CO., CANTON, O. THRESHING MACHINERY. AULTMAN, MILLER & CO., AKRON, O. "BUCKEYE" HARVESTING MACHINERY. ENTERPRISE MFG. CO., COLUMBIANA, O. SAW MILLS AND FEED GRINDERS.
WAREHOUSE 76TH AND WALLACE STS. MAIN OFFICE 18 AND 20 W. RANDOLPH ST. CHICAGO.
June 12, 1900.
Pension Office, Old War Dep't, Washington, D. C.
In collecting material for a family genealogical record, I find that my great-grandfather, Abel Merrill , of York County, Maine, drew a pension for Revolutionary service . The 1835 pension records show this as follows; in the list of pensioners for York Co.: Abel Merrill, rank Mr. & Mus., Of the Mass. state troops, pension of $54.00 per year, placed on pension rolls Mar. 4, 1831.
It will be of great service to me if your office will give me a certificate showing the service for which this pension was granted. The above information is wanted for family history only. Thanking you in advance for the favor, I am
Very truly yours,
Ina L. McLaren
Address in care of The Western Supply Co. 18-20 W. Randolph St.
Abel

1336
Monmouth, Ill. Jan 9. 1904.
Mr. Eugene F. Ware. Pension Commissioner Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I desire to learn the official record of my great grandfather Abel Merrill, who was a soldier of the Revolutionary War. He lived at Kennebec Port, Maine, and was granted a pension for his military services. Will you kindly furnish me the desired information?
Very respectfully,
Dora D. Allen Mrs John C.

awg Rev. and 1812 Wars section.
March 18, 1924.
Honorable G. N. Haugen, House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. Haugen;
In response to your letter of the tenth instant addressed to the Secretary of War and received in this Bureau March 15, enclosing letter from Mr. C. S. Alexander, Cresco, Iowa, I have the honor to advise you that , on February 27, 1924, Mrs. C. S. Alexander, Cresco, Iowa, was furnished the history of Abel Merrill, W. 4442, Revolutionary War pensioner from Kennebunkport, Maine.
Herewith is returned the letter from Mr. C. S. Alexander, Cresco, Iowa.
Sincerely,
Commissioner.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
February 27, 1924
Mrs. Charlee S. Alexander Cresco Iowa
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.4442, it appears that Abel Merrill was born in 1756, at Arundel (later Kennebunkport) Maine.
While a resident of Arundel, Maine, he enlisted in April 1775 and served until late in December 1775, as private in Captain Jesse Dorman's Company, Colonel Scammon's Massachusetts Regiment.
He enlisted in January 1776 and served three months as Drummer in Captain Tobias Lord's Massachusetts Company.
He enlisted in the summer of 1776 and served two months as private in Captain Eliphalet Daniel's New Hampshire Company.
He enlisted in August 1777 and served four months as private in Captain Joshua Nason's Company, Colonel Joseph Storer's Massachusetts Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 24, 1832, while a resident of Kennebunkport, Maine. He died April 16, 1837.
He married Mehitable Burbank, dates of her marriage and death not stated.

He married at Kennebunkport, Maine, January 22, 1823, Huldah Fletcher. She married George Goodwin who died January 1, 1855, and she was allowed pension as the former Widow of Abel Merrill on her application executed April 12, 1855, while a resident of Kennebunkport, Maine, aged seventy-four years.
Abel Merrill had a son, Benjamin, who was sixty-nine years of age in 1855.
Respectfully,
Commissioner

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Abel Merrill 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. 27. File 4442
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apl. 75 to list Dec. 75 Jesse Dorman James Scammon Mass.   Jan. 76 3 mos. + Drum. Tobias Lord   * Jun 76 2 mos. Eliphalet Daniels X T   Aug. 77 4 mos. Joshua Mason Joseph Storer  
* Bro Jacob Merrill sub. 4 mos. for him.
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Arundel, Maine.
Date of application for pension, July 24, 1832. Allowed.
Residence at date of application, Kennebecport, Maine.
Age at date of application, born in 1756 at Arundel, Me.
Remarks: Adm. to pension Jan. 22, 1823. Huldah, wife of
he d. Apl. 16, 1837; she mar.
George Woodrum who died Jan. 1, 1855 & she was pens. on her appln. of Apl. 17, 1855, while 74 yrs. of age & a res. of Kennebecport, Me.
Very respectfully, 1855 His son Benj. at 69 testified