Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17125, for Jonathan Merrifield, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Mass.
Merrifield, Jonathan Hannah
17125-
CONTENTS

3365 Connecticut Hannah Mansfield widow of Jonathan Mansfield , deceased who died on the 27 December 1802, of Tolland Co in the State of Connecticut who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Tillinghast of the reg t commanded by Col Baldwin in the Mil of Wash g . line for Saratoga. Mass
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 24 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of June 1840, I sent and to Abiel Dean Esq. Claremont, N. H.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1840 $240.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept r 40 13.33
$253.33
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd }
Recorded by D. M. Lynde Clerk ok C Vol. 1. Page 78.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the Act of Congress of the 4 th July 1836 -
State of Connecticut ss County of Tolland
On this 15 day of Nov A D 1839 personally appeared before me Judge of the County Court for the County of Tolland Hannah Merrifield a resident of Mansfield in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut aged eighty five years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836. That she is the widow of Jonathan Merrifield who was a private soldier in the army of the revolution that he entered said service in the year 1775 and served from one to two years - the precise length of time she can not state but thinks it to have been as much as eighteen months - He served at several farms near Darton - I believe the Capt. name was Pettengall but can not remember the name of any other officer - We were married in Dedham Mass. but both lived in Milton - he lived there when he entered the service which is near Dedham in Massachusetts - She was married to the said Merrifield in June 1775 - The said Merrifield was then in said service and came home to be married and immediately returned into the service again. We were married by the Rev. Mr. Clark of Dedham who was afterwards dismissed and

xxv removed from Dedham. Our first child named Hannah was born 1 day of January 1776 my husband the said Merrifield came home from the Service the night before the said Hannah was born on a furlow and returned into the Service again in a few days - we have had five children John who was born in August 1777 Mary, Charlotte & Caroline born successively afterwards - The said Merrifield died and she has remained a widow since that period 27 December 1802, my further particulars.
She can not recall Merrifield Hannah Merrifield Mary, Charlotte & Caroline born successively afterwards - The said Merrifield died and she has remained a widow since that period 27 December 1802, my further particulars. Hannah Merrifield mark
Elisha Stearns Judge of the County Court for the County of Dolland State of Connecticut
I also certify that the said Hannah Merrifield sustains a fair character for truth and that she can not from bodily infirmity attend Court Elisha Stearns Judge as aforesaid
4979 Hannah Merrifield witness of Jonathan 27th July 1836 Barnes.

I Hannah Bradley of Mansfield in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut aged 63 years testify that I have always understood & been informed that I was born the 1 st of Jan y 1796 That I am the oldest child of Jonathan Merrifield & Hannah Merrifield named in the foregoing declarations and well recollect being in their family bible a record of their marriage and of the birth of their children that I have been informed & verily believe that my said bible was afterwards burnt in a house in the State of New Hampshire where they then lived their dwelling house having taken fire & partly consumed - I heard my said father Merrifield in his life time conversing respecting the services performed in the revolutionary war and last seen he said he served 18 months near Boston her Witnesses Healey Dorchester Oliver Dorchester
Hannah + Bradley
Subscribed and sworn before me and I also certify that the said Hannah Bradley is a credible witness - Mansfield Tolland County State of Connecticut November 15 th 1839
Eliza Stearns Judge of the County Court for Tolland County

State of Connecticut } County of Tolland } ss County Clerk's office
I Jeremiah Parish Clerk of the Court in sd County of Tolland certify that the Hon Elisha Stearns of Tolland in sd County is a Judge of the County Court in and for said County of Tolland duly appointed & acting in sd Capacity — That his commission bears date in June 1839 and will continue until the 20th day of June 1840 — also that the signatures to the within Cer- tificates purporting to be the official signatures of sd Judge Stearns are genuine — In testimony whereof I have here- unto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County at Tolland in sd Tolland County This 18th day of November Anno Dom- ini one thousand eight hundred & thirty nine
Jeremiah Parish Clerk

I Mary Parmelee of Claremont in the County of Sullivan and State of Northampton aged 59 years depose and say that I am the daughter of Jonathan and Hannah Mer- rifield. That I lived with my Father until I was eighteen years of age. That I never saw nor had any knowledge of my Father or Mother having any family record of their marriage nor of any of the births of their children. I have reasons to believe that no such record was kept by either of them if they had I should have known it.
Mary Parmelee
State of Northampton { Sullivan ss } Claremont Feby 17. 1840
Personally appeared before me Uriel D. Cane one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Sullivan Mary Parmelee, who I here by certify is a credible witness, and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by her subscribed is true -
Uriel D. Cane

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17125
Hannah Morrifield Widow of Jonathan Morrifield born Nov 17th
Act: July 4th 1836
Index:—Vol. vi , Page 43
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Suspended see let to David Russell June 2 d . 1837 - do to same 29 July 1837
Western & Noyes Aug 27 1853 Gaim Apr 11. 1857 Western & Noyes 10 June 18 1836 H. Baldwin 26 Dec. 18

Act 1834 f no 4979 - Conn Hannah Merifield widow of Jonathan. Let to U. Dean 18 ap d 40.

Concord July 17. 1840
Dear Sir
I herewith forward you the papers in relation to Miss Hannah Merrifield for a Pension - The Declaration made by Judge Stearns does not state that she has, or has not any family record. I am that I can learn from her children residing in this place. They never had any family record & have taken the affidavit of one of her daughters Mrs Parmach - If that will not answer you will please put them on file and return me the Declaration and I will forward it to Judge Stearns and have it amended - I have not been able to establish their marriage. so far as I should have been glad to have done, which at this later period of life is very difficult - I have recently heard that there was a gentleman in Boston, that was acquainted with Mr. Merrifield where he lived in Milton, that he can state in relation to this case I have not been informed I shall be in Boston soon, and if his faculties are not too much impaired by age I will take his affidavit, in relation to this case and forward it to you, and

within such other evidence as I may be able to find from him - which may lead to further news than what is embraced in the certificate, herewith enclosed.
Respectfully yours
Hebbs Sub
Until Dawn
Dear J. S. Edwards
Coast of Pecos.

Dedham May 26 th 1840
To whom it may concern.
I the undersigned do hereby certify to the following statements - viz. that I am now the settled minister, of the Episcopal Church in Dedham, Mass. of which the Rev. William Clark was minister, from the Year 1768 to 1777. - Also, that I am in possession of the Church Records, at the present time, as far back as the Year 1792. And I further certify certify, that there are no records now known to be in existence, kept by the said William Clark. but there is good reason to believe that all the Church records and memoranda, to him belonging, were taken violently from him, and destroyed at the time of our Revolution. -
My belief in these statements is formed from the statements of aged members of the Parish who knew Mr. Clark, and also from a memorial presented by Mr. Clark himself, to the English Government wherein he states himself, the confiscation and loss of his papers and property. -
H. B. Babcock, Rector of St. Paul's Ch. Dedham.

4979 Hannah Merrifield Wid of Jonathan Conn As July 4 1836 Married 1775 died 1802 8 mo son $26 66 per am Mass militia Capt Pittington On file
U. Dean Esq. Claremont NH

9-785 9-795 } 27 Rollamble 9-805 9-
Bill 78. Mr Latham. 14.
Bill same.
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]

Genl Mansfield A 1802
Hannal Mr. A. D. Shaw Jun 75
75 #8 no Potomac S.
proof of manner not satisfactory.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, October 16 1839.
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 Jonathan Merrifield is borne on "a Return of Capt. Joseph Pettengill's Company in the 38 th Regt. of Foot Commanded by Lieut. Col d Loammi Baldwin, encamp't at Stewall's Point Sept. 27 th 1775," as a Private from Milton. Said Return is signed, "Errors excepted, Joseph Pettengill Capt." The name of Joseph Merrifield is borne on "An exact account of the Number of Men in the 10 th Company, in the 38 th Regt. of Foot Commanded by Lieut. Col d Loammi Baldwin, who are intitled to the pay for the month of September 1775," as a Private; Amount due £. 2: Said account signed. "Ann s Thompson. S t "
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Claremont June 1. 1840 Hon J. S. Edwards
Sir
Yours of the 18th of April last in the case of Miss Hannah Merrifield was received. Having been in Boston, I went last week to Dedham and Milton and carefully examined the Town records and also those of the Episcopal Church of which the Rev William Clarke was former- ly Pastor — There were but few records of Marriages in the Town books in Dedham during the years of 1774, 75, & 76, and these were all solemnised by Justices of the Peace — I also examined the records of Milton for the purpose of finding a record of the intention of Marriage of Jonathan Merrifield and Hannah Lepson, from 1772 to 1787 there were no records of intentions of Marriages recorded, and but few of any other records during that time — I then called on the Rev Samuel B. Babcock Pastor of the same church and Society of which the Rev Mr Clarke was formerly, he informed that all the books and papers belonging to the Society were in his possession so far as he had any knowl- edge, which I carefully examined, there were no records prior to the year 1792, and these were made by the Rev Mr Montague, who succeeded the Rev Mr Clarke in the ministry of that Church. — The Rev Mr Babcock informed me that his Society had been for some time in search for the former records, and during the past

week he had received from same one which was accidentally found, a copy of a memorial in the hand writing of the Rev Mr Colashe to the english gov- -ernment asking for a Pension in consequence of the loss of his personal property and papers by the Rebels in the Town of Dedham, which I think was dated in 1777. If a copy of the memorial referred to, should be wanted it can be soon furnished — Am making further enquiry I could find only one person, who could give me any information in relation to the Marriage of Jonathan Merrifield and Hannah Lesonie, that was Mr Jeremiah W. Tuttle who now lives on the farm which was formerly his Father's, his house was distant twelve or fifteen rods, from that which he informed me was in 1775 owned by the Father of Jonathan Merrifield, who has affidavit thereto enclose.
I found Mr W Tuttle to retain his faculties rem- -arkably well for a man of his age, from the char- -acter which I learned that he sustained, and the manner in which he gave his affidavit, I consider him entitled to full credit.
Previous to my leaving for Boston I requested from Mrs Merrifield the names of those that went with them (if any) at the time she was married, I re- -ceived for answer that there was only one person accompanied them, and that was a young lady by the name of Rhoda Sumner.
On examining the records in the Town of Dedham I found the following in their books — "Intention of Marriage

between Mr Joshua Kingsbury of Dedham and Miss Rhoda Sumner of Milton August 6. 1776." I made enquiry of Mr M c Intosh respecting Ms Sumner, he informed me that she married Joshua Kingsbury, that she died about fifteen years ago and that Mr Kingsbury died in 1838.
I have endeavored to give you a true statement of the case as I have found it on a personal examination. In the absence of the records it appears to be all that can be furnished in her case. That I have any knowledge of - I made enquiry of Mr M c Intosh in relation to a farther period of Jonathan Merrifield services, he informed me that he had no knowledge of more than 8 months. If there were any it must have been after he removed to East Hartford C.C. I made farther enquiry of him respecting Jonathan Merrifield's owning real estate which might enable me to find some record where his wife's name was joined in the conveyance. Mr M c Intosh told me that said Merrifield never owned any real estate to his knowledge, that he hired a house in Milton which they lived in, at the time he called and saw his wife in the summer and fall of 1775.
Where this may come in course of examination at your department, if it should not be deemed sufficient, will you have the goodness to inform me, if any other facts, amendments or additions to the affidavits would be of any use  be among sufficient -
With considerations of esteem -
I am very respectfully yours Uriel Dyer

ca
apc 6-1540
free
W. H. Moore J. S. Edwards Carr of Pensions Washington City, D. C. Memphis
John A. R. [?]

Clavement March 31. 1840
Dear Sir
In my communication accompanying the papers of Mrs Hannah Merrifield I mentioned that I was going to Boston soon, and was in hope to find further evidence in her case -
I have recently been to Boston and called on J. Smith Baille Esqr. He informed me that he well recollected Jonathan Merrifield, he worked for his father at Milton Falls, a manufacturing paper - at the commencement of the Revolutionary War. Said Merrifield with several other hands in his father's employ went into the service, he thinks in 1775. He would not recollect the officers, he then being from 13 to 14 years of age. He also informed me that he thought said Merrifield was with in 7th in Col Joseph Basse Regiment. Elijah Basse was Lieut. Col. The above was all he could recollect respecting his service, which was not sufficiently definite to make an affidavit.
He also informed me that he was well acquainted with the Rev Mr Clarke, previous to the commencement of the Revolution he preached, at Dedham, Milton, and at a place now called Stoughton, near Dedham - at the commencement of the Revolution the above said Mr Clarke stopped preaching, in consequence of his sentiments at that time, not corresponding with

that of the community, he could give me no direction. which would enable me to find any papers that the Rev Mr Colborne might have left. he presumed they had gone into the hands of his descendants, which does not enable me to establish the marriage by any thing to be found on record.
If the affidavits furnished, are not satisfactory, that the aforesaid Jonathan Merifield & wife lived together as husband & wife and raised a large family of children, other evidence on that point can be furnished. there can be no question as to that fact -  that point -
any thing farther that may be wanted in her case, I will endeavor to furnish on receiving a line from you -
With considerations of esteem I remain very respectfully yours
Hoag L. S. Edwards.
Unice Deane

I Josiah Stevens of Colchester in the County of Sullivan and State of New- Hampshire aged 55 years of age and say that my father carried on the manufacturing of paper with Mr Coalt of Hartford Connecticut - Since then they commenced Mr Jonathan Merrifield removed from East Hartford Co ty in to this town with his family - which was in the year AD 1794 or 95 according to the best of my recollection and worked in the Paper Mill for my father. He then had a family of four or five children some of them grown up - The aforesaid Jonathan Merrifield continued to work for my father in his paper Mill till the time of his death except such in- tervals as his sickness prevented - The aforesaid Jonathan Merrifield died in this town the year as near as I can recollect -
His Widow Hannah Merrifield with whom I have been well acquainted with has resided in this Farm most of the time till within a few years with some of her children who continue to reside here. I have frequently been informed that the aforesaid Hannah Merrifield now resides in Hartford Connecticut -
Josiah Stevens

State of Massachusetts Sullivan p.
Gloucester Feb. 15. 1849.
Personally appeared before me Uriel D. Dean an of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Sullivan. Josiah Stearns, who I hereby certify is a credible witness and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him signed is true.
Uriel Dean

I Richard Ellis of Dedham in the county of Norfolk and commonwealth of Massachusetts, hereby certify and say, - that I am at this time the clerk of the town of Dedham, and have the custody & keeping of the Records thereof. And that I have carefully examined the same, and can find no trace of the Marriage of Jonathan Merrifield & Hannah Lefner thereon. Feb. 10. 1840.
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss - February 12 th - 1840 - Then the above named Richard Ellis Clerk of of the Town of Dedham and a credible witness, subscribed to, and made oath, that the matter by him certified in the foregoing statement, by him so subscribed, is just and true - Before me - Richard Ellis Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. County of Norfolk.
I Jonathan H. Cobb Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Norfolk, hereby certify that William Ellis is a Justice of the Peace within the County of Norfolk & that his signature in this paper is genuine & true.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court of Probate this twelfth day of February A.D. 1840 Jonathan H. Cobb
Reg. Probate Co. of Norfolk

I Eliel Parmely of Clarmont in the County of Sullivan and State of Northampshire aged 71 years and upwards, depose and say, that in the year AD 1795 I carried on the shoe making business in this village and according to the entries on my books now in my possession I did work for Jonathan Merrifield who then worked for Capt Josiah Stevens in his Paper Mill. I was then well acquainted with Mr Merrifield, wife and family. wife and family. They then had several daughters, one by the name of Hannah, one by the name of Polly and by the name of Charlotte. and one by the name of Lina. Hannah & Polly were never grown. I do not recollect whether they had any sons. The aforesaid Jonathan Merrifield died in Clarmont according to the best of my recollections, but the year and month I cannot recollect. His Widow Hannah Merrifield has resi- -ded in this town till within a few years with some her children, who now reside here.
Eliel Parmely
State of Northampshire Sullivan p
Clarmond February 15 AD 1840 Personally appeared before me
Uniel Dean one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Sullivan, Eliel Parmely, who I hereby certify is a credible witness, and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him signed is true
Uniel Dean

State of New Hampshire } Sullivan County ss. }
I J. M c Gilmore Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature of the County and State aforesaid do hereby test that Uriah Dean is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 11 th day of June 1836 and will expire on the 10 th day of June 1841. and that his signature written written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said County this 1 st day of February A. D. 1840.
J. M c Gilmore Clerk

I Jeremiah McIntosh of Dorchester in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged 89 years and upwards depose and say that I was well acquainted with Jonathan Merrifield. That his father and mine lived near neighbors and were like brother up school mates together. That when the aforesaid Jonathan Merrifield became of sufficient age he went to live with Mr James Boice of Milton to learn the trade of paper making.
That in the forepart of the season of the year 1775. I was informed that the aforesaid Jonathan Merrifield had enlisted in to the service of the united States for eight months. That during the summer of 1775. I should think it was in June or July of that year, it was the common report that the aforesaid Jonathan Merrifield was married to a young lady by the name of Hannah Lefner with whom I was well acquainted. During the last part of the summer and fall of the same year, I frequently called at their house in Milton and saw his wife but do not recollect of seeing the aforesaid Jonathan Merrifield at home. It was the common report that the aforesaid Jonathan Merrifield was paying attention to the aforesaid Hannah Lefner a long term before I heard the report of their marriage. That they were married there can be no doubt.
In the last part of the winter or early in the spring of 1776 the aforesaid Jonathan Merrifield and family removed from Milton to East Hartford in the state of Connecticut. In the month of September 1776. I was on a march to White Plains in the state of New York, I called to see the aforesaid Jonathan Merrifield and wife at Hartford Connecticut.
Witness C. Cleveland. Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Jeremiah McIntosh
Norfolk County ss
On this 26th day of May AD 1840. Personally appeared before me Ired Cleveland
Esquire a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Norfolk, Jeremiah McIntosh (who I hereby certify is a credible witness) and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed

is true according to the best of his recollection Ira Cleveland.
NORFOLK ss.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,
Ernest Sampson
I, JAIRUS WARE , Clerk of the Judicial Courts, being Courts of Record, within and for the County of Norfolk, hereby Certify that Ira Cleveland Esquire,
is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk aforesaid, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified to discharge the duties of said office, and that his signature to the annexed certificate is genuine and true.
In Witness Whereof, I have subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth aforesaid at Dedham, this twenty sixth day of May A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty  forty
Ernest Sampson Clerk