Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 26256, for Jonathan Merritt, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Merritt, Jonathan Mary
W 26256
CONTENTS

1402
Maine
Mary Merritt widow of Jonathan Merritt who was a Private in the Mass line for 12 mo & 26 dy
Rev Aug 8
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 42 Dollars 18 C Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of August, 1843 and sent to Parker Mc Cobb Jr Waldoborough Maine
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 7
+

Act to S. W. Cobb 31 st Oct 1835 Same 11 Feb 1836
Let to Mrs. Mary Merritt Sept. 2 nd 1836
18.265
Name Nathan Merrill of Lincoln Co in the State of Maine who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Loper of the Regt. commanded by Col Warren in the Me. line for 12 mo 26 ds.
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 42 Dollars 86 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of August 1833 and sent to
D. M. Cobb. Waldoboro.
Arrears to the 14th of March 1833. $85.72 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept. 21. 43
$107.15
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 1 Page 34

Jonathan Merritt
18782
18782
No. 100

State of Maine.
LINCOLN, ss—I NATHANIEL COFFIN, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Lincoln, do hereby certify that the annexed paper, signed by the Judge and attested by the Clerk, contains the original proceedings of the Court of Common Pleas, at a special session thereof holden at Waldoboro in said County, by the Hon. John Ruggles one of the Judges of said Court on the seventh day of September A. D. 1832, in the matter of the application of Jonathan Merritt for a Pension. IN TESTIMONY whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this seventh day of September A. D. 1832.
Nathl Coffin
CLERK.

STATE OF MAINE.
COUNTY OF LINCOLN SS.
At a Special Court of Common Pleas holden at Uplandboro's in said County on the Seventh day of September , A. D. eighteen hundred and thirty-two, personally appeared in open Court, before John Ruggles , Esq. one of the Judges thereof,
John Ruggles  Esq. Judge
Jonathan Merrill a resident of Bremen in the County of Lincoln and State of Maine, aged Eighty Eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he
Situate in the County of Plymouth, Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 20 th day of August A. D. 1754. aged about Twenty Eight years, and served as a private Soldier in the war of the American Revolution. For that he entered the Service first at Marshfield, and next at Situate where he served Six months. Three at each place the first time he was engaged in guarding the Sea-coast at a place called the Gurnett. Near Plymouth this he thinks was in the year 1775. the last three months he was at Situate harbour guarding the coast against the enemy and Tories. He further states that he was in a company of Militia, commanded by Capt. Joseph Soper the Col. of the Regt. He does not now recollect but thinks it was Warren of Plymouth. He had no written discharge that he recollects of.
He avers that he again enlisted in the year 1777. in a company commanded by Capt. Hayward Pierce in Situate Col. Cotton's Regt. and marched to Rhode Island where he served one month and Six days in what was called the Secret Expedition at a place called Tiverton . Here he had no written discharge that he remembers of. He avers that he returned to his home again & in the 1778. he again enlisted at Nantasket under a Captain Gile for the term of Six months in the war of the Revolution. The Lieutenant of which company he thinks was Deane, other off. not recollected, here his company was attached to Col. Jackson & Whitney's Regt. a part of the time in each here he served out the aforesaid
Six months, was engaged in building Fortifications and doing other Military Duty. He makes oath that in the whole, he was engaged as a volunteer in the Service of that war, and of his country Thirteen Months and Six days of which he annexes Documentary proof. He was never drafted nor a substitute. He lived in Situate when first called into the Service, from there removed to Bristol in the then District of Maine, about 49. or 50 years ago. which town has since been divided and a new one set off the name of Bremen in which he now lives.

Six months, was engaged in building Fortifications and doing other Military Duty. This makes oath that in the whole, he was engaged as a volunteer in the Service of that war, and of his country Thirteen Months and Six days of which he annexes Documentary proof. He was never drafted nor a substitute. He lived in Silicate when first called into the Service, from there removed to Bristol in the then District of Maine, about 49. or 50 years ago. which town has since been divided and a new one set off by the name of Bremen in which he now lives.
He further avers that he served at Rhode Island - at the time the French Fleet were there at a place called Linton , Bristol, here the whole of the Militia from his section turned out, and marched as a force commanded said, Hechunks Capt. Hayward Pierce, here there is no documentary evidence except what depends on his own oath, on account of the death of Buckworth Pierce and others, who were with him at this time.
Annexed Annexed is a record of his birth and age as certified by the Town Clerk of Silicate. He was known in Bremen to Joseph Osier, and in Walabob to Denny Wobbe and Isaac G. Proton. Says who can testify to his character for truth and veracity and he annexes the affidavits of 3. individuals now alive who served with him, and who on account of their great age and the distance which they live from the Court have given their testimony in this way. Much of his evidence as will be seen by the annexed letter has been lost by the neglect and negligence of Ebenezer Thacher Esq. who formerly was engaged in making out the Pensioners claims - unless the testimony of said Buckworth Pierce &c. which was taken by said Thacher some years ago and now supposed to be lost, has been transmitted to Washington - though said Thacher says he cannot remember what he did with it.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on any pension roll of any agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the agency in the State of
Jonathan Merrill
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Before
John Ruggles
Judge of the Court of Com. Pleas for the State of Maine.

We Denny M c Cobb and Isaac G. Groton of Waldoboro in the county of Lincoln, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Jonathan Merrill who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration. That we believe him to be about seventy eight years of age. That he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Subscribed & sworn to the day and year aforesaid.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatives prescribed by the War Department) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
And the said Court further certifies that Denny M c Cobb and Isaac G. Groton Esqrs who have sworn to the foregoing certificate, are residents in Waldoboro, the former of whom is Collector of the post, and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Courts of Record and Court of Common Pleas for Lincoln County, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension. J. B. G. P.
Attest Nath l Coffin Clerk
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this _____ day of _____ A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty-
Clerk of the Courts of Record and Court of Common Pleas in Lincoln County.

11 This may certify, that it doth appear on the Publick Records of the Town of Scituate, that Jonathan Merritt son of Obadiah Merritt and Deborah his Wife was born August 20 th 1754. —
Ebenezer Bailey Town Clerk of Scituate Scituate, (Mass.) Aug t 11 th 1832 —

I Nehemiah Manson of Siluate in the county of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts aged Seventy One year, do testify and say, that Johnathan Merritt of Bremen in the county of Lincoln, and State of Maine, but formerly of Siluate Mass. served with me one campaign of one month and Six days, in the war of the American Revolution at Rhode Island in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy Seven, in capt N. Hayward Pierce Company, and in Col. Cottons Regiment, and was the Secret expedition, so called.
Nehemiah Manson
Plymouth 30 august 18-1832 Then the above named Nehemiah Manson made oath that the above declaration by him subscribed is true before me.
Samuel C. Turner Just. Pean.
And I certify that I have been personally acquainted with the above named Nehemiah Manson for several years, and that he is a credible person.
Attest Samuel C. Turner Just. Pean.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Plymouth Yr. I Jacob H. Lord Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Plymouth being a Court of Record hereby certify that Samuel H. Tupper Esquire before whom the within affidavit was taken is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Plymouth & th his name thereto is his true & genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the Seal of said Court this twenty ninth day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two.
Jacob H. Lord
Johnathan Allen Esq. Deputy Clerk J. H. Lord

I Luther Daman of Situate in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts aged Seventy Six years, do testify, and say that, I, Johnathan Merritt of Bremen, in the County of Lincoln, and State of Maine, served with me one Campaign of Six months in the war of the American Revolution at Nantasket as a private soldier, in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy eight in a company commanded by Capt. Gile, the Lt I think was a M c Lean, other officers not recollected, and were attached to Col. Jackson's & Whitney's Regiments, a part of the time in each. Luther Daman
- Plymouth ss August 11-1832 Then the above named Luther Daman made oath that the above declaration by him subscribed is true before me in
Samuel H. Turner Just. Peace.
And I certify that I have been personally acquainted with the above named Luther Daman for many years and that he is a credible person.
Albert Samuel H. Turner Just. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Plymouth ss. I Jacob H. Lord Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Plymouth, being a Court of Record hereby certify that Samuel A. Sumner Esq before whom the within affidavit was made is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Plymouth & that his name with his subscribed is his true & genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twenty ninth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two.
Jacob H. Lord
Fuller D. Sumner Deputy for Johnathan Hunt

1748 old Our childrens edge August 29 th then was born our first Child Hannah 1750 May 11 th then was born the second Child Lucy 1754 August 20 th then was born the third Child Jonathan 1756 June 21 st then was born the fourth Child Charles 1757 July 21 st then was born the fifth Child Malachi 1759 July 26 th then was born the sixth Child Sarah 1760 October 18 th then was born the seventh Child Luke 1761 Sept r 20 th then was born the eighth Child Gamaliel 1763 August 30 th then was born the ninth Child Deborah 1765 August 15 th then was born the tenth Child Malachi

Hannah Merritt died Jan'y 22 nd 1763
Charles Merritt died July 26 th 1756
Luke Merritt died October 22 nd 1760
Melicki Merritt died April 21 st 1763
Gabriel Merritt died April the 1 st - 1818
Obadiah Merritt died Sept 13 th 1794
Aged 70 years
Deborah Merritt died April 18 th 1805
Aged 82 years.
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original source.]

4 2
42 86 4  171.44 21.43  192.87
18982 Johnathan Merritt Maine
14. May 33 07. 76. P. 395.
Adm't 18982 12 mo; 26 ds 40 \frac{2611}{2811} 
2.86
D. M c Cobb Waldoborough Me

BRIEF in the case of Jonathan Merritt 60 ... of Lincoln  in the State of Maine  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 78  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. Gen.     In 1795, enlisted 8 20 Private Capt. Soper Col. Warren   1797 " " 1 6 " Capt. Pierce Col. Cotton   1798 " " 6 " Capt. Gile Col. Jackson   12 26  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Marshfield  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary three living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?  The papers are not attached agreeably to the regulations. 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
42 Sept 35
George S. Dyer
Examining Clerk.
28.334 113.32 14.18 127.48

2335
Declaration
Mary Merritt
Bremen
Sept 01 1838.
M o
Ret. 7 July 38
Married '84
Died in '36
acmd
12 mo. 26 ds pri
$42.86/100
No deduction
Denny McCobb Walston Mr.

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, of the 7th July, 1833, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
STATE OF MAINE—LINCOLN, ss:—
On this Twentyth day of September 1833 personally appeared before the Honorable Nathaniel Grooton Judge of Probate within & for the County of  Lincoln  Mary Merrill A. B., a resident of Bethlehem in the county of Lincoln aged Seventy Six 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 7, 1833, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Jonathan Merrill who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution. That he first enlisted into Captain Joseph Dyer's Company to guard the sea coast at Plymouth, the date of his enlistment & the period of his service is unknown to her. That he next enlisted in the year 1777 into a Company commanded by Captain Rice Col. Col. Col. Regiment, and was marched to Rhode Island, and stationed at a place called Tiverton. This was what was called the Secret Expedition. She next enlisted in 1778 at a place called Mantasket for a period of six months, & served in Capt. Dyer's Company, and attached to Col. Jackson's & White's Regiment a part of the time in each. All of the services above stated are more particularly set forth and described in the original Declaration made on the fourth day of November 1832 to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of 7th June 1832 on which said declaration a Certificate of Pension was granted & which has subsequently been returned to the Pension Agency at Portland. The Declaration and evidence on file in the War Department from applicant now respectfully referred in support of her claims. She further states that her maiden name was Mary Hilton that she was married to her said husband by Rev. Alexander McCain a gospel Minister in Pownal on the first seventeenth day of January July seventeen hundred & eighty four. That she is now his Widow and has never intermarried with any other person since his death.
She further declares that she was married to the said Jonathan Merrill on the First day of July in the year seventeen hundred and eighty four ; that her husband, the aforesaid Jonathan Merrill died on the Seventeen day of January A.D. 1836 ; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz: at the time above stated.
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before
Mary Merrill Nathaniel Grooton Judge of Probate for the County of Lincoln

Ensign Merritt of Rumford in the County of Lincoln and State of Maine aged thirty six years on oath testifies and says that my mother Mary Merritt is the widow of Jonathan Merritt late a Revolutionary Pensioner who died on the Monday day of January A D 1836, and that the said Mary my mother is now a widow, and has never intermarried with any other person since the death of my father Jonathan Merritt which took place as above stated. Ensign Merritt
State of Maine County of Lincoln
On this Thirtieth day of September A D 1835. Personally appeared the above named Ensign Merritt and cause of the above deposition to be reduced to writing and the same having been read to and by him understood he signed the same solemn oath to the same as true. I further certify that the said Ensign Merritt is a man of truth & veracity and that his statements made under oath are entitled to full faith & credit & belief.
D W H M G S S for Peg

"the intention of marriage Between Mr Jonathan Merit & Mary Weston Both of this town Published May twelfth one thousand Seven hundred eighty four"
I Henry Chamberlain hereby certify that the above is a true extract from the Records of the town of Bristol with the exception of date which is expressed in fair legible figures as follows viz "May 12 th 1784"
Henry Chamberlain Town Clerk of Bristol
I Henry Chamberlain of Bristol in the County of Lincoln & State of Maine of lawful age do testify & say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk of said Town of Bristol, & that I have in my possession the Records of said Town & that the above extract from the Records of said Town is a true extract with the exception of the date as above certified by me - I further state that I do not find the Marriage of Jonathan Merit & Mary Weston recorded in said Records & that in the particular of Record of Marriages said Records appear to be very deficient that prior to the year one thousand eight hundred only about one in twenty of those recorded on said Records as published are also recorded as Marriages
Henry Chamberlain Town Clerk of Bristol

State of Maine
County of Lincoln ss
On this twenty-sixth day of September A.D. 1885. Personally appeared Henry Chamberlain who being sworn, made oath to the truth of the certificate signed by him. Further certify that to the best of Henry Chamberlain's knowledge and belief that his statements made under oath are entitled to full credit and belief.
DWIGHT M. GOSNELL Judge

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 Jonathan Merrill , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. W. 26256.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     July 25 1775 5 mos. 20 days Pvt. Joseph Doper. Warren Mass.   Oct. 1776 4 mos. William Barker Hall   Hayward Peirce   Sept 25 1777 to Oct 18. 1777 Hayward Peirce Theophilus Cotton   1778 6 mos. Teles Jackson & Whitney  
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Scituate Plymouth Co., Mass.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 7. 1832. Her claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Brewer, Lincoln Co. Maine.
Age at date of application, born Aug 20. 1754, in Scituate, Plymouth Co., Mass.
Remarks: Son of Obadiah and Deborah Merrill. He married in Bristol Lincoln Co. Me., July 1. 1784 Mary Hilton, he died Jan. 17, 1836: and she was at pen on an ap. Ex Sept 20. 1838 while a resident of Brewer, Me aged 76 years. They had several children: Ensign, 36 years in 1838 only name mentioned.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Declaration
Jonathan Merrill
Bethel
Maine
26.66 1.66 28.33
Denny Merrill Waldoboro Maine

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By His Excellency JOHN DAVIS, Esquire, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth.
To all whom it may concern:
Know Ye, That Samuel A. Turner Esq r is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Plymouth;
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned, and that to his Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, the fifteenth day of October A. D. 1834, and in the Fifty ninth Year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor.
Edward D. Bangs Secretary of the Commonwealth.
John Davis

I Kuehlin Bates of Scituate in the County of Plymouth and State of Mass. the aged ninety eight years do testify & say that Jonathan Merritt of Wrentham, State of Maine, last formerly of Scituate aforesaid was a soldier in Capt. William Barker Company of Militia in 1776, & in the fall of that year marched with said company to Bristol Rhode Island, where he served four months, a part of the time with Capt. Barker, & a part with Capt. Hayward Pierce, I recollect of his returning at the end of the term, having returned myself about one month before him, - which service was in the war of the Revolution. -
Kuehlin
his mark Bates
Plymouth - 11 October 11 - 1834 Then personally appeared the above named Kuehlin Bates and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed. -
Before me Samuel C. D. Turner Just. Peace
And I further certify that I have been acquainted with the above named Kuehlin Bates for thirty years, and that he is a credible witness. Sam. C. D. Turner Just. Peace

I Mary Colman of Scituate in the County of Plymouth and State of Mass ts aged Seventy Seven years do testify & say that I have been acquainted with Jonathan Merritt of Bremen County of Lincoln, & State of Maine for Seventy years, and that in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy six in October I think it was Capt n Williams Barker of Scituate aforesaid marched with his company to Bristol Rhode Island as was said for a four months campaign. M c Merritt above named was a near neighbor of mine and I am knowing to his having served the whole of that campaign with Captain Barker, and Capt n Hayward since I recollect that M c Merritt was published to a lady a neighbor of mine when he marched off with the company, and of his returning soon after upon a short furlough and was married, further my Father Richard Bates of Scituate aforesaid was orderly sergeant in said company I saw him and Merritt when he went & when he returned, at the end of the term, which service was in the war of the Revolution.
Mary Colman
Mark
Plymouth 11 October 11-1834 Then Personage appearing the above named Mary Colman and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by her subscribed. Before me Sam l D. Turner Dist ct Clerk
And I certify that I have been acquainted with the above named Mary Colman for twenty five years and that she is a credible witness. Sam l D. Turner Dist ct Clerk

State of Maine. County of Lincoln ss. At a Probate Court held in Waldoborough, in and for said County, on the twentieth day of September A. D. 1838.
Be it known that Mary Merritt of Bremen in said County and widow of Jonathan Merritt deceased, per- sonally appeared in open court, the same be- ing a Court of record and keeping a record of Wills and estates of persons deceased within the same County and caused the annexed declaration to be reduced to writing and dic- tated the same under oath and the same being read and understood by her, she acknowledged her name thereto and made solemn oath that the same and every part thereof was true.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name as Judge of said Court and af- fixed the seal thereof the day aforesaid.
Nathl. Groot Sprague, Probate for the County of Lincoln.

1437 Declaration Mary Merritt
$42:86 per ann
Parker McCall Esq Waldoboro Maine.

STATE OF MAINE.
LINCOLN, ss.
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
I, Jacob Smith, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts
within and for the County of Lincoln, do hereby CERTIFY that
John T. Eastman Esq.
whose name is affixed to the annexed paper as
a Justice of the Peace
is legally commissioned and duly qualified to act as such; and that the name, so
affixed is his own proper signature, to me well known.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the
SEAL of the District Court for the Middle District
Court this twenty third day of May
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty three
Jacob Smith CLERK.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 3d March 1823, granting Pensions for one year to certain Widows who have received Pensions under the act of July 7. 1835.
State of Maine } County of Lincoln ss }
On this Twelfth day of May A.D. 1835 personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in the County of Lincoln and State of Maine Mary Merritt a resident of Brunswick in the County of Lincoln aged Eighty one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, takes on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3d March 1823 granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the Widow of Jonathan Merritt who was a private during the Revolutionary War; that she was appointed as the Widow of the said Jonathan Merritt at the rate of thirty two dollars per annum under the act of July 7. 1835, which was paid to her at the Agency in Portland in the State of Maine. She further declares that she is still the Widow of the said Jonathan Merritt having remained unmarried ever since his death.
Witness, P. Melcher
Mary her Merritt mark
Amelia Thompson

Sworn to & Subscribed this Twelfth day of May A.D. 1852 Before me
John Hartney Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the declarant Mary Merrill is personally known to me to have been personated under the Act of July 7, 1838, and is the reputed Widow of Jonathan Merrill deceased and has remained unmarried ever since his death
John Hartney Justice of the Peace

Jonathan Merrill M c art y June 42 86 /100. when paid? Scott W. sum
Nov 28. '38
p o to 4 days 1835
1H

Jan 29 Haldoboro Maine free Jany 28
Mr. Hon James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
for other news

Waldoboro, January 22 d 1856.
Hon J. S. Edgcomb, Commissioner of Pensions Sir,
Jonathan Merrill, an applicant for an increase of Pension, (the certificate & accompanying papers being on file in your Office) having deceased, I will thank you to enclose the papers in his case as directed to me as soon as may be convenient.
I am Very Respectfully Your Most Obt Servant
DWIGHT H. STOKES

J. Merrill
J. L. Edwards
Leomyn's Assigns.
Washington
District of Columbia
Sept 1. 1826

Bremen August 15 th 1836
Dear Sir Since the decease of my husband who Jonathan Merritt a Pensioner who died January 17 1836 & his widow applied to Henry Melobb for the remainder of the pension he refused to pay it saying he had received a letter from Washington department Pension Office that my husband had received more than his due and refused to pay My husband's Certificate was 12 months he received annually only $42-86 per annum which was less than any others drew for the same number of months & he also stated that those widows could not draw any thing after the decease of their husbands decease Dear Sir I should not have troubled you had not poverty and want driven me to this therefore I beg you would let me know if this is the case that my deceased husband drew more in his life than he was entitled to and if widows do not draw 6 months after their husbands decease I beg you would notice this petition and let me know your humble servat Mary Merritt widow J. L. Edwards

I am afraid there is fraud in D Breech from all the proceedings these things seem to be mysterious I beg you will condescend to let me know the particulars and pity the distress of the aged widow 75 years and if there is any thing coming to me from Left 4th Nov 19 I am very ready and should like to receive it is but little
Yours Respectfully Mary Merrill Wood J L Edwards

To what time was Jonathan Merritt pri. 42. 8 3 / 4 paid at the Maine agency under the act of 7. June 1832?
W. W. C.
Feby 2 1836
To the 20th Sept r 1835.
S. H. Hill.

Jonathan Merrill
Payments to be made at Portland by Pres. & U.S. Br. Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Maine
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book C Vol. 1 Page 34 by W. L. Williams Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Jonathan Merritt of the State of Maine who was a Private in the Revolutionary war
is entitled to receive Forty Two dollars and Eighty Five cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this Third day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Three
John B. B. Lee Acting Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
W. L. G. ...

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th June, 1832.
State
DISTRICT OF MAINE, } COUNTY OF LINCOLN, } ss.
On this fourth day of November personally appeared before the John Jeremiah Bailey Judge of Probate in & for the County of Lincoln State of Maine in Open Court
Jonathan Merrill a resident of Bremen in the County of Lincoln and State of Maine, aged Eighty years,
who being duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832.
That he resides in Bremen in the County of Lincoln & State aforesaid and of made application for a Pension under the act of 7th June 1832, and was thereupon placed on the Pension List, as is more particularly described in his original Declaration made on the 7th of Sept 1832, and in which said Declaration his Pension Certificate No. 18265 and dated at the War Office at Washington August 3 d 1832, was granted. That he served for the period of four months in the Army of the Revolution in addition to the services claimed in the former Declaration and which service he did not make oath to, in said Declaration, in consequence of his being then unable to find any person who knew of this service. That since said Declaration was made & his Pension Certificate was granted, he has been enabled to find two living witnesses who can testify to his having served in the War of the Revolution for the term of four months in addition to services claimed under his former Declaration. He therefore declares on oath, that he was a soldier in Capt. Wm. Barker's Company of Militia of Scituate in the State of Massachusetts, and marched from said Scituate sometime in the month of October 1776 to a place called Bristol in the State of Rhode Island where he served until sometime in February 1777 being a period of four months that he served part of the time in Capt. Barker's Company, and part of the time in Capt. Heyward Pierce's Company he thinks Col. Hall's was commander of the Regiment at this time. He was principally engaged while there in guarding the coast and doing soldier's duty - that he received no written discharge but was discharged by word of mouth. He further declares that he has served his country faithfully 17 months 46 days - 13 months 76 days as made oath to in his former Declaration and 4 months in the present one. He further on oath declares that he has made personal application to the Secretary of State in Boston for evidence of this particular service the Rolls of which Company could not be found. That he has no other evidence of this service except what depends on his own oath and the affidavits of Wm. Bates & Mary Colman hereto annexed together with his Pension Certificate.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is
Jonathan Merrill
Sworn to and subscribed to the day and year aforesaid.
J. Bailey Judge of Probate for the County of Lincoln And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. J. Bailey Judge of Probate for the County of Lincoln
I John Anderson Register of the Court of Probate aforesaid do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Jonathan Merrill for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this fourth day of November A. D. 1834.
John Anderson Register of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, June 6 th , 1833.
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 Merritt is found as a Private, on a Pay-Roll of Capt. Joseph Soper's Company, in the Massachusetts service, stationed on the Sea-Coast, having enlisted July 25, 1775, - where he is allowed five months and twenty days' service. — Jonathan Merritt's name is found also, as a Private, on a Pay-Roll of Capt. Hayward Peirce's Company, in Col. Theophilus Cotton's Regiment, on the Expedition to Riverton, being drafted Sept. 25, 1777, and discharged October 28, 1777, where he is allowed one month and six days. — Jonathan Merritt's name is found also, as a Private, on a Pay-Roll of Capt. Joseph Clift's Company, in Col. Josiah Whitney's Regiment, having marched July 29, 1778, and is allowed one month and nineteen days.
m. d. 5 " 20
1 " 6
1 " 19
8 " 15
End of L
Mr. Merritt claims for services in addition to the last mentioned, to complete six months, under Colonels Jackson and Whitney; - but the rolls for which are not found in this Office.
Edward D. Bangs Secy

I Barnabas Webb of Scituate in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts aged seventy nine years, do testify and say that, Johnathan Merritt of Bremen in the County of Lincoln and State of Maine, but formerly of Scituate aforesaid served with me one campaign of six months in the war of the American Revolution, in State Militia at Scituate and Marshfield Viz, three months at Marshfield and at the garrison so called, near Plymouth the other three at Scituate, guarding the sea board, in the year seventeen hundred and forty five, in a Company commanded by Joseph Soper and were attached to Col. the Regiment and further saith not. Barnabas Webb
Plymouth Februart 11-1832 Then the above named Barnabas Webb made oath the above declaration by him subscribed is true before me.
Samuel H. Turner. Just: Peace And I certify that I have been personally acquainted with Barnabas Webb above named for many years, and that he is a credible person. Attest Samuel H. Turner Just: Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Plymouth Ys. I Jacob H. Lord Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Plymouth being a Court of Record hereby cer- tify that Samuel A. Turner Esq. is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Plymouth & that his name subscribed to the within affidavit is his true & genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this twenty ninth day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two.
Jacob H. Lord
Samuel A. Turner Justice of the Peace for the County of Plymouth

I John Paine of Thomaston in the County of Lincoln and State of Maine aged seventy five years, on oath depose and say that I have been for many years acquainted with Mary Merritt who is now about twenty six years of age, her maiden name was Mary Hilton — In the month of July, A D. 1784 the precise day I do not recollect, I was present at the dwelling house of Mr James Wilson of Bristol in said County and witnessed her marriage with Jonathan Merritt by the Rev Alexander McClain, a settled minister of the Gospel in said Bristol, and after her marriage she lived with the said Jonathan Merritt as his wife, and they raised up a family of children — I have often heard the said Jonathan speak of his serving in the revolutionary war as a soldier, and am knowing that he was a Pensioner and that he died some time in the year A D 1836 — the said Mary Merritt as I have been informed is now living as his widow, and has not intermarried with any other person
In Testimony whereof I have here to set my hand. This 24 th day of September A D. 1838
John Paine
State of Maine County of Lincoln ss. On this twenty fourth day of September A D 1838 Personally appeared John Paine abovenamed & reduced to the foregoing deposition to writing, and the same being understood by him, he subscribed his name thereto, and made solemn oath that the same was true. I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the said John Paine and that he is a man of truth & veracity & his statements under oath are entitled to full credit & belief. Dwight M. Cobb Jun. Clerk

Maria - 1250
Mary Merritt widow of Jonathan Merritt, a who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 Jan '32 and who died on the 17 th Jan. 1836 of Linn - in the State of Maine who was a P. in the Comp y commanded by Captain Loper of the Reg t commanded by M c Lean in the M c Lean line for 12 June 26 yrs
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 42 Dollars 86 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1838
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of Oct '38, and signed Jerry M c Cobb, P. at Boston, Me.
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept - $ 107 15 Semi-annual allowance ending 21 43 $ 128 58
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by R. Runn Clerk, Book A Vol. 1- Page 15.

Mrs Mary Morris Payment to be made Bremen at Portland by Andrew, Esq. Agent for paying Pension- ers in the Agency of Maine
Payable on the 4th March and 4th September in each year thereafter. First pay- ment to be made 31st De- cember, 1838
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A Vol. 1- Page 15- by !
R. Burdick Clerk

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Five years Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Mary Merritt of Maine widow of Jonathan Merritt, deceased who was a Private during the Revolutionary War and died on the seventeenth day of June 1836, is entitled to receive five years' pension at the rate of forty two dollars and eighty six cents per annum, commencing on the fourth day of March, 1836; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this first day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight
J. R. Poinsett
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Chief Justice Cushing Chapter
D. A. R.
Bot 223 (from env.)
St. Scituate, Mass.,
Mar. 4. 1918
Dear Sir.
As registrar of our chapter, I appeal to you for facts. A member of our chapter, Mrs. Geo. F. Welch wishes to make out supplemental papers on the service of three of her ancestors.
They are these Nehemiah Merritt, his father Jonathan Merritt & Atwood Mott, all of Scituate.
As I cannot find the date of death of either of these three persons, in Scituate Vital records, I appeal to you to know if any of the three names are found on the Rev. Pension Rolls?

Chief Justice Cushing Chapter B. A. R.
If 20 facts there given might prove the date of death. Kindly furnish what infor- mation you can.
Yours very respectfully (Mrs Edwin O) Sarah R. Stoddard Registrar.

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26256
Mary Merritt Widow of Jonathan Merritt Brimfield Mass
Act: Mar 3rd 1843
Index:—Vol. 11 , Page 44
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1915 Jan 18: History to Mrs E. Clark: letter in 17 1843 Clark S.F. 17341 Mxx
1918, mch. 13. History to Mrs. Edwin Q. Stoddard F.W.