Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7394, for Abraham Morrill, New Hampshire

SERVICE
NUMBER
N. H.
Morrill, Abraham
R 7394
CONTENTS
Blank lined area for handwritten entries.
Blank lined area for handwritten entries.

State of New York Monroe County ss: Personally appeared before me a justice of the peace Abraham Morrill who being duly sworn, deposeth & saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades: First: Three weeks. 2 d Four months. 3 d Two months and one week: That he served each of the above periods as a private & for such ser- vice he claims a pension. This deponent further says that the clergyman whose certificate is annexed to his declaration lives in the town next adjoining the one in which which he resides. That he attends the church in which he preaches and that it is the nearest church to his residence. He further says that he knows of no person living who can testify to his services in the revolution- ary war, as is stated in his declaration hereto annex- ed.
Sworn to and subscribed this { 6 th day of June 1833 before me Abraham Morrill A. S. Alexander S. P.
State of New York Monroe County ss: I certify that Alexander S. Alexander Esq. before whom the above affidavit was sworn, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the peace in & for said county, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe that his name subscribed to said affidavit, is his proper hand writing and signature - Witness my hand and official seal this sixth day of June 1833. Leonard Adams Clerk

State of New York Monroe County
SS: On this twenty seventh day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty
Three personally appeared in open court before Peter Price James Smith & Samuel Castle Judges of the court of common Pleas in and for the county of Mon- roe aforesaid. now sitting Abraham Noinill a resident of the town of Ogden in the county and state aforesaid aged seventy seven 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 Con- gress passed June 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named offi- cers and served as herein stated. That he was born in the town of Canterbury in the county of Rockingham and state of New Hampshire in the month of January in the year one thousand six hundred and fifty six. and lived in said town of Canterbury until the close of the revolutionary war that when about twenty two years old and in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven about the middle of June of said last mentioned year the region of country in which this deponent lived was alarmed by General Burgoyne's coming up lake Champlain with a powerful army. It was expected that Burgoyne would attack the fort at Ticonderoga and on that account the militia and minute men of which he was one were called upon to march to the place last aforesaid. This deponent fur- ther says that at the time last above mentioned he turn- ed out and marched directly from Canterbury aforesaid mostly through a wilderness to Ticonderoga and as he thinks he was under the jurisdiction of one Ebenezer Webster a captain of the militia. That when he arriv- ed at or near Ticonderoga the garrison at the fort sur- rendered and he soon returned home with his com- pany having been in service at this time nearly three weeks. He further says that he cannot recollect the officers who were with him on his tour to Ticondero- ga. he recollects they were not very well organized on that march.
This deponent further says that immediately on his return to Canterbury from Ticonderoga aforesaid he enlisted in General Stark's brigade and marched
Asbley Johnson Agent Rochester N.Y.

On Wall - 2mo. Y-44
27
Through the western parts of New Hampshire crossed Connecticut river at Charlestown and went through a part of Vermont to Manchester and remained there a week or more and then went to Bennington and there remained until after the battle at that place. This deponent was in the battle at Bennington in which Baum the commander of the British forces was mortally wounded and his army was principally killed or taken. Immediately after he was engaged in battle with a reinforcement commanded by Colonel Braham and after a smart engagement the enemy gave way and the darkness of the night put a stop to the pursuit. He further says that his officers on this tour were Colonel Stickney, Major Head, Captain Sias, Lieutenant Merrill & Ensign Foster. This deponent further says that soon after said battles Gen. Starks joined Gen. Gates army at or near Stillwater in New York when the time for which this deponent & others had enlisted was about expiring. General Starks paraded his brigade and his soldiers were solicited by Gen. Gates and other officers to continue longer in the service for they soon expected a general battle. This deponent further says that at this time Captain Sias turned out with three of his men and this deponent was one of the three. He further says that this general battle took place in a short time afterwards but this deponent was not in the fight but was a short time before ordered out on a scouting party to guard a place where it was thought the enemy might attempt to escape. This deponent further says that he continued in the service until the time of his reenlistment or for which he volunteered had expired when he was dismissed by Gen. Gates at Saratoga. Precisely how long he was doing duty at this time he does not now recollect but he recollects it was the last of October when he arrived home so that he must have been in the service at this time about four months.
This deponent further says that as near as he can now recollect about the last of June or the first of July in the year seventeen hundred and seventy eight the militia in Canterbury aforesaid and in that region of

On Roles - June
Country was called upon to go to Rhode Island - That this deponent went with them but whether he was drafted or whether he volunteered he does not now recollect. He together with his company immediately set out and marched through the South part of the state of New Hampshire and through Massachusetts into Rhode Island to a place called Bristol and remained there a short time and then marched over to the Island where he encamped and remained until about the last of August when our Army retreated off the Island. This deponent further says he was on the picket guard when our troops retreated they marched off the Island into Bristol where he remained until dismissed by a commanding officer who he does not now recollect. He has likewise forgotten the other officers who commanded at this time but he recollects that general Sullivan commanded a part of the time. This deponent further says that to the best of his recollection he got home some time in September of said last mentioned year and that he was in service at this time about two months and one week.
This deponent further further says that he acted as a minute man in the town in which he lived for two years or more during which time he was frequently called out for short periods. He further says that he does not know but his name may be in the War department on the rolls of the militia of the state of New Hampshire for a part of his service in the war. This deponent further says that he knows of no person now living who can testify as to his services in the revolutionary war. He further says he has now no record of his age but thinks the time of his birth is recorded in the said town of Canterbury.
This deponent further says that soon after the war he removed to the town of Wheelock in the state of Vermont where he lived about twenty years. He then removed to the town of Bloomfield in the County of Ontario & state of New York where he lived about five years. He then moved to Lima in the County of Livingston in said state of New York where he lived

about seven years. he then moved to the said town of Ogden where he now lives.
This deponent further says that he is quite feeble and his memory is so much impaired that he cannot recollect distinctly many things which were clear in his mind a few years since. He further says that he has for a long time been acquainted with Jonathan Hinckley & James Hill who reside in his neighbourhood and have for a long time known him. He further says that he never received a written discharge from any of his officers as he now recollects. He further says that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not to his knowledge in the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me - J. Cutler Sps. clerk
Abraham Morill
WE Jonathan N. Hinckley a clergyman residing in the town of Parma in the said county of Monroe and James Hill residing in the town of Ogden in said county of Monroe hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abraham Morill who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy seven years of age: that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution. and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid J. Cutler Sps. clerk
Jonathan N. Hinckley
James Hill
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Jonathan N. Hinckley who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Parma in said county of Monroe and that James Hill who has also signed the same is a resident in the said town of Ogden and is a credible person. and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Daniel Adams clerk of the court of Monroe common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Abraham Morill for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office This 27 th day of March 1833 - J. Adams Clerk.

23996 Abraham Morde
NYork
J. C.
23996
Ashley Garrison Rochester NYork

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Abraham Morrill Munroe County New York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1777 March 21 priv. Capt Webster 77 years Rockingham Traditionary Evidence   Enlisted 1777 about 2 7 priv. Genl Stark County of Certificate of 2 Fibers   priv. Col. Stickney State of No reason given   1778 about 2 7 priv. Capt Lias New Hampshire for not having serving Ackn.   priv. Genl Sullivan  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
The deponent says that he serv. 2 years as minute Man, and was frequently call'd in that time into service

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ 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.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons one of whom should be the nearest clergyman , if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Abraham Merrill Reg. 7394
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Summer 1776 was minute man N.H.   Aug. June 1777 3 weeks Pvt. Benjamin Webster   Immediately after 4 mos Benjamin Seas Stickney   June or July 1778 2 mos 1 wk in militia no officers stated  
The claim was rejected as six mos service was not proved as required by the Act of June 7, 1832, under which he rejected.
Battles engaged in, Bunker Hill Residence of soldier at enlistment, Canterbury, N.H. Date of application for pension, Feb 27, 1833 Residence at date of application, Ogden, Monroe Co. N.Y. Age at date of application, born at Canterbury N.H. Jan'y 1756 died Sept 19, 1845 Remarks: There were three children no names are stated.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

34.227
In the matter of the application of Abraham Morill for a Pension under act of 1832
Statement of applicant & Certificate of Genl. R.
Capt. Genl. - 1777 -
Hon. T. Childs RR

State of New York Monroe County ss
On the fourth day of October 1837. Personally appeared before me the Court of Common Pleas of the said county of Monroe, being a friend of mine and having a seal. Abraham Morrill, a resident of the town of Ogden in the County of Monroe aforesaid, aged Eighty one 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 provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
That the deponent first enlisted as a volunteer, at Can'tbury in the State of New Hampshire in the Summer of 1776. and continued as a Minute Man in the service of the United States until the first of May 1777. At which time, the deponent marched under the Command of Captain Ebenezer Webster, for Tienderoga, until we met the American Army on the retreat within a few miles of Tienderoga. Captain Webster's Company then returned to Can'tbury and deponent immediately enlisted into the Army of the United States under the Command of General Starks; the deponent was a private in Captain Starks Benjamin Starks Company Col. Stickney Regiment. Deponent marched with the Army under the Command of Genl. Starks, through the Western part of New Hampshire, across the Connecticut River into Vermont, and encamped at Manchester. While there, & then marched to Bennington, and while there, deponent, with the Army was engaged in a Battle with the enemy on the sixteenth day of August 1777. After this battle, deponent marched with the

Army under the Command of General Stark And joined the Main Army under the Command of General Gates at Saratoga, New York. And then as the term of General Stark's enlistment was about expired, we were solicited And as no other engagement was expected, we were solicited by General Gates, in person, to remain through the contemplated engagement. Dependent with his Captain, Benjamin Sias, and a considerable part of Genl. Stark's Men, turned out and stayed under the Command of General Gates until after the battle in which some part of the Army were engaged, and until the surrender of the enemy under General Burgoyne. The dependent with the rest of Genl. Stark's Men were then discharged, and dependent returned to Canterbury.
In the summer of 1778. and as dependent thinks about the first day of July. this dependent enlisted into the New Hampshire Militia, under the Com- mand of General Whipple. And marched to Rhode Island and joined the Army under the Command of General Sullivan, and remained there until about the first day of September, when the Militia were discharged and dependent returned home, a distance of about One hundred fifty miles. Dependent cannot recollect the name of the officer Commanding the Company or Regiment, in which he last served. They were strangers to dependent when he enlisted, and dependent not having any particular acquaintance with them afterwards has forgotten their names. The dependent thinks that whole time of his service in the amounted to about Eight months, exclusive of the time he had himself as a private man. as aforesaid - Dependent resided at Canterbury during the whole of the Revolutionary war.

He hereby relinquishes any claim at law to a pension or an annuity except the pension and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any Agency in any State or Territory - And the said Court do Given to this 4 th day of October 1857 in open Court -
Abraham Morrill Sam l G. Andrews Clerk
We Samuel Gilman a Clergyman residing in the town of Ogden in the County of Monroe N.Y. and James Hill of the same place do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abraham Morrill who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be Eighty one years of age. That he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution. and in that opinion we concur.
Given to this 4 th day of October 1857 in open Court -
Sam l G. Andrews Clerk
Samuel Gilman James Hill
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier served as he states -
I Samuel G. Andrews Clerk of the Court Quay of Common Pleas of the County of Monroe State of New York, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Abraham Morrill for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto

Set my hand and affixed my seal of Office this fourth day of October in the year One thousand Eight hundred and thirty Seven — Saml G. Andrews (Seal)

I Thomas Hoyt of Danville in the County of Caledonia & State of Vermont aged Seventy five years, depose & testify that I have been acquainted with Abraham Merrill of the town of Canterbury, New Hampshire & now residing in Ogden in the County of Monroe & State of New York, from childhood to the present time. That about the first of May A.D. 1777 (this de- ponent & the said Abraham then both residing at said Canter- bury) the said Abraham enlisted under Captain Ebenezer Webster into the army of the United States and marched as this deponent understood to Ticonderoga - That immediately after the return of said Abraham, he the said Abraham enlisted into the company of Capt. Benjamin Sias of Louden and marched to Bennington with others under Genl. Stark and as this deponent understood & believes, was in the battle of Bennington and remained there & in the region of Bennington & Saratoga in the service of the United States until after the surrender of Burgoyne, and returned home according to the best knowledge & belief of this deponent about the last of October 1777.
That this deponent believes that said Abraham enlisted again in the summer of 1778 & went to Rhode Island, but he cannot recollect any of the particulars - and further this deponent saith not.
Thomas Hoyt
State of Vermont } Caledonia County ss. } Danville June 14 th 1837 Then personally appeared Thomas Hoyt, signer of the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath that the said deposition is true - Before me
Samuel Justice Peace
I certify that Thomas Hoyt who has subscribed the above deposition, is a man whose character for truth & veracity is good -
Samuel Justice Peace
State of Vermont } Caledonia County ss. } I Samuel P. Mattocks, Clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Samuel Sias Esq. is a justice of the Peace in & for said County duly commissioned & qualified that his com- mission was dated on the 10 th day of November 1836 & will expire on the last day of November 1837 & that his signature above written is genuine. Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this 14 th day of June A.D. 1837 in Sam P. Mattocks Clerk

Mem J. L. Edwards

No. Rep - May 19 - 3h
Rev. J. L. Edwards
Sir.
I believe I transmitted to you your a paper of Mr. Monell, spoken of in the enclosed letter - Will you oblige me, by saying what is the fate of the application - yours affectionately Lemuel Child

Im at Oct 10
N.Y.
Am Marshall
Two shirts -
Mr J. L. Edwards
Commissioner
Washington City
Jim Cheadle Am
AR

Oct 9 - 37
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir -
Will you please give to the enclosed papers, on examination, and inform me of the result
Yours J. Childs —
Washington City —

In at May 19.
Monell M rs .
Hon. J. L. Edwards
con. 7
Washington -
Hon. J. M. Childs A. R.

Know all men by these presents that I, James Hill of the Town of Ogdens in the County of Monroe and State of New York Administrator of Abraham Morrill deceased late of the same place, do hereby constitute and appoint Clinton Farnham of the Town of Atkinson in the County of Wyoming and State aforesaid my true and lawful Attorney and Agent to obtain for me as such Administrator the amount of Pension due to the said Abra- ham Morrill in his life time from March 4 th 1831 to the day of his death which was September 19 th 1845 And the said Clinton Farnham is hereby further empowered to present the said claim for a pension
The said Abraham Morrill left him surviv- ing Nine Children who are now living and I the said James Hill as such Administrator am directly interested in the said claim for a pension
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal July 16, 1854
In presence of J. B. Skinner 2 nd
James Hill
State of New York Wyoming County ss. On this 23 rd day of July in the year 1854 before me personally came John B. Skinner 2 nd the subscribing witness to the above power of Attorney to me well known who being by me duly sworn did depose and say that he resided in the Town of Atkinson in said County. That he knew James Hill, the individual described in

and who executed the said Power of Attorney, that he was present and saw the said James Hill sign his name and deliver the same - as and for his act and deed - And that the said James Hill acknowledged the execution thereof - Whereupon the said John B. Skinner became the subscribing witness thereto - And the said Skinner did further depose and say that the said James Hill was directly interested in the claim for a portion set forth in said Power of Attorney - as he is informed & believes
James G. Floyd Justice of the Supreme Court
I do hereby certify that the above named James G. Floyd before whom the within Power of Attorney was acknowledged and who has above thereto officially subscribed his name was at the time of so doing a justice of the Supreme Court of the said State of New York duly commissioned and sworn and authorized by Law to administer oaths and to take acknowledgments -
H. P. Newman Lute M. C. NY
Abraham Merrill NY Br.
James Hill To M c Intire Farmham Power atty

New York Recd.
Abraham Morrill
Rejected
see letter to
Ashley Samson
24 Sept. '33
Oct 7. June 1832

New York Abraham Morris Letter to Hon. J. Childs 20 Oct. '37 Same - May 2d. 1838
7394

I wish to know the B. A. T. R. Society can you tell me anything in regard to Abraham Morrill who went to the war from Canterbury N. H. was he joined? I wish to know that. I am a legal descendant and oblige

Miss Ida Merrill Winterport Maine July the Ninth

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by AW July 14. 11
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant _____
Soldier Abraham Merrill
Service _____
Additional Service Rev.
No _____ claim, State records _____, 191_____
No claim, combination records _____, 191_____
REMARKS:
no claim except R 7394

1911 July 15 Hist. Soc. Lib Merrick V.I.M.
Acts of July 14, 1902, and March 3, 1903.
739H
P. O. Abraham Morrill
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Mass
Morrill, Amos
$21,390
CONTENTS

15790
Massachusetts Amos Morrill
That as in the State of Massachusetts who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain + Jenkins of the 2nd Regiment of the Mass. Line in the War of Rebellion for Home?
Cont. Mass.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 60 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of May 1833 and sent to W. W. Cook . Newburyport
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $120 00
Perman. allowance ending Septm  30  00
$150.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Wilkins Clerk Book 2 Vol. 2 Page 53

Anne Morrill
15087

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS : COUNTY OF ESSEX, ss.
On this eleventh day of September A. D. 1832, personally appeared in open court, before the HONORABLE DANIEL APPLETON WHITE, Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Essex aforesaid, now sitting, Amos Morrill , a resident of Salisbury , in the County of Essex and State of Massachusetts, aged 69 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, 1832:
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated:
He first enlisted at Salisbury in the year 1778, and to the best of his present recollection in the month of March, or of April of that year, in the company commanded by Captain Samuel Dine; in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Gerrish, and served in that company as private soldier at Winter Hill in said State three months, and was then discharged at Winter Hill, has no written discharge.
Also enlisted at Salisbury in July, or August of the same year 1778 and soon after his said first service, in the company commanded by Captain Jonathan Cram, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Wade, and served in that company, also as private, in the State of Rhode Island six months, and was then discharged at Rhode Island has no written discharge.
Also enlisted at Salisbury (and to the best of his present recollection in the year 1779) in the company commanded by Captain Stephen Dutton; in the regiment commanded by Colonel Gerrish, and served in that company, also as private, at Greenbush, near Albany, three months, and was then discharged at Greenbush near Albany.
Also enlisted at Salisbury in the year 1780, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Putnam but does not remember the name of the Captain he enlisted under, but was soon transferred to the company commanded by Daniel Shays, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Shepard, and was afterwards transferred back. On the disbanding of that regiment, in which service he was also a private, and served as such in New Jersey and other places six months, and was then discharged at Crossroads .

Warren at Salisbury in the year 1762. record on the town Book, laid at Salisbury when he voluntarily entered the said service - Samuel Nye (a) Edward Dorr (a) Jacob Brown Esquire, can testify to his character for morality and their belief in his revolutionary service. That he now resides in Salisbury aforesaid, has always resided and was born there.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Amos Merrill
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
D. D. Merrill
JUDGE OF PROBATE.
We, Rev d David Daman a clergyman, residing in Salisbury aforesaid, and Jacob Brown Esquire, a magistrate, residing in Salisbury aforesaid, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Amos Merrill who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 69 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 and sworn to before
David Daman Jacob Brown
W. G. Gath, Justice of the peace

And the said Court hereby declares its opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that Rev. Daniel Dammon who has signed the preceding Certificate, is a Clergyman resident in Salisbury and that the said Jacob Brown Ely who has also signed the same is a Magistrate resident at Salisbury aforesaid and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
D. H. White
Judge of Probate
I, NATHANIEL LORD Junior, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Essex aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abner Merrill for a pension. also that William Woast is a Justice of the Peace for the county of Essex, and that his signature to each of the affidavits annexed is genuine; also that Edward Dorr is a justice of the peace for said county, and his signature to each of the affidavits annexed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this eleventh day of September
A. D. 1832.
Nathl. Lord Jr.

Amos Morrill Mass
Phila 18 Months Colln
15087
Mr. Worts Newburyport Mass

BRIEF in the case of 66 of USMC .
Amos Morree in the State of Miss (Act 7th June, 1839.)
 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? 69  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     In 1798 entered 3 Private Col Huse Col Gerrish   " " 6 " Col Evans Col Wade   1799 " 9 " " Jenkins Col Gerrish   1800 " 6 Col Shays Col Shepherd   1 Year 6 Months  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Salisbury Mass  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary and a document and three living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
George Taylor
Examining Clerk.

I Moses Collins, of Salisbury, in the county of Essex, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy five years, on oath do testify and declare, that I am well acquainted with Amos Merrill of said Salisbury, and do know, that he served in the army of the United States, in the war of the revolution in the company commanded by Captain Stephen Merrill, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Gerrish three months, in the year 1779 at Greenbush and other places near Albany - I was also a private soldier in the same company, and served at the same time and places - our enlistment was for three months and we faithfully served that time out.
Newburyport July 12 th 1832
Moses Collins
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss July 11 th 1832 Then Moses Collins above named, who is personally known to me personally known and made oath, in due form of law, to the truth of the above written deposition by him subscribed in my presence.
I do also certify that the said Moses Collins is believed by me to be a credible witness
W. H. ORLE, Dea. of the jury

I Joseph Stevens of Salisbury, in the county of Essex, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged twenty five years and upwards, do hereby testify and declare, that I am well acquainted with John Merrill of said Salisbury, and do know that he was a private soldier in the company commanded by Captain Jonathan Eames, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Wade, and served therein as such in the war of the rebellion, in the State of Rhode Island six months in the year 1861 - I was a private in the same company the same term of time (as termed as enlistment ) Newburyport July 21. 1832 with me W. H. Davis Joseph his Stevens mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Eddon ss. July 21 1832. Then Joseph Stevens above named, who is personally known to me personally came, and made abt. in due form of Law, to the truth of the above written deposition by him subscribed in my presence. I do also certify that the said Joseph Stevens is believed by me to be a credible witness. Y. W. O. L. B. Justice of the Peace

I Richard Brown of Salisbury in the county of Essex and Commonwealth Massachusetts, aged more than seventy years, on oath testify and declare that I am personally acquainted with Amos Morrill of said Salisbury: and I do know that said Amos Morrill did enlist in Captain Huse's Company, Col. Gerrish's Regiment, in March or April, in the year 1778, for three months; and that he and myself did march in company with Lieut. Collins, to Winter-hill in Cambridge, where we joined the Regiment, and that the said Amos Morrill did serve three months faithfully in said Capt. Huse's company.
Dated at Salisbury the twentyfirst day of July, A. D. 1832.
Richard Brown
Sims. H. July 21. 1832. Richard Brown above named, personally appeared before me, and made oath in due form of Law, to the truth of the above written declaration, submitted by him in my presence; and I certify that the said Richard Brown is a credible witness. Edward Dorr, Jus Peace Justum...

Salisbury Sept 10 1832
John Colby
"To Enoch Jackman Constable for Salisbury you are ordered to pay unto our Soldiers who served for the term of six months the sum set against each one's name and take up the notes they have against the town and it shall be allowed you out of the town money in your hands February 11 th 1781"
"Amos Merrill ————— £ 800. —"
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy from the records of the town of Salisbury
Salisbury Sept 10 th 1832
Attest John Colby Town Clerk
Exh. 44. Sept r 9. 1832.
Then personally appeared John Colby and made oath in due form of law that the above written certificate, by him subscribed in my presence, is true: And I hereby certify that he is Clerk of the town of Salisbury; and that he is a credible witness.
Edward Dorr, Justice of the Peace.

Revolution
21390 INVALID.
File No. 21,390
Amos Merrill
Pr Rev M...
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 281
[Arrangement of 1870.]

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Amir N. Steele which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yy II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yy III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yy V. • Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yy VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yy VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yy VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yy IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yy X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yy

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yy
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yy
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yy
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yy
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yy
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? _____
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.