Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 2871, for Benjamin Morrell, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
New Jersey
Morrell, Benjamin
S. 2871
carded.
CONTENTS

22225
Kentucky
By Benjamin Morrell of Fayette Co in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the co. commanded by Captain Gyle of the regt commanded by Col Brayly in the War of 1812 for 18 months & 20 days
W.F. Line. Records corrected July 3rd Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 61 Dollars 66 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of Oct 1833 and Charlton Mount Lexington
Arrears to the 4th of Sep $154.15 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 March 30 83 $184.98
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Sam Boyd Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 24
He died Jan. 12-1838 A B

No 25378
Benjamin Morrill Fayette County Kentucky
from 1776 private 18 months & 10 days.
$61. 66 100
12332
3083
154.15
Charlton Hunt Lexington Kentucky

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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 subjained 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 Benjamin Morrill Fayette County Kentucky
   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.     Called Nov. 1776 - 2 - priv. Capt Hinton, Col Smith. 73 years Hunternown Traditionary & one Witness   Called - 1777 - 1 12 " Capt Gyle, Col Brayley County paper correct   Called June 1777 - 1 - " Capt Gyle, Col Phillips N. Jersey   Called Sept. " - 2 - " Same Officers & Lt. Heard   Called July 1778 - 1 - " Col Sully   Served April 1778 - 1 - " Ensign Riggs   Called June 78 - 1 - " Capt Gyle, Col Phillips   Enlisted April 1779 - 6 - " Capt Green, Col Taylor Battle of Monmouth   Called June 1780 - 1 - " Genl Green, Capt Gyle   Aug. 1780 - 1 - " Capt Phillips   Called Sept. 1780 - - 28 "   18 10  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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.
[n] 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.
[o] 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.
[p] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[q] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[r] 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 pensions 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.
[s] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[t] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[u] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[v] 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.
[1] 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.
[2] The notes from [a] to [v] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [1] applies to continental troops only.
[3] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[4] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[5] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

1 Declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832.
State of Kentucky
Fayette County Sch. 3
On this 13 th day of May 1833 personally appeared in open court, before the Fayette County Court, now sitting, Benjamin Merrill, a resident of Fayette County and State of Kentucky, aged seventy-three years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following names officers and served as herein stated. He was called out in the Militia in October or November 1776 at the time that the British under Genl Howe were pursuing Genl Washington through New Jersey on the way to Trenton at which time there was a general call for the Jersey Militia. He lived at that time at Hopewell, Hunterdon County, New Jersey: Lieut. Houlton was the Captain of the Company, in which affiant entered but he was out of service and did not return until the Company marched. Lieut. Ralph Gyle commanded. Benj. Stout was the ensign of the Company but did not go out. Isaac Smith of Trenton was Colonel: he was marched to the lower landing at Trenton where they were occupied two or three days in transporting the army across the Delaware. Our regiment was stationed at Farley's ferry four miles above Trenton on the Pennsylvania side of the river. The main army was at Newtown four miles in the interior. Our regiment was composed of light troops and we frequently crossed the river and skirmished with the enemy. There were not more than fifty men in our regiment. There was an artillery company with us at the ferry under the command of Capt. Neil. We were guarding about two miles along the river with sentries stationed night and day.
A few men were taken from our Regiment to act as guides for Washington when he attacked the British at Trenton upon the 26 th of December. They returned and we were occupied in laying up our boats in the Delaware in a place of safety. We continued at the river until the last of January 1777 when he was discharged and returned home having been in the service about two months.
late in March 1777 affiant still living in Hunterdon County was called out into the Militia under Capt. Ralph Gyle, Lieut. Wm Park, Ensign Timothy Brush: Joseph Phillips Col. Benj. Brayley Major and Lieut. Col. Isaac Houlton. He was marched through Somerset County to old Raritan river, where we were engaged in guarding the country against the enemy stationed at Brunswick. He remained there about six weeks and was discharged.
2 About the last of May or first of June 1777, when the British left New Brunswick to go to Philadelphia, affiant still living in Hunterdon County, he was again called out in the Militia under Capt. Ralph Gyle, Lieut. Wm Park, Ensign Timothy Brush, Col. Jos. Phillips, Lieut. Col. Isaac Houlton and Major Brayley. We rendezvoused at Maidenhead Township, Hunterdon County and marched to Amwell Township and on to Somerset mountain in front of the British.
The militia who had previously taken protection under the British, now returned to their allegiance to the United States and joined the army in great

illery company with us at the ferry under the command of Capt. Steel. We were guarding about two miles along the river with sentries stationed night and day.
A few men were taken from our Regiment to act as guides for Washington when he attacked the British at Trenton upon the 26 th of December. They returned and we were occupied in laying up our boats in the Delaware in a place of safety. We continued at the river until the last of January 1777 when he was discharged and returned home having been in the service about two months.
Late in March 1777 affiant still living in Hunterdon County was called out into the Militia under Capt. Ralph Gyle, Lieut. Wm Park, Ensign Timothy Brunk: Joseph Phillips Col. Benj a Brayley Major and Lieut. Col. Jos. Scullon. He was marched through Somerset County to old Raritan river, where we were engaged in guarding the country against the enemy stationed at Brunswick. He remained there about six weeks and was discharged.
2 About the last of May or first of June 1777, when the British left Brunswick to go to Philadelphia, affiant still living in Hunterdon County, he was again called out in the Militia under Capt. Ralph Gyle, Lieut. Wm Park, Ensign Timothy Brunk, Col. Jos. Phillips, Lieut. Col. Jos. Scullon and Major Brayley. We rendezvoused at Maidenhead Township, Hunterdon County and marched to Amwell Township and onto Soverland Mountain in front of the British.
The militia who had previously taken protection under the British, now returned to their allegiance to the United States and joined the army in great numbers. Genl Washington was at Middlebrook upon the rear and flank of the enemy, who endeavoured to prevent our joining the main army under Washington, but we made our way safely to the point of the Mountain immediately opposite to Middlebrook and about a mile and a half from it. General Sullivan joined us the next day with the army.

under his Command. There we lay several days until the enemy took up their line of march from Brunswick to New York. The light troops to whom I belonged with some Continental troops pursued them upon their left flank through Bownbrook and kept near them for several days, sometimes in sight and firing upon each other; we pursued them nearly to Woodbridge, when we were relieved by troops sent by Washington and was then discharged after being out about a month.
About the month of August or September 1777 affiant was again called out in the Militia under the same officers as above, in the Brigade commanded by Genl Beard: we rendezvoused at Trenton and marched to Elizabeth to meet the British who had marched there to prevent the Militia of Jersey from joining Genl Washington who had gone to meet the British army that had landed at Elkton: before we reached Elizabethtown the enemy had retreated: we remained there a few days and then were ordered back to Trenton and our Brigade was sent immediately back to Elizabethtown for fear the enemy should again march down upon it, the battle of Brandywine having been fought a short time before. We remained there until late in October or first of November when the forts along the Delaware were taken by the British and their shipping passed up to Philadelphia, when affiant was discharged, it being about two months from his entering with the exception of three weeks that he was allowed to visit home whilst stationed at Elizabethtown.
About the last of January or first of February 1778 he was again called out and his Ensign, Timothy Bruck, commanded the portion of the company that was called out. Seeley was Colonel: we were sent to Elizabethtown to guard the Coast and after remaining a month were discharged.
In the month of April 1778 affiant went out with some light troops under Ensign Samuel Biggs to Caresham meeting house opposite Philadelphia and were engaged a month in scouting up and down the river: we were sent to Morristown with the prisoners we had taken, and discharged.
In June 1778 the whole militia of New Jersey were called out upon the evacuation of Philadelphia by Genl Clinton who took up his line of march for New York. Affiant entered under Capt n Gyle, Lieut Park, Ensign Bruck, Col o Phillips, Col o Scullers & Major Brayley: we marched down and met the British at Mount Holley and continued in their front or upon their flank until we reached Monmouth Court House where an action took place which continued during the better part of the day, but the main action was fought between 12 & 2 O'clock. Affiant fired his gun several times during the engagement. We drove the British to their fleet and were then discharged having served about a month.
In the spring of 1779 most of the enemy had gone to the South from New York, and Genl Sullivan was left to guard the country from Amboy to Passaic falls, but he was sent against the Six nations of Indians in the Susquehanna Country and every tenth man was required to enter the service for six months. Affiant enlisted in this Corps in June 1779 under Captain Joseph Cunn. Sayler was Colonel: we marched to Elizabethtown where we remained six months and were then discharged: Cunn understood the manage-

In the morning of April 17 th 1864, I went out with Sergeant Morris under the command of Samuel Riggs to Carceham meeting house opposite Philadelphia and were engaged a month in scouting up and down the river: we were sent to Morris town with the prisoners we had taken, and discharged.
In June 1778 the whole militia of New Jersey were called out upon the evacuation of Philadelphia by Genl Clinton who took up his line of march for New York. Affiant entered under Capt. Gyle, Lieut. Park, Ensign Brunk, Colo. Phillips, Col. Scullon & Major Brayley: we marched down and met the British at Mount Holley and continued in their front or upon their flank until we reached Monmouth Court House where an action took place which continued during the better part of the day, but the main action was fought between 12 & 2. O'clock. Affiant fired his gun several times during the engagement. We drove the British to their fleet and were then discharged having served about a month.
In the spring of 1779 most of the enemy had gone to the South from New York, and Genl Sullivan was left to guard the Country from Amboy to Passaic falls, but he was sent against the Six nations of Indians in the Susquehanna Country and every tenth man was required to enter the Service for six months. Affiant enlisted in this Corps in June 1779 under Captain Joseph Clun. Taylor was Colonel: we marched to Elizabethtown where we remained six months and were then discharged: Clun understood the management of artillery and his Company manned two pieces.
In June 1780 he was again called out in the militia and marched to Springfield from whence the British were driven to Elizabethtown by Genl Green who had gone there with a strong detachment from the main army; he continued around the enemy to cut off their retreat into the country

try: after serving a month, he was discharged. Kniphausen Commanded the British detachment. Cap t n Gyle, Lieut Park, Ensign Burts, Colo Phillips, Houlton, Major Brayley & Genl Heard were again my officers.
In August 1780 he was again in the militia and went under Cap t Phil Phillips to Morristown Ruckasunny plains to guard the stores belonging to the Continental army: after serving a month he was discharged
About Christmas 1780 or early in 1781 at the Pennsylvania revolt I was called out and stationed at Princeton to prevent stragglers from going to New York; after serving about four weeks he was again discharged
He lived in Hunterdon County each time that he entered the service. He served once with Colo Shreiner's Continental Regiment opposite Philadelphia which is the only occasion when he served much with regular troops. He knew Generals Washington, Lee, Putnam, Maxwell, Wayne, Sullivan; Colonels DeHart, Lee, Washington, Cummins, Majors Bloomfield & Anderson & Captains Manning, Anderson & Rudolphs. He has no documentary evidence of his service and knows of no one but John Barlow by whom he can prove his service. He was born in Hopewell, Hunterdon County New Jersey on the 11 th December 1759: he has a record of his age in his bible which he thinks was put there by directions of his mother. After the war he remained in Hunterdon County until 1787 when he came to Lexington Kentucky where he remained a year and then removed to Leroy where he staid till 1790 when he removed to Charleston, South Carolina and lived there till 1800 when he returned to Fayette County Kentucky where he has lived ever since. He never received a written discharge from the service.

remains a year and then removed to Jersey where he staid till 1790 when he removed to Charleston, South Carolina and lived there till 1805 when he returned to Fayette County Kentucky where he has lived ever since. He never received a written discharge from the service.
He refers to the following persons to whom he is known in his present neighborhood who will testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution, John Portillowait, Thomas Bodey, Richard Stiggins, John W. Bunt, John Tilford, Joseph Hickelin, Nathan H. Hall and John Brand.
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.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Benj. Merrill
6
We Nathan H. Hall a clergyman, residing in the County of Fayette and State of Kentucky and Thos. Bodey residing in the same hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Merrill, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy-three 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.
N. H. Hall Thos. Bodey
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 Nathan H. Hall who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the County of Fayette and State of Kentucky, and that Thos. Bodey who has also signed the same is a resident in the County of Fayette and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Thomson P. V. P. F. 6

7
I James C Rodes, clerk of the Court of Fayette County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Benjamin Merrill for a pension. And that Asa Thompson is the eldest and presiding Justice of said County Court. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 13 th day of May 1833. J. C. Rodes C.F.C.
State of Kentucky, Fayette County Set
This day John Barton personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid and made oath that he is well acquainted with Benjamin Merrill, who has subscribed the foregoing declaration. He was born and raised and lived in the same neighborhood, within two miles of him during the Revolutionary War, in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. He understood during the War that said Merrill was in the service upon several different occasions, and at one time saw him upon his return on a furlough from Elizabethtown. He understood that affiant Merrill was upon a tour for six months. Affiant has no doubt from what he understood during the War, that said Merrill served as he has stated above, but in consequence of being a prisoner for six months himself, he never served in the same corps with him.
They both lived in Hunterdon County until 1787, and it was generally reputed and never contradicted, to the knowledge of Affiant, that said Merrill was a soldier of the Revolution.
Said John Barton is well known to the Undersigned. He has been for many years a resident of Fayette County, and no man possesses a higher character for truth and integrity. May 21. 1833.
David Bradford J.P.P. 6.
Commonwealth of Kentucky Fayette County Court:
I James C. Rodes clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid, do certify, that David Bradford Esq., who has signed the foregoing Certificate, is and was, at the date, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly qualified as the law directs, and that his signature is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County at the City of Lexington this 22 nd day of May 1833. and in the 41 st year of the Commonwealth.
J. C. Rodes C.F.C.
8

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
AWF/HEM
May 19, 1930.
Ida Morrell Fore 369 Hampton Road Piedmont, Alameda County California.
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 2871, it appears that Benjamin Morrell was born December 11, 1759 at Hopewell, Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
While residing in Hopewell, New Jersey, he served with the New Jersey Militia as follows:
In the fall of 1776 two months in Captain Joab Houghton's Company, Colonel Isaac Smith's Regiment; in 1777 four and one half months in Captain Ralph Guild's Company, Colonel Joseph Phillips' Regiment; in 1778 three months in Captain Ralph Guild's Company Colonels Seeley's and Phillips' Regiment, and was in the battle of Monmouth; in 1779 six months in Captain Joseph Clunn's Company Colonel Taylor's Regiment; in 1780 two months in Captains Phillips' and Guild's Companies, Colonel Phillips' Regiment, and was out one month at the time of the Pennsylvania Revolt.
He lived in Hunterdon County, New Jersey until 1787, then in Lexington, Kentucky one year; "Jersey" until 1790; Charleston, South Carolina until 1805, then Fayette County, Kentucky.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 13, 1833, at which time he was living in Fayette County, Kentucky.
He died January 13, 1838.
There are no data as to family.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

Stamp Enclosed
369 HAMPTON ROAD PIEDMONT, ALAMEDA COUNTY CALIFORNIA
March 4-30
To The Pension Bureau Washington, D. C. U.S. Will You kindly Mail to me at your convenience what you may have concerning one Benjamin Worrell a minor officer in the Revolutionary War, under Washington, I understand; at the Battle of Monmouth was wounded & returned.

369 HAMPTON ROAD PIEDMONT, ALAMEDA COUNTY CALIFORNIA
a later date.
Does the name of John new  Mc Kinny of South Carolina appear in the Revolutionary War records? Served under Francis Marion. I shall appreciate this kindness very much Yours faithfully
Ida-Mornell Ford

Rev. Soc
Piedmont Dec. 25- 1914
No 444 Mountain Avenue.
Alameda County California
To the Commissioner of Pensions.
My dear Sir.
I desire the record of services, as Revolutionary Soldier one John McKinney who served in the Army from South Carolina. also

one Benjamin Mowell who intited from New Jersey and lived in South Carolina and in Fayette Co Kentucky.
The John McKinney whose record I wish served as a private in Captain Hawkins Boon's Company: Colonel Daniel Morgan's Rifle Regiment—Continental Troops. also in Major

James Parr's Company. He was born in South Carolina and died in Illinois in about the year 1844.
The above record would be greatly appreciated
Yours are very Truly
Mrs Chas W. Gorn

Rev War
2871
INVALID.
May-7-1901 J. Morrell AD Oakland Cal
File No. 2871
1915 Jan. 6. History to Mrs. Charles W. Forester 1930 May 19. HRS to Ida M. Forester.
Benjamin Morrell Pr. R. C. Line
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. A , Page 262
[Arrangement of 1870.]
N. J. Line Records corrected Feb 9 '04

Glenn Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
I have been directed to your department for information of an ancestor of mine - Morrel or Morel who was a pensioned Soldier of the Revolutionary War .
I only know that he settled at Raleigh N. C. and lived both in Kentucky and Linn. Any further information of such person - or rather the

unified information would be gratefully received.
Yours very truly
J. Morrel Fore
1414 Franklin St
Oakland
Calif.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Morrell a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his ( on his sides ) application for pension on file in this Bureau. S. 2871
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Oct 1776 2 mos. Isaac Houghton Isaac Smith N.J.   1777 4 1/2 mos. Ralph Guild Isaac Smith   1778 3 mos. Major Isaac Smith Isaac Smith   1779 6 mos. Isaac Smith Isaac Smith   1780 2 mos. 1st Lieut. Isaac Smith Isaac Smith   at Pa. Revolt Isaac Smith Isaac Smith  
Battles engaged in, Monmouth
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Hunterdon Co. New Jersey.
Date of application for pension, May 13, 1833. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Fayette Co., Kentucky.
Age at date of application, born Dec. 11, 1759, at Hoboken Hunterdon Co. N.J.
Remarks: Places of residence: Hunterdon Co. until 1787; Lexington Ky. 1787; "Jersey" until 1790. Charleston S.C. until 1805, then Fayette Co., Ky. He d. Jan 13-1838 A.B. No family data.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.