Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2835, for Thomas Merritt, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Merritt, Thomas Anna
No. 2835.
CONTENTS

Dead. See letter to O.P. Ballard July 21. 1835— Letters to Same and Pen agt. Oct 17. 1835
N o 18533 Pennsylvania
Thomas Merritt
of Bradford Co., in the State of Penn a who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Carr of the Reg t commanded by Col. Clinton in the N. York Troops line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 20 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12. day of Sept. 1833 and sent to A. Merritt Esq. P.M.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833 50.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4. March 1834 10.00
$ 60.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book E. Vol. 5 Page 39

Pennsylvania
Anna Merritt
widow of Thomas Merritt decd.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 — and who died on the 23 Novr 1834 — of Bradford in the State of Penn a who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Cox of the reg t commanded by Col. Clinton in the N. York line for 6 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia at the rate of 20 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of April 1840, & sent to Almerin Ken- rick, Troy, Penn a .
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1840 $80.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep r 40 10.00
$90.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
let 17 April 1840 to A. Kenrick

State of Pennsylvania / Bradford County / of September
on this 29 th 1832 Personally appeared before me the Sub- one of the associate judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Bradford & State of Penn
Thomas Merritt a resident of Troy Township in the County of Bradford & State of Pennsylvania aged seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oaths make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 that he was born in Feb 13 th 1758 in New Marlborough in Ulster  Dutchess County in the State of New York & the that he entered the Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War (he thinks) in the year 1775 - by volunteering as a minute man in the Company commanded By Captain Stephen Cass in a Regt commanded By Col Clinton in the Militia of the State of New York & held himself in readiness with three days Provisions in advance & the necessary war accoutrements & was marched to Fort Mont- gomery (he thinks) in July 1777 & was employed in Building Fort & was in Service about half a month & was discharged at Fort Montgomery had no written discharge again (the year not recollecting) he was marched to Fort Montgomery & was employed in Building said Fort about half a month & was dismissed at Fort Montgomery had no written discharge he again (he thinks) in 1778 he was marched to Fort Montgomery & was employed about half a month in assisting to build Fort Montgomery & was dis- missed at Fort Montgomery had no written discharge Same time after the last mentioned time he was a few days at Low Point to Guard the Fort in the absence of Garrison he was called on & marched to (the year not recollecting) Mamma Katting in the State of New York to Guard the Frontiers & was in the Service one Month & was relieved by another Company that arrived & were dismissed without a written discharge & went home the year Following the last mentioned time

he was marched to Nipemock in the State of New York to Guard the frontiers & was in Service about a month & was relieved by the arrival of other Troops & was dismissed by the arrival of other as before mentioned & went home he again (the year not not recorded) was marched to Harvey Hill in the State of New Jersey & was in Service about half a month & was dismissed without a written discharge the next Fall (the year not recorded) he was marched to Mindners Creek & was employed in erecting Chencypacktion in the River near West Point & was in Service one month & was dismissed without a written discharge & that he refused to hire several men to go into the Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War towards the end of the War he lived in New Marlborough in the State of New York when he was called into Service the various times has no record of his age he says his memory has failed that he cannot be more more particular in further States that from the time he first volunteered as a minute man he held himself in readiness & considered himself bound to go into the Service of his Country at any time when called on until the end of the War has no documentary evidence of his Service doesn't know as any one is living that can prove his Service has no record of his age has lived since the Revolutionary War - again in the year in which Fort Montgomery was taken he was engaged about a month on the River Hudson to prevent the British from landing as they were then on the River was dismissed without a written discharge during his Service he remained in the South Company & right to which he was attached when he first volunteered he states the names of James Ward James Merritt Zeece Dunbar & Howard Spalding Esq of Troy in his neighborhood as persons to whom he is known who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his Services as a Soldier of the Revolution

In hereby acknowledges every claim whatsoever 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 Given to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid Thomas Merritt J. M c Ream appointed judge Bradford County State of Pa
We James Ward Jonathan Scott residing in the township in the County & State aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Merritt who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be eighty four years of age that he is retired & lived in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a servant of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion James Ward Given & subscribed before us September 29 th 1832 J. M c Ream Jonathan Scott appointed judge Bradford County Pa
I certify that the months given on the Hudson River is not inserted in the property here in consequence of a mistake in copying the original declaration taken in this case J. M c Ream Dec 1 st 1832 Appointed judge  Bradford County Pa
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania } Bradford County } ss Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Bradford, Thomas Merritt, 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 period

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Bradford County ss.
I, James O'Ball, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that John McKean whose name is subscribed to within several certificates, is and was, at the date thereof a duly qualified Judge of the said Court. Witness my hand and official seal this 21st day of January A.D. 1833
J. O'Ball
mentioned below, and in the following grades: - For Six months I served as a Private; and for such service I claim a pension; that there is no Clergyman living in my immediate vicinity, and that I am unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity.
Thomas Merritt
Sworn to and subscribed this fifth day of July 1833.
Chas. Barnes J.P.
Declaration
of
Thomas Merritt
24306
Thomas Merritt Application for Pension
And the said John McKean, Judge as aforesaid, does hereby declare his 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; that he is unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, & that there is no Clergyman in his immediate vicinity. And he further certifies that it appears to him that James Ward who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in the Township of Troy & State of Pennsylvania; and that Jonathan Scott, who has also signed the same is a resident in the Township and State aforesaid, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
John McKean Judge
Bradford County ss. I, James O'Ball, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Thomas Merritt for a pension; and that the above named John McKean is an associate Judge of the said Court and that Brimhall Barry who signs the above certificate is recognized in said Court as a Justice of the Peace. Witness my hand & official seal this 15th day of July 1833.
J. O'Ball

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th. July 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of } Ss. Pennsylvania }
On this thirtieth day of December October A.D. 1838, personally appeared before the Subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Bradford Anna Merritt, a resident of Troy in the county of Bradford aged seventy six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the "Act of Congress, passed July 7. 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." that she is the widow of Thomas Merritt who was a private in the Revolutionary War, and who was a pensioner under the act of June 7. 1832. She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Merritt on the 9th. day of November one thousand seven hundred and eighty four; that her husband the aforesaid Thomas Merritt died on the twenty third day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty four; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz: at the time above stated. Anna her Merritt mark
witness Almerin Herrick
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before W. W. Ware

State of } ss. Pennsylvania }
On this thirtieth day of October A.D. 1838. personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Bradford, James Merritt a resident of Troy in the County of Bradford who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that he is the son of the within named Anna Merritt, the applicant for a pension; that her husband Thomas Merritt deceased, died on the twenty third day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty four, and that his widow was never afterwards married.
James Merritt
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before
State of } ss. J. W. M c Rae Pennsylvania }
On this thirtieth day of October 1838 personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Bradford, Andrew Ayres, a resident of Troy in the County of Bradford, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath depose and say that he is the brother of the within named Anna Merritt, the applicant for a pension; that she the said Anna Merritt is the widow of Thomas Merritt deceased, late a pensioner; that he was present at their marriage which took place prior to the year seventeen hundred and ninety four, and which was legal.
Andrew Ayres
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before J. W. M c Rae

I hereby certify that the within named Anna Merritt is unable to attend the Court of Com- mon Pleas by reason of age and bodily infirmity. Troy Oct. 30. 1838.
Jno McKean Judge
I hereby certify that the within named Andrew Byres and James Merritt are persons of credi- bility, and their statements entitled to belief. Troy October 30 1838.
Jno McKean Judge
State of Pennsylvania Bradford County ss
I, Jos C Powell Prothonotary of the Court of common Pleas of Bradford County do certify that Jno McKean is an associate Judge in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal this 31 st day of October A.D. 1838 for J.C. Powell Prothonotary A.S. Chamberlin Dpy
1838 Anna Merritt Pennsylvania

1819. John Atgren - Same year (158) June the 2 nd
to pasturing his mare from June 2 nd til June 27 th 1 00
to three Days plowing with own buck wheat ground 3 75
credit for four days housing barn 3 00
by his mare to plow barn 50
for five days in in harvest 3 75
to fourteen weeks board at one dollar and fifty cents per week
Tobias Cole Dr. Dec 3 rd to wearing sixteen and a Doyards of flannel at 12 3/4 per yard 2 6

John Clifton Dr Dec 3 rd to weaving 6 yds and 22 yds of flannel at 12 1/2 cents per yard 11-6
Mrs Ferriss's Cow Calved June 15 th 1822 (100)  " " "
1825-
Zina Scott Dr to hairtaps - 25 Jonathan Scott Dr to soallth to pair of shoes and out soals for wife paid 1 70 Merritt Scott Dr to rain - 50
Ithaa Role Dr paid 31 cents to two pairs small taps - 34 3
Aldrich Ward Dr to four pairs small leather 62 1/2 1 37 1/2
June 2 nd -
Merritt Scott - Dr to 4 yds Bombazett at 37 1/2 pr 1 50 to 1-bushel salt 1 50
to 8-1/4 of Solether - at - 68 3/4 2 56 148 to one Calfskin - 1-75 1 75 8 to upper for mother 62 1/2 62 1/2 156 2 1/2 Dozen Willow 77

154)
James Merritt was borne April the 25 th A.D. 1792 - - -
Mary Buckhout was born - - January - the 2 nd A.D. 1793 - - James Merritt and Mary his wife was Married November 5 th 1814
John B. Merritt was born September the 3 rd 1815 Son of James and Mary
James Merritt Junr. was born Novm the 24 th 1817 - - -
Susan Ann Merritt was born April 12 th 1820
Samuel Merritt was born April 23 rd 1822 -
Thomas Merritt was born October 12 th 1824
Priscilla Mariah Merritt was born May the 9 th 1827
Jacob G. Merritt was born June 15 th 1830
Eliza Merritt was born February 27 th 1833
James Merritt
Sarah Elizabeth Merritt was born March February 27 th 1833
Dunbar

State of Pennsylvania } ss.
On this fourteenth day of August A.D. 1839 personally appeared before the Subscriber one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Bradford Abigail Ward a resident of Troy in the County of Bradford who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath depose that she is the daughter of Thomas Merritt deceased late a Pensioner, and Anna Merritt now an applicant for a Pension; that she, (the within named Abigail Ward is fifty two years old -
that she has frequently heard her father and Mother both say that they were in the City of New York when General Washington landed there at the time of the disbanding of the Army at the close of the war and that they were married previous to that period
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before
J. M. McKean
Abigail Ward
State of Pennsylvania } ss. Bradford County }
I David Cask Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the County aforesaid do certify that John McKean is an associate Judge in and for Said County duly commissioned and qualified, to continue during good behavior - and that I am acquainted with his signature and believe the foregoing purporting to be his are genuine
Witness my hand and official Seal this 21 st day of August A.D. 1839
David Cask Prothonotary pr J. M. Wattles Dps

State of Pennsylvania } ss.
On this fourteenth day of August A D 1839 personally appeared before the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Bradford, Anna Merritt, a resident of Troy, in the County of Bradford, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath declare that there is no record of her marriage with or to Thomas Merritt deceased late a Pensioner.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before
J. N. M c Lean
her Anna X Merritt mark
State of Pennsylvania } ss.
On this fourteenth day of August A D 1839 personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Bradford, Sarah Scott a resident of Burlington in the County of Bradford, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath depose that she is the daughter of Thomas and Anna Merritt, the latter being an applicant for a pension; that she (Sarah Scott) is fifty four years old.
that she has frequently heard her father and mother both say that they were in the City of New York when General Washington landed there at the time of the disbanding of the Army at the close of the war; that they were then married.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before
J. N. M c Lean
Sarah Scott

State of Pennsylvania } ss.
On this fourteenth day of August A D 1839. personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Bradford James Merritt a resident of Gray in the County of Bradford who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath depose that he is the Son of Thomas Merritt deceased late a Pensioner, and Anna Merritt now an applicant for a Pension; that he, (the within named James Merritt) was forty seven years old last April; that he has often heard his father and mother say that they were at New York when General Washington landed there at the time of the disbanding of the Army at the close of the war; and that they were married previous to that period.
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before
James Merritt
Jno. McLean
I hereby certify that Sarah Scott, Abigail Ward and James Merritt, the deponents in the case of Anna Merritt above named, are persons of credibility and their statements entitled to belief.
August 14 th 1839
Jno. McLean Grand Judge

No 24306
Th's Merritt
Bradford Pa Pennsylvania
Admit prints 6 mos $ 20.
A. Herrick Esq. Troy Pa
James Bullough Bradford Pa Pennsylvania
E

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 subjoined 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.
via  A Statement, shewing the Service of Thos Merritt Bradford Co. Penna
   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.     Feb 1775 Private Capt. Coe 74 years Traditional evidence   July 1777 about 15 Col Clinton Veteran   78 about 15 Country   about 15 Co. York   1   1   about 15   1   about 1  
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) _____, who has 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 place 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.
The notes from [a] to [i] 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.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
John R. Stokes

A Record of Ages
Jonathan Scott Was Born Sept the 24 1785
Sarah Scott Was January the 1 1786
Thomas M Scott Was Born April the 15 1807
Leina L Scott Was Born August the 3 1809
Caroline Scott Was Born January the 28 - 1812
Sarah Ann Scott Was Born July the 16 - 1814
Emily Scott Was Born August the 24 - 1816
Dan Scott Was Born February the 14 - 1818
And Died the 15 - 1818
Horace Scott Was Born August the 4 1820
George Scott Was Born June the 1 - 1823
Mathan M Scott Was Born November the 20 - 1825

Brought of Strang
42
1 Spider - - - - - 1-25
Scott 4 1/2 bush wheat Sold B Thaxey 2 1/2 Wheat 1 bushel Buck wheat 0-50 1 1/2 Corn Sold 1 of Buck wheat - 0-40 February the 14th Sold the Buck wheat 1 bush Buck wheat - 0-40 3 bushel Buck wheat 1-31 to King's twice
Barnes 1 1/2 buck wheat Jack Williams 1/2 bushel wheat 0-50 1/2 bushel 1/2 tools 3/4 bushel of Rye 0-40
London 1 1/2 buck wheat half bushel of wheat quantity 0-50 1 bushel wheat 1-00 1 wheat my Self - 0-67 1 bushel of rye to honey 2 1

Returned Cases July 24 th 1833 J. A. W. D.
Washington Secretary of War Hon. Lewis Cass Sir

To the Hon. Lewis Cap. Sec. of War. Sir,
Enclosed are the pension Papers of James Ward & Thomas Merritt of this Township.
Please direct to Almerin Herrick, agent for James Ward & Thomas Merritt.
Yours Respectfully, A. Herrick

Thomas Merritt Pa. Act 7 June 1838 to what time paid?
Pen. Office.
April 5, 1839
Since 23 Nov 1834 p to that period
SH

3038
Anna Berritt of Thomas Pennsylvania —
admitted
P 6 m. of 20. — bap bou. Col. Clinton N.Y.
died 23 Nov 1834
Acty July 1838
Almerin Herrick, Troy Penna

17th Dec 1840 New York to Mrs. J. Edwards Washington D.C. In the War Dept Prisoner of War
17th Dec 1840

Way Pa. April 14 1840.
Dear Sir,
We have long been waiting to hear from the application of Mrs Anna Merritt of this town for a pension. It was a year last November since we applied, and, as a matter of course, we are very desirous to know the result. We do not mean to complain, but hope you will allow us to say that we think we have been rather patient!
It is chiefly in compliance with the desire of the Mrs Merritt and her friends that this address is made.
Yours respectfully.
Almerin Herrick.
Hon J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

Pa Frey, Aug. 17. 1839.
Hon. A. L. Edwards,
Dear Sir,
I herewith send you the papers of Anna Merritt. It was thought for some time that she would not continue long, and that it would be useless to make any further attempt to obtain a pension for her. Her health being rather amended at present, we have thought proper to renew our efforts. There may appear to be a discrepancy between the former Declaration of Anna Merritt, and the Depositions herewith sent in relation to her marriage.
She was positive that she was married previous to the period required by the act, and so stated it; but how long before, she could not be certain. The deponents by fixing upon a certain event, the disbanding of the Army, carry the marriage farther back. There can be no doubt with those acquainted with the applicant that she is entitled to a Pension according to the provisions of the Act. We have now done all that we can do, and must respectfully submit to the decision of the Department.
Yours &c.
Almerin Herrick

Troy Pa Sept 3
1844
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Inval- pa-
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.
Chas A. Merrill Oct 15 1839

May, Bradford Co. Pa.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
April 9. 1839.
Dear Sir,
I hope you will pardon me for troubling you again in behalf of the Widow Anna Merritt, the applicant for a Pension. Her Declaration 20 &c. were sent to the Department on the 1st November last, and it would be very satisfactory to her to know that there had been no unnecessary delay in relation to her case. If she obtains, it will be but a mere pittance, and even that, if not granted quickly, must come too late. Old age, sickness, and want of the comforts of life, make hers a plea of necessity.
I am Sir,
Yours very respectfully
A. Herrick.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania } Bradford County } ss
On this twentieth day of November 1839 personally appeared before me Churchill Barnes a justice of the Peace in and for said County Sarah Scott a resident of Burlington in the County of Bradford, who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that she is the daughter of Thomas Merritt deceased; that the family record of her age has been kept by herself, and was made in the hand writing of her husband, Jonathan Scott, and further saith not.
Sworn and subscribed
before me the day and year above
Sarah Scott
Written
C. Barnes J.P.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania } Bradford County } ss
On this twentieth day of November 1839 personally appeared before me Churchill Barnes a justice of the Peace in and for said County James Merritt a resident of Troy in the County of Bradford, who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he is the son of Thomas Merritt, deceased, that the family record of his age has been kept by himself, and was made in his own hand writing, and further saith not.
Sworn and subscribed
before me the date above
Written
C. Barnes J.P.
James Merritt

State of Pennsylvania { Bradford County p. }
I, David Cash Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County do certify that Churchill Boones is a Justice of the peace in & for said County duly commissioned & qualified & that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
Witness my hand & official seal at Towanda this 25. day of Nov. A D 1839
David Cash Protho " "

Saml. Merritt
Pa
21 st of July
Pension Office
For your

Recd 24 July
Troy Pa July 13 th 1835
Hon. Lewis Cass Esq
Sir Inclosed I send you the Pension certificate, & the certificate of the court of our county of the proof of the relationship of the widow as in the case of Thomas Merritt and for examination and allowance, an order is desired to be made on the proper officer for the payment of the arrear as soon as may be practicable.
I am Sir with much respect Your most obed serv t
Hon Lewis Cass Esq
O. P. Ballard
Secy of War.

Anna Berritt of Thomas Pennsylvania
Suspended on 5 April 1839 A. Berrick do. 15 April 1839 do. 24 Oct '38
Act 7 July 1838

To A. S. Edwards Esq.
Please direct to the care of Almerin Herrick.
A. Herrick
Troy Nov. 1. 1838.

Widow
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 2835
Anna Merritt Widow.
Thomas Merritt Pa. New York Line
Act: July 7, 1888,
Index:—Vol. M, Page 41.
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Fray P. Nov. 26. 1839.
Dear Sir,
I herewith enclose you the Depositions and family Records in relation to the case of the widow Anna Merritt, an applicant for a Pension. The Records bear marks of authenticity.
Yours respectfully.
Almerin Gerrick.