General Notes

1750: Ben and Jemima probably moved from NJ to NC in the 1750's. Thirdson Andrew was
born in Hopewell, NJ in 1751, fourth son William in NC abt 1757. Thefamily may have moved
from NJ via Maryland according to notes in A Merrill Memorial.

1756:  24 Jan 1756. Ordered that a summons issue to Michael Myers,Dan'l Little, Benj Merril
& Michael Arrand to shew reason for not going out against the Owenswho it was thought
committed several misdemeanors.  Rowan Co NC Court Book 2:107.

1760:  9,10 Sep  George Smith sold 1042 acres to Benjamin MerrellRowan Co deeds 2:319
and 4:363-366.  Deeds of 9 Sep from George Smith, Esq, to Benj Merrellfor 240 ac.; same,
512 ac.; same, 10 Sep 1760, 419 ac. The property was located on thenorth side of the
Yadkin River, St. Luke's parish.  According to descendants, theproperty was about 2 miles
north of Jersey Baptist Church, about 5 miles south of currentLexington in DavidsonCo, NC.
Descendant C. Phelps Merrell related:  "When I visited the old Merrellplantation in Aug 1983, now owned by Mr. Bill Sheets... An old barnstands on top of a knoll said to be the location of Capt Merrell'shome. Off to one side, Abbotts Creek meanders by and the farm landrolls off in all directions."

Capt. Benjamin Merrill and the Merrill Family of NC by W.E. Merrillsays he was a gunsmith
using river water power for boring operations.

1761: 25 Apr court James Smith, Benjamin Merrill, Andrew Smith andWillis Ellis served on
the jury under foreman George Magoune in the case of John Howard vsGeorge Smith.
Served on other juries in 1761 and 1762, threatened with a fine forabsence.

1767: NC Regulators established at Maddocks Mill near Hillsborough, 4Apr.

1771: 14 May, Battle of Alamance in OrangeCo, NC, now AlamanceCo.Gov. Tryon shoots
Robert Thompson dead and two hr battle ensues, Regulators were routed.Capt. Merrill not at the battle, but on way with 300 men, took most ofGen. Waddell's men prisoner.

1771: 1 Jun brought by Col. Fanning to the Jersey Settlement, hangedin the courthouse yard
of Hillsborough, Orange Co, NC on 19 Jun 1771.

Capture, Trial and Execution of Captain Benjamin Merrell and FellowRegulators
From Some Neglected History of  North Carolina by W.E. Fitch, 1905,pg. 239-256.

King's Chief Justice passed the following sentence on Capt. Merrilland twelve others which
was

"that you be taken from the place whence you came, that you bedrawn from
thence to the place of execution, where you are to be hanged bythe Neck; that
you be cut down while yet alive, that your Bowels be taken outand burnt before
your Face, that your head be cut off, your Body divided into FourQuarters, and
this be at his Majesty's Disposal; and the Lord have Mercy onyour Soul."

A historical marker in Hillsborough, NC reads, "On this spot werehanged by order of a Tory
Court, June 19, 1771, Merrill, Messer, Matter, Pugh and two otherRegulators". Six were
pardoned by Gov. Tryon. The six men pardoned were Forrester Mercer,James Stewart,
James Emmerson, Hermon Cox, William Brown and James Copeland. Not oneof the
pardoned, but one of those who were executed, while standing on thegallows Captain Merrill
professed his faith in Christ, sang a Psalm, described that fifteenyears previously he had
professed belief in Christ, had subsequently backslid, but now feltforgiven. He repented for
his actions and appealed that the Crown not punish his wife andchildren for his actions
saying

"in a few moments I shall leave a widow and ten children. Ientreat that no
reflection should be cast on them on my account, and if possible,shall deem it a
bounty, should you gentlemen petition the governor and councilthat some part of
my estate be spared to the widow and fatherless."

There is evidence that Gov. Tryon honored the latter request. There isevidence that Capt.
Merrill was of such high moral character that he expressed a sorrowand conflict of
conscience over the fact that he had committed treason to his