Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11478, for John Keith, South Carolina
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
S. C. 
VA.

Keith, John 
Keeth
Smith, Nancy
Former widow

NUMBER
W. 11478
B.L. Wt. 17892-160-55

CONTENTS
Page 2

5092
Georgia
Nancy Smith former
widow of John Keith SC
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of 96 dollars 00 
cents per annum, to commence on 
the 3d February, 1853. 
Certificate of Pension issued 
9th day of April 1855 
and sent to R. S. Sanier
Macon, Geo

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 
February [illegible] 1853, Page 154 Vol. A
[bottom of page wrinkled and torn]
Page 3

139.701  Act March 3/55
                     May 17/55
__________________________
Nancy Smith
formerly widow of
John Keith Pri
_________________
S. C. Cont. line

[diagonally] No.17892 isd Mar 6/56

War of Revolution
________
Pension Act Feby 3, 1853
Ad: 160 acrs, Feb 29/56
Geo Feby 55-5092
_________________________
Boynton
______________________
C Anderson
Macon
Georgia

Vol. K 20.
Page 4

eny under
April 1838,
1836 to the notified
_______________
S William

(?) March 1862.

19.120   R
Georgia
___________________
John Keith
of Putnam Ct in the state of Georgia
who was a Private in the compy commanded by Captain Marych of the regiment commanded by Colonel Marion in the S. Carolina line, for the term of three years
________________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 1 of March 1823
_______________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 of Novr. (illegible) and sent to Robert L. Perry
Marion, Georgia
_____________________________
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1823                  49.00
Semi anl. all'ce ending 4 March 1826   48
                                                              97.00

{Revolutionary claim,]
[Acts March 18, 1818,]
[and May 1, 1820.]

March 1, 18(??)
(writing at bottom of column illegible)

Paid at the (illegible)
the Act of the C. from the 
4 Sept. 1837. Agent
22 Aug 1838
________________
Letter to Pension Agt
(illegible) 4t Dec 1840
Hon Lott Warren - Letter
Page 5

District of Georgia SS

Putnam County in the Superior Court held in & for said county being a court of record by the Constitution & Laws of said State on this twenty third day of August, 1820, personally appeared in open court being a court of record for the said district.  John Keith aged sixty eight years resident in Putnam County in said district who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows:  he enlisted a private for eighteen months in the State of South Carolina in Captain Maryck's company, Col. Frank Marions's regiment in the year 1779 & continued in service until the seige (siege) at Charleston SC in 1780, when he was taken prisoner by the British and detained fourteen months & being unchanged he voluntarily joined Col Charles' regiment of militia from Virginia & continued in said service until the surrender of Cornwallace at Yorktown in the year 1781 & was at that place slightly wounded and made an original declaration of his said services to the general government claiming a pension in the spring of the year 1816 which has been returned being informal and he has never claimed any pension from his government for his voluntary services and I do solemnly sware (swear) that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not since that time by gift labor or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with interest thereby so to diminish it as to bring subject within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled an act to prove for certain persons ingaged (engaged) in the land and navel (naval) service of the United States in the revolutionary war passed on the 18th day March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust
Page 6

for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed and is possessed of seventeen hogs of the value of forty four dollars, forty pounds of bacon of the value of five dollars & fifty cents and no other estate real or personal/necessary clothing & beading (bedding) except has heretofore follows, shoe making for several years being unable to do any harder work and from his age and infirmity is now unable to support himself in that or any other way by his labor has a wife Nancy Ruth who is about fifty five years old & very infirm & unable to obtain a subsistence by labor and only one child a son named Memborance J. Keith nine years old who compose the whole of his family and this is in such urgent circumstances as to be unable to support himself without the assistance of his country.
     Sworn to and declared on this 23d day of August A D 1820 and subscribed before me in open court.
                                            his
                                    John S Keith
                                            mark
C. B. Strong Judge
Sass C A Dist. Georgia

A list of John Keith properly appraised by Spencer Maddox & Grovey Cole
17 Head of Hogs valued at                $44.00
40 Lb Bacon                                           5.90
                                                            $49.30
Page 7

State of Georgia
Putnam County

I John J Smith Clerk of the Superior
of said County do hereby certify that the 
foregoing oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly
copied from the record of said Court, and I do further 
certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the 
total amount in value of the property exhibited in the 
aforesaid Schedule is forty nine dollars & fifty cents -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and 
affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twelfth day 
of September 1820

John J. Smith Clk. S.C.P.C. Geo.

[seal]
Page 8

Nancy Smith
formerly
Nancy Keith
widow of
John Keith
Revolution Pensioner
----
Claim for Pension
as widow__

_______________
R. S. Lanier
Attorney
Macon Georgia
Page 9

State of Georgia]
County of Bibb]

In the Superior Court of said county, Honorable Robert V. Hardeman presiding:
In open court personally appeared Nancy Smith formerly Nancy Keith aged fifty one years a resident of Twiggs County & said state - a county adjoining said Bibb County, who being duly sworn according to law declares on oath that she is the widow of John Keith now deceased who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and that for his services as such soldier he was at his death a Revolutionary pensioner receiving a pension from the United States Government under the laws of Congress.  That he served in said War as a private as she has always understood from him and was recieving (receiving) at the time of his death from said Government eight Dollars per month the amount of pension allowed him.  That her said deceased husband died in Twiggs County aforesaid on the tenth day of February in the year eighteen hundred & thirty nine on or about that time aged about ninety one years.  That she intermarried with said John Keith & is the identical Nancy Keith of that name who did intermarry with him - in Twiggs County aforesaid on the first day of August in the year (1831) or about that year.  Which is as near as she can recollect, but the record of the court will show.  That afterwards to wit on the third day of July in the year 1845 or about that time in said Twiggs County she intermarried with William Smith & that the said Smith has departed this life to wit on or about the thirtieth day of March in the year eighteen hundred & fifty two - since which time she has remained a widow.
Page 10

She further states that her maiden name before the marriages aforesaid was Nancy West.  She further states that she has not since the death of her said deceased husband John Keith ever recieved (received) any pension (though in needy circumstances) and she hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that her name is not on the pension roll of any Agency of any State, and further that she has resided ever since her marriage and with her husband John Keith up to the time of his death & afterwards up to the present time in said Twiggs County.
     And for the purpose of obtaining the pension due her as widow as aforesaid of said John Keith, under the laws of Congress.  She does by these presents appoint Robert S. Lanier of Macon Georgia as her true & lawful attorney for her & in her name & stead to demand & recieve (receive) from the proper officer of the United States Government the amount of pension due her as widow of a revolutionary soldier according to the laws of Congress.
     That said John Keith was the identical John Keith who was pensioner as aforesaid.
                                           her mark
                                    Nancy X Smith
                                          her mark
Sworn to & subscribed this]
the 17th day of November A. D.]
1834, before me]
     Robert V. Hardeman
            Judge Supr Court G. C.
Page 11

In said Court & in open court personally came 
Rhesa A. Street and Jesse M. Collier both of 
us residing in Twiggs County & said State of 
Georgia who being duly sworn according to law
hereby certify that we are neighbors of & well 
acquainted with Nancy Keith who has sworn to 
& subscribed the foregoing declaration. That she 
is the identical Nancy Keith who intermarried
with the John Keith in the said foregoing 
declaration named about the time and at the 
place therein by her stated; that they lived 
together as man & wife up to the time of his 
death which took place about the time & at 
the place as by her stated, and that said Nancy
Keith afterwards intermarried with one William
Smith of Twiggs County, about the time by her 
stated & that he has since died about the time 
by her stated in said declaration which we have
heard read to us.  That she is now a widow
about fifty one years of age & that said John 
Keith was as they believe at the time of his death 
about ninety one years of age.  That deponents
have been acquainted with Nancy Smith
formerly Nancy Keith aforesaid about thirty years
& also said John Keith of Twiggs County - the only
John Keith as far as they have ever known of or 
in said County as a revolutionary soldier and 
they believe her to be entitled to a pension as such widow.

Rhesa A. Street
Jesse M Collier

Sworn to & subscribed in 
open court before me this the 
17th day of November A. D. 1854.
And I certify that deponents
appear to me to be credible witnesses & believe 
the depositions above made.

Robert V. Hardeman
Judge Supr. Court O.C.
Page 12

I Henry G. Ross Jr. Deputy Clerk of said 
Superior Court now in session in & for said
Bibb County & said State of Georgia - the said
court being a court of record (Henry G. Ross
Clerk being absent & sick) do hereby 
certify that the foregoing contains the original
proceedings of the said court at this the 
November Term thereof in the matter of 
the application of Nancy Keith formerly,
now Nancy Smith for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set 
my hand & the seal of the office
of said Clerk now in my charge
this the 17" day of November A. D. 1854.

Henry G. Ross Jr
Deputy Clerk

[seal]
Page 13

Georgia Twiggs]
County]

To any Judge, Justice, of the Supr. Court, Justice of the Peace is Minister of the Gospell, (Gospel), Greeting,
     You are hereby authorized to join in the Holy State of Matrimony, Mr. John Keath, (Keith) and Miss Nancy West, according to the laws and constitution of said state, and for so doing these shall be your sufficent (sufficient) license for (ink smudge over last words)
Given under my hand & seal this July 30th 18 (smudged)
                            Richard Ricks C. C.  (seal)


Georgia Twiggs]
County]

Executed the within License by joining John Keath (Keith) and Nancy West in the Holy State of Matrimony this August 1st, 1832.
                                  James Hammock J. P.

Georgia Twiggs]
County]

Office of Ordinary Twiggs Co.
Marion Novr. 22nd 1854,
I Lewis Solomon, Ordinary in and for said county Do by these presents certify that John Keath (Keith) and Nancy West were duly joined in matrimony as appears from the Record of Marriage License in my office, 
Given under my hand and seal of said court this 22nd day of Novr. 1854.
                                            Lewis Solomon
                                            Ordinary
Page 14

Georgia Twiggs]
County]

To any Judge, Justice of the Infor. Court Justice of the Peace, or Minister of the Gospel - Greeting,
     You are hereby authorized to join in the Holy State of matrimony Mr. William B. Smith and Mrs. Nancy Keath (Keith), according to law and the constitution of said state, and for so doing these shall be your suffient (sufficient) License.
     Given under my hand and seal this July 2nd 1845. 
                                   Lewis Solomon CC (seal)

Georgia Twiggs]
County]
Office of Ordinary
Marion Novr. 22nd 1854.

I, Lewis Solomon, ordinary in and for said county Do hereby certify that the parties - Wm B. Smith and Nancy Keath (Keith) were joined in matrimony as appears of Record from Book of License in my office.
      Given under my hand and seal of office this day & time last above written.
                                   Lewis Solomon,
                                      Ordinary
Page 15

109. 701
Nancy Smith
formerly Widow
of John Keith - a 
Revolutionary soldier - 
___
Claim for Bounty Land.

C. Anderson
Attorney,
Macon Georgia
Page 16

State of Georgia]
Twiggs County]

     Be it known that before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in aforesaid county personally appeared Nancy Smith formerly widow of John Keith of said Twiggs County & State of Georgia and made oath in due form of law that she is the identical person named in an original certificate now in her possession of which I certify the following is a true copy - to wit-
                  "Department if the Interior"
                           "Widow's Pension

     I certify that in conformity with the 2d Section of the Act of February 3, 1853 - Nancy Smith formerly widow of John Keith who was a private in the revolutionary War is inscribed on the Pension List at the rate of ninety six Dollars per annum commencing on the 3d day of February 1853 and continuing for life unless she should again marry, in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.

Given at the Department of the Interior this ninth day of April one thousand eight hundred & fifty five.
                        R McClelland
                        Secretary of the Interior
(Seal of 
Department of
the Interior]
   Examined and contiguous]
  L. Waldo
  Commission of Pensions

and which certificate I find in deponents possession
Page 17

with whom I am well acquainted & known to her the identical Nancy Smith - formerly widow of John Keith - herein named:  & deponent further says that she still resides in said Twiggs County and is still a widow & has been ever since the death of her said husband Smith - who died previous to her application for Pension.  She further says she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land which she is advised is due her as the former widow of the said John Keith a revolutionary soldier under the Act of Congress approved the 3d day of March 1835, granting Bounty Lands to revolutionary soldiers, their widows and others - and for the purpose of obtaining which she hereby appoints Clifford Anderson of Macon Bibb County & said state her true & lawful attorney for her & in her name to ask - demand & receive from the proper office of the United States Government the said Bounty Land - hereby notifying what she may do in the premises by virtue hereof.
     She further states she never has before applied for nor received any Bounty Land under any law of Congress, except the present.
     She further says her certificate of marriage is on file in the Pension Office with the proof accompanying her application for Pension.
     In witness of all which she has hereto set her hand & seal this 27th day of April 1835.  
                                            her
                                  Nancy X Smith
                                           mark
Page 18

[Fitst sentence crossed out and not transcribed]

We James Elert Kent and John Keith
residents of Triggs County & state of Georgia upon our oath declare
that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged
by Nancy Smith formerly widow of John Keith [illegible]
 presence
that we are well acquainted with her, and know that she
is the identical person she represents herself to be.
and a widow as aforesaid,
           his
James X  Ebert Kent
            mark
          his
John  X Keith
         mark


the foregoing declaration and affidavit were
sworn to and subscribed before me on the day
& year above written and I certify that I know
the affiants to be credible persons, that the
claimant is the person she represents herself,
& that I have no interest in this claim,
R. A. Nash.   J P


State of Georgia⎬ I Lewis Solomon Deputy Clerk of
Twiggs County   ⎬the Infenor Court of said County
                                     do hereby certify that R A Nash
Esqr before whom the foregoing affidant
were made & whose genuine signature is these
to subscribed was at the time of so doing
a Justice of the Peace in & for said
County- duly commissions & qualified.
Page 19

In testimony whereof I have hereto
set my hand & seal of office this
27th  -- day  of April---1833.

Lewis Solomon Depty for 
Infer  Court


109. 701
Nancy Smith
formerly Widow
of John Keith
Revolutionary soldier
___
Claim for Bounty Land

C. Anderson
Attorney,
Macon Georgia
Page 20

Nancy Smith 5273
wid
John Keith

Cole

Boynton

Recd Dec 1st 18 [illegible]

[postal stamp]
Macon
NOV
27
GA

FREE
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 21

No 5.345
Nancy Smith

[illegible] Wid: of
John Keith

Let: to R. S. Lanier. Jany: 10" / 53,
   "     "   "   "       "       Feby. 9"      "  

Act / 53,
Page 22

5273
Nancy Smith
Wid of
John.

Let: to R.S. Lanier Dec: 4"/54,
    "    "  "   "       "         "  18 / 54

ACT /53
Page 23

Nancy Keith
widow of
John Keith
Revoly. Soldier - 

claim for Pension,
to be filed with
former papers

R.S. Lanier
Attorney
Macon
Georgia
Page 24

State of Georgia
Twiggs County

Before me William 
Fitzpatrick a Justice of the 
Peace in & for said county personally
came Reuben A. Nash of said county
who being duly sworn according to law
says on oath that he has heretofore
made affidavit in the case of Nancy
Keith the widow of John Keith a 
soldier of the Revolutionary War, deceased
who claims a pension as such widow -
that said John Keith died in the year
eighteen hundred & thirty nine (1839) 
he did not as so from a distinct recollection 
of his own that he died in that year - but he 
calculated that he must have died in that 
year from the fact that he had attended on him
in illness as a physician, that certain 
entries in his book of accounts upon which 
he based his calculations - the last of 
which entries was in the year 1838 and 
he then thought that he said John Keith
died shortly after that time; but he is now
satisfied from a careful enquiry amongst
said Keith's old neighbours & relatives that 
he erred inferring the date of his death in 
that year (1839) but that he died several
years afterwards - from such enquiry he 
now believes he died in the year 1842.

R. A. Nash

Sworn to & subscribed befor
me this 23 day of March 1853

William Fitzpatrick J.P.
Page 25

Georgia State of 
Twiggs County

Before me William Fitzpatrick
a Justice of the Peace in 
& for said county personally came James A.
Kent - a resident of said county, and very worthy
of credit, who being duly sworn according to 
law says on oath that he was well 
acquainted with the said John Keith
who was a revolutionary soldier - resident 
in Twiggs County & said state & also with 
his widow who is now living & who is now 
married - that the said John Keith died 
on or about the tenth (10) day of February in 
the year eighteen hundred & forty two (1842)
That he married the daughter of said
Keith's wife - in the year 1841
she was previous & knows that he died the
year after & that he waited on said John
Keith in his last illness & assisted at his 
burial & knows that he died at the time stated.
He further says that he is well acquainted 
with Dr. Reuben A. Nash & has no doubt of
the truth of the foregoing affidavit made 
by him.  That deponent has no interest in 
the claim aforesaid for pension.

James E. Kent  X  his mark

Sworn to & subscribed
before me this 23st
day of March 1855

William Fitzpatrick J.P.
Page 26

State of Georgia
Twiggs County

Before me William Fitzpatrick
a Justice of the 
Peace in & for said county
personally came Price Kent - a resident
of Twiggs County & who says he is 
well acquainted with said John Keith
& his now widow Nancy Keith - That
he has heard read over to him the foregoing 
affidavit and is satisfied the statements
therein made are correct, that that 
said John Keith died in the year
1842 as therein stated.  

Price Kent

William Fitzpatrick J.P.



State of Georgia 
Twiggs County

Before me William
Fitzpatrick a Justice of the 
Peace in said County personally came William
Edmundson and after being duly sworn saith
on his oath that he was well acquainted
with John Keith a Revolutionary which is 
named in the foregoing affidavit of the 
other subscribing witnesses and he the said
John Keith died sometime in the four 
parts of the year of Eighteen hundred &
forty two 

William Edmundson  X  his mark

Sworn to Befour me this 23d day 
of March 1855

William Fitzpatrick J.P.
Page 27

State of Georgia
County of Twiggs
Clerks Office Infr. Court
Marion  March 27th 1855.

I Lewis Solomon Deputy Clerk Infr. Court in and 
for the County & State aforesaid - Do hereby certify
that I am personally acquainted with these
deponents and have been for upwards of Twenty
years - that they are citizens of said County and 
men of truth & veracity and that their attestation
is entitled to full faith & credit - And
I do further certify that Wm. Fitzpatrick
before whome they made deposition was at the 
time of so doing and is now a Justice of the 
peace of said County and is acting under a 
commission from the Governor of said 
State and that his genuine signature
is hereto affixed - Given under my
hand and Seal of said Court the day &
time above written.

Lewis Solomon Deputy Clk.
Infr. Court

[seal]
Page 28

State of Georgia
Twiggs County

Before me John Fitzpatrick
one of the Justices of the Inferior Court of 
said County personally came Dr Reuben
A Nash and David Evans
who being duly sworn deposeth & saith
on oath that they reside in the County
of Twiggs aforesaid & have resided in 
said County continuously for Twenty nine
years & resided in said county in the 
life time of John Keith, late a pensioner
as a revolutionary soldier in said county.
That he was the only pensioner of the 
United States Government as a soldier
of the Revolution of that name in 
said county; that we were well 
acquainted with him in his lifetime
and know that he died in the year eighteen 
hundred & thirty nine (1839) and 
as near as we can recollect, in the month
of March of April of said year.  We 
know he died in said year from the 
fact that Dr. R. A. Nash one of these deponents
saith that he long had been and at the time of his death
was his attending Physician and that by referance to his 
Book of accounts of that & other dates is well satisfied of 
the fact this Deponent for further answer says he was and 
had been prior to & at the time of his death an appointed
Agent by & for said John Keith, to receive his semi annual  
Pension as such Pensioner, and did & had received the same
from one Robt M. Charleton, of the City of Savannah, Geo. & is 
of opinion that a very short time before the death of said Keith
& during his last illness he subscribed his name to a Declaration 
or Warrant on the Government, which return of money was not 
received by this deponent until after Pensioners death, and 
was then paid to this widow - who is now living -
David Evans another of these deponants, says that he had 
in person attended and waited on said John Keith decd.
Page 29

for three or four nights immediately preceding his death & 
saw the corps of said John Keith before it was buried, and 
from his best memory and calculation as to the past, said deceased
did depart this life in the year (1839) and in the months of 
March or April of that year.

Reuben A. Nash
David Evans  X  his mark

John Fitzpatrick, J.I.C.
Sworn to & subscribed
before me this the Twenty Sixth
day of January A.D. 1855 & I certify that 
the said Dr. Reuben A Nash and David Evans
are credible witnesses, are men of character
and respectability and are known to be men 
of truth & veracity.

John Fitzpatrick J.I.C.
Page 30

Macon Geo.  Jany. 17. 185[3 or 5]

Lewis Soloman Esqr.

Dear Sir:

By the enclosed
letter you will see what we wish to 
prove by the above affidavit.  The 
widow of old John Keith is applying 
for a Pension; the witnesses Rhesa
Street & [blank] Collier supported the 
old lady's affidavit as to dates &c;
but it seems they were all wrong; that 
at the date they give as being the date of 
his death he was then living & drawing 
his pension  Try & ascertain from 
some two persons if you can the exact time 
of his death.  Find out who attended to the 
old man's pension business in his lifetime 
Dr Dupree or some other person &c. should 
you be able to get persons to make the 
proof please write out in the blank space
left the facts by which they know the 
date of his death.
For your attention in this matter
we are willing to compensate you.
Let seal &c. be attached.
Your early attention will 
much oblige -

Yours truly,

Lanier & Anderson
Page 31

District of Georgia ss.
Wilkinson County, in the Superior Court held in and for said county; being a court of record, by the constitution and laws of said state, on this eleventh day of October in the year of August and eighteen hundred twenty three, personally appeared in open court, William Jenkins and John A Trull (said court being a court of record for said district) and saith of whom being duly sworn, do on their oaths say that they were acquainted with John Keith (now of Putnam County in said district of Georgia) in the time of the revolutionary war; and that said John Keith enlisted in the state of South Carolina, in the continental establishment, in Captain Mazecks company, in Col. Frank (illegible) Regiment the said regiment being the second regiment of United States Infantry raised in South Carolina and that he the said John Keith served nine months in said corps in continuance.  Sworn to and subscribed in open court on the day and year above written.
                               William Jenkins
                               John A. Trull
August B. Longstreet
J. S. C. O. C. S. G.

Georgia Wilkins County]

I Augustus B. Longstreet one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of said state, now presiding as such in said county do hereby certify that from inquiry first made William Jenkins and John A. Trull whose names appear to the above affidavit, are person of credibility.
            Augustus B. Longstreet J.S.C.O.C.S.G.

In testimony to hereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my private seal officially, there not (as I hereby officially certify) being any seal of the court this October the eleventh in the year of Our Lord eighteen hundred and twenty three.
                                Jas Delk Clk
                                      W. G. (seal)
Page 32

Macon, Georgia 
January 31st 1833.

Sir:

In reply to the enclosed letter 
I have to send herewith the depositions 
of two persons, one of whom, Doctor Reuben 
A. Nash, was the attending physician 
of John Keith in his last illness, & refers 
to the entires in his book of apts. to refresh 
his memory as to dates; he was also 
the agent of John Keith, who collected his 
pension money in his lifetime.  This 
proof was obtained in pursuance of 
the letter addressed to Lewis Solomon 
who is the "Ordinary" of Twiggs Co. & also 
the acting Clerk of the Inferior Court 
of said County.  His letter in reply is 
also accompanying.

With the hope that these papers may 
contain sufficient evidence in the 
case of Nancy Keith for pension 
as widow of John Keith.

I am very respectfully, 

R. S. Lanier
Atty &c.

L Waldo }
Comr. of Pensions }
Washington City, D.C. }
Page 33

Macon Jany. 3rd. 1855
Sir: - 
In conformity with your
Instructing of Dec. 18. 1834. My
relation to the credibility of Rhesa A.
 Street & Jesse M Collier [illegible]
the case of Mrs Nancy Smith formerly 
widow of John Keith _ claim
for pension - I have to send her 
enclosed papers: being the statements
Under oath  - of two responsible & credible
persons, citizens & officers of. Twiggs Co.

Respectfully
R. S. Lanier

L P Waldo
Com [illegible],
Washington .
Page 34

to be filed with the
claim of Nancy Smith
formerly - Keith.
claim for pension
Page 35

Georgia } Personally appeared 
Twiggs County } before me John S Goodwin 
a Justice of the Peace in 
& for said County Henry Faulk Esqr.
one of the honorable the Justices of the Inferior 
Court of said County and Lewis Solomon 
Esqr. Ordinary of said County, who being 
duly sworn according to law say on oath 
that they are well acquainted with Rhesa 
A. Street & Jesse M. Collier both of said County 
that they are men in respectable standing 
and circumstances in the community in 
which they live, that they are very credible 
persons worthy to be believed, & that any 
statements they make under oath are 
worthy of full faith & credit as to truth & 
veracity & would readily & fully be believed by 
deponents.  Sworn to & }
subscribed before me } Henry Faulk J. I. C.
this 30th day of December 1854 } Lewis Solomon
John S. Goodwin J. P. } Ordinary

State of Georgia }
[words struck out] } I Lewis Solomon Deputy 
Twiggs County } Clerk of the Inferior Court 
of said County, the same being 
a court of record with seal attached, do hereby 
certify that John S. Goodwin, Esqr before whom  
the foregoing affidavit was made & whose genuine 
signature is subscribed thereto, was at the time of 
so doing a Justice of the Peace in & for said County 
duly commissioned & sworn & authorized to 
administer oaths & that the above deponents 
are credible witnesses.  In witness whereof 
I have hereto set my hand & official seal 
this the 30th day of December 1854.
Lewis Solomon, Depty. Clk. Inf. Court
Page 36

Nov 30. 1840.
Mr Evans .

[postal stamp]
[illegible]
NOV
25
GEO

FREE
J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 37

Savannah 24 Nov 1840

Sir

I herewith you will receive the pension
voucher of John Keith upon which I respect
fully request your opinion , as the agent
thinks from the manner of the execution it
will not prove a sufficient voucher.  Please examine
the same, and if sufficient, direct that it
be paid.  The applicant  is old and poor and 
this is a repeated attempt to get him the pens

Respectfully
Wm Morel

 L Edwards Esq         }
Comm of Pensions  }
Washington  City      }
D. C.
Page 38



Feb 25" 42
Mr Evans


J. L. Edwards
Pension office
Washington
D C 

Hon L. Warren
HR
Page 39

House of Representatives
24th July 1842

I have by letter from Twiggs County
Georgia here notified,  of the death
of John Keith a revolutionary
Pensioner,  who died the 11th [illegible]
& enquiry is [illegible] as to when
his pension  due,  the 4th March


[the handwriting  became impossible to read and therefore transcribe ...  the following is just quess work]


[illegible] mililia paid , due 2 wk at [illegible]   of    right of the 
______________
[illegible] 
your 
he informed me
the             obtained 


I have the Honor to be
Yours obt Servt
Lott Warren
Page 40

TREASURY DEPARTMENTS  Short
Second Comptroller's Office,
August 17. 1838.

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An
act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury
of the United States,  John Keith
a Pensioner on the Roll of the Georgia  Agency, at
the rate of Eight  Dollars  "________"
per month, under the law of the 10th March 1818, has
been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept, 1836
to the 4th Sept. 1837,
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 41

Hon. Alfred Cuthbert
Washington City 
D. C.

Eatonton 
4 Jany

[illegible]

Recd 31 May 1824.
See letter of that date to
Hon. A. Cuthbert.
Page 42

Hermitage, Jany 4th 1824.

My Dear Alfred,


Please urge the enclosed claim, & direct
the reply to my case.  I have no doubt of its truth.


Yours Affectionately
J. A. Cuthbert or

Hon Alfred Cuthbert
Page 43

Pension Office
Feby: 7" 1855,

Sir,

Please certify the
time to which the within
named pensioner was Paid on the date of his death.

Very Respectfully,

L P Waldo
Commissioner


"Boynton"

Wm Randall,
R J Atkinson, Esq
Third Auditor, Treasury

John Keith  Paid to 4 Sept 1841 (see
former report within )

[illegible]
Auditor
Page 44

(official business)
FREE
[postal stamp]
[illegible]
MAY
15
Ga

139.701

To. Commissioner of Pensions
Bounty Land Bureau 
Washington City
D. .C
Page 45

Pension Office
Jany: 8th 1855,

Sir,

Please certify the 
time to which the within
named pensioner was Paid.
on the date of his death.

Very Respectfully,
 
L P Waldo
Commissioner 
4.241

"Boynton"

Wm Randall,
R J Atkinson, Esq
Third Auditor, Treasury

John Keith Act 1818, Paid to 4 Sept 1841
[illegible]
Auditor
Page 46

Macon Ga
10 Nov

Free

To the
Honorable John C. Calhoun
Secretary at War, War
Department  Washington City


[written sideways on page]
17422
John Keith
--------------------
Robert Perryman
Macon, Ga
--------------------
Recd 25 Nov. 1823
Page 47

Marion,  Nov. 10, 1823

Sir,

If there should be any further deficiency 
in the proceedings, please to send the whole
of the papers to the subscriber, at Marion,
Twiggs County Georgia, who will attend to 
the same gratis; for the poor old superannuated
revolutionary soldier, John Keith of Putnam County, 
who is now unable, by his infirmity, to attend 
to the same.

Robert L. Perryman
Att. at Law, &
D.Q.M. 6th Division
Georgia Militia
Page 48

Marion   Dec. 28, 1823

Sir,

Yours bearing date, as well 
as I recollect, sometime in November
last, containing a pension 
certificate for one John Keith, of 
Putnam County in this state, has 
been received, a few mails ago;
and was together with its contents
forwarded to said Keith.  No answer
would have been intruded upon you;
but for an earnest desire of Mr. Keith
and myself, to do justice to government,
and to his character and feelings.
Mr. Keith, about eighteen months ago, 
made an agent of a friend of 
mine, in this county to whom he 
delivered some papers, which had 
been sometime (perhaps a year or two
Page 49

previously made out at Putnam Superior 
Court, and sent to the war department
and returned to him again for want 
of disinterested testimony; and at the 
same time, he gave said agent a 
list of his acquaintances in the old
continental army and engaged him 
to go to South Carolina, and endeavour
to find the number necessary to prove
his services.  This agent was disappointed
in his expectation of going to Carolina;
but wrote to some friend in 
that state, who likewise failed to 
procure the testimony.  Mr. Keith was
informed of both these failures; and 
this was the last he heard of his
[aliende?] testimony.  But in the mean time
his agent discovered, in this state two 
of the witnesses, named in the aforesaid
list; whose testimony was taken at
Page 50

Wilkinson Superior Court & forwarded to the war department, together with the papers previously prepared at Putnam Superior Court.  And shortly afterwards, I received yours, containing said certificate; but when the certificate was forwarded to Mr. Keith, as first mentioned, he informed me that having used every means in his power to prove his services by (illegible) proof, ever since the pension law was passed, he had despaired of ever proving them in that way; and that not having received a letter which was sent to notify him of the discovery of his testimony, by the advice of Mr. John A. Cuthbert, he proved his services, by his own oath, at the last term of Baldwin Superior Court; and sent on other applications without knowing
Page 51

any thing of the proceedings had at Wilkinson.  And the requested /which I should have done without any requests to notify you of the facts in the case; and to inform you that if a second certificate has issued; it shall, when received, be sent back to you to be annuled (annulled).

                         Robert L. Perryman
                         Att. at Law
Page 52

Brief in the case of Nancy Smith, formerly widow of John Keith, Twiggs County and State of Geo.
act 3d July: 1853.
___________________________________
Claim, ("original,")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

    Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Husband was pensioned under the Acts of 18th March, 1818, 1st May, 1820 & 1st March, 1823 @ the rate of $96. per an.  Marriage proven by a certified copy of the record thereof in the County Clerk's Office.  Pensioner died in July: 1842 as per the affidavits of six witnesses & the report of the Third Auditor.
     Widowhood & writing is established by the affidavits of several credible affiants.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?

R. S. Lanier, Esqr.             S. C. Boynton,
Macon, Geo.                    Examining Clerk.
Name and resident of Agent
Page 53

                                   Macon, Georgia
                                   Decr. 8, 1834,

Sir-
     By your favor of Decr. 4th I am informed that the claim of Nancy Smith for a pension, as the widow of formerly John Keith, has been examined & suspended:  on the grounds that -
     "Evidence should be filed proving the widowhood of the applicant"

     I respectfully enquire if that proof does not appear by the papers sent.  I am very positive that the two witnesses swear to the death of John Keith; to the marriage of the widow with Smith & to Smith's death; still, not having the papers before me, I may err.
     Whilst I should regret to give unnecessary trouble to the Department, I beg that the claim papers be re-examined in this respect & that I be specifically informed of the proof needed.
                                           R. S. Lanier
     
S. Cole - for
Com of Pensions
Washington City.
Page 54

[illegible] Act / 53, Geo:
Boynton
Page 55

His case has been sent to 3d Auditor's Office.  The witnesses still insist upon 
hem dying in Spring of 39.  If Third Auditor report as he [illegible] first wrote to agent
that the applicant cannot be the wife of the pen. or a fraud has been 
committed upon the Govt. in drawing pen. to 41.

Boynton
Feby. 7"/55.
Page 56

[illegible] Keith
Twiggs
Page 57

Pension Office,
Jany. 10. 1855.

Sir

Mrs. Nancy Smith, claimant of a pension under
the Act of Feby. 3d 1853, as the widow formerly of John Keith
must prove the precise date of her husband's death, in right 
of whose services she claims a pension, inasmuch as the revolutionary
pensioner John Keith, of Georgia, lived & drew his pension
for years after the time the applicant alleges & proves her 
husband died.  If the applicant is correct in her declaration
as to the time her husband died, he could not have been 
a pensioner.  Some explanation is required.

I am, respectfully,
Your obt. Servt.


L P Waldo
Commissioner
Page 58

Revy
WIDOW, &c.
_________
File No. 11478.
Nancy Smith
formerly Wid of
John Keith
Pri Rev War
__________

Act: Feby 3d 1853
Index: -- Vol. M, Page 221
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 59

17.892
160 acres
Page 60

Nancy Smith
[illegible]: Wid:
John Keith,
Twiggs Co:
Geo

Act / 53
$96. Pr. [illegible]:
Com: Feby: 3. 1853.

Revy
____

R.S. Lanier, Esq
Macon,
Geo

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Pension Office, Official Business .  

Commissioner
Page 61

Macon Georgia
March 31, 1855

Sir:

In the case of Nancy Keith (of
Twiggs Co. Georgia) who claims a Pension 
as the widow of John Keith - a Revolutionary
soldier & pensioner - now deceased, which 
case has been suspended on account of 
the discrepancies as to the date of the death
of John Keith - I have to transmit
the accompanying depositions of 
Dr Reuben A. Nash - a former witness - which
correct the error as to date in his former
statement & give the facts which occasioned it;
Also, of James E. Kent, Price Kent & William
Edmonson all worthy citizens of said
Twiggs Co & credible witnesses, 
confirmatory of Dr Nash's statement.
It is hoped these deponents will 
obviate the difficulty which suspended the 
claim - which my personal knowledge of 
all the parties convinces me - is just & wholly
without fraud.

I am very respectfully,


R. S. Lanier
Atty pro clamt




Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Page 62

10" Feby. 39, 2 wit;
copy: of rec. of Ma from Ordinary of Twiggs Co. Geo.
2 witnesses [illegible]
4
Page 63

Original Claim

Georgia
Baldwin County

On the tenth day of November 1823, personally appeared
in open court (the inferior court for the county of Baldwin, being made
a court of record by the Laws of this state)  John Keith, resident in the county
of Putnam & State aforesaid, aged seventy one years, who being first duly sworn
according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in 
order to obtain the provision made by the act of congress of the 18th of
March 1818 & the 1st of May 1820, that he, the said John Keith enlisted for 
the term of eighteen months in February 1779, in the company commanded
by Capt. Daniel [Mazibo?] in the regiment commanded by Col. Francis
Marion, in the line of the state of South Carolina, on the 
continental establishment (that he enlisted in the state of South Carolina)
that he continued to serve in said corps until May 1780 when he 
was made a prisoner; that in July 1781 he obtained his liberty & was
then discharged from said service in Virginia.
That he was in the attack on Savannah by Genl. Lincoln in the 
battle of Stono & in Charleston, S.C. during the siege of that place &
that he has as evidence now in his power of his said services, his 
papers all being burnt by casualty with his house, in Darlington County, 
S.C.
And in pursuance of the act of the 1st of May 1820, I do solemnly
swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day 
of March 1818; & that I have not since that time, by gift, sale or in 
any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof, with intent
Page 64

thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions
of an act of congress entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged
in the land & naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary
War" passed on the 18th day of March 1818; & that I have not, nor has 
any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts
due to me; nor have I any income whatever nor any property, but the 
necessary bedding & clothing of my family.

John Keith  X  his mark

Sworn to & declared on the 10th day of November, 1823.
before 
Augustus Bangstreet J.I.C. Pls & G.S.


I Thomas H Kenan Clerk of the superior court for the county of 
Baldwin, do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the 
court, that the said John Keith did serve in the revolutionary war,
as stated in the preceding declaration for the term of nine months
under one engagement, on the continental establishment.  I also certify
that the foregoing oath is truly copied from the records of said court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, & affixed the 
seal of the said court, on this 10th day of November, 1823.

Thomas H. Kenan Clk

[seal]
Page 65

17, 422
John Keith,
Putnam Co. Georgia,
23. August, 1820
=============
Col Marion's regimt.
1779 to 1781...
=================
worth
$49.50/100
==============
The testimony, on oath,
of two or more disinterested
and credible persons, cer- tified as such by the
Judge, proving 9 months
service, in continuance,
on Continental estab
designating the Col. name
and line, is required.
________

John J. Smith, agt
Eatonton, Georgia,
23d Sept. 1820.
Page 66

District of Georgia ss  
Putnam County in the superior court
held in & for said county; being a court of record by the Constitution & Laws of said State, on this twenty third day of 
August 1820 personally appeared in open court, being a court of record for the said district, John Keith aged sixty
eight years resident in Putnam County in said district, who being 
first duly sworn, according to law doth on his oath declare
that he served in the revolutionary war as follows; he enlisted as
a private for eighteen months in the state of South Carolina in 
Captain Mazecks company, Col Frank Marions regiment in the year
1779 & continued in service untill the Siege at Charleston S.C. in 1780
where he was taken prisoner by the British & detained fourteen months
& being discharged he voluntarily joined Col Parkers regiment of Militia
from Virginia & continued in said service until the surrender of 
CornWallace at York Town in the year 1781 & was at that place
slightly wounded and made an original declaration of his said
services to the general government claiming a pension in the 
Spring of the year 1818 which was been returned being [informal?]
and he has never received any pension from his government for his 
revolutionary services.  And I do solemnly swear that I was a 
resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818
and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale or in any manner
disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby
so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of 
an act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons
engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in 
the Revolutionary War" passed on the 18th day of March 1818, and that 
I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property or 
securities, contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any income 
other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto
Page 67

Annexed and by me subscribed and is possessed of seventeen
Hogs of the Value of forty four dollars, forty pounds of Bacon
of the value of five dollars fifty cents, and no other estate
[illegible] or personal necessary clothing & bedding excepted has heretofore

followed shoe making, for several years being unable to do any harder work, and from his age and infirmity is now unable to support himself in that of any other way by his labour, has a wife
Nancy Keith who is about fifty five years old & very infirm
& unable to obtain a substance by labour and only one child a son
named Membrance Keith nine years old, who compose the whole of
his family, and this is in such indigent circumstances as to be
unable to support himself without the assistance of his county.

Sworn to and declared on the 23rd day of August A.D. 1820 and
Subscribed before me in open court.

John Keith  S  his mark

C B Strong Judge         
Supr C.O Dist Georgia 

A list of John Keith's property appraised by Spencer
Maddox & [Gravy?] Cole
17 Head of Hogs Valued at $44.00
40 lb Bacon                             5.50
                                               _____
                                             $49.50
Page 68

State of Georgia]
Putnam County]

I John J Smith Clerk of the Superior Court of said county; do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of said court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount - the value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is forty nine dollars & fifty cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court, on this 12th day of September 1820 (date unsure)
                         
                        John J Smith Clk SCPC Geo
Page 69

Authenticated copy of the will & c of Abner Tucker dec'd.
1.  Deed of Military bounty.  Lands from Josiah Jones to Abner Tucker, Dated Augt. 8th 1792 & conveyed by Johannah Marion Tucker sole heir of estate of A. Tucker to Jno. Spennanberg the 17th day of July 1820.
1.  Deed of Military bounty lands dated Augt. 10th, 1792 from Jacob Allen to Abner Tucker and conveyed by Johannah M Tucker sole heir to the estate of A. Tucker to Jno. Spennanberg this 17th day of July A. D. 1820.
1. Deed of Military bounty lands from Abijah Adams to A. Tucker dated the 1st day Sept. 1792 and conveyed by Johannah Marion Tucker to Jno. Spennanberg the 17th day of July A, D, 1820.
Mr. Leven Nailes Simp.
     The above deed I wish you to forward on to the city of Washington by some friend if practicable or if not by mail.  You will please apply at the war office for certificates and use whatever steps it may be necessary to obtain pattents (patents) for the land, any course you may deem expedient.  I hereby authorize you to persue (pursue), and whatever trouble and expense you may be at will be thankfully acknowledged by your most Obdt. & (illegible) Ser.
                                Jno. Spennanberg
Page 70

Received of Lovin Wailes, through the hands
of the Honorable Secretary of the War Department
of the United States, all the documents specified
in the memorandum on the opposite side of
this paper.-
War Office Washington }
City                            1823}