Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20250, for Robert Mc Kee, Connecticut
Page 1

SERVICE:
"Conn." 

"McKee Robert
or Mackee, Elizabeth"

Number:
"W.20250"
Page 2

(Left Side of page:)
"Notification sent to
Thomas Chester, Esq. 
20 October 1820, Hartford,
Connecticut."

(Right Side of page.) 
"552"
"Connecticut Roll"
---------
"Robert McKee
Private      4
Connecticut line"
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
---------
Inscribed on the Roll of "Connecticut" at the rate of "Eight" Dollars per month, to commence on the "17" of "April 1818. :
-----------
Certificate of Pension issued the "15" of "May 1818" and "sent to Hon. Jonathan Bruce, Hartford, Con." 
-----------
Arrearages to "4th. September 1818"
"4 months 18/30  $36.80"
{Revolutionary claims,}
{Act 18th March, 1818,}

"1 Year '76"
"Continued"

"East Hartford, Hartford Co."
Page 3

"Continued 1/4"
------------
"Elizabeth McKee widow of Robert McKee Hartford Co." in the State of "Connecticut" who was a "private" in the "Company" commanded by Captain "Pettibone" of the "Regiment" commanded by "Col. Ward" in the "Connect(icut) for one year"
----------
Inscribed on the Roll of "Connecticut" the rate of "40" Dollars --- Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March 1831. 
---------
Certificate of Pension issued the "12" day of "Nov. 1836" and "sent to George W. Griswold, Manchester"
--------
Arrears tp the 4th of "Sept. 1836 $220.~"
Semi-anl. allowance ending "4 March '37 20.~"
-------
"$240.~"
-------
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1836}

Recorded by "Wm. L. Alline", Clerk, 
Book - , Vol. "1", Page "83"
Page 4

"State of Connecticut Hartford County  fs Hartford this 18th day of October 1836. 
On this 18th day of October 1836 personally appeared before the court of Probate of the district of Hartford in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut, Elizabeth Mackee, a resident of the town of Manchester in the County of Hartford and state of Connecticut aged eithty two 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 fourth 1836. 
That she is the widow of Robert Mackee late of Manchester in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut deceased who was a soldier in the army of the United State during the Revolutionary War and received a pension of ninety six dollars a year under the laws of the United States at the time of his death.  The evidence on which the said pension was granted and the certificate here of are as the said Elizabeth is informed and believes returned to the proper department at Washington to which she begs leave to refer the commission; but his certificate being surrendered at his death or soon after his death at the Loan office in Hartford, she is unable to be more particular in her reference. 
Said Robert Mackee first received a pension in the year 1818 or there abouts and was at that time a resi-"
Page 5

"dent of the town of East Hartford in the County of Hartford and state of Connecticut. She further declares that she was married to the said Robert Mackee in August in the year 1775, the precise day she cannot state, and previous to the expiration of the last period of his service.  She further declares that she was born on the fifth day of September 1754 and that she was married to the said Robert as she distinctly remember, a short time previous to her being twenty one years old and short time previous to her birthday.  She also further declares that the said Robert and herself did not immediately commence keeping house together as soon as they were married but that soon afterwards the said Robert returned to his father's house which was about thirty three miles distant from her father's, and not long afterwards she received a letter from him which is now lost informing her that he had gone into the military service, but whether into the regular army or not she does not know; that said Robert Mackee was at the time of his marriage called Robert Mackee Jr. on account of his having a father living at that time who name was Robert Mackee, but that his said father was not a member of the army.  She further declares that her husband the aforesaid Robert Mackee died on the twenty fourth day of October 1826 and that she has remained his widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof here to annexed,"
Page 6

"Sworn & subscribed the day & year before mentioned Before said Court of Probate, 
(Signature of Elizabeth Mackee)
--------------
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the appropriate interrogations that the said Elizabeth Mackee is the surviving widow of Robert Mackee late of Manchester in said County of Hartford and state of Connecticut, married to him before the last period of his services in the army of the Revolution.  That her said husband has deceased and that she still remains his widow & has never again married. 

I Thomas Henry Seymour Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Hartford in said County of Hartford and State of Connecticut hereby certify that the above & foregoing contains the original preceding of said Court in the matter of the application of widow Elizabeth Mackee for a pension. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Probate this 18th day of October A D 1836.
(Signed) Thomas H. Seymour, Judge
State of Connecticut ssi
Probate Office District of Hartford
October 18th 1836.

I Henry Seymour Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Hartford, of said Harford, hereby testify, that Thomas Henry Seymour who has signed the foregoing Certificate is the Judge of the Court of Probate in the said District, and that the signature purporting to be his as above, is his genuine Signature.  In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Affixed the Seal of said Court probated this 18th day of October 1836. 
Attest Henry Seymour, Clerk"
Page 7

"Robert Mackee
            McKee
552
Sept 1818"
Page 8

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, County of HARTFORD, ss. Special County Court, or Court of Common Pleas, holden by order of the Chief Judge of said Court, on the first Tuesday of August, 1820. 

ON this "2nd" day of August, 1820, personally appeared in open Court, the same Court being a Court of record for said County, having the power of fine and imprisonment, "Robert McKee" aged "66" years, resident in "East Hartford" in the County of Hartford, who being first duly sworn according to law doth, on this oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows:  
"I enlisted into the company commanded by Capt. Ozias Pettibone in the regiment commanded by Col. Andrew Ward in Jun 1776 for one year I served out my time & was discharge May 14th 1777 my first declaration was made & my pension warrant is number" _____

"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 State, 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; not have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed."

"The following articles of furniture & belonging which Robert McKee presented to us for appraisal is
one high case of drawers ---1.50
One low case of drawers --- .50
1 large spinning wheel ---.50
1 clock reel --- . 25
1 old table --- . 25
1 old table --- .25
1 large iron kettle --- . 30
1 large pot --- 2/1
1 dish kettle --- .34
other articles of old iron --- .50
one other low case pf drawers --- .25
1 looking glass --- . 25
fire shovel & tongs --- .40
1 set flat irons --- .34
1 bellows --- .12
1 PR steelyards --- .34
old knives & forks --- .34
2 pewter tea pots --- .60
crockery & glass ware --- .60
1 pewter platter --- ??
1 stone churn ---. 30
articles of tin ---. 25
9 old chairs ---. 30
old ??? & barrels --- 1.25
old tubes & parts --- .50
old wagon & harness --- 3.
3 old axes ---1.     
spade & bevle (bevel) --- .34
old plow with crow bar, hoe & iron wedge $1.50 2.50 Total: 19.90
(Witnessed: Jared Lewis, Ireanus Brown"
Page 9

"My occupation is that of a farmer but am very infirm & afflicted with a distressing complaint & unable to work abut little.  I have a wife named Elizabeth aged 66 years a very feeble woman one daughter name Nancy 33 years old & on e daughter named Clarissa aged 22 years who reside with me & one grandson named Isaac Evans age 8 years who for a year past has been in a very feeble health & afflicted with a fever sore & dependent upon me for support. 
Robert Mackee"

"Hartford Country ss (namely) East Hartford 2nd day August 1820 Personally appeared Jase Lewis & Irenus Brown & made solemn oath to the truth of the within appraisement. 
George Cheney, Justice of Peace"

Sworn to and declared by said "Robert Mackee" on the "2nd" day of August, 1820, before said Court, and it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is "Nineteen" dollars and "ninety eight" cent. 

I, "Thomas Chester" Clerk of the County Court or Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of "Hartford" aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the record of said Court. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court on this "5" day of "August" 1820 "& this day said Robert Mackee shew to me his pension certificate dated May 15, 1818 pension to commence April 17, 1818 No. 552"

"Th(omas) Chester"
Clerk of the County Court or Court of Common Please in and for said County of Hartford.
Page 10

"State of Connecticut
County of Hartford"

"Robert McKee of East Hartford in said County being duly sworn doth depose & say that he served in the revolutionary war on the Continental establishment in the Connecticut line for one year. 

That he entered the service in the month of May or June 1776 to serve as a private for one year faithfully served until the termination thereof when on the 14th day of May AD 1777 he was honorably discharge which discharge is hereto annexed - He belonged to Capt. Ozias Pettibone's company & Col. Andrew Ward's Regiment of the Connecticut line - He served in New York, New Jersey. He ___ that he is a resident citizen of the United States has never had a pension, is in reduced circumstances and in need of assistance from his Country for support.

(Signed) Robert Mackee

Sworn to and subscribed this 14th day of April 1818 Before me. 
(Signed) Jonathan Brace, Judge of the County Court for the County aforesaid. "
Page 11

"This may certify that Robert McKee In the Continental Army in Capt. Ozias Pettibone's Company and Col. Andrew Wards Regiment has Served out his tie and is honorably discharged. May ye (the) 14, AD 1777
Isaac Cook, Major."
Page 12

"Robert McKee, Private
17 April 1878
Not on Rolls
Major Cooks Regiment
Hon Discharge"
Page 13

State of Connecticut
and County of Hartford, } ss. "Hartford"

I Jonathan Brace, Judge of the County Court, within and for said County, the same being a Court of Record, do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that "Robert McKee" who swore to and subscribed the foregoing affidavit, served as a "Soldier" in the Revolutionary was against the common enemy, and on the Continental establishment, for at least the term of nine months, and is a resident citizen of the United States, in reduced circumstances, and in need of assistance from his country for support. 

An in addition to the proof contained in the foregoing affidavit, and in support thereof, I further certify that it is proved to me by the testimony under oath of "Ozias Bidwell" who is a credible witness, that the said "Robert McKee" served in the revolutionary was, as aforesaid; and from the like testimony of "Joseph M. Morrow" that the said "Robert McKee" is in reduced circumstances, and in need of assistance from his country for support. 

In testimony whereof, I have caused the seal of the said Court to be hereunto affixed, and subscribed my name at Hartford aforesaid, this "17th" day of "April" A. D. 1818. 

"Jonathan Brace Judge of the County Court for the County aforesaid. 

April 17th 1818 sealed with the seal of said Court by direction of the Honourable Jonathan Brace who is the Presiding Judge of said Court. 
Thomas Chester, Clerk"
Page 14

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section                (MDG)

Sept. 18, 1925

Mr. Charles R. Hale, 
#33 Capitol Avenue, 
Hartford, Connecticut. 

Sir:

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W-20250, it appears that Robert Mackee or McKee, son of Robert Mackee, enlisted in May or June 1776, served as a private in the Captain Ozias Pettibone's Company, Colonel Andrew Ward's Connecticut Regiment and was discharged May 14, 1777.

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 17, 1818 while residing at East Hartford, Hartford County, Connecticut, aged sixty-four years (date of birth not stated).  He died October 24, 1826.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 15

WIDOW, &c (etc.)

File No. "20.250"
"Elizabeth McKee
Widow of 
Robert McKee
Private Revolutionary War
-*-
Act June 7th, (18)36"
Index: Vol. "M", Page "25"

(Arrangement of 1870)

"Aug 4, 98 History to Al
Middletown, Conn, wife
1921 May 27 Hist. to D. O. C. Eastman
1922 Sept. 7, Hist. to Mrs. W. B. Price
____
1925 Sept 18, Tombstone data W.
Chas. R. Hale.       MDG"
Page 16

"Robert McKee Connect. Act March 1818
to what time last paid?

Per office
Nov 12, 36

Died 24 Oct 1826
paid to that time
JH"
Page 17

"State of Connecticut Hartford County fs(namely) Manchester the 14th day of October 1836.
I Daniel White Griswold of Manchester in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut aged sixty nine years depose & say that I was present at the marriage of Robert Mackee late of Manchester in the County of Hartford & state of Connecticut deceased to Elizabeth Griswold of Harwinton in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut.  They were married at said Harwinton by Daniel Catlin Esq. a justice of the Peace at the house of her father White Griswold of said Harwinton.  I can not State the precise time, but it was in the fore part of the revolutionary war.  I further depose and say that she is my sister and is and has remained the Widow of the said Robert Mackee since his death; and also that the said Robert Mackee received a pension previous to his death from the United States. 
(Signed) Dan' W. Griswold

Hartford County ss(namely) Manchester October 14, 1836 -
Personally appeared before me Daniel W. Griswold who has subscribed the foregoing deposition and made oath to the truth of the same & he is a credible person -
Geo. W. Cheney Justice Peace"
Page 18

I, Royal R. Hinman, Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, THAT "George W. Cheny (Cheney)" Esquire, is, and for more than "Six months" hast past, has been a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of "Hartford" in said State, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified, having full power and authority, by the laws of said State, to take the acknowledgement of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer oaths to witnesses and to take Affidavits and Depositions our of Court, and to give certificates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to the official acts and attestations of the said "George W. Cheny (Cheney)" in Court and "Country." 
In testimony whereof, I have, in my capacity of Secretary as aforesaid, hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at the City of Hartford, in said State, the "18th" day of "October" in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred "Thirty six -"
"and I certify that his signature to the annexed depositions is genuine.
Attest Royal R. Hinman Secretary"

[Note: George Wells Cheney, 1799-1841 Justice of the Peace and Town Clerk in Manchester, Connecticut in the 1830's.]
Page 19

"State of Connecticut Hartford County fs (namely) Manchester the fifteenth day of October 1836.
I Louisa Rich of Manchester in the County of Hartford and state of Connecticut aged seventy three years depose and say that I was present at the marriage of Robert Mackee late of Manchester in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut deceased to Elizabeth Griswold of Harwinton in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut.  They were married at said Harwinton by Daniel Catlin Esq. a justice of the Peace at the house of her father White Griswold of said Harwinton.  The precise time I cannot state but from circumstances which I distinctly recollect, it was according to the best of my remembrance in August in the year 1775.  I further depose and say that she is my sister and is and has remained the widow of the said Robert Mackee since his death.  The exact time of his death I cannot tell but I know that he has been dead several years. I further depose and say that the said Robert Mackee was at that time called Robert Mackee Jr. on account of his having a father living at that time whose name was Robert Mackee, & also that the said Robert Mackee married to the said Elizabeth as aforesaid received a pension previous to his death from the United States. 
(Signed) Louise Rich"
Page 20

"State of Connecticut, Hartford County ss(namely) Manchester October 15th 1836
Personally appeared Louisa Rich who has subscribed the within deposition and made oath to the truth of the same and she is a credible person - 
Before me Geo. W. Cheney Justice Peace - "
Page 21

"I Bennet F. Northrop of Manchester in the County of Hartford and state of Connecticut de-  depose and say that I have been acquainted with Daniel W. Griswold, Esq. of said Manchester for a number of years that he is a man of high respectability and fair moral character and has been a magistrate and for a number of years a deacon in the church and in my opinion his statements are entitled to credit.  I am also acquainted with Mrs. Elizabeth Mackee and Clarissa House of said Manchester; and also with Mrs. Louisa Rich by report who is also an inhabitant of said town and believe they all profess good character for truth; I further say that I believe that the declarations of Mrs. Elizabeth Mackee may be relied upon and that all the persons above named have been for many years and still are members of a church in this place in good standing.
Dated at Manchester this 18th day of October 1836
(Signed) Bennett F. Northrop
Pastor of the Cong. Church Manchester

Hartford County ss(namely) Manchester Oct. 18, 1836. 
Who personally appeared Bennett F. Northrop who here subscribed the foregoing deposition & made oath to the truth of the same & he is a credible person - 
Before me, Geo. W. Cheney, Just. Peace"
Page 22

"I certify that I am acquainted with the Rev. Bennet F. Northrop & that he is a more entirely to be relied upon in what he operts. 
(Signed) M. Ellsworth"
Page 23

"I Ralph R. Phelps of Manchester in Hartford County, being duly sworn, depose & say, that I have been acquainted with Daniel W. Griswold Esq., of Manchester for about forty years. That he is a man of fair moral character & of high respectability & has been a member of the Legislature of the State & a Magistrate & for many years a Deacon in the Church, & in my opinion his statements are entitled to full credit. I am also acquainted with Mrs. Louise Rich & Mrs. Clarrissa House both of Manchester & believe they both possess good character for truth. 
I further say that I am acquainted with Mrs. Elizabeth McKee, widow of Robert McKee formerly of Manchester, & consider her a person of truth & that her declaration may be relied upon.  All the persons above named have been for many years & still are member of a Christian Church in this place in good standing. 
Ralph R. Phelps
Attorney at Law"
Page 24

"State of Connecticut
Hartford County ss (namely) Manchester October 18th 1836.
Then personally appeared Ralph R. Phelps Esq., who has subscribed the within deposition and made oath to the truth of the same & he is a credible person - 
Before me - Geo W. Cheney, Justice Peace

I certify that I am acquainted with Ralph R. Phelps Esq., & that he is a gentleman entirely to be credited. 
M. Ellsworth"
Page 25

"Elizabeth McKee
No. 441 Connecticut
3. Sic. 
admitted
P40
Harwinton, Ct
10
Oct 5 
Geo. W. Griswold, Esq.
Manchester
Conn. "
Page 26

"Harwinton October 4th 1836

Mr. Griswold

Dear Sir
Your letter of enquiry requesting?? the Records in this office is received. I was absent at the time your letter arrived & for a considerable time subsequent thereafter which is the cause of so much delay. 
I have examined the records & can confirm no record of the marriage of Elizabeth Griswold.  I have likewise taken opportunity to enquire of some of the aged people in this town whom knew the subject. Mrs. Simson Barker, who was a Peck when a girl says she was well acquainted with Mr. White Griswold 's daughters, & told their names. One of them she said married a Phineas, & Elisabeth, (or Betsy she called her) she said was courted & married, but she could not recollect to whom. 
I will make out the certificate you request on the other half of the sheet. 
I am Sir yours very Respectfully, 
William C. Abernathy"
Page 27

"This may certify that I have carefully examined the books in the Town Clerks office in the Town of Harwinton, in the County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut and can find no record of the marriage of Robert Mackee Jr. & Elizabeth Griswold.

Certified by William C. Abernathy Town Clerk"
Page 28

"James L. Edwards Esq

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
District of Columbia"
Page 29

"State of Connecticut Hartford County
Manchester Oct 22, 1836

Sir
I here with transmit the application of the Widow Elizabeth Mackee of the said town of Manchester for a Pension under the third section of the Act of Congress of July 4, 1836

I am Sir
Most respectfully
your obedient 
Servant
Geo. V. Griswold
Attorney

James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C. "
Page 30

"IFNE?

July - 17- 1922

Commission of Pensions: My Ancestor, Robert McKee, of Hartford, Conn. was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was a Pensioner. 
Can you give me any information about him, or any dates or names of his family, as I am trying to complete my Lineage to the D. A. R.'s and I need this record. 

Yours Respectfully
Mrs. Wm. B. Price
1910 - So. 23d St
Lincoln, Nebraska

(Received stamp " U. S. Pension Office" " F  July 20, 1922")"
Page 31

O.C. Eastman, M. D.
Residence, 334 Franklin St.  
Office, 28 Paddock Arcade

Watertown, N.Y., "May 11", 19"21"

"Pension Office
Revolutionary Dept. 
Washington D C.

Would you please send me a copy of the application for pensions of one Robert McKee, of Hartford or East Hartford, Conn, who served in the war of the Revolution. 

Very Truly Yours,
O. C. Eastman
Watertown, N. Y.

(Received stamp "U. S. Pension Office" "May 13, 1921")"
Page 32

A. G. McKee,
Druggist.

Middletown, Conn.,"Aug 2" 189"8"

Dear Concernde

My great grand father Robert McKee was a resident of East Hartford, Conn.  The "History of Conn. Men in its Revolution" says he was one of the Lexington men, and also that he was a pensioner, accredited to R. I. which shows "at least 9 months service subsequent to the Lexington business. He is buried at Manchester, Conn., and his tombstone is inscribed as follows  (over)

(Received stamp "U. S. Pension Office" "B  Aug 4, 1898") "
Page 33

"Robert McKee
died
Oct. 24, 1826
Aged 73
Elizabeth
his wife died
March 27, 1843
aged 90"

"Manchester & South Manchester & all that country was originally East Hartford and I fancy must have been their home all their lives as my grandfather & father - as well as my great-great grandfather were born there. 

My great-great-great grandfather came there from Scotland & settled"
Page 34

A. G. McKee, 
Druggist. 
Middletown, Conn., _______________189_

in 1692 I think and he was the progenitor of every McKee in America according to all traditions.  I shall be glad to further the matter by any information I can give. 
Yours in _____,
A. G. McKee"
Page 35

"Hartford, Conn. Sept. 14 -1925

Revolutionary War Records Section
Pension Dept. 
Washington, D. C. 

Dear Miss Wilson: 

Please send me Revolutionary war record of Robert McKee on pension roll of 1818 and living in Hartford County. Also that of David Evans on pension roll of 1832 and living in Hartford, County. 

Yours very Truly,
Chas. R. Hale
33 Capitol Ave
Hartford, Conn.

(Side notes from Miss Wilson)
David Evans
Cl Comm.  Evans, David S12887
Send tombstone data only. this man has been to the Bureau & Stated that was all he wanted. "
Page 36

Revolutionary War Records Section
Form 3-525
__________
Department of the Interior, 
Bureau of Pension. 
Washington, D. C. , ____________, 19___

"Our
W. F. 20.250"

In reply to your request of ____________. received ______________ for a statement of the military history of "Robert Mackee" a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment.:
"May or June 1776"

Length of Service. 
"May 14, 1777"

Rank.
"Pvt. "

Officers under whom service was rendered.
Captain. 
"Ozias Pettibone"
Colonel.
"Andrew Ward"

State.
"Conn. "

Battles engaged in, "None stated"

Resident of soldier at enlistment, "Not stated"

Date of application for pension, "Apr. 17, 1818. His cl(aim). was al(lowed)."

Residence at date of application, "East Hartford, Hartford Co., Conn. "

Age at date of application, "64 ___died Oct. 24, 1826"

Remarks: "Soldier was the son of Robert Mackee. He married in Aug. 1775 at Harwinton, Conn.  Elizabeth daughter of White Griswold.  She was born Sept 5, 1754, & was allowed pens(ion)on an app. ex. Oct. 18, 1836 while residing in Manchester, Conn.  Children were Nancy 33 yrs, Clarissa 22 yrs, and a grand son Isaac Edward 8 years in 1820."

Respectfully, 
Commissioner.

Form # 5-2856