Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 10164, for Simon Keel, North Carolina
Page 1

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[3-1776]

SERVICE
N. C.

Keel, Simon
        Penelope

NUMBER
W 10164
B. L. Wt. 71018-160-55

CONTENTS
Page 2

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[written on left side – Order to pay May 10, 37 Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the C. April 1838 from 4 Sept. 1838 to 4 March 1839 Agt Notified 9 March 1840]

North Carolina 16.509
Simon Keel
of Pitt in the State of N.Ca. [North Carolina]
who was a private Cav. in the -- commanded
by Captain -- of the Regt commanded
by Col. Caswell in the No Ca [North Carolina]
line for 11 months

Inscribed on the Roll of No Carolina
at the rate of 40 Dollars 83 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of Augt. 33 
and sent to Richard Parker, Greenville, Na Ca. [North Carolina]

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 - $81.66
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Sep “ [1833] 20.41
$102.07
{Revolutionary Claim}
{Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by Natl. Rice, Clerk
Book A Vol. 6 Page 46
Page 3

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

6139
North Carolina   F
Penelope Keel
widow of Simon Keel
who served in the Revolutionary 
N.C.
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of 40 Dollars – 83
cents per annum, to commence on 
the 3d February, 1853

Certificate of Pension issued 
5th day of June 1857
and sent to H. G. Fant Present

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 214 Vol. 26
Page 4

[written on left side – Et Butts
Vol. K - 36]

278.371 Act March 3 / 55
July 20 / 57

Penelope Keel, widow of Simon Keel priv.
Capt} NC
Col} Mil

Revolutionary Pensioner

NC 53-6139
W:160 Act July 31/57
Boynton

Special B.

PM Henry Present

[written sideways - 71.018 Issued Augt 1st /57]
Page 5

Land Act 1833
170.371
Penelope Keel
Widow of Simon Keel dead 
late Revolutionary 
Pensioner of North 
Carolina per Act 1832.

Mrs. Keel was recently pen
-sioned under act of 1833

Filed by P. M. Henry Present

[written sideways – Greenville this 8th day of July 1857 H. Sheppard Clerk]
Page 6

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

FORM OF A DECLARATION
TO BE MADE BY THE WIDOW OF A DECEASED PERSON WHO HAS NOT HAD A LAND WARRANT.
State of North Carolina,}ss. 
County of Pitt,}
On this 30th day of June, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and State aforesaid Penelope Keel, aged 74, a resident of Pitt County, in the State of North Carolina, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Simon Keel, deceased who was a --- in the company commanded by Captain ---in the----regiment of-----, commanded by-----, in the war of the Revolution with Great Britain and for proof of his service names of his officers etc., she hereby refers to the pension papers of her said husband Simon on file in Washington in the Pension office. [crossed out that her said husband     at  ,on or about the   day of   , A. D.   , for the term of    , and continued in actual service in said war for the term of    , and was honorably discharged at    , on the    day of    A. D.]
She further states that she was married to the said Simon Keel in Pitt County, on the or about 25 day of June 9 A. D. 1813, by one Wilks Brooks, a Justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Penelope James; that her said husband died at Home in Pitt County on the 4 day of May, A. D. 1842, and that she is now a widow; for proof of which she refers to her own pension papers under Act of Feb. 3, 1853.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the “act approved March 3, 1855,” and that she has never before made application for said bounty Land.
Penelope [her x mark] Keel
We, R. A. Hatton and John A. Harrington residents of Pitt County, in the State of North Carolina, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Penelope Keel in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, namely the widow of the identical Simon Keel who was a Revolutionary pensioner, and lived and died in said County and State.
R. A. Hatton {seal}
John A. Harrington {seal}
And I, Penelope Keel do hereby constitute and appoint Wilson F. Dozier irrevocably my true and lawful attorney; with full power of substitution for me, in my name and place, and stead, to present this my claim, to ask for, receive, and give good and sufficient receipts for any land warrant to which I am entitled, and which may be issued by reason of said services, and generally to do any and every act that I might or could do were I personally present at the doing thereof; hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever he, my said attorney, or his substitute, should do in and about the premises by virtue hereof, hereby revoking all other powers heretofore granted. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal.
Penelope [her x mark] Keel [SEAL.]
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were Sworn to and subscribed before me, and said power of attorney duly acknowledged, on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Sidney Daniel {JP}
Page 7

State of North Carolina}
Pitt County}
I [Ink Smear and crossed out] Clerk of the Court of Pleas & quarter sessions for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that Sidney Daniel Esq. whose genuine signature is appended to the within Declaration and affidavit is and was at the time of executing the same an acting Justice of the Peace within & for the County & State aforesaid and his acts are entitled to due credit as such. Given under my hand & seal of office at Greenville, this 8th day of July 1857.
H. Sheppard Clerk

[Written sideways- Land Act 1833; 278.371; Penelope Keel; Widow of Simon Keel dead late Revolutionary Pensioner of North Carolina per Act 1832.; Mrs. Keel was recently pensioned under act of 1833; Filed by P. M. Henry Present]
Page 8

Pension Claim
Act of Febry 3, 1853
Mrs. Penelope Keel

[words crossed out]

Widow of Simon Keel, Revolutionary Pension at $40.83 per annum.-North Carolina

Filed by H. G. Faut Attorney
Page 9

April 2, 1857
Geo C Whiteing
Commissioners of Pension
Dear Sir
Please examine my declaration for Bounty Land and if I am entitled find my warrant to my attorney Wilson F. Dozier at Blossom Hill N.C. Princess Anne County Va [Virginia]
Your friend
Penelope [her x mark] Keel

Test
John H Buck
State of North Carolina}
Pitt County} I Henry Sheppard Clerk of the Court of Pleas & quarter sessions for the county of Pitt do hereby certify that Enoch Moore Esqr. [Esquire] Whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing declaration and affidavit, it and was at the time of Signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly authorized and empowered to take acknowledgment administer oaths &c Given under my hand & seal of office at Greenville this 2nd day of April 1857.
H. Sheppard, Clerk
Page 10

State of North Carolina}ss
Pitt County}
On this the 30 day of March A.D. 1857 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and state above mentioned John H Bucke and Wedigan Moore residents of Pitt County and State of North Carolina who being duly sworn according to law declares that they were intimately acquainted with Simon Keel and Penelope his wife it [who] was and is now his widow for he lived in this county and state and died in it some 14 years ago and his widow lives in this county at this time and the said Simon Keel did receive some pension money in his lifetime and there is no public nor family record nor eye witnesses of their marriage as they know of but they lived together as husband and wife prior and up to his death and were so reputed to be never not having been married was never call to in question by their acquaintances and they have no interest in this claim.
John H Bucke
Wedigan Moore 

The foregoing affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons and that have no interest in the claim.
{Enoch Moore} J.P
Page 11

State of North Carolina,}ss. 
County of Pitt,}
On this 30th day of March, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace duly Commissioned and authorized to administer oaths for general purposes, within and for the county and State aforesaid Penelope Keel, aged 74 years, a resident of Pitt County, in the State of North Carolina, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Simon Keel, deceased who was a private [crossed out in the company commanded by Captain ---in the----regiment of-----, commanded by-----,] (See pension papers on file in the pension office and for his offices names ect) in the war of the Revolutionary war. 
that her said husband entered at Pitt County NC (see pension papers on file) [crossed out on or about the   day of   , A. D.], one thousand eight hundred and 77 for the term of (was in prison at Fernace when peace was declared), and continued in actual service in said war for the term of [crossed out], and was honorably discharged at (See pension papers), on the    day of    A. D. one thousand eight hundred and.
She further states that she was married to the said Simon Keel in Pitt County N.C., on the 4 day of June 9 A. D. one thousand 8 hundred and 20, by one Wilson Brooks, a Justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Penelope James; that her said husband died at Pitt County N. C. on the 4 day of May, A. D. on thousand 8 hundred and 43, and that she is now a widow; and her said husband did receive 40 dollars and 85 cents her annum for his services in said war, and that she knows of no public or permit record of her said marriage.
[sentence crossed out] and this is the first time that she has ever applied for any pension, and she has never received any money or loan under any act of Congress.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the “act approved March 3, 1855.”
Penelope [her x mark] Keel
We, John H Buck and Joseph Buck residents of Pitt County, in the State of North Carolina, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Penelope Keel in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. And is still a widow in that we have no interest in this claim.
John H. Buck
Joseph Buck

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim. And is still a widow and is unable to attend court on account of old age [Illegible] 
Enoch Moore {JP}
Page 12

Simon Keel
25574
Page 13

State of North Carolina}S.S.
Pitt County}
On this 9th day of May 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the State & County aforesaid now sitting Simon Keel a resident of Pitt County aged sixty-nine years who being first duly sworn doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He was born in Pitt County and State aforesaid the 18th day of August 1763 which he has a record of, and that he has always resided in this County & State. That he enlisted in the State Regiment of North Carolina under the command of Col. [Colonel] John P. Williams and belonged to a company of Calvary commanded by capt [Captain] Folkner some time in 1778. That he continued to serve in said regiment five months and until he was discharged at Black Swamp near Savannah River in South Carolina some time in 1779. That he received a written discharge but has lost it. That he was in one engagement in the State of Georgia during the time at Briar Creek. That after the time mentioned he was again enlisted during the year 1779 and served under Col. Richard Caswell in Captain Austin Spain's Company and served three months, and was discharged by Captain Spain and has lost this discharge also, at this time he traveled into South Carolina to Camden and was in an engagement against Corn Wallace [Cornwallis] That he entered the service again in 1780 or 1781 for three months in Capt [Captain] Kennedy's Company under the command of General Eaton, and traveled into the western part of this State and was in an engagement at Guilford Court House and was afterwards discharged or dismissed. That he was acquainted with Major Blount: That when under in Captain Folkner's Company he was a substitute. That he has no documentary evidence of his services, and knows no person who served in the first tour except Moses Highsmith and in the second Arthur Whitehurst and in the third Reuben Gurganus whose testimony he here gives. That he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of any Agency of any State.
Page 14

Sworn and subscribed to the year and date above written. 
R. S. Blount, D.C. 
Simon [his x mark] Keel
I Moses Highsmith of the County of Pitt & State of North Carolina do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Simon Keel whose declaration is hereto prefixed, that I served in the same Regiment of the North Carolina line commanded by Colonel Williams & know that he served for five months in Captain Folkner's Company. That I believe him to be 69 years of age. That he has resided in the County ever since the war and that he is a man of veracity. 
Sworn to in open Court the day and date above written. 
R. S. Blount, D. C. 
Moses [his x mark] Highsmith

I Arthur Whitehurst of the County of Pitt & State of North Carolina do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Simon Keel whose declaration is here prefixed, that I served in the same Regiment of the North Carolina line commanded by Colonel Caswell and know that he served about three months in the Cavalry Company commanded by Captain Spain. That he has resided in said County ever since the War and that I believe him to be a man of veracity. 
Sworn to the date and year above written. 
R. S. Blount
Arthur Whitehurst 
I Reuben Gurganus of the County of Pitt and State of North Carolina do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Simon Keel whose name is prefixed to the above declaration. That he served in the Regiment of the North Carolina line commanded by Colonel Eaton three months. That I believe him to be 69 years of age, That he has resided in the County ever since the War, & That I believe him to be a man of veracity. 
Sworn to the day and year above written. 
R. S. Blount, D. C. 
Reubin [his x mark] Gurganus
Page 15

I William Clark a clergyman of the county and state aforesaid do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Simon Keel who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration and that I believe him to be about the age set forth in his declaration. That he is believed in the neighborhood in which he resides and that I concur in that opinion.
William Clark
R.S. Blount DC

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 Moses Highsmith, Arthur Whitehurst and Reubin Gurganus who have signed the preceding certificates are residents of said county and are credible persons. And also that William Clark is a Clergyman and a resident of said county and state.
In Session
Goold Hoyt Chairman

I Archibald Parker Clerk of the court of Pleas & quarter sessions for the county of Pitt and state of North Carolina do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Simon Keel for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 9th May 1833.
Arch Parker CCC
Page 16

Pension Claim
Additional declaration
Act Feb. 3 1853
Penelope Kiel [Keel] 
widow of
Simon Kiel [Keel] dec’d [deceased]
Revolutionary pensioner
North Carolina

Cole

Filed by
H. G. Fant
Present
Page 17

State of North Carolina
Know all men by these presents that we Simon Keel and Benjamin Keel, are held and firmly bound unto his Excellency John Branch Esquires, Governor, Captain, General and Commander in Chief in and over the said State in the Sum of five hundred pounds current money to be paid to the said Governor is Successors or assigns.
To the which payment will and truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs executors and administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents Sealed with our Seals and dated this the Twenty fourth day of June A.D. Eighteen Hundred & Nineteen.
The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bounden Simon Keel hath made application for a License for a Marriage, intended to be had and solemnized between him and Penelope James of the County aforesaid. Now in case it shall not appear at any time here after that there is any lawful cause to obstruct the said marriage then the above obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue
Signed Sealed & delivered}
in presence of}
Richard Evans}
Simon Keel {Seal}
Benjamin Keel {Seal}

State of North Carolina Pitt County}
I Henry Sheppard Clerk of the County Court in and for the aforesaid County depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk and that the above is a true extract from the record of said office with the exception of Dates & figures which are expressed in the record in fair legible date and figures as follows 24th day of June A.D. 1819 in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand seal of office at Greenville this 29th day of April A. D. 1857

Henry Sheppard Clerk
M G Cherry Dbt [Deputy] Clerk
Page 18

State of North Carolina}SS
County of Pitt}
On the first day of May A.D. 1857 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county James S. Clark and Samuel R Harrington who are to me well known and are credible witnesses and how being duly sworn deposes and say that they are each well acquainted with Mrs. Penelope Keel the above affiant for a pension that they have known her for 45 years last past. That they were acquainted with Simon Keel her late husband having known him for 35 years previous to his death that they the said Simon Keel and Penelope Keel lived together as husband and wife prior and up to his death and were reputed to be that deponents never heard the fact of their marriage disputed or question that the said Simon Keel died on the day of AD 1837 and that the said Penelope Keel has been since that day and still is reputed to be his widow which deponents believe to be the fact. That she has never married since her said husbands death and still is his widow, and that her said husband was the identical man mentioned as a pensioner in his declaration on the last page and that the deponents do reside in the County and that aforesaid and that they have no interest in this claim.
Jas S. Clark
SR Harrington
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 29 day of April AD 1857.
David Lawrence J.P.
Page 19

Pension Money
Act of February 3 1853
Penelope Keel widow
 of Simon Keel 
presented by
W Dozier at
Blossom Hill, N.C.
[Illegible]
Page 20

State of North Carolina}SS
County of Pitt}

On the 29 day of April AD 1857 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and state above mentioned Penelope Keel age 74 years a resident of Pitt County in the State of North Carolina who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Simon Keel deceased who was a private in the Company commanded by Capt ---in the  for the time of the –Regiment Commanded by Col. --- in the war of the Revolution to the best of her information and belief her said husband entered the service at Pitt Co. N.C. about the –day of—AD 1780 for the time of the war and continued in actual service in said war for the term of three years and was honorably discharged at Pitt Co N.C. on the day of – A.D. 1782. That her said husband was a pensioner of the United States under act of A.D. – at the rate of $40.85 per annum which was had to him by Icharbld [Archibald] Parker who was his agent at Pitt Co N.C. in the State of North Carolina. She further states that she was married to the said Simon Keel in Pitt County and State of North Carolina on the -day of June AD 1819. That she was not married to him prior to the second of January AD 1800 but at the time above stated and she further states that there is a public record of her marriage. That she cannot file herewith his certificate of discharge for she does not know where it is at. Also there is no private record of her marriage and further she declares that she is still the widow of the said Simon Keel dec’d [deceased] and she makes this declaration for the purpose of attaining the pensions that may be due her under the act of February [H?] 3 AD 1853
Page 21

She hereby appoints Wilson F. Dozier of Blossom Hill N.C. Princess Anne County Virginia her lawful attorney to prosecute this her claim for pension and receive the certificate when issued.
Penelope [her x mark] Keel
We Samuel R Harrington and John Strobs residents of Pitt County N.C. upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and [Illegible] by Penelope Keel in our presence and that we know that she is unable to attend court from bodily infirmity and we know that she is the person that she represents herself to be and is still a widow and that we have no interest in this claim.

SR Harrington
John Strobs

The foregoing declaration and affidavits were Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year written on the last page and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons and the claimant is the widow of Simon Keel dec’d [deceased] and from bodily infirmity is unable to attend court and that I have no interest in this claim.
David Lawrence J. P.
Page 22

State of North Carolina}
County of Pitt}
I Henry Sheppard Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State above mentioned do hereby certify that David Lawrence whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing declaration and affidavits is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly Commissioned and Sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of record, having general jurisdiction.

Given under my hand and Seal of office at Greenville this the 2nd day of May 1857
Henry Sheppard Clerk
M G Cherry Dbt [Deputy] Clerk
Page 23

No. 25574
Simon Keel Pitt County North Carolina

Admit as private
5 mo. Cavry [Cavalry] – 20.83
6 – Infantry 20 -
$40.83

Richd [Richard] Parke, Greenville, N Carolina
Page 24

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

WAR DEPARTMENT
PENSION OFFICE
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 show 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, (these:}). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A STATEMENT, showing the Service of Simon Keel Pitt County North Carolina
[column headings: Period when the service rendered: Duration of the claimant’s service. Year Month Day: 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.]
Enlisted 1778 – 5 months – Cavalry; Col. Williams Captain Folkner; 69 years old; Pitt County N. Carolina; Traditionary evidence of four witnesses papers correct.
Enlisted 1779 – 3 months – Col. Caswell, Cap [Captain] Spains; 
Served {1780 or 1781 – 3 months – private; Cap [Captain] Kennedy, Gl [General] Easton

Battle at Brier Creek, Guilford Court House


I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 25

2
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. 
[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. 
1               of the Court of              do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of       &c. 
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: 
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the             and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with              , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be               years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
Sworn and subscribed the day 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 bis 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
Page 26

3
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.} {To an Officer.} Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? 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 he 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 traditionary 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 trans nit 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. ln a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of 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 places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
[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 in 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 in 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 signatures 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 to [illegible] note (j) applies to continental troops only. 
[k] This traditionary 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.
Page 27

[Illegible] Act 1853

Geo. C. Whiting Esq.
Commr of Pensions
Washington D. C.

[written sideways 278.371]
Page 28

No 6705
Penelope Kiel [Keel]
widow of Simon,
Pitt Co. North Carolina

Let. H. G. Fant Apr 21/57

Act Feby 3 1853
Page 29

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
Second Comptroller’s Office,
March 2d, 1840

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,” Simon Keel, - a Pensioner on the Roll of the North Carolina Agency, at the rate of forty-- Dollars and eighty three Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department from the 4th of Sept. 1838 to the 4th March 1839.

Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner Of Pensions,
Present.
Page 30

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Brief in the case of Penelope Keel, widow of Simon Keel
Pitt County and State of North Carolina
act of February 3 1853

Claim, (“original,” [crossed out or “for increase.”])

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by Rolls? If either, state the substance.
Claimants husband was a pensioner under Act of June 7, 1832, at rate of $40.83 per annum and was paid to 4th March 1841, as per 3d Auditor’s Certificate.
Marriage proved by certified copy of marriage bond, and parol.
Identity of claimant as the widow of the pensioner named above, his death, and her present widowhood proved by several credible witnesses.
Allowance accordingly.
[crossed out (If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?]

H. G. Fant Esq.
Name and reside of Agent
Washington D.C.
R. Geddes
Examining Clerk,
Page 31

Act Feb. 3 1853
Geo C Whiting Esq
Com. Pe [Commissioner of Pensions]
Page 32

[written sideways at top – 3d Auditor’s office June 4, 1857
Sir,
Simon Keel, N.C. Act June 1832 at $40.83/100 her annum appears to have been paid to March 4 1841.
Very Respy [Respectfully]
Rob J Atkinson
Geo C Whiting; Esq.}
Commr [Commissioner] of Pensions}]

Pension Office, June 3, 1857 the 3d Auditor will please certify the date to which within named pensioner was paid and name of his widow if she received arrears.


Very respectfully,
S. Cole
Chief Clerk

Geddes
Page 33

Penelope Keel
widow of Simon –
Pitt County – North Carolina
Admitted Act Feby 3, 1853
at rate of $40.83 per 
annum commencing 
at date of said act 
Husband was private of 
Inftry [Infantry] & Cavalry 11 months

Pay widow

Certificate to H. G. Fant Esq.
Washington, D. C.
Page 34

71,018

160 acres
Page 35

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 10164
Penelope Keel
Wid.
Simon Keel
Private Rev. War

Act: Feby 3d, 1858
Index: - Vol. A, Page 391

[Arrangement of 1870.]