Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13611, for Heth Kelsey, Connecticut
Page 1

SERVICE
Conn.
CONTENTS
Koelsey, Heth
or
Heath
NUMBER
S. 13611
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[left side of page vertically]
Letter to Isaac Lawrence Agent 13 Sept 33

[right side of page]
20265
New York
Heath Kelsey
Chenango in the State of New York
who was a private in the Com commanded
by Captain Hubbel in the Reg commanded
by Col Webb in the Cont
line for 18 mos.

Inscribed on the Roll of N York
at the rate of 60 Dollars __ Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Aug
1832 and sent to H. Clark Bainbridge

Arrears to the 4th of Mar '31 $120
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Sep 31 30
$150

[Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by O C Stiles Clerk
Book E Vol. 3, Page 64
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15904
Heath Kelsey
Chenango
N.Y.

Admitted
Private 18 months

16 ob
May 11th 1833.
P. 391

John C. Clark,
Bainbridge,
N. York
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Brief in the case of Heath Kelsey
of Chenango Co. in the State of New York
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3 How old is he? 76
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

[4-column table] Period./ Duration of Service./ Rank./ Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.

Enlisted in 1775/ 6 Months/ Private/ Capt Hubbel, Col. Webb
d 1776/ 6 Months/ Capt. Couch, Col. Swift
Volunteer 1777/ 2 Months/ Capt Fuller, Col. Moseby
Drafted 1779/ 3 Months/ Capt Hines, Col. Canfield
Volunteer -/ 1 Month/ Capt Fuller
[total] 18 Months

5. In what battles was he engaged? Lechmere Point
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Litchfield county, Connecticut
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? living witnesses & tradition
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Not 
connected as required

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
T. G. Bradford
Examining Clerk.
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Pension Application 
Heath Kelsey
Bainbridge
Chenango Co
New York
15904
Address
John C Clark
Same place
Page 6

State of New York
Otsego County 
Seth Rowley of the town of Unadilla County and State aforesaid being duly sword according to law doth on hos oath depose and say that he is seventy two years of age that he is personally acquainted with Heath Kelsey the person described in the annexed affidavit or declaration that he has thus known him since June 1776 - that this deponent in the month and year last aforesaid enlisted at the town of Kent County of Sitch filed State of Connecticut as a soldier in Captain Ebenezer Conch's company of infantry in Col Heman Swift's Regiment of State Troops for the term of six months - that he said Heath Kelsey also was a private in said Company [illegible] about the same time for the same terms as this deponent and this deponent further saith that he is personally knowing to the facts that said Kelsey sworn as a faithful solider in said Company for six months & that he was honorably discharged at [illegible]
Seth Rowley
Sworn & Subscribed 
this 12 day of October
1832 before me
John Ellis Court & [illegible]
H.B. this above name was made before signed it having [illegible] in the place of of discharge from Elle Justice
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State of New York
Otsego County Ss. Be it remembered that on this 2nd Day of October 1832 before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid, personally appeared the worthy [illegible] Seth Rowley to me known as a person of credibility who was by me duly according to state law sworn to the truth of the matters set forth in the affidavit by him within subscribed.
Witness my hand the day and year first above written.
John Eills Com & Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Otsego County Ss The undersigned Clerk of the County of Otsego aforesaid doth hereby certify that John Eills Esquire before whom the within affidavit was taken by whom the above Certificate is Subscribed was on the Second day of October now instant now is a Justice of the Peace of said County of Otsego duly commissioned & qualified to act as such & that his signature to said affidavit & Certificate is genuine & his very proper hand & name. Witness my name & Seal of office this 6th day of October 1832.
Horace Lathrop Clerk.
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State of New York
Chenango County Ss. Edward H. Prince of Bainbridge in said County being duly sworn according to law saith that he is Seventy Seven years old on the 20th day of March last past - That he is personally acquainted with Heath Kelsey the person described in the annexed declaration. That he knew him in the month of June 1775. He the said Heath was a soldier (at that time) in Captain Gaylord Hubbel's Company of infantry in Col Charles Webb's State Troops of Connecticut - That said Kelsey marched with his said Company to Temples Farm near Boston & that he was stationed there in the service of the United States for six months - That this deponent was also a soldier in said Regiment in Captain Isaac Bostwick's Company & served also for six months in the United States Service at Said Temples Farm. I saw him very frequently in said service, we were discharged the same time after having faithfully served out our periods of service (six months). That for about Twenty five years last past I have resided in Bainbridge County of Chenango State of New York during all which time I have known said Kelsey - That said Kelsey is a man of credit & respect & ability & I have no doubt but that he is seventy six years old.
Sworn & Subscribed
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this 3rd Day of September 1832 }
Edwd H Prince
Before me -
Levi Bigelow A Judge of Chenango Common Pleas }

State of New York
Chenango County Ss I Levi Bigelow a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Chenango do testify that on this third day of September 1832 personally appeared before me Edward H Prince of Bainbridge in said County, to me known to be a man of credibility & was by me duly sworn according to Law to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed
Levi Bigelow

State of New York
Chenango County Clerks Office I Jarvis H Pike Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby Certify that Levi Bigelow Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken was on the third day of September 1832 & now is a Judge of Said Court duly Commissioned & qualified to act as such, and that his signature to said affidavits & to the above Certificate is his genuine & his true hand
Witness my hand & seal of office this 9th day of October 1832
P.B. Prindle Dep Clerk

[seal affixed at left]
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7. 1832.
State of New York }
Chenango County } Ss
On this ninth day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting Heath Kelsey a resident of Bainbridge in the County of Chenango, and State of New York, aged Seventy Six 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 act of Congress, passed June 7. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated
That in the month of June 1775 (the day of the month the deponent cannot recollect) he enlisted in Capt. Gaylord Hubbels company of infantry in Col Charles Webbs Regiment of Connecticut State Troops for the term of Six months. He enlisted in the Town of Sharon Litchfield County Connecticut Col Hall was Lieutenant Colonel of said regiment. From Sharon we marched to New Fairfield, where the Captain resided, I staid at the latter place untill the recruits all came in. From New Fairfield we marched tho Danburg & Stamford to Horseneck on the sound. We staid at Horseneck about Four weeks, watching & guarding the Seaboard. From Horseneck we marched to Stamford a short distance from
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HorseNeck, where we were stationed about three weeks. From Stamford we went on board a vessel & went to New Haven where we remained about ten days. From New Haven, we marched to Boston. We were stationed in Regiments at Temples Farm, near WinterHill, about twelve miles from Boston. We there encamped and remained there till the Expiration of the term of my enlistment, when in consequence of the period of enlistment of many of the State troops being about to expire at the request of General Washington we staid a short time untill the militia came in, and then I was honourably discharged and returned home. I think no written discharges were given. We were all drawn up in Regiment & dismissed by Col Webb. The only skirmish which happened, was at Leechmore Point. The British came to that point for the purpose of taking some Cattle. At high tide the point is surrounded with water. They choose this period. I with the rest of the Company went to the waters Edge & commenced firing. Some of the Dragoons went on to the Point & the British fled. At the time we were at Temple farm General Washington was at Cambridge - And this deponent further declares that in June 1776 (day I cannot recollect) in the town of Kent in the County of Litchfield State of Connecticut - I enlisted for the period of Six months in Captain Ebenezer Couch's company of infantry Lieutenant John Ranson & I think John
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Bliss in Colonel Herman Swifts Regiment Connecticut State Troops. Col Starr was Lieut Colonel of said Regiment. From Kent we went to Bennington Vermont where we staid a few days. Then we went to Skenesborough (White Hall) where we staid till some time in September according to my best recollection - I then went with the company in batteaus to mount Independence on Lake Champlain another to Fort George where I remained untill the period of my enlistment expired, about the first of December, (I recollect snow was on the ground) when I was honourably discharged - This discharge is lost or destroyed. And this deponent further declares that about the first day of October 1777, I resided at Kent aforesaid & at that time volunteered in Captain Abraham Fullers company of infantry (Lewis Mills Lieut) in Colonel Mosebys Regiment. The cause of volunteering was the approach of Burgoyne from the North. We went from Kent to Fish Kill, where we staid a few weeks. From Fish Kill I marched to Red Hooks from Red Hook we marched to Peekshill, where we were discharged. The whole time I was in the service in this tour of duty was two months. During this time of service Esopus (Kingston) was burned. I saw its smoking ruins the day after its destruction. And this deponant further saith in October 1779 at Kent aforesaid he was a private in said Fullers company & in that month the day I cannot recollect I was drafted
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for the term of three months & was attached to Captain Noble Hines Company of New Milford Connecticut in Colonel Canfields Regiment. We marched from New Milford to Stamford. We were employed in guarding the Coast and were most of the time on the alert. Some times at Stamford At Fairfield at Pequannock, and other places on Long Island sound. I continued in the service Three months and was honourably discharged at Fairfield. I had no written discharge. I was again in the service, as a volunteer for one month, while I was a private in said Fullers company an alarm came that the British were threatening an attack on Fort Independance. I went as a volunteer in said Fullers company from Kent aforesaid to FishKill then to Peekskill, and to Crompond. We were employed in watching the movements of the enemy & the tories Fort Independance was taken a few days after we arrived at Fishkill. I was born in the Town of Amenia of Dutchess County State of New York on the 21st day of November 1775. I have a record of my age in an old family Bible left me by my deceased mother & now in my possession. I have stated where I lived when called into the service. Since the Revolutionary war I have lived in Fort Miller Washington County State of New York & Bainbridge Chenango County State of New York where I have resided 43 years & where I now reside.
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I lived in Fort Miller five years I have stated how I was called into the service & the circumstances relating to my discharges. I am well known to John C Clark & Levi Bigelow Esquire who reside in said town of Bainbridge and who can testify as to my character for veracity and their belief of my services as a Soldier of the Revolution. I never had any discharge.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State.
Heth Kelsey
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
P. B. Prindle Dep. Clerk
We John C. Clark & Levi Bigelow residing in the town of Bainbridge and County of Chenango State of New York hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Heth Kelsey who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be Seventy Six years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, & that we concur in that opinion (The words "and then to Fort George" inserted)
Sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Heth Kelsey
John C Clark
Levi Bigelow
P. B. Prindle Dep Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed
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by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and server as he states and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that John C Clark & Levi Bigelow Esquire who hand signed the preceding certificate are residents in the town of Bainbridge County of Chenango and as credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit -
I Jarvis K Pike Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Chenango County State of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the aplication of Heath Kelsey for a pension.
In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 9th day of October 1832
P. B. Prindle
Dep Clerk

[seal affixed at left]
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Rev War
13611
INVALID
File No. 13, 611
Heath Kelsey 
Priv Rev War
Act: June 7th 32
Index:-Vol. 1, Page 203
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1911 July 26 Heath So-6. A
Stonell of L.M.
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High Grade Commercial Printing a Specialty
Sworn Circulation Over 1,000 Copies Weekly
The Laceyville Messenger
A Newspaper Circulating in a Productive Fruit Growing and Dairying Belt
Stowell & Wright, Publishers
Dated at [  ]

Wyalusing, Bradford Co., Pa.
July 19, 1911.

Commissioner of Pensions.
Honorable Sir:
Will you please to send me a copy of the application for pension of Heth Kelsey, a Revolutionary Soldier who at one time lived at Wassaic, Dutchess County, N. Y. He died, February 5, 1850, aged 94 years, and is buried in Coventry, Chenango County, N. Y.
Any other information than the copy of application for pension, will be very much appreciated by
Yours very truly,
C. H. Stowell
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Brief objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Heath Kelsey of Chenango County, New York which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes

V. *Has he mentioned 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? yes

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
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2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? two citizens

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?

XIV. +If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes

XVI. #Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No - +:

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? all answered

Explanatory Notes.

*Quere V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; for ___ year ____ months, and ____ days, I served as a ____ For ____ months and ____ days, I served as a ____, and for such service I claim a pension.
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3

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 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 shewn 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.
+Quere XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
#Quere XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass [in left margin] +: under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
[figure of hand with pointing finger] In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
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information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Heth Kelsey S.F. 13611

[5-column table] Dates of Enlistment or Appointment./ Length of Service./ Rank./ Officers Under Whom Service was Rendered. Captain. Colonel./ State.

June 1775/ 6 mos/ Pvt./ Gaylord Hubbel. Charles Webb/ Conn
June 1776/ 6 mos/ Ebenezer Couch/ Heman Swift
Oct 1. 1777/ 2 mos/ Abraham Fuller Mosely
Oct. 1779/ 3 mos/ Nobel Hine Canfield
[check mark]/ 1 mo/ Abraham Fuller [check mark]

Battles engaged in, Lechmere Point
Residence of soldier at enlistment, enlisted at Sharon Litchfield Co. Conn
Date of application for pension, Oct. 9. 1832 His et al
Residence at date of application, Bainbridge Chenango Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, 77 yrs old Nov. 21. 1832 b. at Amenia Dutchess Co. N. Y.
Remarks:
Very respectfully,
Commissioner

1832/76 = 1756