Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 42,766, for John Keyes, Connecticut
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(3 - 1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
Conn  Keyes, John S. 42,766
Continental
CONTENTS
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14402
New York
John Keyes
of Canajoharie in the state of N. York
who was a Captain in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Durkee of the Connecticut
line, for the term of 1 year Continental
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence of
the 9th of August, 1819-
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 of Sept. 1819
and sent to John Brackett, Esq
Cherry Valley, N. York
Arrears to 4th of Sep 1819 23/31 4/30  17.49
Semi-anl, all'ce ending 4 Mar. 1820 120.00
$137.49
Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818.
Montgomery Co
[Right column]
Let to W Shether
16 Aug 1853
-
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District of New York
Otsego County ss:
On the 9 the day of August
1819 before me the subscriber
one of the Judges
of the court of Common Pleas in & for the
said County of Otsego, personally appeared John
Keyes aged about seventy three years, a
resident of the town of Canajoharie in
the County of Montgomery in said State of
New York, who being by me first
duly sworn, according to law, doth on 
his oath, make the following declaration in 
order to obtain the provision made by the
late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide
for certain persons engaged in the land & naval 
service of the United States in the revolutionary
war" that within forty four hours after the battle of Lexington, he
was at Boston, having on the news of the
alarm travelled there from Ashford in
the State of Connecticut, where he then
resided, acting as and doing the duty of
Lieutenant; that he was in the Battle of
Bunkers hill in the capacity & command of
lieutenant that he continued in the service 
there till the British troops evacuated
Boston; that on or about the first day
of January 1776 he received the commission 
hereto annexed & acted under it as captain 
for about a year at one time in the
regiment therein mentioned, commanded by
Col. John Durkee, that with three companies
of that regiment he was stationed
on Staten Island when the British troops
landed there; that he was at Powlashook
when it was taken; also at fort Lee when
it was taken. that on the famed retreat
though the Jerseys e was, for most of  
the time stationed in the rear next to the
enemy: that he was with Washington at
the capture of the Hessians at Newton
that his conduct, so far as he knows, was
approved by his superior & inferior officers,
well as by the soldiers he had the
honor to command, that, owing to great
fatigues & privations he sometime about the
first of January 1777 declined further to ask
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under the said commission: that however,
during the whole subsequent part of the
revolutionary war he was active in doing
duty as an officer in the militia of the
State of Connecticut; that in consequence of
the depreciation of the paper currency
during that war, he sustained serious losses
in his property: that, owing to his advanced
all & his inability to procure a livelihood
by labor or otherwise, he thinks that he is
in subject to receive the bounty &
reward of his country
Jno Keyes
declared before me
the day & year aforesaid
James S. Campbell

I James S. Campbell Judge of as aforesaid, do
certify that it appears to my satisfaction
that the said John Keyes did serve in the
revolutionary war as stated in the preceding
declaration against the common enemy
for the time of one year at one time on the
Continental Establishment: and I now have
me the proceedings & testimony taken & had
before me to the Secretary for the department 
of war, pursuant to the directions of
the aforementioned act of Congress: I am also
satisfied that he needs the assistance of his
country for support
James S Campbell
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August 9, 1928
XXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/ACS
John Keyes, S.42766

Honorable Louis Ludlow
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. Ludlow:

Reference is made to your letter of August 7, 1935, requesting
information in regard to John Keyes who was pensioned from August,
1829.

The data contained herein were obtained from papers on file in
the pension claim, S. 42736, based upon the military service of John
Keyes.

While living in Ashford, Connecticut, John Keyes entered the
service in 1775 as lieutenant of Connecticut troops and was in the
battle of Bunker Hill. On January 1, 1775, he was commissioned
captain in Colonel John Durkee's Twentieth Connecticut Regiment,
served for one year and was in the battles of Fort Lee and Trenton.
During the remainder of the war he served as an officer in the Connecticut
militia and was in the battle of Paulus Hook,

John Keyes was allowed pension on his application executed
August 9, 1819, at which time he was a resident of Canajoharie,
Montgomery County, New York, aged about seventy-three years.

In 1819 it was stated that his wife was living and that all
of his children were then married but the names of wife and children
were not given. The names of the soldier's parents were not given
and there are no further data relative to his family.

John Keyes died April 13, 1824, place not stated.
Page 6

In order to obtain the date of last payment of the pension of
John Keyes and the name and address of the person to whom it was
paid, it is suggested that you address The Comptroller General.
General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., citing
the following data:

John Keyes, Certificate 14402, issued September 30, 1819, rate
20 per month, commenced August 9, 1819, Act of March 18, 1818, New York
Agency.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 7

1812 Wars Section
NCS/eel
December 11, 1928

Mrs. A. J. Sterrett
1801 Walnut street
Erie, Pennsylvania

Madam
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary
a pension claim, S. 1766, it appears that John Keyes,
was resident of Ashford, Connecticut, enlisted in
1775, served as Lieutenant with the Connecticut Troops
and was in the battle of Bunker Hill.

On January 1, 1776, he was commissioned captain in
Colonel John Durkee's Twentieth Connecticut Regiment,
served for one year and was in the battles of Fort Lee
and Trenton. During the remainder of the war he served
as an officer in the Connecticut Militia and was in the
battle of Paulus Hook.

He was allowed pension on his application executed
August 9, 1819, at which time he was a resident of Canajoharie, 
Montgomery County, New York, aged about seventy-
three years.

In 1819, it was stated that his wife was living
Page 8

and that all of his children were then married, no names
given.

He died April 13, 1824.

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner
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[all handwriting very faint]
In reply to your request of _____, received. _____
for a statement of the military history of John Keyes
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his  application for pension
on file in this Bureau.  File 42,766
DATES OF
ENLISTMENT OR
APPOINTMENT.
Apr 1775
Jan 1776

LENGTH OF
SERVICE.
1 year
RANK.
Lieut
Captain

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
[illegible]

COLONEL.
[illegible]

STATE.
Conn

Battles engaged in [illegible] Fort Lee Trenton [illegible] Paulus Hook Aug 19,1779
Residence of soldier at enlistment, [illegible]
Date of application for pension, Aug 9 1819 allowed
Residence at date of application, Canajoharie Montgomery County NY
Age at date of application, [illegible]
Remarks: [illegible]
Page 10

LOUIS LUDLOW
12TH DISTRICT INDIANA
SUBCOMMITTEES:
LEGISLATIVE CHAIRMAN
POST OFFICE AND TREASURY

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
SEVENTY-FOURTH CONGRESS
WASHINGTON, D. C.

August 7, 1935.

Dear Mr. Hiller:
Kindly advise whether you have record of a pension
paid to Captain John Keyes who is borne on the New York
pension list records as Captain John Keyes, Montgomery
County, New York, annual allowance $240, Connecticut Do,
September 20, 1819 -- August 9, 1819, aged 73.

If you can identify this man, please send me all
of the information of a personal and military nature shown
in his file -- the organization with which he served, the
dates of such service, the date his pension was allowed,
the date of his death, place of death, place of burial,
name of father and mother, name of wife, if married, names
of children, etc.
Sincerely,
Louis Ludlow

Hon. A. D. Hiller,
Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.
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1001 Walnut Street
Eric Pa
Bureau of Pensions
Dept. of Interior
Washington D.C.
Gentlemen-
Kindly give me Rev. War.
Pension record of-
John Kee - Key-or Keys #S-42766
of Killingly, Conn.
and very much oblige

---
Very truly yours
(Mrs. A. J. Sterrett ) Loella Kies Sterrett
March 6th 1928
Page 12

Theodore S. Peck
General Insurance Agent
Established 1880

152 College Street
Personal  Burlington, Vt., August 21, 1909.

Col. E. R. Campbell,
28 T Street, N. W.,
Washington, D. C.

My Dear Col. Campbell & Brother
I want to bother you with a personal matter, and trust it will
not cause you too much trouble.
Capt. John Keyes of the 20th Regiment, Continental Line (from
Connecticut) was my grandmother Peck's father, and history states that he
served first as a first lieutenant in the Third Connecticut, and was
present in action with this regiment at Bunker Hill, afterwards he became a
captain in the 20th Regiment of the Continental Line, and later, I
understand, he became major, while still later he was the first Adjutant
General of the State of Connecticut.
I would be glad to get an official copy of his record, as I am
told that, being the eldest son of the eldest son of the daughter having
children I am eligible to membership in the Society of the Cincinnati

Hoping to hear from you at your early convenience, believe me,
as ever.

Sincerely your comrade and friend,
T.S. Peck
[stamp]
RECORDS DIVISION
AUG 30 1909
Page 13

Revy
42766
INVALID.
---
File No. 42. 766
to
John Keyes
Capt Rev War
Act: 18 March 18
Index: - Vol. 5 , Page 269
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right column]
1909 Sept. 2. Hist. to T.S. Peck
1928, Dec 11. hist to
Mrs. A. J. Sterrett
nics
---
1835, Aug. 9. hist to
Hon Louis Ludlow,
MCT
Page 14

State of New York
Otsego County Clerk's Office

I certify that James S. Campbell
was at the time of taking the annexed Affidavit
a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in &
for said County And that I am acquainted with
his hand writing & verily believe the signature
of the said Judge to be his own proper handwriting
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand the seal of the court of Common
Pleas in & for said County this 10th day of
Augt 1819
W Morell Clk
Page 15

the papers of
John Keyes
for a pension
---
-
Jas Brackett agent
Otsego County, New York
Jas S. Campbell Judge

John Keyes Capt.
Col. Durkees
Connecticut Regt
1776 - 1 year-
9th Augt 1819-

Admitted
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IN CONGRESS
The DELEGATES of the United Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut,
New-York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex on Delaware, Mary
land, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to John Keyes Esquire
We reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriotism, Valour, Conduct and fidelity, DO by
these presents constitute and appoint you to be Captain in the Twentieth Regiment of Foot
in the army of the United Colonies, raised for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every
hostile invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Captain
by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly
charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as
Captain. And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from
time to time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of
Congress, for that purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the time being of the army of the United
Colonies, or any other your superior officer, according to the rules and discipline of war, in pursuance of the
trust reposed in you. This commission to continue in force until revoked by this or a future Congress.
By Order of the Congress.

John Hancock President

Attest Chas Thomson Secy
Jany 1 1776
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Canajoharie New York 8th October 1819
Sir,
At the request of a number of the inhabitants of
this town I address this letter to you 
we have a late report among us that many believe
tho I cannot think it true. That one of our Townsmen
General John Keyes a Captain in the Revolutionary Army
has obtained a pension under an act of Congress granting
pensions to the survivors of that Army who are needy

That Law in General is not complained of as we
know of many who really needed and have obtained relief
but the proper officers to grant relief may be wrongly
informed-- which must be the case of General
Keyes has obtained a pension under that Law as he
is a man of large landed property, for us, say $9000
nine thousand dollars and has money at interest. His
family are all married and well settled, and he has
none now but a wife and three or four servants
indeed be values himself as one of our most independent
men and really is so. Yet he is fond of money the
somewhat advanced in life -

I should myself be sorry to injure any man. I have
Spent many years of my life in the naval service of
of my Country and my sons have all had
Page 18

Commissions under the present government. One of
my own name now a captain in the Navy and
another a Capt in the light Artillery. I mention
that this that you may will suppose, I write now
purely to give what I think necessary information

I am Sir with great respect your
very obedient & humble servant
Charles Morris

John C Calhoun Esqr
Page 19

John C Calhoun Esq
Secretary at War
Washington
Page 20


New York 13" Aug 53
Dear Sir 
On the 13th of Sept. 1819, a Certificate
of Pennon at the rate of $20 a month, was issued
to John Keyes, a Captain in the Revolutionary War,
under the act of Congress of 18th of March 1818,
the Pension to begin the 9th day of August 1819, and
the Certificate being numbered 14,402. Captain
Keyes never drew his pension, or any part of it
up to the day of his death, which was on the 13th
of April 1824. The endorsement on the certificate
directed payment to be made at the Branch Bank
of the U. States at the City of New York. This certificate 
with his commission, has just been found
amongst the Captain's papers. A letter was received
by the family on the very day of the Captains
death from one of the office in Washington informing
him, that some $1100 stood to his credit in
the Treasury. Nothing was done in the business
until last year, when I was employed to look
into it, but after diligent search as to the
foresaid letter, could get no clue to it. The Certificate 
itself being just found explains the letter
the amount due Capt. Keyes at the date of
his death is $1120. or thereabouts. Now, the
Executors of Mr Keyes will are dead, and will be
necessary to take the proper steps to establish
the right of his heirs at Law or under the will,
over
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as the case may be, to draw his money, I will 
be obliged to you, therefore, to cause to be
forwarded to me here, a copy of the printed
Instructions in such cases, in order that our
testimony may be in conformity with the rules
of your office. I will esteem it a favor, also
if you will cause examination to be made
of the Books of the office, in verification of
the date number and amount of the certificate 
which we have just found, and to 
send me the result here.
Your prompt attention to this will
greatly oblige me
Truly your friend &c
W G Sether
74 Trinity Building
NY

Hon L. P. Waldo
Conner, Pens,
Washington DC

[illegible] the rules of your office require that
the devisees under the will where there is none
shall draw a pension due the devisor, or
do they let the heirs at law take it