Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15,911, for Jeremiah M Kellee, Connecticut
Page 1

(8-1776)

SERVICE

Conn.

Kellee, Jeremiah M.
or
Kelly

NUMBER
S. 15,911

carded

CONTENTS
Page 2

Connecticut 22.821

Jeremiah M. Kellee
of Oxford in the State of Con who was a Private in the Conn commanded by Captain - of the Regt commanded by Coln Meigs in the Con. troops for 22 mos.

Inscribed on the Roll of Con - 
at the rate of 73 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pensions issued the 14 day of Nov 1833 and sent C.B. McPhelps Woodbury Con -

Arrears to the 4th of Sept '33 $183.33
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4th March '34 36.66
$219.99

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by C. Laurie Clerk,
Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 23
Page 3

State of Connecticut 
Probate Court } ss: district of Woodbury 
On this 15 day of Sept 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of Probate for the District of Woodbury which District comprises the Town of Woodbury Roxbury and Bethlehem in Litchfield County and Southbury in New London County holden at Southbury aforesaid,  
now sitting, Jeremiah Mather Kelly a resident of Oxford in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut, aged forty two years, who being first 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, and served as herein  stated. 
That in May 1776 I resided in Oxford aforesaid and towards the close of the month before the 25 I enlisted into the company of [unreadable]  whereof Stephen Mathews was Captain, Daniel Welton Lieutenant, and Edward Riggs was Ensign as a private and on the last day of May or first day of June marched from said Oxford with said company to White Hall near Lake George N York and there our company joined Colonel Heman Swifts Regiment which belong to the Northern army. This enlistment was for the term of six months and & I continued to do duty in said Mathews company a part of the time about three months at White Hall and afterward three months at Ticonderoga untill & I complete the six months.  Ensign Edward Riggs of our company died at White Hall, our any was commanded by Ensign  Waterbury he was captured on Lake Champlain.   
I was discharged from this tour at Ticonderoga on the first or within the first few days of Dec 1776 .  No written discharge.
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rules given to me 
Infer to the annexed depositions of Moses Riggs & Wells Stoddard for proof of this service. I know of no other witness by whom I can prove anything regarding it. 
2) That in the summer of 1778 the month I cannot now state but believe it was in July at said office & enlisted for three months as a private into Capt Daniel Holbrook company of foot. The names of the other officers I am unable to state. This company marched from Danby Con where I joined it to Thetford and remained at that place about five weeks 
1778 3 mo 
and thence to Bridgeport and remained there six weeks from thence through Thetford & Milford to New Haven and after remaining there about a week were dismissed without any written discharge.   I know I did duty in this company for three months in conformity with my contract of enlistment. 
I know of no witness by whom I can prove this service except Daniel Chatfield whose deposition is attached hereto.   I have made diligent enquiry and we are the only survivors. 
3) In the fall of 1778 in the first week in November I think Ephraim Andruss of [unreadable] was drafted for a tour of duty of
Page 5

1778 2 mo.  
two months I enlisted as his substitute and served two months at West Haven in a company commanded by Capt Stanley.  I cannot recollect the names of the other officers.  Ephraim Andruss has been dead many years.  I know of no proof that I can obtain to prove this service.  
4   In April 1779, I lived in Oxford and was liable to do duty in the Militia company there and was drafted for a tour of duty of two months and before the 10’ day of April I joined the company of guards at Milford commanded by Capt Lewis Mallett and continued doing duty in said company as a Fifer until the expiration of said two months.  Miles Hotchkiss was Sergeant, one Durant was a Drummer.
The other officers I cannot tell. In these short tours we had little opportunity to get acquainted with them as we saw them only at morning and evening Roll Call.
No higher officers was in command here than Capt Mallett.
I refer to Eleazer Lewis deposition for proof of this tour.
5   1779 3 mo.
In the month of July it might be August 1779, Charles Burnell Esq of Oxford was drafted to perform a three months Tour of Duty.  He hired me to go as his substitute and I went to West Point, New York State and joined Capt. Starrs Company but
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1780 6 mo 
I cannot recollect the names of the Field officers as I was a considerable part of the at a place down the River called Ver Planks Point helping cut Wood and put it on board a Brig to take to the forts at West point.   Charles Bunnells Esqr will testify in my behalf for this tour.
6   In June 1780 John Davis now Col Davis was drafted for a tour of duty for six months.   Davis applied to me to go as his substitute engaged to do so and between the 1" and 8 of June I left Oxford and in company with Gration Johnson and others to Danbury where we were joined by some 8 or Ten more  and proceeded near Happen Bay at a place called Orange Town in the State of New Jersey where I joined with others a detachment under Ensign Lord of Col Meigs Regiment.  We were at English neighbourhood Totoway & Peekskill and West Point.   Col Meigs Regiment including our company lay on Peekskill Hill when Arnold went on Board the British Ship Sultan.   I serviced out this six months as a private and was discharged the 4th or 5 of Dec 1780 at West Point and have a written discharge signed by Col Say (Col Meigs was absent)
I suppose my name may be found on the Roll of Col Meigs Regiment unless I was regarded as a recruit.  Gen Washington & Gen La Fayette were with our Regiment
Page 7

1781 3 mo. 
at one time.  I  refer to Col Davis Deposition annexed to prove this Tour.  
7 at Oxford on the 20th or there abouts of July 1781 I enlisted into a company of foot commanded by Joel Hotchkiss, Samuel Porter Lieut and Henry Tomlinson Ensign for three months and on 20 July 1781 I left Oxford with some others and joined the company at West Point New York.  Our company belonged to Col Samuel Canfields Regiment.   I continued doing duty as a private in this company until the 28 or 29 of October and was discharged at West Point.  
The discharge which I received from Col Say was all the discharges I ever had.  I have lost & can give no account of it.  I had it for some years after the war but have not seen it in twenty years to my knowledge.  
I was born in Amenia State of New York in the year 1760.   I do not know that there was ever a record of my Birth.   
Before the commencement of the War I lived in Oxford and have lived there ever since.  
I was acquainted with Gen Wooster,  Gen Washington, Gen Arnold,  Col Meigs, Cols Say & Canfield, Drummers Thompson & Webb.   
In the neighbourhood where
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I now reside I am acquainted with Rev Ashbel Baldwin, Hiram Osborne Esq,  Noah Stone, Robert A Ferguson & Wait Bassett. 
At 
I refer to the Testimony of Job Cander and Henry Tomlinson for proof of my service in 1781.   In the tours of 1778 no higher officers commanded than capts Holbrook & Stanly
Page 9

I have made diligent search for further testimony but can find no other than what is herewith transmitted.   
The said Jeremiah M. Kelly 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 the agency of any State.   Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. 
Chas. B Phelps Judge of Probate  District of Woodbury
Jeremiah M. Kellee x his mark
We Ashbel Baldwin a clergyman, residing in the town of Oxford and R. A. Ferguson residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Jeremiah M. Kellee 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. 
Ashbel Baldwin
R A Ferguson
Chas B. Phelps Judge of Probate District of Woodbury 
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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Ashbel Baldwin  who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Oxford and that Robert A. Ferguson who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Oxford  and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
Chas B. Phelps Judge of Probate  District of Woodbury 
I Nathan Preston Clerk of the Court of Probate for District of Woodbury hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Jeremiah M Kellee for a Pension. 
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Court of day of July 1833
Nathan Preston Clerk
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Connecticut 
Jeremiah M. Kellee 
of Oxford in the State of Con [who] was a priv in the – [commanded] by Captain - of the Regt [commanded] by Col. Meigs in the Conn Troops 2 years 
Increased from $73.33 to $80  
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of Sept and sent Nelson Brewster Goshen Ct. 
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 34 
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sept ’34  
$280 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded  by Nathan Rice Clerk 
Book E Vol. 3 Page 23 
E-2  - Vol 3  Page 23
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15911
File No. 15911
Jeremiah M. Kellee or Kelly
Pri Rev War
[Act] June 7” 32
Index:- Vol 1 Page 264
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 12

Goshen Jany 15
[unreadable] 
Recd  Jany 22, 1834
Free
Hon J L. Edwards  
Commissioner of Pensions  
Washington City
J. M. Kelly
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Goshen Connt Jany 14th 1834 
Dr. Sir 
Jeremiah M. Kelly informs me that he declared for twenty five months service, expecting to be entered for his pay, he says that the department have stricken off a part of the time, so that he does not receive full pay as he ought.  Will you have the goodness to inform me what part of the time was disallowed.  He feels confident that he can prove full two years service.   Charles B Phelps Esqr made the application for him at what time I have not the means of knowing.
Respectfully your Obt Sert 
N. Brewster 
Hon J.L. Edwards
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Ct  Aug
Free
Hon J. L. Edwards 
Commissioner of pensions 
Washington City
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Goshen Ct. Aug 27th 1834 
Sir
I sent to your office some time since the certificate of Jeremiah Kelly together with depositions claiming an increase of pension. Mr K is anxious to receive his certificate, that he may draw his pay the first part of next month will you please to examine his case and advise me of the result.
Respectfully your Obt Svt 
Nelson Brewster 
Hon J. L Edwards
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Goshen 30th June 1834 
Sir
Enclosed is the deposition of Benj Bunnel which was returned to me a fee days since, because it did not appear from the certificate of the Magistrate that deponent was a credible witness.  I sent the deposition to the Justice whose certificate was annexed and he made the addition required.
Yours respectfully,
N. Brewster  
Hon J.L. Edwards
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26,551 
666
7335
J M Kelly
Increased 41
2 year private
$80
Nelson Brewster
Goshen Ct
Page 18

WAR DEPARTMENT 
Pension Office, 
5 Sept 33
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 shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 
A Statement, showing the Service of  J M  Kelly
Period when the service was rendered.    Duration of Claimant’s Service.   Rank of claimant. Names and rank of the Officers under whom he served.   Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service.   Proof by which the declaration is supported. 
I am respectfully 
Your obedient servant 
JAMES L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
[unreadable]
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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 in stance, 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 
County of } ss.
On this day of A.B. a resident (b) of personally appeared (a) before in the county of and State, Territory or District years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the in 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) 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 that of Agency in the State of    
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B. 
[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. 
I of the Court of hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter 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 hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be and C.D. residing in (the same) who has 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 contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension. 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 his 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  
Jeremiah Kelly appears to have enlisted into Col. Meigs Regt I have 1780.  Whether this is the same person with claimant will be [unreadable] he shall state the company officers under whom he
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each personwill 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. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? 
To an Officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what Town officer 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. 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 Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed 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 declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can cure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the person 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. 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 - months and --- days, I served as 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 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 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 is 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 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 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 signature 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 in 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.
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26551
Jeremiah M. Kelly
Case sent C B Phelps
5 Oct 1833
Duplicate
Page 22

Oxford New Haven Co Ct 
Jany 29, 1833 
Hon Secretary of War 
Sir
Enclosed are depositions to support the declaration of J. M. Kellee.   The declaration I suppose has been sent to the Dept by Judge Phelps before whom it was authenticated. Should any informality appear in any of the documents please return them to me or should any further testimony be necessary the department will inform 
Your Obt servt
R. A. Ferguson
Oxford Ct
Page 23

Oxford Ct
March 1st
War
Page 24

Oxford Ct  March 1, 1833 
Sir 
Enclosed are Depositions in Support of J M Kellee’s Declaration which was some time since furnished. Should any thing further be required  you will please return to me.
Ob Svt 
R A Ferguson 
Hon Lewis Cass  
Secty of War
Page 25

The deposition Benjamin Bunnell of Oxford in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut is as follows
1st Question by the Justice
How old are you - answer, I shall be seventy one years old the 19th of July AD 1834.  Question by same - how long have you been acquainted with Mr Jeremiah M. Kelley - answer - I have been acquainted with him since I was a small boy.  Question by same -  are you knowing to Mr Kelley's ever serving as a soldier in the revolutionary war and if so please State - I do know that 
I do know that Jeremiah M. Kelley was emploied by my brother Charles Bunnell who was drafted in the service of the revolution and as I believe in the year of seventeen hundred and Seventy nine and that I well recollect that my brother when drafted was ordered to go to West Point on a tour of three months service and I am also knowing to my Brother Charles Bunnell’s paying said Kelly for three months service as a Soldier on his return home.   
Benjamin Bunnell 
New Haven County ss Oxford June 3d 1834 
Personally appeared before me Benj Bunnell Subscriber to the foregoing deposition, and to me known to be a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the fore going by him subscribed before me. 
Samuel Wier Justice of the Peace
Page 26

State of Connecticut 
County of New Haven} ss  
I Jno Beach Clerk of the County Court in of & for said New Haven County, do hereby certify that Samuel Wier is a Justice of the peace in for New Haven County, duly qualified to administer Oaths & that his name within & foregoing written is his genuine Official signature.   
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County in this 3d day of June AD. 1834. 
Jno Beach Clerk
Page 27

Josiah Tucker of Oxford in New Haven County and State of Connecticut of lawful age and being duly cautioned and sworn depose and say 
That I was a soldier in the army of the Revolution and served in Captain Stanley's company of Militia at West Haven in this State a Term of two months in the year AD 1778. And this Deponent further says that he then was and ever since has been and now is well acquainted with Jeremiah M Kellee of Offord aforesaid and that the said Kellee was a soldier in said company with this Deponent at West Haven as aforesaid for the same term of two months in said year and further the Deponent saith not.   Josiah Tucker 
State of Connecticut 
County of New Haven } ss Oxford August 3d 1832 
Personally appeared Josiah Tucker who has subscribed to the above deposition and who is well known to me to be reputed, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before me. 
Noah Stone Justice of the Peace
Page 28

I, Eunice Wheeler of Offord in New Haven County and State of Connecticut of lawful age and being duly cautioned and sworn depose and say that in the Summer of 1776 I lived in the Town of Derby in said County. And this Deponent further says that in said year a company of men were drafted from said Town into the service of the United States and marched to the north, as this Deponent thinks and that many of the acquaintances of this Deponent were so drafted and this Deponent ever since has believed and still does believe that Jeremiah M Kellee now of Oxford in said County and State was drafted in said company and marched to join the northern army with the rest of said Company.  And further this Deponent says not.
Eunice Wheeler
State of Connecticut  
County of New Haven } ss Oxford August 4th AD 1832 
Personally appeared Eunice Wheeler who has subscribed to the foregoing Deposition and who is known to me to be a person of unquestionable truth and integrity and made Solemn oath to the truth of the same this 4th day of August 1832 before me.   
Noah Stone Justice of the Peace
Page 29

I Elezer Lewis of Oxford in New Haven County Connecticut of lawful age and being duly cautioned and sworn depose and say that I was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution in the year 1779 and served a term of two months in the fall of said year under Capt Mullet at Milford in this State. And this Deponant further says that he there was and ever since has been and now am well acquainted with Jeremiah Kellee of Oxford aforesaid and that he the said Kellee served in said company with me  and was a fifer in said company during the said Term of two months.  
Elezer Lewis 
State of Connecticut 
County of New Haven } ss Southbury 25th July AD 1832 
On this 25th day of July 1832 personally appeared Elezer Lewis of Oxford who has subscribed to the above who is known to me as a good citizen of of this community and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before me. 
William Hinrman Justice of Peace
Page 30

United States of America 
State of Connecticut } ss  
Robinson S. Hinman Esq a resident of New Haven County Ct.,  a Notary Public duly appointed commissioned & Sworn that I am acquainted with Wm. Hinman and Noah Stone Esq and with their handwriting and that they are both of them are and for more than a year past have been Justices of the Peace within & for New Haven County duly appointed and that their signatures to the affidavits hereto annexed are their genuine Official Signatures.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 25th day of January A.D. 1833 
R S Hinman Notary Public
Page 31

Payments to be made Hartford Conn. by Pres. U.S. Br Bank Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of Connecticut 
Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E. Vol. 3 Page 23 by C Laurie Clerk
Page 32

WAR DEPARTMENT 
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM. 
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Jeremiah M Kellee  of the State of Connecticut who was a Private during the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive Seventy three dollars and thirty three cents per annum during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.  
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 14th day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty three 
Lewis Cass
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. 
J. L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 33

I Chas Bunnell of Oxford in New Haven County and State of Connecticut of lawful age and being duly cautioned and sworn depose & say 
That I was drafted into the service of the United States Company by Capt John Riggs (who was then commander of a Military company in said Oxford) to fill of the continental army in the garrison at West Point in the State of New York in what year this deponent is unable to recollect but believes it was in AD 1779 or 1780.   
And this Deponant further says that the said recruits were destined for West Point aforesaid, and in consequence of the ill health of this Deponent that he hired Jeremiah M. Kellee to go in the stead of this Deponant and that the said Kelly did go and serve the Term of three months which was the same for which this Deponent was drafted and further this Deponant says not.  
Charles Bunnell 
State of Connecticut 
County of New Haven } ss  Oxford February 20th 1833  
Personally appeared Charles Bunnell Esq who has subscribed to the above deposition who is known to the subscribing Authority to have long been a Justice of the Peace in and for this County and a citizen of unquestionable truth and veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before Me.  
Wait Bassett Justice of the Peace
Page 34

I Moses Riggs of in New Haven County and State of Connecticut of lawful  age and being duly cautioned and sworn Depose & say that at Oxford aforesaid in the year 1776 I saw Jeremiah M Kellee of said afford enlist in a company commanded by Capt Stephen Matthews, Lieut Daniel Welton and Ensign Edward Riggs, and take the bounty as it was then called and that in the month of June in the year aforesaid the said Kellee with the rest of said Company marched from Oxford as I then understood to Join the Northern army some where in the State of New York.  The said Kellee I well remember enlisted for six months and it is my belief that he served the same.
Moses Riggs 
State of Connecticut  
County of New Haven } ss Personally appeared Moses Riggs who has subscribed to the above deposition and who is known to the subscribing Authority to be a good citizen and a credible Witness and made oath to the truth Before me
Wait Bassett Justice of the Peace
Page 35

United States of America 
State of Connecticut I Robinson S. Hinman Esq resident of New Haven County Ct. a Notary Public duly appointed commissioned and sworn hereby certify that I am acquainted with Wait Bassett Esq. who has subscribed the annexed affidavits and with his hand writing and that he is and for two years past has been a Justice of Peace within & for New Haven County and his signature to the within affidavits in his Official signature. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 25th day of February 1833 
R. S. Hinman Notary Public 
Henry Tomlinson
Deposition for Mr. Kellee
Page 36

I Henry Tomlinson of Oxford in New Haven County & State of Connecticut of lawful age & being duly cautioned & sworn depose and say  
That I was an officer in the army of the revolution to wit Ensign in the company commanded by Capt Joel Hotchkiss and stationed at West Point in the State of New York three months in the year 1781. 
And this Deponent further says that he then was and ever since has been and now is well acquainted with Jeremiah M Kellee then of said Oxford and that the said Kellee was a Soldier in the said company the whole of the said term of three months in year aforesaid and served as such.
Henry Tomlinson 
State of Connecticut 
County of New Haven} ss Oxford February 20th 1833  
Personally Henry Tomlinson who has subscribed to the of the above deposition, & who is known to me to be a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the same before me 
Wait Bassett Justice of the Peace
Page 37

I John Davis of Oxford in New Haven County & State of Connecticut and being duly cautioned and sworn depose & say according to the best of my recollection That in the month of June . 1780 I was drafted into the Continental army of the American Revolution, but cannot recollect for what period of time the Drafts at that time were made to fill up the continental Army.   
And this deponent further says that in consequence of the situation of his business & family at that time he hired Jeremiah M Kellee of said Oxford to go a substitute in the place of this deponent, and the said Kelly did go as Substitute and serve the term for which this deponent was drafted.   
John Davis 
State of Connecticut 
County of New Haven} ss Oxford February 20 the 1833 
Personally appeared John Davis who has subscribed to the above deposition and who is known to me to be a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the same Before Me 
Wait Bassett Justice of the Peace
Page 38

Court of Probate District of Woodbury Aug 25, 1832 
Be it remembered that on said day in open Court appeared Wells Stoddard of Watertown in said County of Litchfield, whom the court certify to be a credible witness who being first duly sworn deposeth and saith that in the year 1776 this Deponent was a soldier in Capt Stephen Mathews Company, Col Heman Swift’s Regiment and was at Ticonderoga, Crown Point  and in the Northern army as it was called and well remembers Jeremiah Mather Kelly formerly of Oxford and now of Oxford in New Haven County and knows that said Kelly was a private in said Company in May 1776 and was doing duty as a private and continued to perform duty in said company as a private until this Deponent left the said Company in Oct 1776 about the 20 as he believes.  Sworn in Court 
Wells Stoddard 
Chas B. Phelps J Probate
Page 39

26557
Jeremiah M. Kellee
Conn [unreadable]
Militia
There is an error in the date of this Declaration which he must correct.
Reply to
Chas B Phelps
Woodbury Con.
Page 40

State of Connecticut 
County of New Haven ss New Haven June 26 1833 I Jno Beach Clerk of the County Court in
for said New Haven County, hereby but that Hiram Osborn is & has been for one year last past, a Justice of the peace in for said New Haven County, duly qualified to administer oaths & that his name by him written & subscribed to the papers & depositions hereto annexed is his genuine official signature.  
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of seal of said County Court the day & year above written.
Jno Beach Clerk
Page 41

State of Connecticut 
New Haven County} ss Oxford 
Be it remembered that on the 6th day of June 1833 personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for New Haven County duly commissioned Sworn John Davis of Oxford to me personally known and whom I certify to be a credible witness and having been duly sworn on his oath declares and says that in the year 1780 or it might be 1781 he was drafted for a tour of military duty in the army of the Revolution for a tour of Six months according to the best recollection of this deponent, and this deponent hired Jeremiah M Kelly of Oxford to take his place as a substitute for the Deponent and said Kelly left Oxford in June 1780 and went from Oxford with other soldier and served out my tour of duty of six months that his service discharged me. He returned in December as this deponent believes.   
John Davis 
Sworn before me 
Hiram Osborn Justice of Peace
Page 42

State of Connecticut 
New Haven County } ss Oxford 
Be it remembered that on the 6th day of June 1833 personally appeared fore me the subscriber a Justice of the peace within and for New Haven County duly commissioned & sworn   John Davis of Oxford me personally known and whom I certify be a credible witness and having been duly sworn on his oath declares and says that the year 1780 or it might be 1781 he was drafted for a tour of military duty in the Army of the Revolution for a tour of Six months according to the best resolution of this deponent, and this deponent hired Jeremiah M Kelly of Oxford to take his place as a substitute for the Deponent and said Kelly left Oxford in June 1780 and went from Oxford with other soldiers and served at my tour of duty of six months & that his service discharged me.
He returned in December as this deponent believes. 
John Davis 
Sworn before me 
Hiram Osborn Justice of Peace
Page 43

State of Connecticut
New Haven  County }  ss Oxford 
Be it remembered that on this 6th day of June 1833 personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly commissioned and sworn Job Cander of Oxford aforesaid to me personally known and whom I certify to be a credible witness and being first duly continued sworn on oath declares & says as follows viz  
In July 1781 I was an private in a militia company commanded by Capt Joel Hotchkiss, James Porter was Lieutenant & Henry Tomlinson was Ensign and while in said company & for a period before and after July 1781, I was well acquainted with Jeremiah M. Kelly of Oxford and know that he was a private in said Capt Hotchkiss company and that he continued in said company about three months.  We were both in said company at West Point.   I left home at Oxford on the 27 July 1781.  Said Kelly left home and joined a day or two after me.  He returned home with me on the 30 or 31 Oct 1781.
Job Cander
Sworn before me
Hiram Osborn Justice of Peace
Page 44

State of Connecticut 
New Haven County } ss Oxford Be it remembered that on this day of June 1833 personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for New Haven County duly commissioned and sworn. Henry Tomlinson of Oxford aforesaid to me personally known and whom certify to be a credible witness and being first sworn according to law on oath deposes & says as follows 
Then in the year 1781 I was an Ensign in the militia company commanded by Capt Joel Hotchkiss, James Porter was Lieutenant.  This company belonged to Col Samuel Canfield Regiment in July 1781. Said company was ordered out on a tour of duty for three months and was stationed at West point.  Gen McDougal commanded.   I marched at the close of the month about the 25 or 27 with said Company and did duty there until 29 or 30 of October 1781.   I then and was first knew Jeremiah  Kelly of Oxford.  Said Kelly was a private in said company and did for three months.  He left Oxford with the company or in a day or two after
Page 45

and continued there with said company untill the last of October the 29 or 30th and did duty as a private  therein  
Henry Tomlinson 
Sworn before me 
Hiram Osborn Justice of Peace 
State of Connecticut New Haven County } ss  Duly Be it remembered that on this 6th day of June 1833 personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for New Haven County duly commissioned and sworn. Moses Riggs of said Duly to me personally known whom I certify to be a credible witness and being first duly sworn on oath upon and says that as follows in the spring of 1776 & I believed at Oxford with my father Edward Riggs the said Edward then being an Ensign in a State Company Capt Stephen Mathews was Capt and Daniel Welton was Lieutenant and as was then and ever since have been well acquaintion with Jeremiah M Kellee then & now of Oxford and was present when my father
Page 46

K3
enlisted said Kellee into said company for Eight months as I believe but of the length of time of said enlistment I am not certain, and saw said Kellee receive the bounty from the said Ensign Riggs.  Kellee soon after left Oxford with my father and went as I was informed and it was generally reputed to the Northward Ticonderoga.  
Said Keller was absent from Oxford until cold weather in the fall or beginning of Winter.   
Sworn before me 
Moses Riggs x his mark 
Hiram Osborn Justice of Peace 
State of Connecticut New Haven County } ss Oxford 
Be it remembered that on the 6th day of June 1833 personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for New Haven County duly commissioned and sworn Charles Bunnell Esq to me personally known to whom I certify to be a credible witness and having been duly commissioned cautioned & sworn on his oath depose and says by that I have been acquainted with aforesaid
Page 47

M Kellee Sixty years during the Revolutionary war & was a private in the Oxford Militia Oxford being a part of Duly and was drafted to perform a tour of military duty of three months, to fill up the continental army at West Point, on account of ill health, I hired Jeremiah M Kellee as a substitute for me to perform said tour of duty, and he went I preformed the duty.  I  paid him therefore & remember by leaving Oxford at the commencement of the three months & returning at the expiration  of said term of three months.  
This draft was made as I think in August of the year 1779 or 1780.   
Charles Bunnell 
Sworn before me Hiram Osborn Justice of Peace
Page 48

State of Connecticut 
New Haven County ss  Bethany 
Be it remembered that on the 17th Day of June 1833 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of New Haven duly commissioned & sworn Daniel Chatfield late of Offord in said County now residing in Bethany aforesaid to me personally known & whom I certify to be a credible witness who being first duly sworn on oath deposes and says as follows. I am now 73 years of age and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war & have  drawn a pension some years and that in the summer of 1778 I served for the term of three months as a private in a company  commanded by Capt Daniel Holbrook at Thetford Bridgeport and New Haven in the sea coast guard in this State.  
And this deponent further says that then was and has since been well acquainted with Jeremiah M Kellee of said Oxford and knows that said Kellee was private in said company commanded by said Holbrook and duly in said company doing duty as a private three months with this
Page 49

deponent at said Thetford, Bridgeport and New Haven in said year.  
Daniel Chatfield x his mark
 Before me Hiram Osborn Justice of Peace
Page 50

State of Connecticut 
Probate Court  
District of Woodbury 
Be it remembered that on this 4 day of July 1833 personally appeared before said court in person at Oxford in said District in open Court Eleazer Lewis of Oxford in the County of the same to the Court personally known and whom the court certify to be a credible witness and being first duly cautioned & sworn upon his oath declares and says that he is seventy years of age and was well acquainted with Jeremiah M. Kelly now of Oxford in the year 1779 and before that time and known him and knows that he was a private in Capt Lewis Malletts Company of Coast guards stationed at
Page 51

Milford Con and served with me in said company a tour of duty of  of two months in the year  1779 commencing in the month of April & I served the two months and knows he did.  There was no high officer at said Milford than the Captain & I well remember being together when we are both dismissed at the same time.  
Eleazer Lewis
Sworn in Court 
Cha B Phelps Judge of Probate  Dist of Woodbury & April
Page 52

Tabular Times of Jeremiah M Kellee services
Year  1776  Time  3 Co Officers Capt Mathews, Lt. Melton, Ens Riggs Reg Officers  Col Hinman Regt   Field Officer Gen Waterbury  Battles – Evidence  Mons. Riggs, Wells, Lewis
Year 1778 Time 3  Co Officers  Capt D. Holbrook Reg Officers Field Officer Battles – Evidence Daniel Chatfield
Year 1778  Time  2 Co Officers  Capt Steinly Reg Officers Field Officer Battles - Evidence
Year 1779  Time  2  Co Officers  Capt Mallett  Reg Officers Field Officer Battles – Evidence Eleazer Lewis
Year 1779  Time  3   Co Officers  Capt Starr  Reg Officers  Field Officer Battles – Evidence  Charles Bunnell Esq
Year 1780   Time  6  Co Officers  Ensign Lord Reg Officers  Colonel Meigs  Field Officer  Gen Washington  Battles – Evidence  Col. John Davis
Year  1781  Time  3 Co Officers  Capt Hotchkiss, Lt. Porter, Ens Tomlinson  Reg Officers   Col. Canfield   Field Officer  Gen McDougal   Battles – Evidence  Henry Tomlinson, Joel Cander
Page 53

State of Connecticut 
Probate Court 
District of Woodbury 
Be it remembered that on the 4 day of Novr 1833 before said Court in Session at Woodbury in said District personally appeared Jeremiah M Kellee and being duly cautioned and sworn on oath declares in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of 7 June 1832 by way of supplementary declaration in addition to his former declaration made & sworn in said Court on the 15 Sept 1832.    That he enlisted into Capt Lords company Col Meigs Regiment as stated  in the original declaration, that at that time and since he was called Jeremiah Keller and Jemiah M Keller at home among his at intimate friends Mathew Keller.  His real name as entered in the account books of Merchants at Oxford is Jeremiah Mather Kellee.  He thinks he remembers being called Jeremiah Kellee by the muster master in Capt Lords company at Roll call.  This Deponent does  well recollect that there was no other commissioned officer in the company while the declarant was at it.  Ensign Lord who command it was
Page 54

called the Majors company and was Major David Humphreys Company.   Humphreys was an aide of Gen Washington & often visited the company when the declarant was there in said company.
The declarant sayeth that there was no other man by the name of Kellee in said Regiment commanded by Col Meigs and that he messed with John Bricks, Robert Newell Pearce White, Will or Wm White,  he also knew one Mocyst in said company,  also well remembers Col Meigs,  Col Ely, Major Eli Leavenworth , Capt Elijah Humphrey. Capt Potter, Capt Smith, Lieut White, Ensign Galpin and other officers in said Regiment.  
This declarant also saith that some mistake as to his name has been often made.   Jesse Smith was an orderly Sergeant in Capt Humphreys company in the same Regiment.  John McClane was in some company a deponent.  One Alcock was sergeant in Lords company as the declarant believes .  The company to which he belonged was a small company as was the 4th as he believes,  
Jeremiah Kellee x his mark
Sworn in Court 
Chas B Phelps Judge
Page 55

I Edward M Phelps Clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of Woodbury do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original and supplementary procedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Jeremiah M Kellee for a Pension.   
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Court this 4th day of Nov 1833. 
Edw M Phelps Clerk