Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26,168, for Stephen Kelsey, Connecticut
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SERVICE   Conn.
Kelsey, Stephen
Lois
NUMBER  W. 26,168
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Connecticut 17681 
Stephen Kelsey of Killingworth the State of Conn who was a Private in the com [company] commanded by Captain Baldwin of the - commanded by - in the Conn Troop for 8 mo 
Widow 
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of Jany 1834 and sent Hon N. Barber H. of R.
Arrears to the 4th day of his death 
Semi-anl. allowance ending- 
42.48
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by E D Bullock Clerk, 
Book E Vol. 3 Page 23 
Died 22d Mar 1833
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6157 
Connecticut 
Lois Kelsey Dec’d widow of Stephen Kelsey who was a Pri in the Revo War. 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. & ending 22 March 1844, day of her death. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Sept 1844 and sent to W P Munger Madison Conn.
[Act of March 1843,] 
Recorded in Book & June 17. 1844 Vol. 2 Page 54 
Pay’le to Julius Kelsey only child 
Rep. See Let. 21. Sept 44
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State of Connecticut  
New Haven County }  SS. Madison June 18th 1844.  
On this 18th day of June AD. 1844. Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said County Julius Kelsey a resident of said Madison in said County of New Haven who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the third day of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War,   That he is the child and the only Child of Lois Kelsey the identical person who was a pensioner, and is now dead; that his said Mother Lois Kelsey was the widow of Stephen Kelsey who was a Revolutionary soldier, and the annual amount of the pension she received under the act of July 7th 1838 was twenty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum, as will appear by her papers in the Pension Office together with his Certificate which has been returned to said Office.
The said Julius Kelsey further declares that his said Mother Lois Kelsey died at said Madison on the twenty second day of March D. 1844. aged eighty three years that she was the widow of said Stephen Kelsey at the time of her death she never having been married after the death of said Stephen Kelsey, and that there has been no administrator appointed on her Estate 
(over)
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Julius Kebey 
In presence of 
Jno. R. Wilcox 
Daniel Stevens [unreadable]
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, Before me And I hereby further certify that I am  acquainted with Julius Kelsey who hath Sworn and subscribed to the foregoing Declaration, and do consider him to be a person of truth and veracity.  
Walter P. Munger Justice of the Peace 
State of Connecticut 
County of New Haven, 
Probate District of Madison} ss Madison 
I Richard E. Rice, Clerk of the Court of Probate in and for the District of Madison, at a Court holden at said Madison, in and for said District, on this 18th day of June A.D. 1844 Do certify, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court, that Widow Lois Kelsey was a pensioner of the United States, at the rate of twenty six dollars & sixty six cents per annum, was a resident of Madison in the County of New Haven in the State of Connecticut, and died in the said Town of Madison, on the 22d day of March A.D. 1844. that she left but one child, whose name is Julius Kelsey, who resides in said Madison, and is the identical person, who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaration and further, that there has been no administrator appointed on the Estate of said Lois Kelsey, deceased.   
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
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hand and affixed my seal of office, this 18th day of June A.D. 1844. 
Richard E. Rice Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Madison 
State of Connecticut 
New Haven County } ss. New Haven Aug 1844 
I John S. Rice Clerk of the County Court for the County of New Haven do hereby certify that Walter P. Manger whose signature is above written is, and at the time of affixing Peace his said signature was a Justice of the within and for the County of New Haven duly appointed and commissioned according to the Laws of this State.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at New Haven this day of August 1844. 
Attest John S. Rice Clerk 
Lois Kelsey widow of the late Stephen Kelsey Decease Died at Madison on the twenty second day of March One thousand eight hundred & forty four aged eighty three years.  
Town Clerk's Office Madison 
New Haven County Connecticut }  August 20th AD 1844.
I hereby certify that the above is a true Copy from the Records of said town of Madison. 
Attest Walter P Munger Town Clerk
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Nov 30
Stephen Kelsey
19357
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Stephen Kelsey
State of Connecticut 
Middlesex County}  Probate District of Say Brook in said County 
On this nineteenth day of November 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of Probate holden at Killingworth in and for the Probate District of Say Brook, in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut. the same being a Court of Record
now sitting  Stephen Kelsey a resident of in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, aged Seventy nine 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 he was born, and hath always lived, in Killingworth in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut That he was 75 years of age the 28th day of January last and that there is no record of his age that he is aware of.   
That in July 1776 at said Killingworth he enlisted to save in the Revolutionary Army Six months, & immediately joined  the company in which he served at said Killingworth which company was commanded by Capt. Baldwin, Lieuts Allen & Caulkins and ensign Billings.  That said Company marched on through Middletown, Branford & Caanan in this State. Pittsfield Mass. Bennington Vermont to Skeensborough in the State of New York, where they remained, he thinks untill Oct or Novr and built a large number of Boats, when they went in one of the Gallies which they built, about 36 miles to Ticonderoga, and there remained untill they were discharged, including the applicant at that place some time in the month of December, having served out the full term of his said inlistment.   That when they were at Skeensborough as aforesaid, Col. Bruers [Brewer] Regiment was there from Boston, or vicinity. He thinks there now about 17,000 men at Ticonderoga, and that Genl Gates was there. That the Regiment to which said company belonged, first assented at Skeensborough, & that said Company there Joined it.  That said Regiment Company-- & applicant were stationed on Mount Independence, over across from Ticonderoga. That they are to have had written discharges at Saratoga, but did not stop to get them. 
That, in the Fall of 1777,  the Militia tourned out to go up the North River, to check Burgoin [Burgoyne].   The applicant went with them, and belonged to a company which
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which was commanded by Bezaleel Bristol,  Capt.   But the other offices of the company he can not recollect.  There are a great many troops there kept along up the North River, the British ships moving up - went of the River, to Redhook Saw Sopus, when it was not burning.   Genl Putman was there.  Was absent from home, he thinks as much as two months.  He did not get home untill the middle of January.  He says he faithfully served, and was honorably dismissed.
The applicant saith that he never made application for a pension before now and never had written discharge. 
The applicant further saith, that he never was in any battle during the aforesaid times, and saw none.    
The applicant further saith that he knows of no one now living who was in said Baldwins  company with him at the North and that he knows of no one now living who was with him up the  North River, except Will Jno Wilcox
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Henry Hill of Killingworth County of Middlesex, & State of Connecticut Deposeth and saith that he is 71 years of age that from his youth up, he hath been well acquainted with  Stephen Kelsey of said Killingworth, who hath signed the annexed application for a pension and that during the Revolutionary War, he lived within half  mile of him. The deponent further saith, that he well recollects that about the month of July 1776, it was said in the neighbourhood and he believes and never doubted, that said Kelsey had enlisted to serve in the Army six months. That a Brother of the Deponent by the name of Noah Hill, who is now deceased, enlisted at the same time, and to served the same length of time. That they both joined a company in said Killingworth, commanded by Capt. Baldwin, and went away with said company, and both returned at the end, the Deponent thinks of six months. That the Deponent hath frequently in former years, heard the said Kelsey talk of being at Skeensborough, Ticonderoga, &c. in the army at that time. That the Deponent believes, that it hath been always understood and believed, in the neighbourhood, that said Kelsey did serve as he has stated in said application, and the Deponent saith that he fully believes so.
And further the deponent saith not 
Henry Hill
Subscribed and sworn before me in open Court of District 19 day of November 1832.  And I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Henry Hill and that he is a man of truth and veracity.  Samuel Ingham Judge of Probate
James Nettleton of Middletown in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut, deposeth and saith, that he is 85 years of age and that from his youth up, he hath been well acquainted with Stephen Kelsey, of Killingworth who hath signed the annexed application for a pension. That during the War of the Revolution he lived within about half a mile of the said Kelsey.  That the Deponent recollects, that about the month of July, 1776,  it was, he thinks universally understood, and believed in the neighbourhood, that said Kelsey had enlisted to serve six months in the Revolutionary War, at the Northward in a company commanded by Capt. Baldwin. The deponent further saith, that he knew that said Kelley was absent from home during that time, and then he returned after being absent about six months. That in the opinion of the Deponent the universal belief in the neighbourhood hath always been that said Kelsey did serve six months, in said company at the Northward as he states in his said application, that the deponent fully believes it, & never heard it doubted.  And further he saith not.  
James Nettleton
Subscribed and Sworn before me in open court of Probate this 19th day of November 1832. And I certify that I  am well acquainted with the said James Nettleton and that he is a man of truth and veracity.
Samuel Ingham Judge of Probate.
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The said Stephen Kelsey 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.   In making his mark he being now unable to write, having lost the use of his hand
Stephen Kelsey x his mark  
We Elisher Kelsey residing in the town of Killingworth and Jeremiah Hull residing in the 
same, hereby certify, that we are well and his acquainted with Stephen Kelley who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 75  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. And that there is no clergyman in this parish; and that we are Justices of the Peace
Elisher Kelsey
Jeremiah Hull
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Before me
 Samuel Ingham  Judge of Probate  
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 certify, that it appears to them that Elisher Kelsey who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in the town of Killingworth and that Jeremiah Hull who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Killingworth and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.  And the Court further finds and certifies that the reverend who was lately the Clergyman in the Parish in which the applicant resides has within a few days removed out of this State and that there is now no Clergyman in said Parish; and the Court further find and certify that the above named Elisher Kelsey and Jeremiah Hull Esqrs are Justices of the Peace for County of Middlesex.
Samuel Ingham Judge of Probate Court of Court of 
I Richard P. Williams Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Say Brook County of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Stephen Kelsey for Pension.   
In testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 19th of November 1832 
Richd P. Williams Clerk
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19357 
Stephen Kelsey 
Ct. 
Return this – 
8 Mo Private 
2666 to Lois Kelsey  Widow - until 22d March 1833 
Return to N Barber H of R
N Barber 
H of R
Samuel Ingham
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1833
50
1783
50
1833
WAR DEPARTMENT 
Pension Office, 
183
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   Stephen Kelsey Ct.
Period when the service was rendered.  July 1776 enld [enlisted]    Duration of Claimant’s Service. 6 months  Rank of the claimant.  Private   Names and rank of the Company Officers under whom he served. Capt Baldwin    Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Col Bruer    Battles in which the applicant was engaged.  Country through which he marched. Pittsfield Mass, Hartford Ct.  Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.  75 born at Killingworth Ct, entered the service thru and still lives in same place      Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Three Living witnesses go to prove the service and a Certificate of Clergyman and a Citizen
Period when the service was rendered. fall 1777   Duration of Claimant’s Service.  2 months  Rank of the claimant.  Private    Names and rank of the Company Officers under whom he served.  Captain Bristol   Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.  Country through which he marched.   North River Red Hook
I am respectfully 
Your obedient servant 
JAMES L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
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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  alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.            
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.    
1. Where and in what year were you born?                
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?          
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war , and where do you now live?               
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?              
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.           
6. To a Soldier. { 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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To the Hon. Secretary of War
The Petition and application of Lois Kelsey of Killingworth in the Probate District of Say Brook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut respectfully sheweth That she is the Widow of Stephen Kelsey late of said Killingworth, now deceased that on the 19th day of Novr 1832, her said husband, then in full life, caused his declaration and application for a Pension, under the act of Congress of the 7th of June AD. 1832. to be made out in due form of law which he subscribed with his own hand, and made oath to before the Court of Probate in and for the District of Say Brook County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut which said declaration was supported by the affidavits of Henry Hill,  James Nettleton and Jonathan Wilcox and is with said proofs hereunto annexed, as evidence in support of this Petition and application.  
And the said Petitioner and applicant further respectfully represents, that in the month of July 1776 her said late husband, Stephen Kelsey, now deceased, enlisted to serve in the Army of the Revolution six months and that he served out his whole term of six months in said any as a Common Soldier at Bennington Ticonderoga, and other places, and was honorably dismissed in December the next following, as is more particularly set forth by him in his said application.   
That in the Fall of 1777 when the British fleet entered the North River, the said Stephen Kelsey, went as a volunteer, and common soldier, in a company commanded by Capt. Gale to the Northward to check the advance of the British Army and that he engaged in said service in the month of Nov was dismissed from it about the middle of January following having served therein at least two months,  all as is more particularly stated by him in his said application.  
The said Petitioner and applicant further saith, that she does not state of the above facts as of her own knowledge but she has lived with the said Stephen Kelsey, as his lawful wife, more than fifty years, that she has often, and many years before the enactment of the law of Congress of the 7th June 1832, heard him, the said Kelsey, talk of his six months service, in the army at North, in 1776 and also of his going up the North river to check Burgoine [Burgoyne]  in 1777 and that she does not entertain the least doubt of the truth of said representations, and of the facts, or statements, contained in this petition, and in his said declaration, relating to said Service.   
That she is informed and verily believes, that the application of the said Stephen Kelsey, was forwarded to the Pension office, and returned for correction, but that it was not received back again until after his death; of course is correction can be made by him
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the said Petitioner further respectfully represents that she understands, the objections of the Department against allowing said application of said Stephen Kelsey and that the time of service is not stated with sufficient certainty.   
As to the 1st Term of service to wit in 1776 at Ticonderoga &c the said Kelsey States, that he commenced in July and ended in December.  She cannot state the precise day in each month but it was in those months - he expressly states  that he enlisted for six months & served out the whole time.  If he could have recollected those days, he would undoubtedly have done so, but owing to old age and the consequent loss of memory he was probably unable to do it.   
As regards the 2d Term to wit in 1777, up the North River he states that he was discharged or arrived home about the Middle of January 1778 and was engaged as much as two months. He cannot say on what day he left home. Mr. Wilcox - the witness - thinks Kelsey was absent as much as three months.   
That these services in 1776 & 1777 were rendered, it is and are abundantly proved and the declaration is believed to be as certain and definite, as ought to be required of a man of his advanced age, speaking to facts which transpired 56 years ago, and with which he never had changed his memory.  
A soldier would be very likely to recollect the place where he served, the names of his officers, especially those which was nearest him and also the duration of his service whether 6-10 or 18 months & but he would be very unlikely to recollect the precise day of the month, on which he enlisted, & on which he was discharged unless there should be something in particular to fix it in his memory.  
The Petitioner thinks herself safe in declaring, that owing to old age, and the consequent loss of memory, as well as to sickness, and his many infirmities, the said Stephen Kelsey, if now living, could not be more particular in his said declaration.   
The Petitioner was married to the said Stephen Kelsey at said Killingworth on the 27th of March 1783 by Revd Mr. Ely who is dead  and continued to live with him as his wife, untill the 22 day of March 1833, when he died at said Killingworth leaving her his widow.  She therefore respectfully prays that the account of pension due at the time of his death may be allowed to her and a certificate granted her accordingly.   
The Petitioner presents this her petition to said Court of Probate for the district of Say Brook & State of Connecticut, & offers to prove the severed facts, & allegations herein stated & recorded.  Dated at Killingworth December 6th AD 1833.  I had 4 children by my husband all of whom are dea but one to wit, Julius Kelsey
Lois Kelsey
II Term of Service in 1776 6 months
III  Term of service in 1777.  2 months. 
In all 8 months.
Page 18

At a Court of Probate holden at Killingworth in and for of Say Brook on the 6th day of December 1833 in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut 
Personally appeared in and before said Court Mrs. Kelsey, of said Killingworth who hath, with her own hand in presence of said Court subscribed he name to the within and foregoing Petition of her for the amount of pension due her late husband Mr. Stephen Kelsey late of Killingworth dec’d and made solomn oath that the several matters contained in her said petition and application are true according to her best knowledge and belief. 
And the said Court, after the investigation of the matter doth find that the said Lois Kelsey is the Widow of the said Stephen Kelsey, who in his life time subscribed his name, and made oath to the annexed application for a pension.  That the said Stephen Kelsey died at said Killingworth, before his said application was returned from the Pension Office for correction and that his said widow is now Sole and unmarried.  
And the said Court doth declare its opinion that the several matters stated in said petition and application of said Widow Kelsey, are each and all of them true.  
Samuel Ingham Judge of Probate for the District of Say Brook State of Connecticut
Page 19

I Henry Hill of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut depose and say that I am 72 years of age that from my youth up, I have been will acquainted with Mr. Stephen Kelsey now dec who hath signed the annexed application for a pension that he was married to Lois Griffin, at said Killingworth on or about the 27 of March 1783 by Revd Ely who is now dead, then I was present, and saw them married that they lived together as husband and wife, in town untill the 22d day of March 1833, when he died, at said Town, as have always understood supposed as I was unwell & did not attend the funeral. His widow, Mrs Lois Kelsey, whose maiden name was Lois Griffin, as above stated, is now living within half a mile of me and is sole & unmarried & is the same person who hath signed the annexed application for a pension in right of her said husband deceased.   
And further I say not.   
Henry Hill
I Lucy Hill of Killingworth County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut depose and say that for more than 20 years last past I have well known Mr Stephen Kelsey late of said Killingworth dec’d & his wife Mrs. Lois Kelsey, both within named, that I have during all said time lived within two miles of them there they have lived together as husband and wife, and that they are so in fact, I presume never was & never will be doubted.   Mr. Stephen Kelsey died at said Killingworth about the 22 March 1832 & I attended his funeral. His widow Mrs Lois Kelsey lives within half a mile of me and is single and unmarried.  
And further I say not 
Lucy Hill
Page 20

I Julius Kelsey of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, depose and say that I am 50 years of age in Sept last that I am the only surviving child of Mr. Stephen Kelsey & Mrs Lois Kelsey, named in the annexed application for a pension that I fully believe the statements contained in said application.  That my Father, Mr. Stephen Kelsey died at said Killingworth the 22 day of March 1833 and that attended the funeral.   
I further depose and say- that for many years before the passage of the act of June 7 1832 and that at many & various time, even my childhood, and I have heard him relate the story of his being in the army at Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain &c. That I always understood from him that he served there a tour of six months as he has stated in his declaration and that I never entertained a doubt of its entire truth.  
I further say that I have often being the same period heard him talk of his service up the North river 2 or 3 months to check the march of Burgoines [Burgoyne] Army and that his statements have always been similar to those contained in his declaration hereunto annexed.  I do not think that any one ever expressed or entered a doubt of its perfect truth.  
And further I say not.   
Julius Kelsey
Page 21

I Richard P Williams Clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of Say Brook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut do herby certify that the within and foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Mrs. Kelsey for the pension due her late husband Stephen Kelsey late of Killingworth.  
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this tenth day of December AD. 1833 
Richd P. Williams Clerk
Page 22

In reply to your request of – received – for a statement of the military history of  Stephen Kelsey    
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow’s) application for pension on file in this bureau.  
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT   July 1776   LENGTH OF SERVICE  6 mos.    RANK.  Pvt.  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Baldwin  STATE. Conn.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT   Fall 1777  LENGTH OF SERVICE  2 mos.  RANK. Pvt.   OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Bristol Captain Gale  STATE.  Conn
The above noted is the only Stephen Kelsey found in the Rev War Pension records.
Battles engaged in,  none   
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Killingworth, Conn.
Date of application for pension,  Nov 19, 1832 Claim allowed.
Residence at date of application,  Killingworth, Middlesex, Conn.
Age at date of application,  born Jan 26 1757 at Killingworth, Conn, died there Mar 22 1833, 
Remarks;  Sol. mar [married] at Killingworth Conn Mar 27 1783 Lois Griffin.  She was allowed pens on an ap ex [application executed] Oct 4 1838 while 77 years old and a res. of Madison New Haven Co. Conn, where she died mar 22, 1844.  They had 4 children, all of whom were dead in 1833, except Julius who was then 50 years old.  Names of others not stated. 
Very respectfully
Page 23

Guilford Conn Jany 31st 1918
Pension Bureau  
Washington D.C. 
Dear Sirs 
Will you please send me what there is on record of Stephen Kelsey a pensioner of Revolution, in 1832 living in Middlesex Co. Conn 
Respectfully 
Sarah B. Fowler 
Address Mrs Henry Elliot Fowler Guilford Conn 6 Fair St.
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE D FEB 4 1918
Page 24

K 1723 Kilbourne Place 
Washington, D.C. 
Dec. 21, 1914 
Commissioner Pensions 
Interior Department 
Washington D.C. 
Dear Sir 
Kindly give me the military history of Stephen Kelsey who was a soldier in the Rev. War from Conn. I believe In an old letter his son Solomon writes of him "that he was connected with the artillery and was one of the inventor's of using the long reach and putting the”
Page 25

heavy load of cannon balls in the middle.”  
Any vital statistics you may have concerning him or his wife Sarah Averill K. would would be greatly appreciated,   
Thanking you in advance for any trouble my request May occasion 
I am Very respectfully, 
Miss G. E. Kelsey
Page 26

39 Main St. 
Southington, Conn. Dec. 2, 1909
Pension Office, Washington, D.C.  
Gentlemen: 
Will you kindly give me the history of pension granted one Stephen Kelsey residing in Middlesex Co. about 1832, with date of death of said Stephen Kelsey & greatly oblige. 
Yours truly Mrs J. H. Pratt
P.O. Box 555
Page 27

The Wm Hengerer Co. 
In Connection with James McCafery & Co New York
IMPORTERS, JOBBERS AND RETAILERS. 
BUFFALO. 
Buffalo NY  4 /28/08 
The Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington D.C. 
Dear Sir.
I am very anxious to get some information as to the Revolutionary War Record of Stephen Kelsey. His Son Solomon, states that his father was an artillery. man in the Revolutionary army but so far have been unable to verify this record and thought possibly there might be a record
Page 28

The Wm Hengerer Co. 
In Connection with James McCafery & Co New York
IMPORTERS, JOBBERS AND RETAILERS. 
BUFFALO. 
Thanking you in advance for the Courtesy of a reply, 
I am Respectfully yours 
E. F. Kelsy
C/O  Wm Hengerer Buffalo NY
Page 29

Revy WIDOW, &c. 26168 
Lois Kelsey 
widow  of Stephen Kelsey 
Pri Rev War 
Act March 3d 43 &  June 17th 44  
Index: Vol. A Page 388 
[Arrangement of 1870.] 
1908 May 4 Hist to E. F. Kelsey 
1919 Dec. 14 to Mrs. J.H. Pratt and Hist to Miss. G. E. Kelsey 
8. Hist. to Mrs. Henry E. Fowler 
AW   Tombstone date C. H. Hale (see letter to Zenas Griswold S. 15158
Page 30

6356
No 129
Act 1844
6356
Aug 24th
Ct. Aug 26th 44
Ct
Mar 3d 1843
Lois Kelsey
Free
Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 31

Madison Connecticut Aug 24th 1844. 
Hon J.L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Dear Sir- 
I herewith send to you the Declaration of Mr. Julius Kelsey in order that he may obtain the pension which his mother was entitled to receive at the time of her death; You will perceive by his Declaration that his mother was a pensioner, that she died on the 22d of March 1844 and that she had not received the amount to which she was entitled by the act of Congress passed on the 3d of March 1843 and that the said Julius Kelsey is the only child of said Lois Kelsey.   
I conclude said Julius is entitled to receive said pension from the 4th March 1843 to 4th March 1844.  If so, and if these papers are correct you will please forward me a certificate for said Julius  Kelsey as soon as convenient.  If there is any defect in the papers you will please point it out and inform me the proper course to pursue.   The reason of so long a delay since the Declaration was made out, is that the Clerk of the County was absent.   
Yours very Respectfully 
Walter P. Munger 
Hon J. L. Edwards Commissioner &c
Page 32

Pension Office
Civ Svt
Ct
7 July 1838
J. Poinsett
Secy of War
Washington City
Page 33

Clinton, Middlesex County
Ct Oct 1838 
Sir 
I have enclosed the application of Louis Kelsey the widow of the late Stephen Kelsey of Killingworth for a pension, any communication you have to make please address to 
Your most obd svt 
David Wright 
Hon J R Poinsett 
Washington City
Page 34

Jan 21
Jurat
Hon S. Ingham
HR
Honorable J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Page 35

Washington Jun 17. 1839 
Sir
David Wright Esq. of Court informs me that he sent to your office some time since the pension applications of Mrs Lois Kelsey and the Widow of Amos Stevens.   
Will you have the goods to cause them to be examined soon 
And oblige Your obt ser- 
Samuel Ingham 
Honorable J. L. Edwards
&c &c
Page 36

Lois Kelsey decd 
Con 
3 March 1843 
Admd [admitted]  
$26.66  payable to Julias Kelsey only surviving child.
Also Adm. 17 June 1844 from 4 March 14 to 22 Mch 1844 the day of her death.  
Payable to Julius Kelsey only surviving child 
Walter P Munger Madison Connecticut
Page 37

State of New York 
Oneida County } ss  Jonathan Wilcox of the Town of Whitestown County & State of New York aforesaid being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he is of the age of seventy-nine years & resides in the Town of Whitestown County & State aforesaid & that he formerly resided in Killingsworth in the State of & Connecticut & is well acquainted with Stephen Kelsey of Killingsworth aforesaid & has been acquainted with him ever since they were both boys, that during the revolutionary war they both resided at Killingsworth aforesaid that this deponent together with the said Stephen in the year 1777 volunteered under Capt Gale when the British entered the North river with their fleet, that the said Stephen was in the service at that time with this deponent as a private soldier according to the best recollection & belief of this deponent at the above mentioned time about three months & were honorably discharged that this deponent well recollects that the said Stephen was out on other occasions  as a soldier in the service although he can not particularize the time.  
Jonathan Wilcox
Subscribed & sworn before me 31st day of October 1832 & I certify that the said Jonathan resides in the same neighborhood with me & with whom I am well acquainted & is a man of truth & veracity.   
Erastus Willard
Commissioner of Deeds &c
Page 38

State of County New York 
County of Oneida } ss  I George Brown Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in  & for the County of Oneida & of said County do hereby certify that Erastus Willard before whom the foregoing affidavit of Jonathan Wilcox purports to have been sworn was at the date of the taking said affidavit a Commission er of Deeds in & for the County of Oneida residing in the Town of Whitestown & authorized to take affidavit & I further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Commission & verily believe that the signature of Erastus Willard  subscribed to the last page of said jurat to be his proper hand writing & signature. Witness my hand & seal of Office this  day of November 1832 
Geo Brown Clerk 
Joseph B Read Dep Clk
Page 39

Connecticut - 1707  
Lois Kelsey 
widow of Stephen Kelsey decd who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June, 1832 and who died on the 22d of March, 1833 of Middlesex Co in the State of Connt who was a private in the compy commanded Captain Baldwin of the  - commanded by – in the line for  8 months private 
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of June and sent to Hon S. Ingham, H.R. 
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1838 $66.65 
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar ‘39 13.33 
$79.98 
{ Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk 
Book A Vol. 1 Page 191
Page 40

Clerk's Certificate   Sold by Criswell & Jewett No 2 Street’s Building, New Haven
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, 
County of New Haven, 
COUNTY COURT, CLERK'S OFFICE.} SS  New Haven. Aug 5th 1844 
I John S. Rice Esq., Clerk of the County Court, within and for the County of New Haven, and keeper of the seal thereof, and of the Commission of the Justices of Peace for said County, hereby CEETIFY:- 
THAT Walter P. Munger Esquire on the 18th day of June 1844 and now is a Justice of the Peace within and for the said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, with power by the laws of this State, to administer OATHS, and take the acknowledgment of DEEDS and other instruments, that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature to this instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature. 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and seal of the said Court this the day of August 1844 
John S. Rice 
Clerk.
Page 41

1707
Lois Kelsey
Conn
Act 7 July ‘38
m 83 d 33
admd [admitted] 
8 mo pri
26.66
No deduction 
Hon S. Ingham
HR
Page 42

United States of America 
State of Connecticut ss Killingworth, County of Middlesex on this the day of October AD 1835 personally appeared before the Probate Court for the District of Canton now sitting in Killingworth in said District Lois Kelsey a resident of Madison in the County of New Haven in said State aged Seventy seven years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration the order to obtain the benefit of the provision man of the act of Congress passed July 7th AD 1838 entitled “an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows:" that she is the widow of Stephen Kelsey late of said Killingworth deceased who was a soldier in the Militia during the Revolution, and was a pensioner, as by the proper testimony and affidavit  now on file in the records of the office will fully appear that he was placed on the Pension roll a short time prior to his death and as the Deponent believes (though not able to state fully under the provisions of that of the act of  AD 1832. 
She further declares that she was married to the said Stephen Kelsey on the 27 day of March in the year seventeen hundred and Eighty three that her husband the aforesaid Stephen Kelsey died on the 22nd day of March AD 1833. that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four in at the time above stated and that she has not been married, but still remains the widow of the said Stephen Kelsey.   
Lois Kelsey 
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me George Carter Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Clinton.   
State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss 
On this 4th day of October 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Clinton in the County and State aforesaid, Lois Kelsey to me well known
Page 43

who being by me duly sworn deposeth and saith that the facts set forth in the foregoing declaration or affidavit by her subscribed are true and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Lois Kelsey that she is a woman of truth and whose statements are entitled to full credit.   In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and office the day and year last above mentioned.   
George Carter Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Clinton 
State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss 
I George Carter Jr Clerk of the court of Probate for the District of Clinton in the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that George Carter is a Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Clinton in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified that his commission was dated on the 29th day May 1838 and will expire on the 20th day of June 1839 and that his signature above written is genuine. Given under my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate for the District of Clinton in the County and State aforesaid, this 4 the day of October AD 1838 
Attest George Carter Jr Clerk
Page 44

State of Connecticut, Middlesex County ss 
I Ephraim G Swift of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut aforesaid, of lawful age, Pastor of the second Presbyterian or Congregational Church and Congregation of said Society; depose and say that I find it recorded in the parish or Church records of said Society among the marriages made by the Reverend Henry Ely former Pastor of said Church and Congregation, that on the twenty seventh month of March, Seventeen hundred and eighty three Stephen Kelsey and Lois Griffin were married.   
Ephraim G Swift 
Sworn and subscribed this 4th day of October AD 1838 Before me George Carter Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Clinton 
State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss Killingworth 
On this 4th day of October 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Clinton in the County and State aforesaid Ephraim G Swift to me will known who being by me duly sworn deposeth and saith that the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed are true and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Ephraim G Swift that he is a man of truth and whose statements are entitled to full credit.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and office the day and year last above mentioned.   
George Carter Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Clinton 
State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss Killingworth ss
I George Carter Jr Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Clinton in the County and State aforesaid do hereby that George Carter is a Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of of Clinton in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified that his commission was dated on the 29th day of May 1838 and will expire
Page 45

on the 20th day of June 1839 and that his signature above written is genuine. 
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate for the District of Clinton in the County and State aforesaid this 4th day of October 1838. 
Attest George Carter Jr Clerk
Page 46

I Julius Kelsey of Madison in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut aged fifty five years depose and say that I am the son of Stephen Kelsey late of Killingworth deceased and that my Father the aforesaid Stephen Kelsey died on the 22nd day of March AD 1833 and that I have always resided with or near him since I was a child and that a short time previous to his death he was placed on the pension list I think under the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832 and that the widow of the aforesaid Stephen Kelsey and my mother has resided with me the most of the time since his death and that she yet remains his widow and has not been married since his death and still resides with me.   
Julius Kelsey 
Sworn and subscribed this 4th day of October 1838 Before me 
George Carter Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Clinton  
State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss Killingworth 
On this 4th day of October 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Clinton in the County and State aforesaid Julius Kelsey to me well known who being by me duly sworn deposeth and with that the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed are true and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Julius Kelsey that he is a man of truth and whose statements are entitled to full credit.   
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and office the day and year last above mentioned.   
George Carter Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Clinton
Page 47

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss Killingworth 
I George Carter Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Clinton in the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that George Carter is a Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Clinton in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified that his commission was dated on the 29th day of May 1838 and will expire on the 20th day of June 1839 and that his signature above written is genuine. 
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate for the District of Clinton in the County and State aforesaid this 4th day of October 1838 
attest George Carter Jr Clerk