Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 12,005, for Hezekiah Keeler, Connecticut
Page 1

(8-1776)
service
conn.
keeler, hezekiah 
mercy
number 
w. 12. 005
contents
Page 2

512 Montpelier
Vermont
Mercy Keller Co.
widow of Hezekiah Keeler
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Conn,
Husband died 10 Sept. 1846

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars -
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 10 day of Sept, 1846

Certificate of Pension issued the 
10th day of July, 1848
and sent to Wm. Bridges, Esq.
St. Albans,
Vt.
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2. Page 64

Reported
Payable to
Geraldine Keeler
John Keeler
Lewis Keeler
Monimia Keeler
Aurillia Keeler
& Maria Keeler
only living children
Letter to Wm. Bridges
March 30, 1850
Letter to Wm. Bridges April 30.
also to J. S. Gallaher same date
Page 3

11.219
Vermont.  R
Hezekiah Keeler, Priv.
Franklin County, Vermont.
Col. Chandlers regt. Connect.
line, six years, 1777
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
inscribed on the Roll of Vermont,  
at the rate of 8 - Dollars per month, to commence on the 10. of May, 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 1. of June, 1819
and sent to Frederick Bliss, judge
St. Albans, Franklin Co. Vermont
Arrears to 4th of March, 1819 } $78.71
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4. Sept. 1819. 48..
9 mo. 26/31.} $126.71
{Revolutionay Claim,
Act 18th March, 1818}
1777 for War
Continued on Roll
Notification sent October 23d 1820 to
H. Jones Esquire, St. Albans
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Hezekiah Keeler
Declaration
Copy of Record
11.219

Sept. 1819
Page 5

Revolutionary Claim, under Act of Congress, May 1, 1820. 
State of Vermont 
Franklin County ss}  Supreme Court, July & Aug Term 1820. 
On this thirteenth day of July, 1820 personally appeared in open Court, being the Supreme Court for the county of Franklin and a Court of Record for said State & County, having the power of fine and imprisonment, Hezekiah Keeler aged 58 years, resident in Georgia of said County, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows: - 
I enlisted in Bethlehem in Connecticut in the summer of 1776 in Captain Hurds Company for six months in Col Sullivan allias Sillivan's Regiment in the year 1777 in the spring enlisted under Capt. Mattocks for during the war in Col Chandlers Regiment Connecticut line and was discharged by General Washington near West Point in the year 1783.   My Original declaration is dated May 10th 1818 and my Pension Certificate is numbered 11219. 
And I do solenmly swear, that i was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not , since that time, by gift, sale or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby to so diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me: nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. 
50 acres of unimproved land in the north west part of the Town of Georgia off from any road 377 acres leased land a yearly rent of five dollars reserved, 5 or 6 acres improved and no great value two years back rent. Personal Property. One cow, one [unreadable]  colt two small Swine,  One old desk, two trunks, 4 chairs, 2 [unreadable]   one pair hand irons, shovel thongs. Trammels, one pine table, one pot, one [unreadable]   tea kettle, 1 Peter kettle, one tub, 1 Looking glass,  candle stand,  Pitcher,  7 plates [unreadable]  6 cups & saucers, three tin basons, 3 bowls, 4 milk pans, one black smith bellows, cast iron anvil, hammer and tongs. The Cow mare and colt purchased with my pension money.   I think I owe full as much or more than I have due to me. I am by occupation a blacksmith but unable to pursue my business having in a considerable degree lost the use of my arms.  My family are six in number, my wife Mercy aged about 54 years worn out with hard labour and not able to do but little,  my son Lewis aged 20 years unwell internal bleeding and spitting of blood has not been able for two years past to earn his living, my daughter Monimia aged 19 years weekly feeble constitution does but little labour. Aurillia aged 16 years in good health,  Maria aged 14 years in good health,  Laura aged 12 years unable to labor.  
Hezekiah Keeler  
Sworn to and declared on the 13 day of July 1820 Before the Court  
Attest Horace Janes Clerk 
State of Vermont 
Franklin County SS} I Horace Janes Clerk of the Supreme Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is two hundred dollars dollars and no- cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court, on this 19 day of July 1820 
Horace Janes, Clerk.
Page 6

Hezekiah Keeler
Private
77 - wan
Chandleis Connect
regt
Page 7

State of Vermont 
County of Franklin ss} On this 16th day of May AD 1818 before me the Subscriber one of the Judges of the County Court within and for the County of Franklin and State of Vermont personally appears Hezekiah Keeler of Georgia in the County of Franklin aforesaid aged fifty six years resident in Georgia aforesaid who being by me first duly sworn according to law doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war that he the said Hezekiah Keeler in June 1776 inlisted in Woodbury in the State of Connecticut under Captain Hurd and Colonel Chandler Regiment for six months of the Connecticut line and continued to serve out the said term and then was discharged but had no written discharge, and in April 1777 enlisted in the Town of Woodbury State of Connecticut in a company commanded by Captain Samuel Mattocks in Colonel Chandlers Regiment of the Connecticut line for during the war and continued to serve in the said Corps or in the service of the United States until the close of the war in the year 1783 when he was honorably discharged by George Washington from service at the Highlands near West Point in the State of New York which said Discharge is not now in his possession and he further says that he was in the following battels [battles],   on Long Island previous to the retreat,  on the retreat at New York,  the battle at White plains,  the battel at Germantown and in the siege at Mud fort and at the taking of Lord Corn Wallis under the command of Marquis Dofeat [de Lafayette] and he further says that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support and that he has no other  evidence at present of his said service than is hereunto annexed.  
Hezekiah Keeler
[unreadable] & Sworn before me the day & year above said  
Frederic Bliss a Judge of Franklin County Court
Page 8

I Frederic Bliss Judge of the County of Franklin & State of Vermont the Certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Hezekiah Keeler did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration against the Common enemy for the full period of nine months at one term of service on the Continental establishment and he that the said Hezekiah Keeler is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support. And I now transmit the proceedings & testimony had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned Act of Congress.  In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand the 24 day of August AD 1818, 
Frederic Bliss asst Judge of
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No 467
Mercy Keeler, Dcd,
 [illegible]  of Hezekiah 
 [illegible] 
act 17 June 1844
Married before 1794
husband died 10 Sept 1746
Widow died 24 feb 47
Page 10

Declaration 
State of Vermont  
Georgia District ss }  On this 18th day of March, AD 1847, personally appeared before the subscribing authority Judge of Probate in and for the District of Georgia, Lewis Keeler son of Hezekiah & Mercy Keeler, a resident of Fairfax in the district aforesaid aged forty eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 17th 1844 entitled “an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows;" that the said Mercy was the widow of Hezekiah Keeler who was a private in the army of the Revolution and a Pensioner of the United States, under the act of March 18th 1818, and died on the tenth day of Sept 1846, and that the said Mercy wife of the said Hezekiah died on the twenty fourth day of February eighteen hundred and forty seven (1847). And the said Lewis further declares that the said Mercy was married to the said Hezekiah on the sixteenth day of June seventeen hundred and eighty four; the said Mercy Keeler remained the widow of the said Hezekiah Keeler to the period of her death, and that she was eighty one years of age, and left six children viz Beralders Keeler, John Keeler, Lewis Keeler, Monimia, Arillia Keeler & Maria Keeler, being all the children of the said Hezekiah and Mercy now living. 
Lewis Keeler
Sworn to & subscribed this 18th day of March AD 1847, before me  
James Davis, Judge of Probate
Page 11

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the Probate court for the District of Georgia, at St Albans in said district
the day and year above written.
James Davis
Judge of Probate
Page 12

Hezekiah Keeler born December 4 1761.
Mercy Keeler Born Jany 10 1766
H. Keeler to Mercy Keeler married by Thomas B. Brooks in Brooksfield in 1784 Jun 16.  
Beraldus Keeler  Born 1786 Jany 19
John Keeler Born 1787 December 21
Phebe Keeler Born 1793 April 2
Mazeus Keeler Born 1795  February 8
Lewis Keeler Born 1798 Sept 18
Monimia Keeler Born April 1 1801
Aurillia Keeler Born July  20 1803
Page 13

I Lewis A. Dunn of Lawful age Pastor of the Baptist Church in Fairfax State of Vermont being duly sworn depose and say that on the 26th day of February last at Fairfax aforesaid I attended the funeral and performed the funeral services of the widow Mercy Keeler widow of Hezekiah Keeler late of Fairfax deceased Fairfax March 18th 1847.   
L. A. Dunn
Sworn to before 
J. D. Farnsworth Just. Peace
Page 14

I Bartholomew F Taylor of lawful age Minister of the Methodist Episcopal church being duly sworn depose and say that on the 12th day of September last 1846 I attended the funeral and performed the funeral services of Hezekiah Keeler of Fairfax deceased Westford Mar 30th 1847
B. F. Taylor
Sworn to before me  this 31st day of March AD 1847 Lucas Holmes Just Peace
Page 15

I Lewis Keeler of Fairfax in the county of Franklin and State of Vermont depose testify and say that I am son of Hezekiah and Mercy Keeler, that the family Record hereunto annexed is the true record of my Fathers family and the only record to my knowledge that he ever had, and made the hand writing of the said Hezekiah as I believe. And I further say that I am forty eight years of age.
Lewis Keeler
Sworn to &  subscribed 18th day of March, AD 1847, before me 
William Bridges Justice of the Peace 
State of Vermont 
Franklin County ss} I Joseph H. Brainerd Clerk of Franklin County Court do hereby certify that William Bridges who has affixed his name to the above and annexed depositions of Lewis Keeler, is a Magistrate, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, and that his signature above is genuine. 
And I further certify that Joseph D. Farnsworth who has affixed his name to the certificate of the Rev Lewis A. Dunn, hereunto annexed is a Magistrate duly authorized by law to administer oaths & that his signature thereto is genuine.   And I further certify that Lucas Holms who has affixed his name to the certificate of the Rev Bartholemew F. Taylor is a Magistrate duly authorised by law to administer oaths, and that I believe that his signature thereto is genuine. 
The said Bridges, Farnsworth & Holmes are residents of the County of Franklin and State
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of Vermont, and have been duly elected and qualified to act as magistrate in said county; that there commissions were dated on the first day of December, 1846, & will expire on the last day of Nov next. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of the County Court, for the County of Franklin, at St Albans this 9th day of April, AD 1847 
Joseph H Brainard Clerk
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I Decius R. Bogue of St Albans, formerly of Georgia, in the County of Franklin & State of Vermont, of lawful age, do depose testify and say, that I have been personally acquainted with Mr Hezekiah Keeler, a pensioner of the United States, and with his wife Mercy Keeler, for forty years last past. They formerly resided in said Town of Georgia, and a near neighbor to me. Mr Keeler removed from Georgia and to St Albans, some few years since, and I also removed to the same place, into the immediate neighborhood of Mr Keeler, and I can say that I have been as well acquainted with him, and his family as with most, or any other family within the circle of my acquaintance. Mr & Mrs Keeler have raised quite a family of children, and their eldest child must now be not far from sixty years of age. I know nothing of their marriage, but they have lived together as husband & wife, and I have no doubt but that they were lawfully married, and Mr Keeler has never to my knowledge had but one wife.
Decius R. Bogue   
Subscribed and sworn to this 9th day of  April, AD 1847 Before me 
William Bridges Justice of the Peace 
And I further certify that the deponent, has been Sheriff of the County of Franklin, and a gentleman of high respectability. 
Wm Bridges Justice of the Peace
Page 18

information as contained in his (or his widow’s) application for pension on file in this bureau.  
Hezekiah Keeler  W.F. 12005
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT   June 1776   LENGTH OF SERVICE  6 mos RANK.  - OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Hurd  Colonel Silliman   STATE.  Conn
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT  Apr 1777   LENGTH OF SERVICE  close of war in 1783   RANK. -  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Samuel Mattocks  Colonel Chandler  STATE. 
Battles engaged in,  Long Island, White Plains, Germantown, Mud Fort, Surrender of Cornwallis
Residence of soldier at enlistment,  enlisted at Woodbury or Bethlehem, Conn.
Date of application for pension,  May 19 1818. His cl was al [his claim was allowed]
Residence at date of application,  Georgia, Franklin Co., Vt.
Age at date of application,   born Dec 4 1761, place not stated.  died Sept 10, 1846
Remarks:  Soldier married in Newtown Conn (that part which was afterwards Brookfield) June 16 1784, Mercy – born Jany 10, 1766.  She died Feby 24, 1847.  Children:  Beraldus b. Jany 19 1786; John b. Dec 21, 1787;  Phebe b. Apr. 2, 1793;  Mazeus b. Feby 8, 1795;  Lewis b. Sept 18, 1798;   Monimia b. Apr 1, 1801;  Aurilly or Aurillia b. July 20, 1803; Maria b. 1806 and Laura b. 1804.
Very respectfully
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Hezekiah Keeler act 18 March 1818 $96.00 
To what time was he last paid 
G.C.A.
Pension Office July 6 1848
Paid to 4th Sept 1846 J.B. P.
Page 20

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS, 
O. W. & N. Div 
F.S.
WASHINGTON, D. C., March 14 1922   
Sir:-
In reply to your communication requesting a statement of the military history of HEZEKIAH KEELER a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will to the desired information as contained in his application for a  pension on file in this office.
Enlisted in the month of June, 1776, at Woodbury, conn., and served 6 months in Capt Hurd’s Co., Col. Chandler’s Regt.  April 1777,  enlisted for during the war and he served until discharged in the year 1783. 
He states in his declaration that he took part in the battles of Germantown and White Plains and that he was present at the surrender of Cornwallis.  
He applied for pension May 12, 1818, at which time he was resident of Georgia, Franklin County, Vt.   
Very respectfully, 
Commissioner
Richard Robins, Esq. 
Suite 504
Center of Commerce, 
Chicago, Ill.
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O. W. & N. DIV.  
F. S. 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS, 
WASHINGTON, D. C., February 16, 1892. 
R
Sir:-
Replying to your communication, respectfully returned herewith, I have to request that the soldier's place of residence at the time of his death be furnished and also the Christian name of his widow if one survived him. 
Very respectfully, 
Green R. Raum 
Commissioner.
Richard Robins, Esq., 
Suite 504, 
Chamber of Commerce, Chicago, Ill.
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Rev Sec FDL
Chicago, Ill., Feb. 21, 1917.
Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C. 
Gentlemen:- 
Will you kindly furnish certificate of my ancestor who served in the Revolutionary War: 
His name was Hezekiah Keeler served in Col. Chandler's regiment, Capt. Hurd's Co. In Apr. 1777 he enlisted for during the war, and served until discharged in the year 1783. Battles of Germantown and White plains. While residing at Franklin Co., Vt. he was pensioned Act 1818, Town of Ga. 
What I need is his exact birthplace and date. I have one but am not certain of its accuracy. Anything you can do for me will be greatly appreciated. Thanking you.  
Very truly yours, 
John F. Keeler, Room 1
333 Stock Exchange Building, 
Chicago, Illinois.
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE FEB 22 1917
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1108 Columbia Road 
Washington D.C 
Office of Commissioner of Pensions 
Dear Sir 
Would like the record of a revolutionary ancestor Hezekiah Keeler, I think he was born in Conn. and afterwards moved to another state- Would greatly appreciate any information dates of birth, marriage and death Name of wife and children, if mentioned.
Very truly 
Katherine Scott Hills  
Sunday, March 5th 1911.
Page 24

RICHARD ROBINS 
MANUFACTURERS' AGENT FOR BUILDING MATERIAL 
SUITE 504. 
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUILDING.
CHICAGo 2/18,1892 189
Hon Green B. Raum. 
Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir:  
In reply to yours of 16th ult., would say, that Hezekiah Keeler's residence at time of death was Fairfax Corners, Vermont, at which place he had lived for some time before his death. His wife's name was Marcy. 
Very truly yours, 
Rich Robins
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RICHARD ROBINS 
MANUFACTURERS' AGENT FOR BUILDING MATERIAL 
SUITE 504. 
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUILDING.
CHICAGo 2/13, 1892 189
Hon Green B. Raum. 
Washington, D. C.
[stamp] U.S.P.B. OLD WAR & NAVY FILES FEB 15 1892
Dear Sir:  
Will you be kind enough to send me a copy of the application for pension of Hezekiah Keeler, a Revolutionary soldier who entered the service from the State of Virginia. He was a pensioner on account of a bayonet wound in the breast, received in the battle previous to the surrender of Burgoyne. I ask this, to complete the record of Col. Keeler of Chicago, a member of the Illinois Society, Sons of American Revolution.
Very truly yours, 
Rich Robins
[stamp] to Ch’f -  Div – Action FEB 15 1892 COMMISSIONER
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1892 May 14 Hist Rich Robins Chicago 
1911 Mch. 9 Hist. to Katherine Scott Hills V.L. 
1917 July 4 Hist to John F. Keeler  
Rev WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 12005 
Mercy Keeler 
Widow of Hezekiah Keeler 
Priv. Rev. War 
Act: June 17th 1844 
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 392 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 27

591 Act 44  
No 467  
Mercy Keeler dec’d 
Widow of Hezekiah 
Vt
Act 17 June ‘44 
Adm 2 years pri 80.00 per annum 
from 10 Sept 1846 to 24 Feby 1847 the day of her death payable to Beraldus Keeler, John Keeler, Lewis Keeler,  Monimia Keeler, Aurillia Keeler and Maria Keeler only surviving children of Mercy Keeler 
Wm Bridges 
St. Albans
Page 28

State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield} ss I Bryant Smith Clerk of the County Court within & for said County and keeper of the seal thereof and of the Commissions of the Justices of the Peace for said County hereby certify that Curtis Morris Esq is a Justice of the Peace within and for said Fairfield County duly appointed commissioned and sworn with power by the laws of this State to administer oaths & take the acknowledgment of Deeds & other instrument; that his Commission expire on the 20th of June AD 1847. That I am acquainted with his hand writing and that the signatures to the foregoing instrument purporting to be his is his genuine official signatures.  
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal of the said County Court at Brookfield this 1st day of February 1847 
Bryant Smith Clerk
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State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield } ss   Brookfield Jany 29th 1847 
This certifies that I am the present officiating Clergyman of the Congregational Society in said Brookfield, & having been more than three years resident pastor in this place I do confidently believe that these are no church record previous to the year 1807, & that the Society records contain no record of Marriages consequently nothing from these records can be obtained concerning the marriage of Hezekiah Keeler & his wife Mercy.   
Dan C. Curtiss 
State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield } ss. Brookfield Jany 30th 1847 
Personally appeared Reverend Dan C. Curtiss and subscribed & made oath to the above Certificate. Before me who I certify is a credible witness 
Curtis Morris Justice of Peace
Page 30

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield } ss. Brookfield Jany 30 1847 
This certifies that I have carefully examined the Town Records of the Town Records of the Town of Brookfield of which I am Clerk for the purpose of finding the Record of the marriage of Hezekiah Keeler to Mary Brooks, and do not find their marriage recorded in said Records. 
Bryant Smith 
Town Clerk of the Town of Brookfield
State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield }  ss Brookfield Jan 30th 1847 
Personally appeared Bryant Smith and subscribed and made oath to the above certificate before me who I certify is a credible witness 
Curtis Morris Justice of Peace
Page 31

State of Vermont  Franklin County St. Albans March 21st 1850. 
Hon J.L. Edwards 
Sir 
The Heirs of Mrs Keeler living quite a distance apart the drawing of the pension has been delayed hoping to obtain the signatures of the several heirs, but one of the heirs is supposed to be living some where in the Province of Canada & there being no prospect of attaining the several signatures a letter of administration has been taken out, and the administrator having applied to me to make out the necessary voucher, and upon an examination of the certificate I became satisfied that there was an error in the time allowed. Mrs Keeler died on the 24th day of February 1847, whereas the certificate allows from the 10 Sept 1846 to March 4th 1848, making 1 year 5 months & 24 days, and the time which suppose she is entitled, is 5 months & 20 days. Please advise me.
Respectfully your Obt Sevt Wm Bridges
Page 32

I Samuel Stannard of Georgia in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont aged seventy two years, do depose testify and say, that I was personally acquainted with Hezekiah Keeler and Mercy Keeler his wife, both deceased.  I became acquainted with him the said Hezekiah while he resided in Bethelhim in the State of Connecticut & before the said Keeler was married to the said Mercy.  As early as seventeen hundred and eighty seven or eight Mr & Mrs Keeler removed from Connecticut to Fairhaven in the County of Rutland Vermont into the neighborhood of my Father and there lived until the year 1801 or 2 with his reputed wife Mercy. At that time they had one or two children that is when they lived in Fairhaven. In the year 1801 or to the said Keeler and his reputed wife Mercy removed from Fairhaven to Georgia in the County of Franklin aforesaid and lived within one mile of my dwelling lands, I having moved into Georgia, two or three years previous to said Keeler and his wife Mercy removing from Fairhaven. Mr & Mrs Keeler lived together as husband and wife and raised a family of children and although I was not present at their marriage yet I have no doubt but that they were lawfully joined in Marriage.  Mr Keeler was a pensioner of the United States. And the said Hezekiah Keeler had no other wife, except the said Mercy. 
Saml Stannard
Sworn to & subscribed this 16th day of Septend Sum Stannard AD 1847. before me – 
William Bridges Justice of the Peace
Page 33

I Ira Hinkley of Georgia in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont. Sixty two years of age the 12th day of day of Instant August 1847 do depose testify & say that I have been acquainted with Hezekiah Keeler a pensioner of the United States, and his wife Mercy Keeler over forty years that I well recollect his being in Georgia about the time of the Building of the first meetinghouse in said Town in 1802 & I think he was with his family before that time.  That the said Hezekiah & Mercy lived together as Husband & wife from my first acquaintance with them.  That they raised a number of Children with whom I was also acquainted & at the time the said Keeler moved to Georgia he had a son but a few years, (say as near as I can recollect,) some Eight or ten years younger than myself with whom I formed an acquaintance before I became acquainted with the rest of the family.  The son to whom I refer was named Beraldus who I think if living is about fifty six or seven years of age. 
N.B. the word "here" interlined before signing 
Ira Hinckley 
State of Vermont 
Franklin County Georgia August 6th 1847 
Then Personally appeared before me Ira Hinckly Esq the signer of the above Instrument & made Solemn oath that the same contained the whole truth & nothing but the truth & he being a man with whom I am personally acquainted & believe him to be a man of unbounded truth.
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and verasity
Lorenzo Janes Justice of the Peace
Page 35

State of Vermont 
Franklin County ss} I Joseph H Brainerd Clerk of Franklin County Court, do hereby certify that William Bridges & Lorenzo Janes the subscribing magistrates to the foregoing affidavits are duly appointed and qualified to act as such & authorized to administer Oaths & I believe their signatures thereto are genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto hand and affixed the Seal of said County at St Albans in said County this 16th day of September AD 1847. 
Joseph H Brainerd Clerk
Page 36

Mrs. Mercy Keeler’s papers
William Bridges Esqr 
St. Albans 
Franklin County Vermont
Page 37

Brookfield February 1st 1847 
William Bridges Esqr 
Dear Sir In answer to yours I send the inclosed certificate you requested and will inform you that the Town of Brookfield was formerly a Society called Newberry, and was set off in October 1754 from the Town of Denbury New Town and New Milford.  The Town of Brookfield was incorporated May 1782, so that there cannot be any Town Records previous to 1788.  That piece of the Town of Brookfield in which Mrs. Keeler lived when married belonged to the Town Newtown will it not be proper for her to get a certificate from the Town Clerk of the Town of Newtown.   I inclose & send you one dollar, the three dollars you sent is more than I shall charge for my few troubles 
You respectfully 
Bryant Smith
Page 38

[stamp] NEWTOWN CT FEB 11
William Bridges 
St Albans Franklin County Vermont
Page 39

New Town, 22. Feb 1847 
Dear Sir
Your letter came duly to hand I have examined the Records in this Office with much care and find nothing in relation to the marriage of Mrs Keeler.   Mr Thomas Brooks resided at Newbury (now Brookfield)  I believe during his whole life. I accordingly went there for the purpose of Examining the town & Church Records.  The town Clerk of Brookfield was absent from home, and his office Locked up so that I did not have access to the Records. I told his wife my business & she informed that you had written (to Mr Smith the Clerk) for the same information, that he had examined the Records with much care & found nothing in relation to the Marriage of Mrs Keeler.  I then called upon the Parish Clergyman (Presbyterian) for his Records or any information that he might be in possession of and he told that Smith (their Clerk) had called on him on the same subject and they had no record previous to 1804.  You did not state the object of this information but I come to the conclusion the object must be a pension, & supposed that any person who saw them married would be a competent witness to prove the marriage. For this purpose I called upon 3 of the Eldest men in the centre near
Page 40

where old Mr Brooks lived, they all know that Mrs K well knew the time she was married, but was not present.  They said there was other Old People still living in Brookfield who might have been present at the marriage. The persons I called on for this purpose were old Doctor Merwin & Mr John Northrop each about 80 years.  One of them thought she was married at one Mr Pecks away from her Fathers House.  They said they would make enquiry of others of that day for the purpose of finding any person who saw them married.   Mr Brooks & family are all well remembered by verry many persons both in Newton & Brookfield.  I find Recorded the Marriage of her sister Hannah to Gen Baldwin of Mrs Keeler can recollect any person that was at about hereof I her wedding that is still live I will get any information they possess and forward without delay at your request.   I doubt verry much whether you will be able to get any Record evidence at Newtown of Brookfield in relation to her marriage. I am told that she had Brothers who left Brookfield several years since & went into the State of New York who they believed were present or might have been at the marriage. Doct Merwin told me Mr Keeler & two of Mrs K. Brothers were in the Army engaged in the war of the Revolution
Page 41

He told me many other incidents of Mr Keelers history.  Any further aid or information that I can give on the subject will be speedily given your Obedent Svt 
Isaac Beers Town Clerk 
N.B. It was the impression that Mr [unreadable] Keeler did not live in Brookfield long after marriage there is nothing on the Church Records in this town Brookfield was first incorporated into a town in 1788 the name it bears in honor of the Reverd Parson Brooks
Page 42

State of Vermont Franklin Co St Albans April 9th 1847 
Hon J. L Edwards 
I herewith transmit the declaration of Lewis Keeler, one of the heirs of Hezekiah and Mercy Keeler, deceased, to obtain the amount of Pension due to the said Mercy. You will please examine the same and return your answer to me.  
Very Respectfully Your Obt sert 
Wm Bridges
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Feby 7 ‘48
[stamp] ST ALBANS VT JAN 31
For Col. Godwin 
[unreadable]
FREE
Hon J.L. Edwards 
Comissioner of Pensions Washington D.C
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State of Vermont Franklin Co St Albans Jany 31st 1848 
Hon J. L. Edwards 
Enclosed I here with send you additional evidence in the case of the Heirs of Mercy Keeler deceased You will please examine the same and return an answer to the subscriber. 
Very Respectfully Obt Svt 
William Bridges
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State of Vermont 
Franklin County } St. Albans Sept 17th 1847 
To Hon J. L. Edwards Comr of Pensions 
Sir 
I herewith transmit you the affidavits of Saml Stannard and Ira Hinkley for your examination in the case of Mrs Mercy Keeler applying for a pension, you will please Examine the case at your earliest convenience & inform me 
I am most truly your Obt Sert 
Wm Bridges
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I Samuel Stannard of Georgia in the County of Franklin & State of Vermont, aged seventy two years, do depose testify & say, that I was personally acquainted with Hezekiah Keeler and his wife Mary both deceased, I became acquainted with the said Keeler while he lived in Bethleham State of Connecticut, prior to his marriage. My Father was intimately acquainted with said Keeler, they were in the army together, and after the close of the Revolutionary War, the said Keeler often visited my Father, with whom I then lived by which means I became acquainted with said Keeler, And my impression is that said Keeler was reputed to have been married to the said Mercy very soon after he was discharged from the army, and I have no doubt, was married to her as was then reported.  
My Father & his family removed from Connecticut to Fair Haven in Vermont, in the year seventeen hundred and eighty five, & subseqently as early as the year seventeen hundred and eighty seven or eight, the said Keller and his reputed wife Mary removed from Connecticut to Fair Haven into the immediate neighborhood of my father, the said Keeler then had one or two children, I think two and while said Keeler & family lived in Fairhaven they had the fever Ague (as it is commonly called) and I was often sent by my parents to carry the Keeler & family necessary things and to see how they did.  
The said Keeler and his wife Morey resided in Fair Haven until the year 1801 or 2 when they
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removed from thence to Georgia County of Franklin Vt where I then lived, having removed there two or three years previous. The said Keeler and his family settled within one mile of my Dwelling house and the said Hezekiah and Mercy lived together as husband and wife, and to my certain knowledge they so lived from the year 1787 or 8 to the time of the death of the said Keeler.  They raised a family of children. And although I was not present at their marriage still I have not the least doubt but that they were lawfully married. And I have no knowledge that the said Keeler ever had but and wife and do not believe that he ever had.  I am in no way related to the said Keeler, his wife or any of the family.   
Saml Stannard 
Sworn to and subscribed this 28th day of Jany AD 1848, before me Wm Bridges Justice of the Peace 
And I further certify that the deponent is a credible witness being personally acquainted with him 
William Bridges Justice Peace
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State of Vermont 
Franklin County}  I Joseph H. Brainerd Clerk of Franklin County Court do hereby certify that William Bridges who has affixed his name to the annexed deposition is a Magistrate duly authorised by law to administer oaths, and that the signature purporting to be his, is genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County Court at St Albans in County this 29th day of January AD 1848 
Joseph H Brainerd Clerk
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No 467 
Mercy Keeler dec’d  
Wm Bridges May 10 /47 
the same Oct 1847
Act 17 June 1844
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I Frederic Bliss late an assistant Judge of the County Court in and for the County of Franklin & State of Vermont and before whom the within declaration was made do certify that the said Hezekiah Keeler was on the 18th day of March 1818, at the time of making the within declaration and is yet a resident Citizen of the United States an Inhabitant and resident of Georgia in the County of Franklin & State of Vermont. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand at St Albans this 27th day of May 1819.   
Fred Bliss asst Judge Co. Court 
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Hezekiah Keeler, & know that he is an Inhabitant of Georgia County of Franklin & State of Vermont, and was on the 18th day of March 1818 & ever since has been, a resident Citizen of the United States. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office at St Albans this 25th day of May 1819.  
Seth Wetman Judge of Probate for the district of George & State Vermont
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State of Vermont 
Franklin County ss}  I Horace Janes Clerk the County Court within & for the County of Franklin Co hereby certify that Frederic Bliss Esq before whom the writ declaration and was mark was at the time respective dates thereof Judge of the County Court in & for the County of Franklin and State of Vermont. duly qualified for that purpose acting under the authority of this State and his name  annexed to the within declaration of Hezekiah Keeler & the Certificate is his own proper signature and the Court over which he presides is a Court of Record.   
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of the County of Franklin this 26th day August 1818 
Horace Janes Clerk