Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31787, for William B Key, Virginia
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE Va.
Key, William B.
NUMBER S.31787
CONTENTS
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Georgia 12.820
William B. Key
of Elbert in the State of Georgia
who was a pri: in the company commanded by Captain Knapper of the Reg't. commanded by Col. Cowil in the Virginia line for 6 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia at the rate of 20 Dollars __ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1834. 

Certificate of pension issued the 29 day of May '33 and sent B. Houston Elberton C.H. Ga.

Arrears to the 4th of March '33 - 40
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Sept '33 - 10
$50

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Wm Miller Clerk, 
Book E. Vol. 6. Page 95
Date of death recd on [illegible]
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[this is a blank page]
Page 4

State of Georgia
Elbert County Sil.

On the Eighteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared in open Court before his Honor William H. Crawford Judge of the Superior Court in and for the Northern circuit said State of Georgia, now sitting for the County of Elbert, William B. Key a resident of the County of Elbert State of Georgia aged Seventy three years, four months and a few days, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 9th 1832. 
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated that he was drafted into the Service of the United States for two months in the 
[illegible] of the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy Six in the County of Fluvannah State of Virginia under Captain [illegible] in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Cavil, joined his regiment at Richmond in the State of Virginia, marched from there to a place called the Marbly Hills, from the Hills to Williamsburg in the State of Virginia, and after serving
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two months was discharged at that place, 
That he also was drafted into the service of the United
 States for two months, in the County of Albermarle state of, 
Virginia, in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one under a
draftsman whose name he does not recollect, nor does he 
recollect the commanding office of the Regiment, marched
from Albermarle Court House up toward Hanover and Staunton 
and through the aforesaid County of the State of Virginia until his
two months service had expired after which he was 
discharged from the service, the army at that time 
which he served Was [illegible] commanded by the Marquis de LaFayette
and General Nelson
That he also was drafted into the service of the United States for two
months , and at that time he landed in the County of Flubannah State of 
Virginia in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one, under a Captain whose
name he does not recollect, or the name of the commanding officer of the 
Regiment, marched in various directions through the State of Virginia in the army commanded by the Marquis de LaFayette a part of the time he [illegible] others were collecting cattle for the Army. The army at that time was commanded by the Marquis de LaFayette and General Nelson and after serving two months he was discharged from the service, making in all six months he served in the service of the United States during the Revolutionary War,
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and that he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his services as a 
soldier of the Revolution,
Answer to the questions asked by the County 
[illegible] that he was born in Savannah County State of Virginia on the second day of October in the year seventeen hundred and fifty nine, - That
he has a [stricken through word] record of his age, now in his possession, that he lived in the 
County of Savannah State of Virginia when he was first called into the service during the Revolutionary War in the County of Albermarle
the State last aforesaid, when called, the [illegible] last times to the service before mentioned, that he lived since the Revolutionary War in the County of Albermarle about two years
then removed to the State of Georgia Elbert County where he has been living ever since and now resides there;  He says that he was drafted for two months three times into the service of the United States during the Revolutionary War, 
He says that he [illegible] with the following Register office [illegible]
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the names of persons to whom [illegible] in my present neighborhood, and who can testify as to my character for [illegible - may be honesty] and their belief of my services as a Soldier of the [illegible] Harris, the Carroll [illegible] a member of the Congress of the United 
States, [illegible] Esq. James [illegible] Esq. George {illegible] Esq. and [illegible]
do hereby relinquish any claim  whatsoever to [illegible] the present and declare that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency, from any State. 
William. B. Key

Sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid.
attest
Benajah Houston
Clk

Thomas Hearn a Clergyman, residing in the County of Elbert and State of Georgia, and Henry C Nash residing in the same places hereby certify that [illegible[ William B. Key, who has submitted and sworn to the foregoing and above declaration , that we [illegible] him to be Seventy three years, four months and a few days of age, as he has in the above declaration represented himself to be, 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 Submitted the day and year aforesaid [illegible].
Thos Hearn [signature]
Henry C Nash [signature]
B. Houston Clk
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[illegible] the said Court do hereby declare this 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 me that Thomas Hearn who has  signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident of Elbert and State of Georgia, and that Henry C Nash, [illegible] the same place and is a creditable person and that their statements is entitled to credit. 

Wm H Crawford
JSCc?C

I Benajah Houston Clerk of the Superior Court in and for the County of Elbert and State of Georgia do hereby certify that the foregoing Court has the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William B. Key for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of Office this 18th day of March 1833

Benajah Houston, Clk
Supr. Court of E.Co. Ga

[seal stamped in lower left corner of document]
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4686
William B. Key
State of Georgia

Admt as a private
6 mo. $20-

Benajah Houston
Clk Sup Court
El Cot Georgia
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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 show 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 complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing the Service of William B. Key Elbert County State of Georgia. 

Column header; Period when the service was rendered. 

Draft 1776
Draft 1781
Draft 1781

Column header; Duration of the claimant's service. Years. Months. Days. 
[under months]
2
2
2

Column header; Rank of the claiment. 
Pri
"
"

Column header; Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. 

Capt Knapper
Col Cavil
Gen'l Nelson
Gen'l Lafayette
Camp officers not recollected
Camp officers not recollected
Gen'l Lafayette

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. 
73 years
State of Virginia

Column header; Proof by which the declaration is supported. 

Traditionary Evidence. 

I am, respectfully,
your obedient servant, 
J.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. [Et cetera] Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. [Et cetera] 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 instance, 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
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] 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 provion [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) [blank] , with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers: [blank]
(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. [Et cetera] )
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 on that of the Agency in the State of [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the da 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, [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &c. [Et cetera]
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 subscr9be a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: [blank]
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] 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. [blank] who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c. [Et cetera]
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
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person 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?
6. To an Officer: Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what 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. If one of these [persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other person, 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 of County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is 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 the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period 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.
[THE FOLLOWING (e) IS {BRACKETED} FOR MORE INFORMATION NECESSARY] (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. [Et cetera] . 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 [blank] year [blank] months, and [blank] days, I served as a [blank] . For [blank] months and [blank] days, I served as a [blank] ; 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, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase "about three or four months", is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. [Et cetera] 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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October 24, 1938

Mr. Ramsey O. Scott
Ashford, Box 36
Alabama

BA-J/AWF
William B. Key
S. 31787

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to William Bibb Key, soldier of the Revolutionary War from Fluvanna County, Virginia, later lived in Elbert County, Georgia. 

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 31787, based on the military service of William B. Key, in the War of the Revolution. The name is not shown William Bibb Key.

William B. Key was born October 2, 1759 in Fluvanna County, Virginia. The names of his parents were not given. 

While a resident of Fluvanna County, William B. Key enlisted early in 1776, served two months as private in Captain Knapper's company, Colonel Cavil's Virginia regiment. While living in Albemarle County, Virginia, he enlisted sometime in 1781, served four month as private, names of officers for this tour not given. 

About two years after the close of the Revolution, he moved from Albemarle County, to Elbert County, Georgia. 

He was allowed pension on his application
Page 14

executed March 18, 1833, at which time he was a resident of Elbert County, Georgia. 

The papers on file in this claim contain no discernible data relative to the family of the soldier, William B. Key. 

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., and furnish the following data. 

William B. Key
Certificate #12820
Issued May 29, 1833
Rate $20.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Georgia Agency. 

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 15

31787
INVALID.

File No. S 1787
William B. Key
Pri Rev War


Act: June 7, 32
Index: - Vol. 2,
Page 219
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1914 Mch 20. Hist. to Mrs. O.C. Van Zandt
letter in S. File 18069 Tandy Key. 
1916 June 13/ Hist to C.A. Campbell
1917 Mch 17. Hist. to Mrs. J.J. Prowell, letter in W. 25,426 Christopher Clarke.
1923 June 18. Hist. to Mary P Fletcher
1932- Dec. 14- Hist. to Mes. Julian C. Lane
1934- May 15- Hist. to Mrs. J.H. Bell. Her letter in Ch. S38116 Henry Key
1926- Nov 17- Hist to Miss Almeda Anderson- 
1932- Jan 7- Hist. to Mrs. R.K. Bagby
1935- Jun 17- Hist. to Litsey L Searsons
1938- May 12- Hist. to Mrs. Sally B. Hawkins
1938 June 10- Hist. to M.W. Espy
1938 June 11- Hist. to Mrs. Marvin Scott
1938. Oct 24- Hist. to Mr. Ramsey O. Scott
Page 16

June 11, 1938

William B. Key
S. 31787
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. Marvin Scott
Headland
Alabama

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to William Bibb Key of Fluvanna County, Virginia, soldier of the War of the Revolution.

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 31787, based on the military service of William B. Key, in the War of the Revolution. The name is not shown William Bibb Key.

William B. Key was born October 2, 1759 in Fluvanna County, Virginia. The names of his parents were not given. 

While a resident of Fluvanna County, William B. Key enlisted early in 1776, served two months as private in Captain Knapper's company, Colonel Cavil's Virginia regiment. While living in Albemarle County, Virginia, he enlisted sometime in 1731, served four months as private, names of officers for this tour not given. 

About two years after the close of the Revolution, he moved from Albemarle County, to Elbert County, Georgia. 

He was allowed pension on his application
Page 17

executed March 18, 1833, then a resident of Elbert County, Georgia. 

The papers on file in this claim contain no data relative to the family of the soldier, William B. Key.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., and furnish the following data-

William B. Key
Certificate #12820
Issued May 29, 1833
Rate $20.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Georgia Agency. 

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 18

June 10, 1938

William B. Key
S. 31787
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. M. W. Espy
Headland
Alabama

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to William Bibb Key of Fluvanna County, Virginia, soldier of the War of the Revolution.

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 31787, based on the military service of William B. Key, in the War of the Revolution. The name is not shown William Bibb Key.

William B. Key was born October 2, 1759 in Fluvanna County, Virginia. The names of his parents were not given.

While a resident of Fluvanna County, William B. Key enlisted early in 1776, served two months as private in Captain Knapper's company, Colonel Cavil's Virginia regiment. While living in Albemarle County, Virginia, he enlisted sometime in 1731, served four months as private, names of officers for this tour not given.

About two years after the close of the Revolution, he moved from Albemarle County, to Elbert County, Georgia.

He was allowed pension on his application
Page 19

executed March 18, 1833, then a resident of Elbert County, Georgia.

The papers on file in this claim contain no data relative to the family of the soldier, William B. Key.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., and furnish the following data-

William B. Key
Certificate #12820
Issued May 29, 1833
Rate $20.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Georgia Agency.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 20

May 12, 1938

William B. Key
S. 31787
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. Sally B. Hawkins
1100 East Bowie Street
Marshall, Texas

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of William Bibb Key of Albemarle or Fluvanna County, Virginia. 

The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 31787, based on the military service of William B. Key, during the War of the Revolution. 

William B. Key was born October 2, 1759 om Fluvanna County, Virginia. The name of his parents were not given. 

While residing in Fluvanna County, William B. Key enlisted early in 1776, served two months as private in Captain Knapper's company, Colonel Cavil's Virginia regiment. While living in Albemarle County, Virginia, he enlisted in 1781, served four months as private, names of officers not given. 

About two years after the close of the Revolution, he moved from Albemarle County, Virginia to Elbert County, Georgia.

He was allowed pension on his application executed March 18, 1833, then a resident of Elbert County, Georgia. 

The papers on file in this claim contain no
Page 21

reference to the family of the soldier, William B. Key.

In order to obtain the date of last payment
of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C.,, and furnish the following data:

William B. Key
Certificate # 12820
Issued May 29, 1833
Rate $20.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Georgia Agency.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 22

January 17, 1935
XXXXXXXXXX
William B. Key-S.31787
BA-J/AWF

Mr. Litsey L. Sessions
519 S. Alabama,
Okmulgee, Oklahoma

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you
request the Revolutionary War record of William Bibb Key, who was born October 2, 1759 in Albemarle County, Virginia.

The data furnished herein were obtained from
the papers on file in pension claim, S.31787, based upon the military service of William B. Key, during the War of the Revolution.

William B. Key was born October 2, 1759 in 
Fluvanna County, Virginia, names of his parents not given.

He enlisted, while residing in said Fluvanna
County, early in 1776, served two months as private in Captain Knapper's company, Colonel Cavil's Virginia regiment. While living in Albemarle County, Virginia, he enlisted in 1781, served four months as a private, names of officers not stated.

About two years after the Revolution, he moved from Albemarle County, Virginia to Elbert County, Georgia.

He was allowed pension on his application executed March 18, 1833, then living in said Elbert County.

There are no data in this claim concerning the
family of William B. Key.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of
Page 23

pension, the name and address of the person to whom sent, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., citing the following:

William B. Key
Certificate # 12820
Issued May 29, 1833
Rate $20.00 per annum
To commence March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Georgia Agency.
Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER

Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 24

January 7, 1932
BA-J/AT

Mrs. R. K. Bagby
1919 Cotton Avenue
Birmingham, Alabama.

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to
William Bibb Key, a soldier of the War of the Revolution.

The data contained herein are obtained from
the papers on file in pension claim, S.31787, based upon the military service of William B. Key in the Revolutionary War.

He was born October 2, 1759 in Fluvanna County, Virginia.

He enlisted, while residing in said county, and
in 1776, and served two months as private in Captain Knapper's company in Colonel Cavil's Virginia regiment.

He enlisted, while living in Albemarle County,
Virginia, in 1781 and served four months as a private, names of officers not given.

He was allowed pension on his application executed , March 18, 1833, then a resident of Elbert County, Georgia.

There are no data as to his family.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 25

Rev.&1812 Wars Section

MMH

November 17, 1926

Miss Almeda Anderson
37 McCallie Ave.,
Chattanooga, Tenn.

Madam:
Page 26

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section

May 15, 1924

Mrs. J. H. Bell
Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Madam:

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 31787, it appears that William B. Key was born October 2, 1759 in Fluvanna County, Virginia.

While a resident of said county he enlisted in
the early part of 1776 and served as a private two months in Captain Knapper's Company, Colonel Cavil's Virginia Regiment.

While living in Albemarle County, Virginia he
enlisted in 1781 and served as a private four months, the names of his officers not stated.

He was allowed pension on his application executed March 18, 1833 while a resident of Elbert County, Georgia. There is no data on file as to his family.

Owing to the great pressure of current work, the
Page 27

large number of similar inquiries and the lack of a clerical force available for such a purpose, only two reports are furnished each inquirer.

Respectfully,

Commissioner.
Page 28

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section

MMHF

Mrs. Julian C. Lane
Statesboro, Ga.

December 14, 1923

Madam:

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 31787 it appears that William B. Key was born October 2, 1759 in Fluvanna County, Virginia.

While a resident of said County he enlisted in
the early part of 1776 and served as a private two months in Captain Knapper's Company, Colonel Cavil's Virginia Regiment.

While living in Albemarle County, Virginia he
enlisted in 1781 and served as a private four months, the names of his officers not stated.

He was allowed pension on his application executed March 18, 1833 while a resident of Elbert County, Georgia.

There is no family data on file.

Respectfully,

Commissioner.

(Handwritten) Date of death not on {?}

Prev
28
of 41
Page 29

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION 

3-525

AWS
S. 31787

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C.,......................., 192

In reply to your request of ________
for the history of William B. Key, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, the following is taken from the soldier's claim for pension.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
1776
1781

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
2 mos.
4 mos.

RANK.
Pvt.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN Knapper
COLONEL Cavil

STATE.
Va.

Battles engaged in, none stated

Residence of soldier at enlistments, Fluvanna Co. & Albermarle Co. Va.

Date of application for pension, March 18 1833 - His claim was allowed

Residence at date of application,  Elbert Co. Ga.

Age at date of application, Born Oct. 2 1759 in Fluvanna Co. Va.

Remarks: No family data

Respectfully,

Commissioner.

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
Page 30

Mch. 20, 1914.

Sur. No. 31.737. William B. Key was allowed pension on his application executed March 18, 1833, while a resident of Elbert County, Georgia.

He stated that he was born October 2, 1759, in Fluvanna County, Virginia, where he was drafted in the forepart of 1776. under Captain Knapper in Colonel Cavil's regiment and served
two months.

Drafted in Albemarle County, Virginia, in 1781, officers not remembered, and served four months.

There is no family data.

G. M. Saltzgaber
Page 31


Box 36
Ashford, Alabama
September 13, 1938

Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sirs:

Please write me all the information you have on William Bibb Key, a soldier of the Revolutionary War. His home was in that part of Fluvanna County Virginia, later Albermarle. He later lived in Elbert County Georgia.

I thank you in advance,

Yours sincerely,
(signature)
Ramsey O. Scott
Page 32

MARVIN SCOTT, M. D.
HEADLAND, ALABAMA

May
23
1988

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C

Dear Sir:-

Pease send me any  or War or Pension
Record that you have of William Bibb Key,
Revolutionary Soldier of Fluvanna County. Va.

Will appreciate your kindness in doing this for me.

Yours truly,
Mrs. Marvin Scott
Page 33

Headland, Alabama

May 13, 1938

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

Please send me information you have in regard to William Bibb Key of Fluvanna Co. Virginia, a soldier of the Revolution.

His pension claim is S. 31787.

Very truly yours,

Mary Jordan Espy
(Mrs M.W. Espy)
Page 34

Marshall, Texas.

April - 26 - 1938.

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs:

Please give me some information regarding the Revolutionary War record of  William Bibb Key of Albermarle or Fluvanna County Virginia.

Relatives have informed me that he was
allowed pension on his application, executed
March 18, 1833, while a resident of
Elbert County Georgia, that he had a war
pension claim S. 31787, that he served in the
early part of 1776 in Captain Knapper's-
Company, Col. Cavil's Virginia Regiment.

He was my great-great-grandfather, and I should like very much to have this information, first hand from Washington , D.C.

Thanking you in advance,
I am,
Respectfully

Mrs Sally Bell Hawkins.
1100 East Bowie Street.
Page 35

Okmulgee, Oklahoma,
December 24, 1934

Record of Pensions,
War Department,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sirs:

I would like to obtain any information you may have regarding an ancestor of mine who served either during the Revolutionary War or during the ministry of Thomas  Jefferson, or both.

His name is William Bibb Key and he was born Oct. 2, 1759 in Albemarle County, Virginia. No doubt he enlisted from this County and gave it as his residence in any records you may have.
Our family records show he served the U.S. government in several capacities during his lifetime.

I am compiling this information for the D. A. R. and shall appreciate any assistance you can give me.

Thanking you kindly in advance, I am

Very truly yours,
[Signature]
Litsey Lloyd Sessions,
519 S. Alabama.
Okmulgee, Okla.

N. B. I do not know that William Bibb Key ever received a pension from the government but am addressing this letter to this division of the War Dept, believing it the most likely place to get some sort of a record.

L. L. S.
Page 36

Commissioners of Pension:-

Please give me the service of William Bibb Key. I know he received a pension but wish proof of
same.

He was born in Albemarle County Va.

Oct. 2. 1759

Died in Elbert Co. Georgia

Thanking  you for an early reply.

Very truly

Mrs. R. K. Bagby
1919 Cotton Ave.
Birmingham
Alabama
Page 37

Pension Department
Washington D. C.

Please let me have the pension record of William B. Key of Elbert Co. Ga. He was a revolutionary soldier.

Yours very truly,
[signature]
Almeda Anderson

Miss Almeda Anderson
937 McCallie Ave
Chattanooga Tenn.
Page 38

Statesboro, Ga. 11/1-23

U.S. Pension Bureau
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:-

Have you the Revolutionary War record of 
(not as des.) Tandy Clarke Key, Va. Settled in Ga., Wm Bibb Key, Va. Settled in Ga., Henry Key, Va. Settled in S. C.

Thanking you in advance for any data concerning the above named.

Very Truly yours

Mrs. Julian C. Lane
Page 39

Little Rock Ark
April 25, 1923
Department of Pensions:
Please give me what you have on your records of Revolutionary service of the following pensioner - I wish the information to complete some
D.A.R. age papers-
Thomas Arbuckle Washington Co Indiana
Wm Bitt Key. Elbert Co. Ga.
Wm & Joseph Newsom, Maury Co Term
and Henry Co.
Very Sincerely
Mary P. Fletcher
requet Little Rock Chapter D.A.R.
521 Cumberland St
Little Rock Ark
U.S. PENSION OFFICE G APR 23 1923
Page 40

U.S. PENSION OFFICE D JUN 9 1916
Page 41

Rev.  - 1 C. B. H.
Quitman, Ga. June 6th, 1916
Hon. G.M. Saltzgaber
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir: -
Will you be kind enough to give me the information contained in the application for pension Revolutionary War of Isaac Middlebrooks or that of his wife supposed to be Milly Middlebrooks, living in Morgan or Newton County, Ga. 1825--1838.
Also that of Wm.Bibb Key ( wife Mourning Clark) born Albermarle Co.Va.,1759,died in Elbert Co. Ga., 1836
You will greatly oblige,
Yours very respectfully,
Mrs C. A. Campbell
412 Madison St
Quitman Ga.