Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20291, for John Kelley, Massachusetts
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https://catalog.archives.gov/images/misc/drag.pngMass.   Kelley, John      W 20291
                 Molly
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4157
Vermont Mont----
Molly Kelly
Mass
widow of John Kelly
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private

-------------------
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 
__ day of march ---9
and sent to J. A. Page
Darwilley
Vt.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 66 Vol. 3
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John Kelley
of  Cale Erni-- in the state of Vermont
who was a private in the regiment commanded
Colonel W___ckson of the Mass.
line, for the term of 2 years 1777 ~

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence
the 5th of April, 1818,

Certificate of Pension issued the 25th of 1820
and sent to Ind  Rarkin, Esq.
Danville

Arrears to 4th of Mar. 1819 -  183-96
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4th __ 1820 - 40-
                             _____________________
                                              $231.96

{ Revolutionary claim,
act 18th March,1818. }

Continued
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Comuted declaration

State of Vermont
Caledonia Cunty

On this 14 day of July 1819 Before me the 
________  one of the assistant Judges of
Caledonia County ___ personally appeared
John Kelley aged sixty two years ____ in Barnet in said County who being by me 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 navel service of the United States in the revolutionary war That he said John Kelley enlisted for the term of three years on the eighth day of March 1777 in Dracut in the State of Massachusetts in the Company commanded by Robert Wileys of the Regiment commanded by Col. Michael Jackson in the line of the State of Massachusetts in the continental establishment that he continued to  serve in said corps on the service of the United States until the 8 day of March 1780 when he was discharged from service at westpoint in the state of New York  was at the battle Saratoga or Stillwater and Monmouth - and that he is in _____ed circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services excepting what is herewith transmitted

Caledonia County ss
sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid

Att John Rankin Assistant Judge Cal County Court
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John Kelley's
Declaration
Copy  -  No.23
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STATE OF VERMONT
Calidonia County, ss }
At a county Court. began and holden at Davisville, within and for said County on the first monday of June A.D. 1820.
Presents in County, the Hon. Isaiah Fisk Judge.
On this 20th day of June 1820, personally appeared in open court (being a court of Record, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, and having the power of fine and imprisonment) John Kelley aged Sixty Three, resident in Barnett in said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: - __in the Regiment Commanded by Col. Michael Jackson in the Company of Capt. Robert Wylie in the Massachusetts line-
My former Declaration was dated the 5th  day of April 1818 and my pension Certified as Number 17,158.

and I do solemnly 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 any other manner disposed of my property or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to 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 navel 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. 
John Kelley
2 Yearling calves     -                     $8.00
1 Cow, 1 saw & five pigs, 9 sheep - $36.00
1 five pail kettle/ Dish kettle/three pail kettle-6.00
1 tea kettle/axe 2 Sickles/ old poor table - 2.75
1 handsaw/shave/poor froe/Jointer - 2.00
                                                       ____________
                                                         $54.75
    John Kelley
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I am by occupation a cooper. I am of midling health except occasionally I am so troubled with the Rheumatism as to prevent labour. My family are my wife Molly aged 59 years in usual health for her age. My son Sidney aged 14 years in good health but deaf in one ear. My son Ephraim aged 10 years who now is and ever has been sick.
John Kelley
Sworn to and declared in open Court on the 21st day of June A. D. 1820 Before Wm. Cahoon, Judge

State of Vermont
Caledonia Count SS
I Benjamin F. Deming Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court, and I do further certify that it is of the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is Fifty four Dollars and 75 cents. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this 17th day of July 1820.
Benj. F. Deming Clerk of the County Court for Caledonia County
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346738 
Molly Kelly 
S 1657
Declaration
Act 7 July  38
1818
m 83 d 25

admd 3 years pri
$80
no deduction

Hon. J. Fletcher
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State of Vermont
Caledonia District SS
On this 14th day of November A. D. 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Probate in and for said district at a session thereof holden at Danville in said district Molly Kelly a resident of Barnet in said district aged 76 years who being first sworn doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7,, 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows.
That she is the widow of John elly late of Barnet in the County of Caledonia and State aforesaid, deceased, who was a private in the army of the Revolution. That for his services in the Revolutionary war her said husband received from the United States a pension of 96 dollars per annum during his life. She think, she has heard her husband say he served three years, but cannot recollect the places where or the officers under whom he served. She refers to the records in the war office for proof of his services.
She further declares that she was married to the said John Kelly on the 25th day of December 1783 & was published on the 10th day of the same month. We were married by Parker Varnum Esq. at Dracut in the state of Massachusetts; that her husband the aforesaid John Kelley died on the 14th day of April A.D. 1825. that she was not married to him previous to his leaving the service but the marriage took place prior to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz at the time above stated. And her maiden name was Molly Cheever.
Molly   X   Kelley
her mark
Witnesses Thomas Kelley
Saml. B. Mattocks
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above written. Before Saml. B. Mattocks
Judge of sd. Court
I certify that the said Molly Kelley is a credible witness.
Saml. B. Mattocks, Judge

I Henry Mattocks Register of the Court of Probate in & for the (County of-crossed out) District of Caledonia do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Molly Kelley for a pension. In testimony whereof I have
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(seal)

hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Danville in said district this 14th day of November A. D. 1838.
Henry Mattocks
Register
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office, October 15th 1838

I hereby Certify that Albert Locke Esqr. is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex; (and he was so at the date of his several attestations) in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court.

(seal)  In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John. P. Bigelow
Secretary of the Commonwealth
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I Henry Richardson of Dracutt in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, of lawful age to testify depose and say as follows. I hold the office of town clerk of said Dracutt and have the care and custody of the records of said town. I have carefully searched the records of said town and cannot find any record of the marriage of Jno. Kelley & & Molly Cheever having been solemnized, but I find in due order & place as to time the following record of intention of marriage "thereafter to be solemnized-to wit Mr. John Kelley entered with ne his intention of marriage with Miss Molly Chever, both of Dracutt. Dated at Dracutt December 10th 1783, Wm Hildreth, town Clerk"
There are numerous "intentions of marriage" recorded between Feby 1773 & July 3 1788, but no record of the same marriages actually being had and solemnized, and there is no record of the solemnization of any marriage between said dates.
Henry Richardson
(certificate of oath the other side)
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex ss Sept. 27, 1838
Signed & sworn to before me
Albert Locke, Justice of the peace

I further certify that the aforesaid Henry Richardson is well known to me as a man of truth & veracity.
Albert Locke, Jus. Peace
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I Isabel Cheevers of Dracutt in the county of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, widow, of lawful age to testify, depose and say on oath as follows.
I have lived in (Methuen-crossed out) Dracutt since I was eight years old. At the time Jno. Kelly then of Dracutt, since of Barnet in Vermont, was married to Molly Chever. I live with my father very near them. I very well remember the time & when they were married though I was not present at the wedding. They started from the house nearest to my father's to go to the house of Parker Varnum Esq. a Justice of the peace in Dracutt, to get married and after a while came back married as I suppose (& was said) for they had a wedding supper at said house whence they started, which I well remember. And they immediately afterward went to housekeeping together and 

(note in left margin--Memo. The word Methuen in the 5th line was erased and the word Dracutt inscribed before signing and swearing. Albert Locke Jus. Peace)
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lived together nearly in Dracutt, as man & wife, and had children. They lived in Dracutt till they had had four or five children & then moved away to Vermont. Since they moved away they have been to Dracutt visiting.
As near as I can calculate this was about the year 1783 when they were married, that is about the year the Revolutionary War closed, and in cold weather as I think. Said Kelley had before that time been out in the war as was said, but he had done that is had ceased to serve in the war before he was married.
Isabel  X Cheever
her mark

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex SS  Sept. 28, 1838
Signed and sworn to before me and I certify that the aforesaid Isabel Cheever is a credible witness.
Albert Locke Justice of the Peace
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I James Varnum of Dracutt in the county of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, of lawful age to testify on oath depose and say as follows: I am the son of Parker Varnum Esquire, late of Dracutt deceased, a justice of the peace within & for said County, and have some papers and books belonging to him formerly now in my possession; I have carefully examined all said papers and books and declare that I have not found or been able to find among them any record of the marriage of Jno. Kelley and Molly Chever, or any memorandum relating to it. I do  not believe that there is either among them.
Many of his papers have been destroyed since his death. I well remember my father's acting as a justice of the peace and marrying people. I think my brother Jno. Varnum Esq, formerly a Representative in Congress
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from Essex North District Massachusetts had some of my father's papers and he probably carried them away with him to the West Michigan where he died something more than a year ago and I do not know where his papers are.
Last spring I was examining my father's papers in my possession with my sister Mrs. Stearns; we found the cover of a book and she said she thought that looked like the book in which he used to keep his account of marriages.
James Varnum

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex, SS. Sept. 29, 1838
Signed and sworn to before me and I certify that from enquiries which I have made I am satisfied the deponent aforesaid is a man of truth & veracity.
Albert Locke Justice of the Peace
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Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Nbr 9
No Evans

Post mark-Danville Vt. Feb 12
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Danville Feb. 11th 1839
Sir,
I enclose the application of Molly Kelly for a new certificate of pension.
The original has not come to her hands but was sent by the department to Silas Kelly her son, who refuses to deliver it to her. I suppose there will be no objections to giving her a duplicate and directing the pension agent to retain the original in case it is presented for payment. If so, Please send in season for her to draw by the 4th March next.
Very Respectfully 
Your obt. servt.
Saml. B. Mattocks

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comr. &c.
Washington D. C.
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February 15, 1938
BA-J/NEL
John Kelley W.20291

Mrs. Winifred Kelley Ford
Berkshire
New York

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Kelley, of Taunton, Massachusetts.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.20291, based upon the military service in that war of John Kelley, the only soldier of that name who served with the Massachusetts troops, that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.
The date and place of birth and names of the parents of John Kelley are not shown.
John Kelley enlisted at Dracut, Massachusetts, March 8,1777, served as private in Captains Robert Wiley's and Keith's Companies, Colonel Michael Jackson's 8" Massachusetts Regiment and was discharged Mary 8 1780. He was in the battles of Stillwater, Saratoga and Monmouth.
In 1788 he moved from Dracut, Massachusetts, to Barnet, Caledonia County, Vermont, where he was living when he was allowed pension on his application executed July 14, 1819, aged sixty-two years. He stated that he was a carpenter by trade. 
He died April 14, 1825, in Barnet, Vermont.
The soldier married December 25, 1783, in Dracut, Massachusetts, Miss Molly Cheever, date and place of her birth and names of her parents are not shown. Both were of said Dracut and their marriage was recorded on the records of that town.
Soldier's widow, Molly, was allowed pension on her appli

(note in right margin--Sol. recorded in Mass. S & S Vol. 9 page 4-6, identified all officers-James)
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cation executed November 14, 1838 at which time she was aged seventy-six years and was a resident of Barnet, Vermont. (illegible sentence crossed out) In 1848, she was living in Westfield, Orleans County, Vermont.
It was stated that John and Molly Kelley had eleven children, only names designated are sons Sidney and Ephraim, in 1820, aged respectively fourteen and ten years and son Silas, who, in 1839, was living in Barnet, Vermont, his age not shown.
In 1838, Isabel Cheever, a widow, lived in Dracut, Massachusetts; no relationship to Molly Cheever Kelley was stated. In same year, Thomas Manchester, of Barnet, Vermont, stated that he married a sister of John Kelley, the Revolutionary War soldier, but did not give the name of his wife. He stated that John Kelley had other brother and sisters, no names shown. The name Thomas Kelley appears, his relationship  not stated.
In order to obtain date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner Molly Kelley, widow of John Kelley (W.20291), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city and site the following data:
Molly Kelly, widow of John Kelly, as she was borne on the pension roll
Certificate No. 4157
Issued March 9, 1840
Rate $80.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1843
Act of February 2, 1845
Vermont (Montpelier) Agency

Very truly yours
A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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State of Vermont
Orleans County SS
On this 11th day of Sept. A.D. 1848 personally appeared before me the subscriber a Just of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Molly Kelly a resident of Westfield in Orleans County, State of Vermont
aged eighty seven years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision make by the act of Congress passed on the 2nd day of February A. D. 1848 granting pensions to widow of persons who served during the war of the Revolution, that she is the widow of John Kelly who was a private in the war of the Revolution from the State of Massachusetts and that she drew a pension under the act of 17th June 1844 at the rate of eighty dollars per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Molly   X   Kelly
her mark
Witness Ralph Chamberlain
Thomas Kelley

Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year first above written. Before me Ralph Chamberlain Justice of the peace. I certify that the above named Molly Kelly is personally known tome and that she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated by her in the above affidavit.
Ralph Chamberlain Justice of the Peace
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State of Vermont
Orleans County Ss
(seal)

I Henry M. Bates Clerk of Orleans County Court do hereby certify that Ralph Chamberlain of Troy is a Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Orleans duly qualified and that the foregoing signature purporting to be is true and genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set  my hand and seal of Office this 16th day of September A. D. 1848
Henry M. Bates, Clerk
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391.   Rep
Vermont. Montpelier
Molly Kelly
widow of John Kelly
who was a private
in the Massachusetts line
for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80. Dollars -- Cents
per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
17 day of June 1843
and sent to 
Samuel B. Mattocks
Danville
Vermont
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1. Page 28.
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Vermont (B. F. ) 1657
Molly Kelly
widow of John Kelly decd.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 Mar 1818 and who died on the 14th of April 1825 of Caledonia Co. in the State of Vert.
who was a private in the ...........commanded by Captain..........of the Regt. commanded by Col. Jackson in the Massts. line for 2 years private

Inscribed on the Roll of Bellows Falls
at the rate of 80 Dollars .......cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1836
Certificate of Pension Issued the 18th day of January 1939 and sent to Hon. J. Fletcher, H. R.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1838  $200.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 M '39   40.00
$240.00

{Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk
Book A. Vol. 2  page 44

Letter to S. B. Mattocks 6 March 1839
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211 Apl 10,1843
Vt. 
Mar. 3 1843
(stamp-Danville Vt. Apr 5)

Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
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Danville Vermont
April 4th 1843

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com. &c.

Dear Sir, 
I enclose herewith the declaration of Molly Kelly widow of John Kelly decd. Pensioner.
Please forward the certificate to me at Danville Caledonia Co. Vermont.
Very respectfully
yours &c.
Saml. B. Mattocks
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391
Mr. Cole
(stamp-Danville Vt. Sep 23)

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington City D. C.
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Danville Cal. Co. Vt.
September 23, 1848

Hon. J. L. Edwards

Dear Sir
I enclose the declaration of widow Molly Kelly in order to procure for her a pension certificate under the Act of 2 Feby. 1848. Please enclose the certificate to me and oblige
Your mo ob srvt.
J. A. Page
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House of Representatives
Jany 14 1839

Honb. J. L. Edwards

Dr. Sr.

Will you please to inform me of the decision of the Department upon the application of the widow Kelly from Vermont for a pension.
I have the honour to be your obt. sevt.
J. Fletcher
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Danville Nov. 24 1838

Dear Sir
Herewith you have enclosed the declaration of widow Molly Kelly for a pension under the act of July 1838 and also all the proof of her marriage which can be procured-the witnesses who were present at the marriage-and the justice who married her being dead. She relies upon the (illegible) evidence of the publishment and and the other testimony herewith enclosed to establish the fact of her marriage-altho this is somewhat defective, yet as there is no rational doubt of the fact of her having been married and the proof of his services is on file in the War office and as a cohabitation of more that forty years is proved by unquestionable testimony and the records show the publishment of intention of marriage-and finally as she swear to her being married to the said John Kelly & is reputed and believed by all her neighbors to be a woman of truth and veracity it is thought the testimony all together should be taken as sufficient proof and the claim allowed. Please direct the certificate if one is granted to me at Danville Vermont
Respectfully Saml. B. Mattocks

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comr &c.
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I Thomas Gilfillan of Barnet in the County of Caledonia an State of Vermont aged sixty six years depose and say that I was well acquainted with John Kelly and Molly Kelly his wife-that I became acquainted with them in the year A.D. 1788 and was acquainted with them till the death of the said John Kelly which is ten years or more since and since that time the said Molly has remained unmarried and is now living is said Barnet the widow of the said John Kelly and further saith not.
Thos. Gilfillan

State of Vermont 
Caledonia County SS
Barnet November 23 1838 Then personally appeared Thomas Gilfillan and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth and I hereby  certify that said deponent is a man of truth and veracity
By me Mordecai Hale Jus. Peace
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We James Varnum and Joel Fox severally certify and say that John Kelley served three years in the continental service in the revolutionary was in the three years service so called in the eighth Massachusetts regiment under Col. Michael Jackson and in Capt. Robert Wiley's company in said regiment that we served for the same time in the same regiment.
James Varnum
Joel Fox

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex Ss October 27th 1819
Personally appeared the above named James Varnum and Joel Fox and made oath to the truth of the above certificate by them subscribed.
Before me Nathaniel Wright J. Peace
I further certify that the above named James Varnum and Joel Fox are person of credibility.
Nathaniel Wright J. Peace
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex SS I Abraham Bigelow Clerk of the Judicial Courts in the County of Middlesex, do certify that Nathaniel Wright Esquire is a Justice of the Peace acting under the authority of this Commonwealth & his name set to the within certificates is his own proper signature.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court this twelfth day of November 1819.
Abrm. Bigelow
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I certify that the forgoing Declaration has been detained some time in order to procure the necessary evidence owing to the poverty of the applicant who was unable to be at the expence of going after it and had to send several times by the mail before he could get a return it was also in evidence before me that the Deponant James Varnum was a Capt. in the revolutionary in the same regiment with the said John Kelley altho not mentioned in his Deppossion as such.
John Rankin Judge C. C. Court
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declaration
John Kelley
corrected

5 April 1818
Claim. in the Ev. Capt. Varnum
(illegible)
Page 37

I hereby certify that the first declaration was made on the fifth day of April 1818 before me
John Rankin Judge C. C. Court

State of Vermont
Caledonia County SS
I John Rankin one of the Assistant Judges of Caldonia County Court as aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said John Kelley did serve in the revolutionary was as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy for the term of nine month and more at one time on the Continental establishment and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony had and taken before me to the Secretary of the Department of War pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned Act of Congress. I am also satisfied that the need of the assistance of his country for support.
(seal)
In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature and the Seal of the Court at Danville in Caledonia County on this14 day of July 1819
John Rankin
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I Adam Amsden of Walden in the County of Caledonia and State of Vermont depose and say that about the 6th day of August AD 1779 I was in the service of the United State at West point in the State of New York and I there became acquainted  with John Kelly now of Barnet in sd. County an applicant for a pension and I served in the same company with said Kelly from the time above stated untill January following when I left that place and left said Kelly in the service the Company in which we served was commanded by Capt. Keith Col. Micael Jackson regiment and Larnards Brigade and I always understood the said Kelly was a three years man so called and further deponent saith not.
Adam Amsden
Sworn and subscribed before me at Danville in the County of Caledonia this 14th day of July AD. 1819
John Rankin, Judge of Caledonia County Court
I hereby certify that the above named Adam Amsden is a credible witness.
John Rankin, Judge of Caledonia Court
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O. W. and N. Division   3-525
SSC
Mil. file 20291
Rev.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Pension
Washington D. C.

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of John Kelley, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contain in his (& his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
(chart)
Dates of Enlistment or Appointment: Mch 8 '77
Length of Service: 3 year
Rank: Pvt.
Officers under whom service was rendered, Capts: Robt. Wiley, & Keith, Colonel Michael Jackson
State: Mass.

Battles engaged in: Saratoga and Mon.
Residence of soldier at enlistment: He enl. at Dracut, Mass.
Date of application for pension: July 14, 1819 allowed
Residence at date of application: Barnet, Caledonia Co., Vt.
Age at date of application: 62 date of birth not stated.
Remarks: 1820 Ch. Sidney 14 yrs Ephraim 10 yrs. Sol. mar. Dec 25 1783 at Dracut 
Died Apl. 14 1825 at Barnet Vt.  Molly Cheever wid. appl. Nov 14, 1838 age 76 yrs 

Very Respectfully,
Commissioner
Page 40

Berkshire New York
January 26 1938
(stamp-Received Jan 27 1938 mail sub-div Vets Adm Reader No 19)

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

Dear Sir:
In regard to the Revolutionary War pension list, do you have John Kelley listed. He was from or near Taunton, Mass. If he is listed and you could give me full details concerning his birth enlistment discharge marriage children and death I would appreciate same.
Respectfully
(Mrs.) Winifred Kelley Ford
Page 41

Stamp- U. S. Pension Office May 11 1921

Stamp- Chief's Desk Record Division May 11 1921 U. S. Bureau of Pensions
Page 42

Rev. War Sec.
Ex:VLN  Div: Record

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D. C. May 5 1921

The attached letter is respectfully returned with the information that the date furnished is not sufficient to enable this Bureau to make intelligent answer to the queries therein contained. Please fill out such of the blank spaces below as the information in your possession will permit, and return to this Bureau.

No. of claim (crossed out)
Name of soldier: John Kelley wife's name-Mary Kelley
Address of claimant at enlistment and after service:
Company: not known
Regiment: not known
State where enlisted: not known. He fought under Gen. Greene I think
If unable to furnish company and regiment give names of commanding officers.
Approximate dates of birth and death: 1760(?)-1825(?)
Return attached letter with replay.
Commissioner
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Jonesboro, Illinois
May 9, 1920

Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C. 

Some three months ago I wrote you for information about John Kelley who fought in the American Revolution. I have you all the information at that time that I had. I sent it then to save time. I am filling out the blank received today to the best of Mmy ability. They only thing I am certain about is
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his name and his wife's name. I (damaged paper)
mation is what I writing for  (damage) to have it as soon as possible.
Yours very truly

Alta Frost

(stamp-U. S. Pension Office May 11 1921)
Page 45

Rev
(stamp-U.S. Pension Office Apr 13 1921)

Jonesboro Illinois
April 11, 1921

Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

About a month ago I wrote to you asking for the military record of John Kelley who fought in the American Revolution. I have received no answer. Will you please send it to me as soon as you can. I want it so I
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can be an organizing member in the chapter of Daughters of American Revolution to be organized here soon. I gave you all the necessary statistics. His wife's name was Mary. May I please have your reply soon?
Yours very truly,
Alta Frost

(stamp-U. S. Pension Office May 11 1921)
Page 47

Rev 
WIDOW &c.
File No. 20,291
Widow of 
John Kelly
Pri Rev War
Act Feb 2d '48
Index: Vol. A., Page 398

[Arrangement of 1870}

1907 Jany. 23 History to Herbert A. Kelley-letter in S. File 18073 Micajah Kelley
1921 May 12 Hist. to Alta Frost
1938-Feb 15-Hist to Mrs. Winifred Kelley Ford- EL
Page 48

I Thomas Manchester of Barnet in the County of Caledonia and State of Vermont aged sixty eight years do testify and sat that I have lived in the town of Barnet and vicinity more than forty years and was well acquainted with John and Molly Kelly ever since the year 1788 that at that time they moved into Barnet aforesaid that they the said John & Molly lived together in said Barnet as man and wife even after the time aforesaid till the death of the said John Kelly--the said John & Molly lived together and had eleven children. The said John died in the month of April AD 1825 ever since which time the said Molly has lived as his widow and is now living in said Barnet and is yet unmarried. I was married to a sister of the said John and was acquainted with some of his other brothers and sisters and often heard them speak of his marriage with said Molly and I never heard said marriage disputed by any one. The said John and Molly removed to Barneet from Dracut in the State of Massachusetts. According to my best recollection said Molly is more than seventy years old.
Thomas Manchester

State of Vermont
Caledonia County SS
Barnet November 23rd 1838
then personally appeared Thomas Manchester and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth and I hereby certify that the deponent is a man of truth and veracity.
Mordecai Hale Jus. Peace
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State of Vermont
Caledonia County SS
I Samuel B. Mattocks clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Mordecai Hale Esquire is a justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified that his commission was dated the 1st day of November 1837 and will expire on the last day of November AD 1838 and that his several signatures within written are genuine. Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at Danville this 24th day of November AD 1838
Saml. B. Mattocks Clerk

Thhomas Manchester affidavit
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State of Vermont
Caledonia County
On this 9th day of (faded) AD 1839 before me the subscriber a justice of the Peace for said County of Caledonia personally appeared Molly Kelly of Barnet in said (illegible) widow of John Kelly late a soldier of the Revolution, who on her oath declares that she is the same person who made her declaration for a pension before the probate Court for the district of Caledonia the 14th Nov. 1838-that she is informed that her name has been placed on the pension Roll of the State of Vermont and that one Silas Kelly of said Barnet has rec'd the certificate of that fact under the Seal & signature of the Secretary of War.
She further says that she has demanded said certificate of the said Silas Kelly and he refuses to deliver the same to her. He therefore request the Commissioner of Pension to send her a new certificate and to direct to Samuel B. Mattocks Danville Vermont
Molly  X  Kelly
her mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written-before me
Mordecai Hale Justice Peace
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I Robert Blair of Barnet in the County of Caledonia and State of Vermont of lawful age depose and say that I heard Mrs. Molly Kelly demand of one Silas Kelly a paper purporting to be her certificate for a pension from the government of the United States which he held contrary to the wish and consent of her the said Molly-That the said Silas Kelly refused to give up the said paper when required by (?) for said Molly to do so unless would sign a paper that he should have this for one hundred dollars. The reason that said Molly assigned to said Silas for wanting the papers was that she wanted to keep the papers her own hands. Said certificate was dated I think the 7th day of January 1839 for a pension of eighty dollars per year for five years commencing in the year AD 1836 and signed by the Secretary of War or purported to be such and further saith not.
Robert Blair
Subscribed and sworn to this 9th day of February AD 1839 by the said Robert Blais
before me
Mordecai Hale Justice of the Peace
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State of Vermont
Caledonia County SS
I Samuel B. Mattocks Clerk of the County court in & for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Mordecai Hale Esq. is a justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned & qualified that his commission was dated the sixth day of November 1838 and will expire on the last day of November 1839 and that his several signatures to the foregoing certificates are genuine.
Sworn under my hand & the Seal of the County Court aforesaid this 11th day of Feb 1839.
Saml. B. Mattocks, Clerk
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 3d March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have rec'd pensions under the act of July 8 1838.
State of Vermont
Caledonia County SS
On this third day of Apri AD one thousand eight hundred & forty three personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the peace in & for said County personally appeared Molly Kelly a resident of Barnet in said County aged eighty one years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of John Kelley who was a private in the Revolution and served in the Massachusetts Continental line but in what regiment she cannot state. That she received a pension under the act of July 7, 1838 at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Molly   X   Kelly
 her mark
In presence of us
Mordecai hale
Thomas Kelley
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before Mordecai Hale, Justice of the Peace

I certify that the above named declarant Molly Kelly is personally known to me
Mordecai Hale, Just. of Peace
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State of Vermont
Caledonia County SS
(seal)  
I Samuel B. Mattocks Clerk of the County Court of the County of Caledonia in the State of Vermont do hereby certify that Mordecai hale Esq. of Barnet in said county is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said countyk duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the Nine day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two and will expire the thirtieth day of November next and that his signatures to the annexed certificates are genuine, being in his own proper hand writing.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, this fourth dayof April A. D. one thousand eight hundred and forty three.
Saml. B. Mattocks, Clerk
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The nationalArchives
Form VAM-51
12-5-41
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Name: Kelley, John
Grade: Private
Line: Pennsylvania
Warrant number 9719
Acreage 100
Issued: March ? 1791
to---not shown----

*The information concerning the issuance of  warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and of subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.