Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21,867, for Aaron Keeler, Connecticut
Page 1

SERVICE                                 NUMBER
Conn.     Keeler, Aaron      W. 21,867
        Olmstead, Gloriana  {BLWt 1191-150-Ensign.
              Olmstead            Issued Aug. 17, 1790
                                          No papers.}

     (Former widow)
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[LEFT PAGE]

1885 Nov 18 E B Sawyer, what use
is to be made of then of officers Military
record   & the named widow
1885 Nov 29 E B Sawyer with
history                        Prior

                             Reported


[RIGHT PAGE]

                       1831
Vermont, Montpelier
Gloriana Olmstead
widow of Aaron Keeler
   Mass
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as an Ensign

Inscribed on the Roll at a rate of
$ 40 Dollars - 
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the
6 day of Sept. 1848
and sent to
                  J. Sawyer
                       Hydepark
                                Vt

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848. Page 78   Vol. 3
Page 3

Aaron Keeler was born Decr 7th [illegible year]
Gloryanor  Hubbell was born Novr 30th 1762
Aaron Keeler & Gloryanor Hubbell were married Sept. 28th 1785 -

Frederick Keeler was born on Wensday [sic]  February the 21, 1789
fairfield [sic] Connecticut

Aaron Keeler was born in Camebridg Sate [sic] of Vermont on friday the 18th Nov 1791 at 4 O Clock & 47 minutes. P.M.

Sarah Keeler was born in
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State of Vermont
Lamoille County Js}
    On this 12th day of September AD1844 personally appeared before the Honl Salmon Wiers Judge of the open Court Gloriany Olmstead - a resident of Elmore in the County of Lamoille - and State of Vermont aged about Seventy nine years, who being first dule 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 July 7th 1838 (and the enforging act passed the 23 day of Augt AD 1842) - granting Pensions to widows etc.   She was formerly the widow of Aaron Keeler Esquire late of sd Hydepark in sd County of Lamoille - that sd Aaron enlisted a Private at the beginning of the Revolutionary War in the fifth Regiment Connecticut Line of Troops & continued in the Service of his Country until the close thereof -  That the Company into which he enlisted was then commanded by Capt Samuel Comstock on the 22nd day of April AD 1781 he was promoted to the Office of Ensign in sd 5th Regiment and was Commissioned by commission bearing date:  October 20th 1781 - as transmitted with a previous Declaration of this Declarant & remaining on the files of Pension Department - with a variety of other evidence which is refered [sic] to in support of his Declaration & made part thereof - That said Keeler was honorably discharged - and received his pay for his services- amounting to about twelve hundred dollars, which fully appears by his [illegible word].
In the Archives of the United States, in the War or Treasury Department.  That her Said Husband was in several important battles - as she understood - especially the Battle of Monmouth - where he received an Injury which he complained of through Life - by means of the excessive heat, - and being melted down, as it is commonly called
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But it is impossible to recount all the particulars at this time of Life - and impaired health - as it is nearly thirty years since my husband Keeler died to wit Oct 22 1816 - Capt Comstock (after appointed Major) - I think was my husbands maternal uncle - and I think in the same Regiment was Capt. Salmon Hubbal - and a younger brother Seth - who were both my brothers and 2 were also out during the whole war - as will also appear by an examination of the records of the War department - The Declarant- must trust mush to the very apparent evidence  among the records of the Department of the United States- and also in the Pension Office  -which has hereto foretransmitted
   She further declares that she was married to said Aaron Keeler on the 28th day of September 1785 at the Town of Norwalk in the State of Connecticut in the Parish of Wilton, by the Reverend Mr. Lewis an ordained Minister of the Gospel - in sd Parish and that her husband the aforesaid Aaron Keeler died at said Hydepark on the 222nd day of October 1816 - aged about 58 years  that she remained the widow of said Aaron Keeler untill [sic] the month of April 1827 when she married Seth Olmstead Esquire of Elmore aforesaid - that the said Olmstead died at sd Elmore on Thursday, the fifth instant - & that she had remained  a widow ever since that Period - as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed -
          [Signed] Gloriany Olmstead
Subscribed & Sworn to before me
and I Certify that the Sd Gloriany
Olmstead is a person of truth &
a credible witness in any Court
or - before any tribunal}
        [Signed]  Salmon Winis Judge
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State of Vermont
Lamoille District Js}
     I Salmon Wiers Judge of Probate within anf for the District of Lamoille aforesaid certify that the Declaration of Gloriany Olmstead hereto annexed, was duly made before me in open Court and  Subscribed and Sworn to

 In testimony whereof I have hereto Subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the Court at the Probate Office in Johnson in sd District this 12th day of September 1844  
   [Signed] Salmon Wiers Judge

State of Vermont
Lamoille Cy  Js}
   I Philo C. Camp of Hydepark Clerk of Lamoille County Court - hereby certify that Salmon Wiers of [illegible word] in sd County of Lamoille is Judge of Probate within and for the District of Lamoille - Duly commissioned & qualified that his Commission is dated 31st October 1843 and will expire on the 1st day of December AD 1844 and that his signature above & within is true & genuine - In witness whereof I hereunto Subscribe my name and Affix the Seal of said Court this 12th day of September 1844
  [Signed]  P. G. Camp Clerk
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To the Honorable Secretary of War of the United States -
   The Declaration of Glorianor Olmstead - now of Elmore in the County of Lamoille and formerly the wife of Aaron Keeler Esquire of- Hydepark deceased- which said Aaron Keeler was an officer to wit - an Ensign of the War of the Revolution - agreeably to the Records of said Department of War - at Washington - District of Columbia -  The said Glorianor Olmstead Declares on oath - that she was married to the said Aaron Keeler at Norwalk, Parish of Wilton in the State of Connecticut by the Rev. Mr. Lewis Minister of Said Parish in her youth - the 28th day of September AD 1785 - that Norwalk was the native town of her former husband and herself - that they lived there for the term of about six (6) years after their marriage - where on [illegible symbol] the vicinity they expected to reside for Life - But her late husband having between one & two thousand dollars the prudent savings of his services in the Revolution - & upon which he relied for his capital to commence business in the world - (being Continental money) - that under the State of depreciation - either adversedly or malvisedly - sold or parted with it - for a more nominal sum - supposing it better to take something than to lose the whole as was then contemplated ought to be the case -  My Said Husband Keeler & myself
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Sought a [illegible word] Independence in the then Wilds of Vermont - he having purchased there a trail of land for that purpose - upon which we remained and resided untill [sic] his death. In October AD 1816 -Through hard industry and toil - we there realized not wealth nor the benefits of polished society - but a competency - & health, bringing a family of Six children - four of which survive - at the death of Mr. Keeler - our small but respectible gains consisting of a farm worth from 2 to 3 thousand dollars - surrounded with a comfortable farmers paraphanalia [sic] was divided among six children Leaving me a use of one third of the realty a [illegible word] of the personal property to eke out the remainder of my days upon -  I could have done this probably in a competent degree - But I was shortly doomed to additional misfortunes - mt third born son Daniel Keeler (deceased since my Intermarriage with Seth Olmstead of Elmore my present husband) always a feeble person - was seised [sic] with an Insanity not sufficient to confine - and yet too far Lost to trust without continual watchfulness - In addition he was afflicted with sores which locally in his limbs became disgusting to behold - & loathsome to dress - at the same time crippling him from movements - which at times  in his ravings- might have been dangerous - and afflicting him and his relatives to a degree un parralled [sic] - Who but a mother was left to watch over this twice unfortunate son of sorrow and
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affliction -  This I did do - until the year 1828 - when I married Mr. Olmstead, a respectable man of moderate property - and burthensome [burdensome] family of females, relinquished my remaining  all as it were, to my Eldest son Frederic Keeler to whose care & family I confided this pitiful but no less interesting object of my feelings -

The said [illegible] pittance of his fathers estate had been thrice exhausted - and  my own was kept up by the utmost vigilance & providence.  I might have continued to support this condition of things - but my age and declining health forbid- I therefore embraced the first honorable refuge to alleviate of the most arduous situations - which humanity was ever heir to - for about twelve years - I am now about seventy four years of age - and my health some impaired even for my age -  My present husband is not wealthy- he has a large, & in some Instances an unfortunate family In regard to property whose only sin [last word inserted] is poverty - and therefore the  [illegible word] of charity upon him are irresistable [sic] - My own surviving  [illegible] and generally respectably & was[illegible] situated - and I am welcome with any or all of them -  my real home & comfort is where I first lived & bred them - at Hydepark - I wish not however to be dependent on any one -
   My said husband Keeler Served honorably from first to last, throughout the Revolutionary War- as  private -non-commissioned - or Commissioned Officer - and was discharged from [illegible]  and toilsome services of his Country - at the full achievement of Its Independence - He lost his earnings - as I have stated - and a Community knew at the time -
   He died before the charity or Justice of his Country was awakened -
   Buried here in the Wilderness - by a Singular
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of fatality attending his revolutionary dues coincidence - his first [two illegible words] under his Land Warrant - was filched away by some ungenerous hand-  and - - is perhaps, forever lost to his children - leaving a small share, unlocated upon the records of your department. - I night add without vanity - that a maternal Uncle of my said Husband - Capt - afterwards Major Saml Comstock - Capt Salmon Hubbel - and Seth Hubbel my brothers-were compatriots- throughout the War - with my said Husband - they all went for the same Tour -and were all honorably discharged - and what their requitals have been I have not enquired [sic]  - neither can It serves to add or diminish my claims   If any I have, through services of my said Husband - I may be permitted to add that said Keeler - in the very dawn of youth - Left a home, that was highly respectable, & able - being the oldest son of a wealthy farmer - at Norwalk connecticut sic] - that he was melted down in the Battle of Monmouth - which affected him through Life - that by leaving his paternal roof - The estate was mainly settled upon a younger brother - Jeremiah Keeler -
    Your declarant and applicant would humbly suggest that right and justice - if the above state effects one true - (and She again repeats that they are substantially so) would seem to be on her side - But whether She is Technically or Substantially - within any Legal Provision she refers to the honorable War Department hoping and trusting that - more services - honorable toils through - our Country's struggles - may be partially retributed - to her - who is the relict [word underlined] of him that performed them - and the declining remnants -of her family who did twice their share - She concludes by adding that  She remained the widow of Mr. Keeler 12 years -
           [Signed] Gloriana Olmstead
Hydepark October 17 1839

Subscribed and sworn to before me  and I certify that the said Gloriana is a credible witness
    [Signed]  Samuel A Willard Judge
Page 11

State of Vermont
Lamoille District Js}    At a Probate Court holden at Hydepark, within and for the District of Lamoille, aforesaid, on the  seventeenth (17) day of October in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and thirtynine, (1839), present the Honl. Samuel Willard Judge of said Court personally appeared Gloriana Olmstead, of Elmore, in the County of Lamoille & district of Lamoille aforesaid, aged Seventy three years and doth on his oath make the declaration hereto annexed, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838, entitles "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows -

 In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court and subscribed my name at Hydepark in said District this 17th day of October AD 1839
               [Signed]  Samuel Willard Judge

[A seal appears on the left of the last paragraph]
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                                    6403.
GLoriana Olmstead
formerly widow of
Aaron Keeler
        Vt.
   Act 7. July 38
  m85

[Written vertically on the left of the above information]
P. G. Camp D Clerk
Page 13

State of Vermont
LaMoille County Js
I Philo G Camp, Clerk of LaMoille County Court Do certify that Samuel A. Willard is Judge of Probate in this & for the district & County of LaMoille duly commissioned & qualified, that his Commission is dated Novr 6th 1838 & will expire on the 1st day of December A.D. 1839, & that his Signature hereto attached is true & genuine.

In witness whereof I here unto set my hand & seal of sd Court at my Office in Hyde Park this 27th day of Nov. 1839
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Mary Duning
affidavit
Glorianor
Olmstead} -
Page 15

I Mary Duning of Greenfield State of New York Aged about 69 years Depose and say that Aaron Keeler Esq - late of Hydepark State of Vermont was my oldest Brother that he entered into the service of the Revolutionary war when he was a child and continued until the Close- Captain Comstalk Commanded the Company when my Brother entered the service in said Company who was our Mothers Brotherinlaw that my said Brother entered the service quite young and returned home to Norwalk at the close of the War with his pay in Continental mo [page torn]
on Soldiers Notes which he sacrificed for a trifle under its depreciation which I then understood and verily Believed as if I had been present and had seen the sake of it my said Brother was by means of this loss of his earnings forced to change his Business and arrangements and seek as I suppose a rude Independence in the [word inserted] Wilds of Vermont where he resided untill his death about 1816   this deponent further saith that she was young when her Brother was Married   did not see them married but understood him to be and knew of them living in her farthers [sic] house together as man and wife and having two Children and further this deponent saith not
         [Signed]  Mary Duning
Sworn and Subscribed
this 16th day of Nov. 1839
before me
    [Signed] Nathan Daniels Justice of the 
                                       piece [sic]

I hereby Certify that the above named Mary Duning is personally known to me and that her character for truth and verasity [sic] is above impediment or dispute and that her testimony in my opinion ought to receive full [next word/words covered] in any Court
  [Signed]  Nathan Daniels Justice of the Peace
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STATE OF NEW YORK
Saratoga County Clerk's Office} SS
 I Alphonse Goodrich, Clerk of the county of Saratoga, Do Certify, that Nathan Daniels before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit, to be his proper hand writing and signature.
    Witness my hand and seal of Office, the 14th day of November 1839
      [Signed]  A Goodrich Clerk

[A seal is affixed to the left of the first paragraph]
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20 May 77 - War Sergt 1 Jany 79
                     Lt Major              80
                     Ensign       Apl     81
Page 18

I Freelance Keeler of Hydepark in the County of Lamoille and State of Vermont aged about fifty three years, do depose and say that I am the Eldest Son & Child of Aaron Keeler & Glorianor Olmstead - formerly the wife and widow of said Aaron Keeler deceased - That my said honored Parents were born in Norwalk State of Connecticut and that I was also born in Fairfield County [last three words inserted] as I was taught & instructed - and have no doubt -  My Said Father and mother removed to Hydepark about 1791 - Then having three children the issue of their said marriage - to wit - myself -Freelance- Sally and Anson -  My said father was a Revolutionary Officer - as I have multiferous reasons to believe - and as I understand appears upon the records of the War department - In my earliest days we had in the family - a small common family Bible -which was of common use and the only one we did possess - and this remained in tattered condition- until after my fathers decease - This bible contained the record of the marriage of said Aaron Keeler to the said Glorianor - by the name of Glorianor Hubbell and the records of the births of a part if not all the Children - and this was in the hand writing of my father - and recognized as such by all of us - about a year after my fathers decease - I returned with my family - to what was called the homestead [next several word on this line covered in a pleat]
my said Parents lived and Improved in sd Town of Hydepark - my said mother resided with me on the benefit of her third and taking care of an unfortunate & Insane brother -  Soon after my removal there - within
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If not all the
hand writing of my father and recognized
such by all of us - about a year after my father decease - I returned, with my family, to what was called the homestead - being the place where my said parents lived and improved in said Town of Hydepark - my said mother residing with me, at the benefit of her thirds and taking care of an unfortunate & Insane brother -  Soon after my removal there -within a year or two at least - the said Glorianor requested me to take from a Loose Leafe of said old and tattered bible the said Record - I accordingly set down to draft it into a New bible - of larger size then in the house - & which had been bought by my said father previous to his death - and made the record that appears in the paper annexed -from what was contained on a partly old or worn out Leaf of the Small bible - [next three words illegible] destroyed or lost as I verily believe- and proceeded untill I made a mistake either in date or transposition of named and left the   [word deleted] unfinished - as appears upon the annexed- and this is the Identical Leaf - taken from the bible last mentioned - which was left in our house with Seth Olmstead Esquire- to Elmore -& that I never did make any other record, nor had I any other date to make the record form so far as I have made it - except what was contained in said old bible, which I know to have been in my fathers hand writing and of long standing - and understood by all. The true family record so far as it went - and I think the whole of the family were recorded on the Leaf - which the above was [word inserted] taken   mistake [word inserted] and that - the error which
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as the true family record so far as it went - and I think the whole of the family were recorded on the Leaf - which the above was [word inserted] taken mistake [word inserted] and that - the error which I committed was by placing my brother Ansons name on the above annexed Leaf before my sister Sarah's which  Latter was older - for it seems here I start, and have no doubt it is that account - I further testify that from Earliest years I understood that my said father served from first to last as a Soldier - non Commissioned or Commission Officer - I have heard him relate enough to make a book of his toils  [word underlined] - dangers and battles - that he was melted down at the battle of Monmouth - and which in a degree affected his health through  Life- was fully understood in the family - and not denied or questioned by his neighbors as any persons acquainted with the History of his Life and Services, - my said Mother has no property except her common Pharaphinalie (paraphernalia) 
She is aged about Seventy four and not in good health even at her age - She was the constant attendant upon and Insane & doubly afflicted son, for about twelve years, having swallowed up his own small patrimony - and afterwards supported - upon his mothers thirds and the Charity of relatives by her prudence - Industry and economy [last three main words underlined] -
   That my father lost all of is Earnings in the War of the Revolution - except a mere trifle, remains undoubted - and as fully & often storied in the family from my mouth
Page 21

I further testify that my said Mother after living a widow about twelve years married a man by the name of Olmstead- and removed to a neighboring Town - where she now mainly resides -  This man is bothered with a large & in many Instances necessitous family - upon which he is obliged to bestow charlities - far beyond his ability or means - having but a moderate snug property - and further the Deponent saith not -
         [Signed] Frederick Keeler
Subscribed and Sworn to
this 25th day of November 
AD 1839 before me,
    [Signed] Wm P. Sawyer Justice of the Peace

I hereby Certify that the above named Frederic Keeler has been long personally known to mw - and that his character for truth and veracity is above Impeachment and that his Testimony - in my opinion ought to receive full [illegible] and credit whenever given - I further certify that several Interlinested  (underlined) & erasures were made - before the creation of this affidavit - to wit "there" erased, and "Fairfield Connecticut" interlined
"soon after my removal" -"according" [all underlined] erased
'my"  "was"  "from"  Interlined-
before Creation
    [Signed]  Wm P. Sawyer Justice of the Peace

[Written vertically to right of first section]
Freelance Keeler
affidavit
Page 22

State of Vermont
Lamoille Cy} Js
I Nehemiah French Late of Elmore in the County of Lamoille and State aforesaid - but now of Morristown in sd County of Lamoille aged fifty one years do depose and say that in the month of April AD 1827 I was a Justice of the Peace in the Town of Elmore now in the County of Lamoille but then in the County of Orleans and authorized by a Statute Law of this State to join persons in marriage that sometime in sd month of April - the precise day I cannot recollect - I solemnised [sic] the marriage covenant between Mrs. Gloriany Keeler previously of Hydepark - and Seth Olmstead Esquire of said Elmore and they lived together as man & wife untill his death Last week, and further the deponent Saith not -
   [Signed] Nehemiah French
[illegible] Sept. 10th 1844 -
Sworn & Subscribed before me
this 10th day of September 1844-
   [Signed] P.G. Camp Justice Peace
I hereby certify that sd Nehemiah French's character is good for truth & veracity - and that full credence ought to be given to his Testimony
   [Signed] P.G. Camp Jus. Peace
Page 23

State of Vermont
Lamiolle County}Js
I Philo G. Camp of Hydepark the County of Lamoille Vt. hereby certify that Philo G. Camp of Hydepark in said County of Lamoille is a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Lamoille is a Justice of the Peace within and for the Cy of Lamoille duly commissioned and qualified - that his commission is dated the 31st day of October 1843 and will expire on the 1st day of December AD 1844 & that his signature above and written is true & genuine - In witness whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the Seal of sd Court this 12th day of September AD 1844
    {Signed] P. G. Camp Clerk
Page 24

Pellingill affidavit

   98
Page 25

State of Vermont
Lamoille Cy Js}
I Isaac R. Pettingill of Morristown in the County of Lamoille and State of Vermont of Lawful age, to wit, aged forty four years - do depose & say that on the 6th day of September Instant 1844, I was called upon by the Friends of Seth Olmstead Esquire late of Elmore decease to pronounce his funeral Sermon, - and accordingly on Saturday the 7th Instant I repaired to his Late residence in Elmore where the corpse of said Olmstead remained and attended as a preacher of the Gospel, to the Service of his burial and saw his body interred according to usual custom - his aged widow Mrs. Gloriany Olmstead - attended the Funeral - together with his relatives & friends -  I have for many years been Intimately acquainted with her family the Keelers - Frederic Keeler her eldest son being connected - with the same Church - with myself and Last winter attended the funeral Service of a daughter of said Frederic at his residence in Hydepark - and
Page 26

the former homestead of the widow Olmstead before her Marriage to Mr. Olmstead and removal to Elmore about 12 miles distant - that she was there addressed by me in a large Assembly of people as the grand-parent of sd daughter - the late Mr. Olmstead was about 80 years of age and his wife not quite so old as I believe - They lived together for many years as man & wife - & were considered highly respectible [sic] and further your deponent saith not.
Hydepark Sept 10th 1844    
             [Signed]  I.R.Pettingill
Sworn & Subscribed this 10th day of September 1844 - before me
         [Signed] V.W. Waterman Just. Peace

I hereby certify that the sd Isaac R. Pettingills character is good for truth & veracity & that full credance [sic] ought to be given to his Testimony
     [Signed]  V.W. Waterman Just Peace
Page 27

of Vermont
Lamoille Cy Js}
     I Philo P. Camp of Hydepark Clerk of Lamoille Cy Court hereby certify that V. W. Waterman of Morristown in Sd County of Lamoille is a Justice of the Peace within and for the Cy of Lamoille - duly commissioned and qualified that his Commission is dated Oct. 31st 1843   & will expire on the 1st day of December AD 1844 & that his signature above & within is true & genuine - In witness whereof I hereunto Subscribe my name [word inserted] and affix the Seal of Sd Court this 12th day of September AD 1844              
                        The word name Interlined
                        before signing - 
                  [Signed]  P.G. Camp Clerk
Page 28

Hydepark Vt

      The Honl James L. Edwards
               Commissioner of Pensions
                      City of Washington
                                            D. C.

[Written vertically, left side]
    M. Cole
Page 29

The Hon  James L. Edwards -Commr
of Pensions -
    Sir - The name of this aged Lady will appear in the Roll of December 6th 1844 - Inscribed for the first and 2nd [inserted] five years at 240 per annum - probably -  This case will not require much trouble If the papers are correctly made and authenticated -  I do hope returns may be had.  [Illegible word] to September [illegible word] Hydepark  Augt. 5th 1848                               
                            with highest respect
                     Your Obt Sevt
                       J Sawyer  Agent
Page 30

Hydepark Nov 27th 1839        (Lamoille Ct Vt)
To the Natl Secretary of War of the U.S.
             Sir - I here ttansmit to your Department - the Declaration of Glorianor Olmstead formerly the widow of Aaron Keeler Esquire - Late or formerly an Ensign in the Revolutonary War, - and through the whole War - The [illegible] of the case are Submitted - with the utmost confidence - but
Page 31

State of Vermont
Lamoille Cy Js}
I Nathaniel P Sawyer of Hydepark in the Cy of Lamoille & State of Vermont aged about seventy two years do depose and say that I lived within a few rods of the Late Aaron Keeler Esquire of Hydepark aforesaid  from about the year of 1800 -
    untill his death 25 or 30 years ago that from very near my first acquaintance - if not entirely - I understood that he belonged to the Standing or regular Troops of the Revolution - that he entered young to continue in the Service of his Country throughout the War and was discharged at its final close - & the dissolution of the Army that he was  promoted to an Ensign sometime during the War - I always understood that said Keeler Served his Country long & faithfully in the Revolutionary Army &was promoted to the Office of Ensign - from every circumstance I have no more reason to doubt sd Keeler being through the War of the Revolution than that every other Man of whom I have heard or read - he was considered a man of high integrity - and among the last men who would attempt to palm off a false character upon Community - he was the husband of Gloriany Olmstead - and the same Lady who I understand is now making application for a Pension - in consequence of the Revolutionary Service of said Aaron Keeler- The sd Gloriany Olmstead resided on the old Farm near
Page 32

my residence - until her Intermarriage with Seth Olmstead Esqr of Elmore some 15 or 20 years past and is now again a widow by the death Of Mr Olmstead recently  - and I understand the sd Olmstead lived 10 or 11 miles from me -in sd Town of Elmore -
    [Signed]  N P. Sawyer
Hydepark September 12th 1844
Subscribed and Sworn to being this 12th day of September AD 1844
     [Signed] P.G. Camp Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the said  Nathaniel P. Sawyers character is [illegible word] for truth & veracity & the fullest credence ought & would be given to his testimony whenever known
        [Signed]  P. G. Camp Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Lamoille Cy Js}   I Philo G. Camp of Hydepark in the County of Lamoille - Clerk of Lamoille Cy Court hereby testify that the sd Philo G Camp is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Lamoille duly commissioned and quaified - that his commission has date of the 24th day of October 1843 and expired on the 1st
Page 33

ley of December AD 18.. - and that his signature above is true & genuine - In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand affixed the Seal of Said Court at my Office in Hydepark aforesaid this 12th day September AD 1844 -
   [Signed]  P. G. Camp Clerk
Page 34

Town Clerks Office
Norwalk Ct  Jan 4, 1845
                    J.L. Edwards Esq
                        Sir
                                      A letter was
received at this office from you dated Nov 12/44
requesting evidence of the marriage of Aaron Keeler and Gloriana St. John   At that time the Town Clerk was [illegible word] by paralysis which is the reason that it was not attended to -   On taking possession of the office to which I was appointed on the 3d of December last, I found the letter among the papers of the late Town Clerk
 I have carefully examined the Records this day [last two words inserted] and find that said marriage was not recorded here, nor do I find any other evidence that it was performed -  The Records at the period alluded to are very imperfect, probably not more than one third of both marriages and births were recorded
                  Very Respectfully,
                       Your Obt. Sevt.
                                        Jnt A. Weed
Page 35

      Washington D.C. December 4th 1844.

Dear Sir,
      Sometime in the month of Sept. last Widow Gloriana Olmstead (formerly the widow Keeler) applied for a pension.
 Will you have the goodness to inform me what disposition has been made of this case?  If the application has been rejected please inform me upon what grounds.
                Very Respectfully yours,
             {Signed]   Wm Upham

Hon. J. L. Edwards -
Page 36

To Hon James L. Edwards -

                          Commissioner
Page 37

Hydepark  September 12th 1844
   To Hon James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions - I take the Liberty to enclose - 2 Declarations of the Widow Olmstead - I take the precaution to enclose two - because there might be a shade of doubt now for the Honorable Commissioner - might extend the certificate if one should be granted - on the first application - where the widow has not applied or drawn under the act of 1838 (7 July) - But my honorable friend Judge Willard of Morristown was confident that one application would embrace the whole _) Mrs Olmsteads application while the wife of Olmstead, embraced, as annexed with it - a variety of Evidence - which is refered {sic] to and made part of the present application - or Declaration - Those presuming to be within the knowledge and Inspection of the pension Office are not particularly mentioned -  I urge no particular speed in examination  because a circular has admonished me that the rules of procedure of your Department cannot be Infringed to gratify - Individual anxiety .  Your direction will be as usual to Joshua Sawyer Esq Hydepark Vt
    with high respect your Sevt
                                  [Signed]  J Sawyer
Page 38

  Adj't. General's
  Office (E.B.) Rec'd      1885     
            NOV 2
          (E.B.)


         PENSION
      U  NOV 11   S
           1885
          OFFICE
Page 39

              State of Connecticut
             Adjutant-General's Office
                             Hartford, Oct. 26 1885
Col. Edward B. Sawyer
              Hyde Park Vt

Dear Sir:
             Answering you communication of 
[next to words illegible]  I have to say that this officer is not in possession of the rolls or rosters of Connecticut Troops or officers in the Revolutionary war., as they were all surrendered several years prior to the late civil war to the General Government, and have not been returned.
  An application by you or the Adjutant Genl.
U.S.A. might procure the information you desire.
                      Very respectfully
                                     Geo. M. White
                                     Asst. Adj. Genl.
Page 40

Old war Div.                                 PENSION
JNB Ex'r.                                   U     NOV 25    S
                                                         1885
                                                      OFFICE

                Department of the Interior
                         PENSION OFFICE
    Washington, D.C.    November 18th, 1885

    Sir
Yours of the 9th inst is received requesting the military record of Aaron Keeler, a revolutionary officer from Connecticut.  
   It is necessary before furnishing this information that you state what use it is intended to be made of this information and if a widow survived the officer, her name and residence.
     Very respectfully
             [Signed] John C Black

                                             Commissioner
Mr Edward B Sawyer
Hyde Park
             Vt
Page 41

                        Hyde Park Vt Nov. 23d 83
Gen. John C. Black
    Commissioner
                 Sir:
                           Replying to your
enclosed letter of 18" inst. I have
to say:  The object of the inquiry is 
this:  My mother the sole surviving 
child of Aaron Keeler, will attain 
(as now appears probable) her 90" 
year the 10" of Jany. next, when it is 
proposed by the numerous descendents [sic]
of Aaron Keeler to give her a birthday 
party. I am expected to give 
a sketch of Aaron's life and military 
service in the War of independence. 
I was reluctantly compelled to 
call upon your office, but as the 
records have fallen into your 
office, I have no alternative
Page 42

if for this purpose you cannot furnish this information desired, I shall greatly regret it, but shall console myself with the reflection that the object was innocent and laudable.
   The widow of Aaron Keeler is long since dead.
                            I am Very Respectfully
                                Yours
          ]Signed]     Edward B. Sawyer
                 Late [?] Col. 1st Vt Gov.
Page 43

Old war Div.
JNP Ex'r.


                Department of the Interior
                        PENSION OFFICE
Washington D.C.  November 23", 1885

Sir:  
      In compliance with you request of the 23rd inst. for the personal and military history [word inserted] of your grandfather, Aaron Keeler, who was a private and officer from Connecticut in the war of the Revolution, to be use at a gathering of his numerous [word inserted] descendants on the 10th of January next, which is [last two words inserted] the 90th birthday of his daughter, and your mother, the enclose sheet is forwarded which [last two words inserted] contains all the information that is embraced in the statements of his widow and her witnesses, when she made an application for a pension; or that has been found in the Military reports on file in this Office -
  The decease of the above officer in 1816 was several years before the passage of a pension law under which he would have been [last two words inserted] be entitled, therefore, this office has no other history than that herewith enclosed -
                           Very respectfully

Edward B. Sawyer Esq             Commissioner
Late Colo 1st Vt  [illegible]
                       Hyde Park
                                  Vt
Page 44

                                     Free

es L. Edwards.
 Commissioner of Pensions
             City of Washington 
                                D C

   Ans on margin of
Cir. Aug 20 1844 -
       Appn refused
Page 45

        Hydepark   Augt. 15 1844

Honl. James L. Edwards

   Sir - The papers of Gloriany Olmstead remain on file in your office and is they are; & probably will be unavailable under that Declaration as she was married - after Mr. Keelers death for whose service She claims - and upon the contingency of her 2nd widowhood might be of use - if consistant [sic] with the rules of your department - I would request a return of them to me.
                          I remain with high respect
                          you sevt.
                      [Signed]  Joshua Sawyer -

P.S> They contain proof that claimant be supplied
Perhaps -
Page 46

                    4403
          Gloriana Olmstead
                      Vt


    Let to J. Sawyer,  Feb 10 1846  

                 Act 7 July 1838
Page 47

Keeler 3 Regiment Connecticut, a Ensign
was he entitled to bounty, Served

RW entitled to County Service and Commutation
Page 48

                             4403
   Gloriana Olmstead
   formerly widow of
      Aaron Keeler
             Vt
Act 7 July 1838

 Adm. 2 years Ensign
    $240 per Annum

Adm. 3 March 1843 & 17 June 44
              $240 - 

no act 1843 -0701
 "    "    1844 - 310

Hon W. Upham
    U. S. Senate
Page 49

[LEFT PAGE]

Adj't. General's
Office (E.B.) Rec'd     1885
     Nov 2

Hyde Park, Vt.
         Oct. 31. '85

Edward B. Sawyer

For mil. records of
Aaron Keeler who served
from Conn. in Revolutionary 
War. -



[RIGHT PAGE ]

        War Department
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE
     Washington, Nov. 4, 1885.

Respectfully returned to 
Edward B Sawyer
Hyde Park, Vt.
Applications for information related to
officers or solicited men
in the Revolutionary 
War should be addressed 
to the Commissioner
of Pensions in whose office the rolls of troops
in said war are filed
P.
         [Signed]  J.D. Greene
                         Assistant adjutant General.
Page 50

                   Hyde Park Vt.  Oct. 31st 85

Adjt. Gen. U.S.A.
    Washington D.C.
                            Sir:
                            The enclosed letter from
the Ass't. Adjt. Gen. Conn. is in reply to our inquiry for the military record of Aaron Keeler who served from Conn. during the war of the revolution. My information is that he went from the town of Norwalk,, & he had the rank of Ensign, and was commissioned Capt. by the State of Connecticut, and performed a Capt's duties, but was never mustered as I am informed. He came here in about the year 1791, and died in 1816.. My mother, now living at the age of nearly 90 (born Jan. 10, 96) is his daughter.  I want to get his military record
                    I am Very Respectfully
    [Signed]       Yours,  Edward B. Sawyer
Page 51

   Rev    WIDOW , etc.

File No.   21,867
    Glorian Olmstead
          widow of
   Aaron Keeler
Ensign  Rev War

Act:  Feb 2nd 48
Index: -- Vol. M, Page 99
   [Arrangement of 1870.]

[Written vertically on the right side of page]

1929 Apr. 23 Photos to Mrs. Dorothy M. Hardy
and Finance Div. notified, M.E.E.
Page 52

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE  I-681  PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to 
          Requisition No. 31146
  Regulation for Duplicating. Addressograph, 
           Photostat, and Blue Print Work.

          DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
                              WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications   Room G 137
                                April 1, 1929
    Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering PENSION   Deliver to room 5033

(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS ITIS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)

Title and description of job photostatic copy of one page from Revolutionary War pension stae of Aaron Keeler, Gloriana Olmstead fromer widow, W. 21867

No. of copies 1 of each apge   Shall form be kept Standing?            days

For further information see M.M. H. Finch   
                            5033             541
                          Room No.     Phone No.

Approved
A.D. Wilkerson                 Margaret M H. Finch
Chief Clerk of Bureau          Chief of Branch

NOTE:   No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is  written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering ......................

                    CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph      single or double spaced? ............ 
             Facsimile signature? .......................... 
Mimeograph         one side or both sides .........
               Facsimile signature? ........................
Folding           once or twice
Assembling
Stapling          Once?    Twice       Side?     End? 
Electric typewriter    Fill in address?    Dated?

Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size                   Card, size
Proof list                              Pay rolls
Labels 9submit sample)      Corrections
Fill in letters                        Tabulation Sheets

Photostat....X   Size....Actual   Official use?........   
           Repay ..... Yes ...... $.15      
Blue print .....     Size ......        Official use? .......  
           Repay?      $.....
Remarks  .................................................................
                                     (OVER)
Page 53

note:  Routine changes of address may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chief clerks of bureaus;
      ..........................................192 .....,
                 Date

INDICATE BY AN x IN PRPEOR SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.

.....Make an Addressograph plates}              On
.....Change present addressograph plate}      List
.....Destroy present addressograph plate}     .......
     as follows:

Now reads      1 ............
                        2.............
                        3............. 
                        4............. 
                        5.............

Should read    1............. 
                        2............ 
                        3............ 
                        4............
                        5............

___________________________________________ 
FOR USE IN DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
              ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made .....................................192.....
Operator ................................
                  MULTIGRAPH
Operator..................Date ...........Type set by ........
Remarks .............................................................
                     MIMEOGRAPH
Operator .............Date...........Cut by..........
Remarks..........................................................................
Page 54

               April 1, 1929
                                    Cash - 15 cents
                                 FINANCE DIVISION
                               BOOK KEEPER'S DESK
                                       APR 3 1929
                             BUREAU OF PENSIONS

Acting Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Sir:    
    Please furnish photostatic copy of one (1) page from the Revolutionary War pension claim of Aaron Keeler, Gloriana Olmstead former widow, W. 21867.   
  Signed:
     Mrs. Dorothy M. Hardy,
           Littleton,
                    Mass.              


                            Nelson B Keeler
                                  will call

Received payment
Fifteen Cents
April 1, 1929
[SIgned]  Maurice E. Everick
Rev. &  1812 War Section
Page 55

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED
To Aaron Keeler Gentleman   Greeting, We, Reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, and Fidelity, DO by those presents constitute and appoint you to be an Ensign in the fifth Connecticut Regiment in the Army of the United States to take rank as such from the 22nd day of April 1781. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Ensign by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging And we do Strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders as Ensign   And you are to observe and follow such order as Ensign from time to time,  as you shall receive from this and future  Congress of the United States Committee of Congress, for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and disciplines of War pursuance of the trust reposed in you.  This Commission to continue inforce until revoked by this or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress beforementioned, or a Committee of the States.

    Witness his Excellency Thos. McKean President of the Congress of the United States of America at Philadelphia the 29th day of October 1781 and in the Sixth year of our Independence -
        [Signed]  Tho. McKean President

Entered in the War Office
and examined by the Board
Attest
L... Carleton Secretary of the Board of War
Page 56

NOTE:  This page (56) appears identical to Page 58.
Page 57

                     Aaron Keeler
His widow Gloriana in Oct 1839 of Elmore, Lamoille Co Vt aged 73 states she was mar'd to Aaron Keeler Sept 28, 1785 in the Parish of Wilton, Norwalk Conn by Rev. Mr Lewis "Norwalk was the native town of her former husband & herself; that they lived there for the term of about 6 years after their marriage, where or in the vicinity they expected to reside for life; that her late husband having between 1& 2 thousand dollars, the prudent savings of his service in the Revolution & upon which he relied for his Capital to Commence business in the world (being Continental money); that under the State of depreciation, either advisedly or unadvisedly, sold or parted with it for a mere nominal sum  supposing it better to take something than to lose the whole as was then contemplated might be the case   my said husband Keeler & myself sought a rude independence in the wilds of Vt, he having purchased there a tract of land for that purpose, upon which we removed & resided until his death in Octo 22 1816 aged almost 58 years  [last four words inserted]   Through hard industry & trial we realized, not wealth or polished Society, but a competency & health, bringing up a family of 6 children - 4 of which survive - At the death death [sic] of Mr. Keeler our small but respectable gains consisting of a farm worth from $2 to 3,000 - Surrounded with small but comfortable farmers paraphanalia [sic] was divided among his 6 children leaving the use of 1/3 of the realty a share of the personal property to eke out the remainder of my days from & I could have  done this probably in a comfortable degree, but I was shortly doomed to additional misfortune - My 3' son David Keeler (deceased since my intermarriage with Seth Olmstead of Elmore my present husband) (about 1830) always a feeble person was Seized with insanity not sufficient to confine, yet too far to trust without continued watchfulness"
In about 1827 [word inserted] she mard Seth Olmstead a respectable man of moderate property when   [this last sentence appears to have be crossed out]
Page 58

relinquished " my remaining all as it were to her eldest son Fredk Keeler to where care & family I confided this pitiful but no less interesting object of my feelings,   the said David's pittance of his father's estate had been thrice exhausted & my own was kept up by the utmost vigilance & prudence"
A maternal uncle of her husband Aaron Keeler, Capt afterwards Major Samuel Comstock, Capt Zalmon Hubbell & Seth Hubbell my brothers were compatriots  throughout the war with my husband from the same town - He was the
eldest son of a highly respectable farmer who was wealthy
At the Battle of Monmouth NJ (June 28, 1778) which has been often mentioned as a very hot day he was "melted down" which afflicted him through life. He had a younger brother Jeremiah Keeler who probably remained in Norwalk at least he settled his fathers estate   
 Frederick Keeler States that his parents removed to Vt about 1791 & that about a year after his father's decease he returned with his family [last three words inserted]  to the "homestead"
   before  Signed by Wm P Sawyer J.P.
Joshua Sawyer in Nov 1839 states that he is about 50 years   In 1809 he began to live at Burlington Vt & in 1810 he began the practicing the law in Hyde Park Vt & was informed by elder brother who had been living in the Country with whom he boarded that that Aaron Keeler a near neighbor [last three words inserted] was a Revy Soldier who he understood had kept a sort of Journal of important events and copies of important addresses which were communicated during
his service & which he  read to family in Vermont other [illegible] in this inflammatory [last six words are inserted and "as is."] 
Taken at Camp Newburg N Y  he thinks anonymously scattered among  the books & answer of Genl Washington on that occasion - Sawyer was a daughter of Keeler as Ensign in the 5th Cont to rank from April 22 1781 is dated Oct 20 1781 7 Signed by the Prsdt of Continental Congress
Polly Keeler wife of Jeremiah brother of Aaron [last three words inserted] aged about 75 years, late of Norwalk but now of Greenfield Ulster County NY to whom Jeremiah [next two words illegible] before [illegible] 1785 & was present at the wedding of Aaron
Olmstead died Sept 5, 1844

[Written vertically on text, right side]

March 29, 1852
From Comm of Pensions
Page 59

died in the winter preceeding Sept 1844


[Stamp]
           OF THE
          INTERIOR
        JAN 27 18_2                       1816
     PENSION OFFICE                      58
                                                    ____
                                                   1758
Page 60

Mary Dunning of Greenfield N Y the younger sister of Aaron States her age about 69 years he enlisted under Capt Comstock her mothers brother in law
 # at the Siege of Mudfort (on the Delaware River below Phila) & other Battles

Copied from a leaf of a family Bible
Aaron Keeler born Dec 7. 17.. torn off
Glorianor Hubbell born Nov 30   "   "
married Sept 28, 1785
Frederick Keeler  born in Cambridge Vt Nov 18 1791
Sarah Keeler born in    In consequence of
an oversight in misplacing the name of Sarah after Aaron instead of before the date of the birth or omitted & the record ended
Capt S Comstock was her maternal Uncle
Ensign ranking from April 22 1781
widow alive in August 1848
Olmstead died aged 83 years
Nathl P Sawyer of Hyde Park [illegible word] in 
         Sept 1844
then abt 72 years    a daughter of Frederick
Page 61

State of Vermont
Lamoille Cy Clerk's Office} Js

    I  Philo G Camp, Clerk of the County of Lamoille Do certify that Wm. P. Sawyer before whom the annexed affidavit purported to a have been sworn - was at the date of the same - one of the Justices of the Peace in & for said County of Lamoille - and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name Subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature -
Witness my hand & Seal of office the 27th day of November 1839.
                 [Signed]  P.G. Camp Clerk

A Seal is
affixed
here
Page 62

I Joshua Sawyer of Hydepark In the County of Lamoille and State of Vermont aged about fifty years ...... [wordinserted] in the year AD 1809 began to live at Burlington Vt - and from thence & in theyear 1810 I began the practice of the Lw in said Hydepark - Immediately upon my coming to reside ther I was informed, by an elderly brother who had been long inthe Country and with whom I boarde, that Aaron Keeler Esquire - a near neighbor was a Revolutionary Officer - and was in the Revolutionary War- from first to last -  I soon becmae acquainted with him & intimate in the family  I found by a reciprocation  in the Events of the War - (which were familiar to me alone by History and various parts of the Country - which he described Left me no room to doubt - that he had been an actor in and eye witness to them -  Our conversation turned upon these as engrossing [illegible word] - very frequently when we met - beside he kept a kind of journal of some Important Events - in various parts of the Country - and copies of some Important addresses - which were communicated during his  Service -  I remember well among others contained in a small book in his own hand he read the famous inflammatory Letter - at Camp Newburgh I think Secretly or anonymously scattered among the Troops - and the answer of General Washington - on that occasion    This was a valuable little Memoir - I supposed up to the time (about three years) made of some enquiries [sic] after his rights as a Revolutionary Soldier and officer - this book and various other war [word underlined] documents - remained ad heir looms [last two words underlined]. In the family but nothing could be found Save his commission - (annexed to the declaration of Glorianor Olmstead - late wife and widow of said Keeler) and which I had kept for some time previous - up to the time of it being annexed to her declaration -  I suppose them lost or destroyed - Among other things he related his loss of health and property in & since the War - his health was impaired during Life - by being melted down at the Battle of Monmouth - and all his earnings save a small percentage amounted to between 12 & 15 hundred
Page 63

dollars  - by the depreciation of the Continental currency - the latter of which drove him with others to these then wilds of Vermont - changing as he expressed & his whole anticipated prospects  - from all sources have I learnt the same things - family - relatives - contemporaneous with him in the war - and neighborhood - said Keeler died  in the year 1816 - October - Leaving a widow the present applicant for a pension, and six children - four of which survive - his third son became shortly insane - followed up - by the most afflictive Soares  [sic] -which continued untill his death about 1830 - which seemed to encrease [sic] in pain & Loathsomeness - For twelve years - or about that time - night and day - did the Mother watch around & over  this Insolated and disturbed Mortal - untill her own health gave way to the task- and his pittance - left him by his father - had been four times exhausted - and her own was scantily preserved - by [illegible word] attention & economy  - She married Seth Olmstead Esq - a respectable man of moderate property and [illegible word] Independence- at this time She gave over her small remnant to her Eldest Son who  Immediately upon his father's decease came to live upon the homestead - Since her Intermarriage with sd Olmstead - his own family being girls principally - have name much upon his charities- through the failure and loss of their husbands - and being respectible [sic] - the performance of these duties are considered by both Olmstead and his wife - irresistible
I married a daughter of said Keeler - but yet I may be permitted to add - that he lived in the same Independent uprightness - that impelled him in his youth - and the dawn of its Independence & steadfastly and honorably to quit his war  Like labors at the close of the achievement and the reputation of her who now seeks  aid - was in Life - and has been Since his death a helpmate to his - Mrs. Olmstead can live without  begging - because her own blood [illegible word]
Page 64

are moderately competent to prevent this - and if willing and able to aid - So far as give her a living -
    One other circumstance I testify to - because the deponent has been assiduous in examining into the Subject , through the various Sources - connect with it - his Land warrant Issued 1795 - No 1191 - without his aid or Interference -  In 1812 a patent Issued and this was filed away & corrected by some ungenerous hand - so that this has probably become lost through [illegible word] or furnished to his family -
      The deponent is satisfied that  sd Keeler served honorably through the Revolutionary War - to its very close - that he materially lost his health and his earning therein -
that he also lost the bulk of his Land warrant - (tho by possibility this may be recovered.) [all words in parentheses are underlined] without any act of omission or Commission on his part - and that he never asked nor received a cent at the hand of his Country except as above and further the deponent Saith not.
    [Signed]  Joshua Sawyer
Subscribed and Sworn to
this 25th day of November AD 
1839 before me}

[Signed]  Wm Sawyer   Justice of the Peace
I hereby verify that the said Joshua Sawyer who subscribed his name to the above affidavit - is personally known to me - and that his character for truth and veracity is above Impeachment
Page 65

and that full faith and credit ought to be given his testimony whenever given  I further certify - that the words "In or post" "he.. were interlined before the execution of this affidavit.-  
    [Signed] Wm P Sawyer Justice of the Peace
Page 66

State of Vermont
Lamoille County Js}   On this 12th day of September AD 1844 personally appeared before the Hon. Salmon Wiers Judge in open Court Gloriany Olmstead a resident of Elmore in the County of Lamoille and State of Vermont aged about Seventy nine 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 July 7th 1838 and the act of the 23rd August 1842 - the act of the 3rd March 1843 - and the act of the 17th day of June 1844 - granting pensions to widows of certain Revolutionary Soldiers 
   That she was formerly the widow of Aaron Keeler Esquire late of said Hydepark in said County of Lamoille that aid Aaron enlisted a Private at the beginning of the Revolutionary War - in the fifth Regiment Connecticut Troops & continued in the Service of his Country untill the close of Said War   that the Company into which he enlisted was then Commanded by Capt. Samuel Comstock of Norwalk in the State of Connecticut - My said Husbands fraternal Uncle -

On the 22nd day of April 1781 he was promoted to the Office of Ensign in the fifth Regiment and was Commissioned by Commission hearing date October 20 1781 as transmitted, with a previous declaration of this declarant & remaining on the files of the Pension Department with a variety of other evidence, which is refered [Sic] to in Support of this Declaration and made part thereof - that said Keeler was honorably discharged - and received his pay for his services (in Continental money) [last three words underlined]  amounting to about twelve hundred dollars - which fully appears by his [illegible word] In the Archives of the United States in the War or Treasury Department that her said husband was in several important Battles - especially the
Page 67

Battle of  Monmouth - where he received n injury of which he complained of through Life, by means of excessive heat - and being melted down as it is commonly called - But it is impossible to recollect all the a particulars at this time of Life - ad impaired health - as it is nearly 30 years since my husband Keeler died to wit Octor 22 1816 - I believe in the same Regiment was Capt. Salmon Hubbel & a younger brother Seth - who were both my brothers and were also out during the whole War - as will also appear by an examination of the Records of the War Department
  The Declarant must trust much  to the very apparent Evidence - among the records of the Department of the United States - and also in the Pension Office, which has been heretofore transmitted -
    She further Declares that she was married to the sd Aaron Keeler on the 28th day of September 1785 at the Town of Norwalk in the State of Connecticut in the Parish of Wilton - by the Rev Mr. Lewis an ordained Minister of the Gospel - in sd Parish
           and that her said husband aforesaid Aaron Keeler died , at said Hydepark, on the 22nd day of October 1816 - aged about 58 years  that she remained the widow of sd Aaron Keeler untill the Month of April 1827 - when she married Seth Olmstead Esquire of Elmore - aforesd that sd Olmstead died at sd
Elmore on Thursday the fifth Instant - and that She has remained a widow ever since
Page 68

that period as will more fully appear by reference to the page [last three words inserted] hereto annexed
    [Signed]  Glorianor Olmstead

Subscribed and Sworn to before me and I certify that sd Gloriany Olmstead isa person of Truth & a credible witness in any Court or before any Tribunal
          [Signed]  Salmon Winis  Judge -

State of Vermont
Lamoille District Js}
   I Salmon Meirs Judge of Probate within and for the District of Lamoille aforesaid certify that the Declaration of Gloriany Olmstead hereto annexed, was duly made before me in open Court and Subscribed and Sworn to - and the alteration   "Thursday the" & 'to the proof" at the bottom of the 2d & Top of the 3rd pages were made & corrected before Signing this Declaration -
In testimony whereof I have hereto Subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of sd Court at the Probate office in Johnson in said District this 12t day of September 1844
       [Signed Salmon  Weirs  Judge
Page 69

State of Vermont
Lamoille Cy Js}     I Philo G Camp of Hydepark Clerk of Lamoille Cy Court hereby certify that Salmon Wiers of Johnson in sd County of Lamoille is Judge of Probate within and for the District of Lamoille - duly commissioned & qualified that his Commission is dated the 31st day of Oct. 1843  & will expire on the 1st day of December AD 1844 and that his signature above and within is true & genuine -   In witness whereof I hereunto Subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court this 12th day of September AD 1844
    [Signed] P.G. Camp Clerk
Page 70

Declaration of                                    Stamp
Glorianor Olmstead                           affixed
formerly widow of                                here
Aaron Keeler for
a Pension-
              AK

Joshua Sawyer
  Agent -
Page 71

         Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the acts of Congress of 2nd of Feby 1848, entitles an act making further provisions for surviving widows and Soldiers of the Revolution -

State of Vermont
District of Lamoille}  Js   On this fifth day of August AD 1848 personally appeared before the Honl H.P. Smith - Judge - In open Court Glorianor Olmstead - widow of the late Seth Olmstead of Elmore in said County who died on the ..... day of September AD 1844 -  aged about Eighty three years who being duly sworn according to Law - doth on her oath make the following Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the Provisions - made by the act of Congress passed on the 2n day of Feby AD 1848 - granting pensions to Widows of Persons who Served during the Revolutionary War - that She is still the widow of sd Olmstead late of Elmore
Page 72

of Vermont - and formerly the widow of Aaron Keeler - who was an Ensign in the Revolutionary War - and died 22nd day of October AD 1816   that she was inscribed on the pension list, at the rate of two hundred and forty dollars per Annum commencing on the 4th day of March 1838 to the 4th day of March, 1843 - also as the Revolutionary widow of Aaron Keeler, She was Inscribed on the Pension List - at the same note per Annum, Commencing on the 4th of March 1843 - and terminating on the 4th of March 1848 - sd last Pension Certificate was on the 6th day of December 1844 and Signed Wm Wilkins - Secretary of War -  That both said Certificates have been for & given up or Surrendered to the agent for paying Revolutionary Pensioners - at Montpelier Vermont - that to evidence her claim - and to obtain her Sd Pensions - all the
Page 73

Papers appertaining to my Said husbands Service in the Revolutionary War - that is Aaron Keeler - (for my Second husband Seth Olmstead never Served)   were transmitted to the Pension Office of the United States - by my Agent Joshua Sawyer - among which was said Keelers Commission of Ensign in sd War - for whose services as such I drew my Pension - and am now again claiming -  I refer the Honl Commissioner to those files - not having in my possession or power  other papers - to State particulars - In regard to his revolutionary services throughout the length and breadth of the Revolutionary War - She further declares that she is Still the widow of said Aaron Keeler - (Intervening Sd Seth Olmstead deceased)
     [Signed]  Glorianor Olmstead
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above written before  -
                            Judge
Page 74

State of Vermont
District of Lamoille}
I Harlow P Smith Judge of Probate within and for the District of Lamoille aforesaid- certify that the Declaration of Glorianor Olmstead hereto named, was duly made before me- in open Court -      and Subscribed and Sworn to - the words "wife' erased and "widow" interlined before signing  -

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed y name and affixed the Seal of sd Court -a the Probate Court in Hydepark in sd District this 5" day of August AD 1848
   [Signed] Harlen P. Smith Judge of Probate

Seal 
affixed
here
Page 75

State of Vermont
Lamoille County Clerk's Office
Hydepark August 5th 1848
I Harlow P. Smith Deputy Clerk of Lamoille County Court Certify that Harlow P. Smith id Judge of Probate in and for the Probate District of Lamoille in sd County of Lamoille duly Commissioned & qualified that his Commission bears date October 30th 1847 - and will expire on the 30th day of November [last word inserted] 1848 and that his signature within and above - written is genuine - In testimony whereby I hereunto set my hand [word inserted] and affix the Seal of sd Court - the day and year first above written -  
      attest  [Signed]  H.P. Smith Deputy Clerk of 
              Lamoille County Clerk


Seal
affixed
here
Page 76

The affidavit of Polly
Keeler -
In the case of
Glorianor
Page 77

I, Polly Keeler, late of Norwalk in the State of Connecticut - but now of Greenfield in the State of New York aged about 75 years Testify and Say, that my late Husband Jeremiah Keeler late of said Norwalk - was the brother of Aaron Keeler Esquire late of Hydepark in the State of Vermont deceased - and that the said Aaron Keeler was the husband of Glorianny Keeler now as I understand Glorianny Olmstead - that I was married to the said Jeremiah Keeler before the said Aaron married the said Glorianny - that in the fall of the year 1785 and I have no doubt the 28th day of September but of the day I will not be particular - I was present at the Wedding of the said Aaron Keeler & Glorianny Hubbel both of Norwalk in the State of Connecticut and saw them joined in Marriage by the Rev Mr Lewis for a long time of my younger days - the Settled Minister - in the Parish of Wilton So called in said Town of Norwalk - and they lived together as man and wife in said Norwalk a number of years - and then removed to Vermont - where they have ever since resided as I understand -  I further know that my said brother in law Aaron Keeler Esquire so far as my Sen. could ordinarily know - was out during the whole revolutionary
Page 78

as a Soldier and an Officer and returned at the close to Norwalk - that he was reputed and understood - to have .... between the amount of his earnings in the War one & two thousand dollars - in the currency of the day- to wit - Continental money- which I then understood & I had no doubt, he disposed of for a Trifle and frustrated, In his business - with his then young and small family, removed to the Wilds of Vermont - where he remained untill his death as I have no doubt - and further this deponent Saith not -
                     [Signed] Polly Keeler
Sworn and Subscribed 
this 18th day of Nov 1839
before me
 [Signed]  Nathan Daniels  Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that the above named Polly Keeler is personally known to me and that the character for the truth and veracity is above impeachment or dispute and that her testimony in my opinion ought to receive full credit in any Court
  [Signed] Nathan Daniels Justice of the Peace
Page 79

STATE OF NEW YORK Saratoga County Clerk's Office, }SS.
 I, Alphonse Goodrich, Clerk of the county of Saratoga, Do Certify, that Nathan Daniels before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit, to be his proper hand writing and signature.
   Witness my hand and seal of Office, the 16th day of November 1819
    [Signed] A Goodrich Clerk
Page 80

2 Certs.
"38"43 &"44{ repo


                                     6485
                        Montpelier 
                          Vermont
       Gloriana Olmstead, formerly
widow of Aaron Keeler,
who was an Ensign
in the Revo War

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
    240 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 
    6" day of December 1844
 and sent to 
            Hon W. Upham
               U.S. Senate

     [Act of March 3, 1843.]
          and June 17, 1844
Recorded in Book A
   Vol .2   Page 65
Page 81

                             8920
                          Vermont
Gloriana Olmstead, formerly
widow of Aaron Keeler
who was a pensioner under Act  of  ...
and who died on the 22d October 1816, 
of Lamoille in the State of Vt.
who was a Ensgn in the Co
commanded by Captain ............. of the
regt commanded by ......................... in
the Massa line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier
at the rate of 240 Dollars -
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th  
        day
of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 6" day of
Decem. 1844 and sent to Hon
              W Upham  U.S.S.

Total amount,                                 $200.00
                           [Act July 7, (year illegible)]
           [Signed] FL Swann
                                   Page 13
Page 82

I certify that the following alternatives were made by the Subscribing authority vis "December 1836" Erased "Nov 23d 1830" - "Four"   Monmouth & "and various other battles"  " The - & Commys [all words back to 'Erased' are underlined] and "originally" [underlined] erased before the above affidavit was signed & sworn to before me.
    [Signed]  William Sawyer Justice of the Peace 

[Written vertically on the right, below the above information]
Gamaliel Taylor
Esquires affidavit
in case of the
widow and heirs
of Aaron Keeler
Esquire
Page 83

State of Vermont    Hydepark  Nov 23d 1839
Lamoille County Js}
I Gemailel Taylor of Hydepark in the County of Lamoille and State of Vermont aged about seventy four [word inserted] years - do Testify and say that I was born in Norwalk in the County of Fairfield State of Connecticut that Aaron Keeler Esquire late of Hydepark deceased was a native of said Norwalk - I then knew by reputation that said Keeler had enlisted into the Revolutionary war. I well knew when he returned at the close of the war, his name was familiar to me in [word inserted] the Town I resided in as a Revolutionary officer - I think an ensign I then understood and have universally so understood that Aaron Keeler served as an officer and Soldier throughout the Revolutionary war.   I was not particularly nor personally acquainted with the said Keeler untill I came to Hydepark. I there recognised [sic] him as the Person whose reputation I had long known in my native Town (Norwalk) with many others to wit Capt. Comestock, Talmon & Seth Hubel, and many others as Revolutionary Officers and Soldiers who went into war at its beginning and came out at its Termination - From my younger days I had no more doubt that Aaron Keeler
Page 84

was through the Revolutionary War than If I had been an eye Witness - I always understood that said Keeler was at the siege of [illegible] Fort Monmouth & various other battles [last five words inserted] -  No Man in Life Maintained an higher character. For integrity than said Keeler - He died in 1816, leaving a widow - Gloriany Keeler who was formerly Gloriany Hubbell of said Norwalk - Now the wife of Seth Olmstead Esquire and a Family of six Children.  I have ever understood that said Keeler lost all of his Revolutionary earnings by Continental money - His Father was a wealthy Farmer in said Town of Norwalk -  Mr Keeler led a Virtuous, Enlightened and Industrious Life on his own farm, and bred up a Family -as well as could have been expected - as the [word inserted] benefits of society were little extended in this land at the time of his death -  His widow married Seth Olmstead Esq. originally from Norwalk - She is now aged and infirm and like her Husband lived an upright life and supported a good Charecter [sic] - and is now destitute of Property - Having spent the last remnant of her third which was not great.  In the case and maintenance of a distressed child - to wit David Keeler who became
Page 85

bed ridden - after his Fathers Death and was finally Crazy.  In addition to this he was an object of Pitiful astonishment by reason of soares [sic], and required nothing less than a Mothers love to attend to him.  Almost night and day - as she did for about twelve years - The Children are not wealthy but sober Industrious people - & generally by close attention maintain themselves reputable & comfortable - and further your deponent Saith not -
   [Signed]  Gamaliel Taylor
 Sworn to and
Subscribed this 23rd day
of November AD 1839   before me  
 [Signed] William P Sawyer Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that the above named Gamaliel Taylor is personally known to me and that his character for truth and veracity is above Impeachment or dispute and that his Testimony In my opinion ought to receive full faith and credit whenever given -
[Signed] William P. Sawyer Justice of the Peace
Page 86

I certify that the following allerations [alterations] were made by me the Subscribing authority - viz  "December 1836"
Erase "Nov 23 1830"   "Faux"  Monmouth &
"and various other Battles"  'The  - & Comings  [next word illegible] [all words from after Erase - Comings  are underlined] 
and "originally" erased before the above affidavit was signed & sworn to before me
 [Signed]  William P. Sawyer Justice of the Peace

[Written vertically after the above information]
Gamaliel Taylor
Esquire's affidavit 
in case of the 
widow and  & heirs 
of Aaron Keeler 
Esquire

State of Vermont
Lamoille Ct  Js - I Philo G. Camp, Clerk, of the County of Lamoille do hereby certify that William P. Sawyer Esquire before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been made was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in & for the County of Lamoille and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name is subscribed to the said affidavit - to be his proper hand writing and signature -  Witness my hand and Seal of Office 23rd day of November 1839