Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13620, for Richard Keeney, Connecticut
Page 1

Conn, Keeney "Keney," Richard  S. 13620

Carded (ID verified)
Page 2

17.637 Connecticut, Hartford County
Richard Keeney of Hartford County in the State of Conn. 
who was a Private & Teamster in the -commanded by Captain - of the - commanded  by - in the Revolution for 9  months Teamster 15 .. Private     

Inscribed on the Roll of Hartford at the rate of 122 Dollars 00 Cents per annum; to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
to Aug.16 to December 1851
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of June 1853 and sent to W. G. Wade. 
New York

Arrears to the 4th of Semianl. allowance ending Juroprovo $61.43.

{Revolutionary Claim 
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by [illegible] Clerk
Book C. 2 Vol. 3, Page 23
Page 3

Richard Keeney. 
Pens. act 7th June 1832
Connecticut
------------
L. M. Class Esq. 
Washington

Will you please call at the office of the Com. of Pensions, & examine for me the papers of Richard Keeney, referred to in the written power of attorney.
Yours Truly
W G [illegible]

Rose N(?J?)
Aug 18 1852
Page 4

State of Connecticut
County of Hartford
J.W. Keeney being duly sworn according to the law saith that he is interested in the investigation of the claim of the late Richard Keeney to arrears or increase of pension.
Sworn & subscribed before me this 12th day of August 1852
Ralph Cheney, Justice of the Peace
Know all men by these presents that I, John W. Keeney of Manchester, son of Richard Keeney late a soldier in the service of the United States, do hereby constitute an appoint, authorize and empower W.G. Wade Esq. of Washington D.C. my true and lawful Attorney, to prosecute an investigation, for the purpose of obtaining arrears of pension believed to be due to the late Richard Keeney at his decease
Witness my hand and seal this 12th day of August 1852.
Signed and sealed in the presence of Ralph Cheney, W.D. Gregory
X John W Keeney. (seal)
State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield
On this 12th day of August 1852 personally appeared before the subscriber Justice of the Peace duly authorized by law, to administer oaths to John W Keeney named in the foregoing power of Attorney, who acknowledges the same to be his act and deed.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year above written.
Ralph Cheney Justice of the Peace
Page 5

I Margaret Keeney of Manchester in the County of Hartford and the State of Connecticut do depose and say, that I was 69 years of age March 11th 1832 and was married September 1784 to Richard Keeney of Manchester who's an applicant for a pension under the Act of June 7 1832. He was two years and four months younger than myself. We were born and have always resided in the same town and I have always understood and believed that he was born July 22nd 1765. He entered service as a Soldier of the Revolution at an early age, and left the army at the age of 18 or 19 years about one and a half years before our marriage. I recollect distinctly his leaving East Hartford the last campaign in the State of New York. He was absent about a year and understood that the name of his Captain was David Dorrance and his Colonels Sherman and Webb. I heard at that time and have frequently understood since that my husband, the said Richard Keeney, performed several tours of duty at New London.

[continued on p 100 of 105]
Page 6

[continued from p 101 of 105]

as a substitute to his father, his uncle and one Silas Hills, when a mere lad. I have often heard my husband speak of these Services and of his serving in Captain Ozias Bissell's company about nine months and other services amounting I should think to about four years. My brother [illegible] Porter served the whole revolutionary was from the commencement. He now lives in Bristol in the State of New York and received a pension under the Act of 1818. My oldest brother David Porter enlisted into the naval service and was taken prisoner by a British Man of War. He died nearly 50 years ago. My third brother Ehphalet Porter was a dragoon in Colonel Elisha Shelden's regiment and served 3 or 5 years according to my recollection. He lived in New Hartford State of New York and died there several years ago. He was a pensioner of the United States until his death. My three brothers were older than myself & at the time they entered the service they [illegible] at said East Hartford. I think I was then about eleven years old.
Page 7

 My husband, age ( illegible)   My own was recorded about forty years ago  (crossed out, illegible) in East Hartford with the ages of four of our children. (The paper appears to be torn.)  (illegible) was made by one (illegible) and carried by him to Wilbraham in the State of Mafsachusetts  My husband has made inquiries lately relative to this record but has not been able to procure a copy as the books have been placed in differant hands and he is unable to find them at present and further the depenant (illegible) not room and subscribed Before me this first day of February 1833 
Margaret X Keeney
            his mark

Samuel H Parsons
Notary Public
And further certify that Margaret Keeney the above named deponent's a credible person
Samuel H. Parsons
Notary Public
Page 8

Declaration of Richard Keeney under Act of June 7. 1832

No. 446
Page 9

Declaration (illegible) Richard Keeney in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congrefs paper June 7.  1832 State of Connecticut Hartford Probate District County of Hartford.

On the 18th day of July 1832. personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Hartford and State aforesaid being a Court process, having by law, a Seal and Clerk, personally appeared Richard Keeney of Manchester in Probate District and County of Hartford, age Sixty five years, who being thus duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order, to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congrefs paper June 7 1832.  That he the said Richard Keeney entered the service of the United States, on about the month of September 1778 and served (crossed out) term of two months (crossed out) in the Militia Company commanded by Captain Cone of Bolton, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Jonathan Wells of East Hartford, and continued to serve as a private in said Company until about the month of november 1778 ( crossed out) company was ( partial word in bend of page) Mr. Aden Andrus of Manchester. whose affidavit is here to annex served in the same company-
Page 10

and the
Page 11

Colonel Leve Wells of Colchester to serve for  nine months in the State troops of Connecticut; that he continues to serve in the Law Corps. in the service of the United States until the extension of the term of 9 months (afraid of which term he was started in a company of rangers selected from that segment) when he continues to serve about four months longer in land Company of rangers. Commanded by Captain Olmer led the evidence in relation to this term of service over taken before Gen: 
Johnathan Bruce Judge of Hartford of the Community Court December 5th 1818 which evidence is here to annexes - the intercepter who ten lifers at that time are now dead and also who the Clerk of the Court where the certification after led to that declaration- 
6th
That he the said Keeney enlisted in the Army of the United States as a Teamster of the term of 9 months at Glastenbury in said county of Hartford on or about the first of December 1780 according to his best recollecting under Captain Noah Risley of said Glastenbury and joined the Contentential Army near West Point of the North River in the State of New York carried a load of ammunition from Hartford, Connecticut.
Page 12

to the army at the time he joined it, There were several [illegible] from Glastenbury which started at the same time under Captain Risley the names of the [illegible] was William Wetherby, David Kennedy, Aaron Wolf, Isaac Treat, Thomas Denison Daniel Dorchester [illegible]. Wolf and Treat died from fatigue in the service
that he continued to serve as a Team Star until the expiration of the term of [illegible] nine months on or about the month of September 1781- and had started for home with the company of Teamsters, when the company was overtaken the next day about 12 miles east of the North River by a Continental officer called Major Cogswell, and were ordered to return to the army near Fiskill NY- he accordingly returned and served about nine months longer, and returned to Glastonbury about the month of May or June 1782 [illegible]
7th
 That he the said Richard Keeney enlisted in the army of the United States for the term of one year and about the first day of September 1782, in the Town of Hartford State of Connecticut in the company commanded by Captain David Dorrance, in the Regiment commanded
Page 13

5th 
by Colonel Samuel B Webb of Wethersfield with in the office of the state of Connecticut and the Continental establishment; that he continues to serve in the same corps until on or about the month of September 1783; when he was discharged from the service at West point in the state of New York, The discharge [illegible] for written pass for each soldier to return home, which [illegible] is lost. Moses Evans a pensioner on the role of the Connecticut agency is acquainted with this term of service and has hereto annexed his affidavit. That he hereby relinquishes every claim [illegible] a pension except the present and the said Richard Keeney in reply to certain interrogatories put by the court further declares and says,  That he was born in East Hartford in the County of Harford aforesaid on the 22d day of July 1767.
That his age is recorded in Wilbraham in  the books of the Methodist Circuit [illegible] kept by (Esquire) Bliss of Wilbraham That he has resided in said East Hartford from the day of his birth excepting while in the service.
That he was called into service in the manner set forth in the preceding declaration and has states the names of such officers as occur to him now. [illegible} discharges which he [illegible]
Page 14

[illegible] They were given  as hereto [illegible] states -
That [is crossed out] he is known generally in the neighborhood where he resides and can obtain the testimony of any of his acquaintances [illegible] for veracity is unquestionable, and their beliefs of his services as a soldier of the revolution [illegible] is [illegible] pension [illegible] 
Richard X Keney
            mark
Sworn & subscribed the day year aforesaid And the Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states; and the court further certify that the statements of Aden Andrus Levi Risley and Moses Evans whose affidavits are hereto annexed are entitled  to credit.
J. William Whitman Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Hartford do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Richard Keeney for [illegible]  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 18 day of July 1832
Wm. Whitman, Clk of the Court of Probate for the District of
Page 15

Proof of hinshop
case of 
Richard Keeney
Pens d act 7th June 1832, 
Decd Dec 16th  1851--
Pens @ $64 43/100
John W Keeney Admr
An [illegible] of pension for 
18 months service as a Con-Teamster
is claimed
see papers of Soloman Nye
Pens-act 32 Vt [illegible] Phelps
do-      "     "   "
(see over)
W G Wade
Rade, N.Y
Richard Keeney
died Dec 16 1851

Richard Keeney
Delana Terry
Delight Burr
John W. Keeney X
surviving children
x John W Keeney
administrator
Page 16

/100 dollars Slate of Connecticut
County of Hartford , ss I Ralph Cheney Judge of Probate for the District of Manchester, State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that at a Court of Probate - before me at Manchester - on the 12th day of August A.D. 1853- Evidence satisfactory was adduced to show  said Court that Richard Keeney late a pensioner of the United States, at the rate - Sept five [34.43 written above line]  43/100 dollars for annum, died on the 16th December one thousand eight hundred and fifty one, and that at his deceased he left him surviving and widow but the following named children which are his only children him surviving  Viz Richard Keeney of Lima New York, Delana Terry of Lima Delight Burr of Lisma and John W Keeney of Manchester Connecticut and that each [illegible] of the age of twenty one years and upwards I further certify that John W. Keeney is the administrator duly appointed and authorized to act as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and that of said Court the 13th day of August A.D. 1853
Ralph Cheney
Judge of Probate
Page 17

February 17, 1932
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. J. T. Lewis
South Manchester
Connecticut.

Dear madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Richard Keeney, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 13620, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Richard Keeney.
He was the son of Richard Keeney, and was born July 22, 1765 at East Hartford, Connecticut.
While residing at said East Hartford, he enlisted and served as a private in the Connecticut troops, as follows- in the fall of 1778, two month in Captain Amasa Loomis' company, this service as substitute for his uncle Benjamin Brown; from some time in January 1779, two month in Captain Jonathan Wells' company; from sometime in March or April 1779, two months in Captain Lyon's company; from August 23, 1779 to November 26, 1779 in Captain Jared Cone's company in Colonel Jonathan Wells' regiment; from sometime in March 1780, nine months Captains Osias Bissell's and Olmsted's companies, in Colonel Levi Wells' regiment, and was in an engagement at Horse neck; from sometime in December 1780 until May 1782 as teamster under Captain Noah Risley; from sometime in June 1782, one year in Captain David Dorrance's company, Colonels Sherman's and Samuel B. Webb's regiment
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 18, 1832, while a resident of Manchester (formerly called East Hartford), Connecticut.
He married in September 1784, Margaret Porter,
Page 18

wo was born March 11, 1763 in East Hartford, Connecticut. 
The soldier died December 16, 1851, leaving no widow, but the following children survived him- Delana Terry, Delight Burr, and Richard Keeney all of Lima, New York, and John W. Keeney of Manchester, Connecticut.

Very truly your
A. D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
Page 19

Hon L P Waldo
Com of Pensions,

Send to
L M Closs
Washington
D.C.
Page 20

5th

I have refered to the proofs furnished in the claim of Solomon Nye, in support of this claim, as the service of Keeney was in the same Company, and if Nye was entitled to the increased rate of pension- which he was most clearly if there is only truth in his own declaration, that of Capt Phelps , or of the old original documents from the Hubbard papers. Richard Keeney was justly{underlined] entitled to the claime increased rate of pay. 
 It may be noticed that both of these claimants were enlisted teamsters[both words underlined], -and Nye in his declaration states particularly that Capt Risley was attached to Genl Wadsworth[underlined] Brigade,- Capt Bissel Phelps has been paid for his services as conductor, his[underlined] Teamsters had been allowed Pensions at the increased rate of $16 per month, - he states he knew Capt Risley well, & that Risley took the command of a company he B P. enlisted[underlined] said Bissel Phelps & Noah Risley pay rolls are both paid and credited upon the same page of the Hubbards books
Reference may also be had to the statement of Richd Smith pens 32 N or Roswell Smith penser for further evidence as to Keeney and Risley service.
Very Respectfully
[illegible]
W G Wade
Hon L P Waldo
Com of Pensions,
P S. A [illegible] for 18 [illegible] $144
                                     6 " per             20[underlined]
                                                         $164
is asked [illegible]
Page 21

Increased from $54.43
Jesse Charlton Oct '40
Connecticut 17, 637
Richard Keeney
Hartford Co. in the State of Con.
as a private  in the company  commanded
by Captain   of the regt. commanded
by Col Wells in the Con.
line for 18 months & 13 days
Inscribed on the Roll of CConnecticut at the rate of 61 Dollars 43 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831
Increased from $54.43
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of Octobre
1840 and sent to Jesse Charlton, East Windsor, Con.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841   $614.30
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep "30 .71
     $645.01
{Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk,
Book E. 2. Vol 3. Page [43 crossed out] 23
Former payments to be deducted
Page 22

17.637-50 333 110 5443
Connecticut
Richard Keeney
Manchester in the State of Con
who was a Pri- in the Com commanded
by Captain Bissell of the Regt commanded
by Col Wills on the Con Miti
[illegible] for [illegible] 9 [illegible]
                                       7.10
                                     16 [illegible] 10 days
                                      $54.43
Inscribed on the Roll of Con
at the rate of 30 Dollars [illegible Cents per annum,
to commence on the [illegible] day of March 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Sept
1.833 1843 and sent [illegible]
Parsons Hartford Ct
Arrears to the 4th of Sep 1843           $.75-
Semi-anl allowance ending Mar 4 '24  14-
                                                               $90-
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by E D Bullock Cler,
Book E Bol. 3- Page 25
L H Parsons Esq
Hartford 
[intelligible] report to be [illegible]
Page 23

17.637
Connecticut
Richard Keeney decd,
of Hartford Con the state of Connt
who was a private __ in the commanded
 by Captain -- in the Revolution
time for two years
[illegible] $61.43-
Inscribed on the Roll of Hartford
at the sale of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per
annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of
April 1853 and sent to
W. G. Wade Esq
Arrears to the 4th of Present,
Seminal allowance ending

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by [illegible] Clerk,
Book E.2. Vol. 3. Page 23
23
Page 24

See let to Jesse Charlton, Esq Sept. 3, 1840
17.637
Connecticut
Richard Keeney
Manchester in the State of Con
who was a [illegible] in the __commanded
by Captain __of the Rect commanded
by Col. Wills- in the Con troops &
line for 16 mo 10 days
Special Report 
Inscribed on the Roll of Con
at the rate of 54 Dollars 43 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Feb
1834 and and sent S. H.
Parsons- Hartford Con
Arrears to the 4th of Sepr. 1833 $136.07
Semi-anl. allowance ending Mar 474- 27.21
$163.28
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by EDBullock Clerk,
Book E Vol. 3 Page 23
Page 25

January 8, 1934.
BA-J/MMHF/ILL
Richard Keeney
S. 13620

Mrs. T. J. Lewis
Manchester, Connecticut

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Richard Keeney of Manchester (East Hartford), Connecticut, in 1840, and in which you state you have the record of Richard Keeney, S. 13620.
The record of Richard Keeney, S. 13620, furnished you on February 17, 1932, is that of the only soldier with that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this office. It is presumed that they were on and the same pensioner.
Very truly yours,

A.D. Hiller,
Assistant to Administrator
Page 26

From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.13620, it appears that Richard Keeney (the son of Richard) was born, July 22, 1765, at East Hartford, Connecticut.
While residing at said East Hartford, he enlisted and served as a private in the Connecticut Troops as follows:
During 1778, two months in Captain Amasa Loomis' company; from January 1779, two months in Captain Jonathan Wells' Company; from March or April, 1779, two months in Captain Lyon's Company; from August 23, 1779 to November 26, 1779 in Captain Jared Cone's Company, Colonel Jonathan Wells' Regiment; from March, 1780, nine months in Captain Ozias Bissell's and Captain Olmsted's Companies, Colonel Levi Wells' Regiment and was in an engagement at Horse Neck; from December, 1780, to May, 1782, as teamster under Captain Noah Risley; from June, 1782, for one year as private in Captain David Dorrance's Company, Colonel Sherman's and Samuel B. Webb's Regiment.
He was allows pension on his application executed July, 18 1832, while living at Manchester, Connecticut. 
He died, December 16, 1851.
Respectfully,
E.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner.
Page 27

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

March 16, 1926.

Honorable E. Hart Fenn,
House of Representatives.

My dear Mr. Fenn:
In response to your letter of the thirteenth instant, I have the honor to advise you, that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 13620, it appears that Richard Keeney, (the son of Richard) was born July 22, 1765, at East Hartford, Connecticut, and while living there, he enlisted and served as a private in the Connecticut Troops, as follows:

During fall 1778, two months in Captain Amasa Loomis' Company. (illegible)
From January 1779, two months in Captain Jonathan Wells' Company. (illegible)
From March, or April 1779, two months in Captain Lyon's Company.
From August 23, 1779, to November 26, 1779, in Captain Jared Cone's Company, Colonel Jonathan Wells' Regiment.
Page 28

From March 1780, nine months in Captain Ozias Bissell and Captain Olmsted's Companies, Colonel Levi Wells' Regiment and was in an engagement at Horseneck.
From December 1780, to May 1782, as teamster under Captain Noah Risley.
From June 1782, for one year as private, in Captain David Dorrance's Company, Colonels Sherman and Samuel B. Webb's Regiment.
He married in September 1784, Margaret Porter, who was born at East Hartford, Connecticut, March 11, 1763.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 18, 1832, while living at Manchester, (formerly oaled East Hartford) Connecticut. He died December 16, 1851, leaving no widow, but the following children survived him: Delana Terry, Delight Burr and Richard Keeney all of Lima, New York and John W. Keeney of Manchester, Connecticut.

Very truly yours,

Winfield Scott,
Commissioner.
Page 29

BA-J/AWF
Manchester, Conn., Nov. 12-1933

Veterans Administration,
Pension Bureau,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
Will you please send me the pension record for claim allowed Richard Keeney of Manchester (East Hartford) Connecticut, in 1840
I have copy of claim S. 13620 based upon the Revolutionary War Service of Richard Keeney allowed in 1832 July 18th.

Yours very truly,
Page 30

Rev War
13620
INVALID
File No. 13.620
Richard Keeney
 Priv. Rev. War
Act: June 7 1832
Index:- Vol. 1, Page 203
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1906 Jan. 2, Rev. M. R.
hist. [illegible]
1926 Mar. 16 hist to 
Hon. E. Hart [illegible]
1929 Apr. 15 Tombstore
Date C. Chas R. Hale- See
letter in Josiah Hollister
[illegible] 31748 [illegible]
32- Feb. 17- hist to Mrs. T. J. 
[illegible]
Jan. 8. Mrs. T.J. Lewis advised only
Richard Keeney. MMH [illegible]
Page 31

Sixty-Ninth Congress
E. Hart Fenn, Conn., Chairman
Clarence J. McLeod, Mich. John R. Rankin, Miss.
Robert L. Bacon, N.Y.   Arthur H. Greenwood, IND.
Hays B. White, Kans.   George C. Peery, VA.
LLoyd Thurston, Iowa   Ralph F. Lozier, MO.
William R. Johnson, ILL.   Meyer Jacobstein, N. Y.
Frederick W. Magrady, Pa.   Virgil Chapman,, KY.
Henry L. Bowles, Mass.   Samuel Rutherford, GA.
Florence P. Kahn, Calif.
Edward Voigt, Wis.
                                        J. Robert Conroy, Clerk
COMMITTEE ON THE CENSUS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WASHINGTON, D.C.
March 13, 1926.
Hon. Winfield Scott,
 Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C. 

Dear Mr. Scott:-
If possible will you please give me the Revolutionary Record of Richard Keeney, S {13820 crossed out] 13620 of Manchester, Connecticut. If possible also give the date of his birth, marriage, the maiden name of his wife, and the names of his children. This record is desired in connection with an application to join the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Thanking you for your attention to this request, I am,
Very truly yours, 
S Harthem
EHF/G.
Page 32

Richard Keeney- Connecticut
1779  0.7.0- Capt Cone.- New London
               2               Loomis, as sub. Bery Brown.
1780 v 0.90 [illegible] Col. Wills
1782 x 0 7.10-  [illegible] Col Swift
0 18.13
      2
__________
   20.13
* from 1 May until 10 Dec 17.83
Page 33

Richard Keeney
Manchester Ct
by Jesse Charlton
of East Windsor Hill
Hartford County
Connecticut
Page 34

J. Trumbull M. G.
Jesse Charlton Esq.
East Windsor Hill
Connecticut

[postmark in left  corner: partly illegible 
25Washington D.C.]
Page 35

AWF:MLB
So. Manchester, Conn., Fuary 1-1932
[postmark : Revolutionary & 1812 Wars
Sect
Feb 2-1932
illegible of Pensions]
Veterans Administration
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir;
Will you kindly send me copy of the Pension Record of Richard Keeney, born July 22, 1765(?) in Manchester or East Hartford. His wife I think was Margaret Porter.
P.S. I would like to prove the relationship of Richard Keeney to Thomas or what service this record may give for either man.
Yours very truly,
Bertha M. Lewis
(Mrs. T.J.)
Page 36

c.17637 File [illegible] 3620
Richard Keeney a pensioner of the Revolutionary War residing in Hartford Co. Ct., in 1832.
Family and military history.
Roswell Webster, Enlisted Feb. 22, 1777 for 3 ys in Capt Warner's Co. & exchanged for Jared Phelps. (Conn. troops}
No claim R.M.Webster advised an
Rev. M.R.Webster
193 Plymouth Ave.,
Rochester, N.Y.
Page 37

State of Connecticut, ss, County of Hartford Decemb. 30th- 1833-
I hereby certify, that sometime in the year 1818  Richard Keeney of Manchester in said County and State made application for a pension under the act of March 18,- 1818 before me then Judge of the County Court for said County. Mr. Keeney at that time, (according to my best recollection and belief) besides the the nine months service, in the company commanded by Capt. Ozias Bissell in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Wills; Stated other services, in the Continental Army
as a Soldier and teamster which he had rendered, and my impression is that he mention,d, that he serv,d one year in the Reg,t commanded by Co Samuel B-Webb; to prove this was more difficult than to prove the nine months services in Cap-
Bissell company (witnesses being remote [illegible]) to prove [illegible] the nine months service he produce'd Capt- Bissell, and a Mr. King, who [illegible] liv,d in this State and not far distant from him. As this would entitled him to a pension, I believe I inform,d him at the time, that it was [illegible] unnecessary to state, or to seek for witnesses to prove any other services, than the nine months , and in consequence of this, than the nine months was stated in his declaration. At this distance of time, it is [illegible] impossible for me to be more particular, what I have stated, I think May be relied on. Mr. Keeney has the reputation of an honest man, and I believe has rendered all this services he states.
I have made this certificate at his request.-
Jonathon Brace
Page 38

To whom it may concern, this may certify that I have been personally acquainted with Mr. Richard Keeney, of Manchester for nearly twenty years past. That I have frequently been called to prescribe for him as Physician, that he has been laboring under a chronic affection of the Liver, during the time of my acquaintance except the last four or five years and has been unable to perform any manual labor, until quite recently. This disease affected the digestive functions to that degree, as to involve the nervous system to  an alarming extent, for years in succession his mind has been in that embarrassing state that completely incapacitated him for managing his pecuniary and domestic concerns, and the wife & family have performed that duty for the time being- He is a man of correct habits, and highly [illegible] amonge his acquaintances
State of Connecticut
Botton Oct 17th 1833 
 L. White M.D.
Page 39

I Roswell Smith of Vernon in Tolland County & State of Connecticut, aged 75 years, depose & say that in the year 1781 I was a Teamster in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War, & that I was well acquainted with Richard Keeney of East Hartford in said state- that I was with him in the month of May 1781 at Hartford Ct. he being also a Teamster in the same service in Capt Noah Risley's company, Transporting Provisions, ammunition [illegible] from Hartford, to the Hudson River, in the State of New York, was knowing to said Risley, being in the service, was with him at White Plains in the State of NYork in the Month of August as near as I can recollect (same year) that when the army crossed the Hudson River we went with them with our teams to the South- was with him at a place called Christeen near the head of Elk in the same employment- after the surrender of Cornwall's army, we return'd with our teams, together as far as the State of New Jersey, [after crossed out] our company was then separated after which I do recollect of seeing him, [illegible] on our return further saith not --
Roswell Smith
State of Connecticut
Tolland County ss
on this 16th day of October 1833
Personally appeared the above maned Roswell Smith and made oath to the truth of the forgoing deportation  by him subscribed before me
Lebbeus P Tinker Justice of Peace
I hereby certify that I a personally acquainted with Mr Roswell Smith and that he is considered a man of fair character for truth & veracity
Lebbeus P Tinker Justice of Peace
Page 40

Sate of Connecticut
Tolland County}
S.S. Tolland October 18th AD 1833
Novatus Chapman Clerk of the County Court within and for said Tolland County do certify that Lebbeus P. Tinker Esquire before whom the within Deposition was taken and whose Certificate is annexed thereto was on the 16th day of October 1833 a Justice of Peace for said County of Tolland and that the signature to said certificate purporting to be his is genuine and I believe the same to be his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed my seal of Office at Tolland the day and year above written
Novatus Chapman Clerk
Page 41

[illegible]
Page 42

In response to Mr. Edwards letter of Sept 3 1840
East Windsor Hill Hartford County Connecticut
October 6th 1840.
Hon d Sir.
I herewith forward the explanatory Declaration, of Richard Keeney of Manchester, in Hartford County Conn. together with the accompanying documents. I feel no doubt that the said Keeney, will receive from you for the allowance for his services under Capt Cone in 1779; and that it will appear to you that he performed the services in Capt Ozias Bissells Company, the the year 1780, and not in the year 1779.
Mr. Keeney informs me, that as soon as he returned home from his services under Capt Cone, he found there had been a draft from the Militia of men to go to New London, to take the places of those who were dismissed; and that some of the men, so drafted, had hid themselves, & that their families were in great tribulation on the account, that he offered to go, in the place of one of these men, and did go back, and serve at New London or New Haven along this coast.  For another period of two months, and that on his return from this {underlined] Tour, he found another family in great distress, on a similar account & that he returned again, & served as a substitute for him, and that, one of these Persons was his own Father, and another a neighbor; I do not remember whether he went for his Father the second, or third tour.
Mr. Keeney set forth these things in his original Declaration d, & if they were supported by evidences at the time, and are now corroborated by the records, so far as the records go; ( for the Comptrollers office has no Rolls of the names of privates who
Page 43

served at New London, at any period of the War. Why will it not be perfected just, to allow Mr. Keeney for the other tours, served late in the fall of 1779; and early in the winter of 1780, before he inlisted for the nine months service in the Spring [Summer & Fall crossed out] of 1780.
Mr. Keeney told me that in one of the tours in which the men were drafted to go to New London they were marched to New Haven & C&C, this I find corroborated by the order given for a part of Col Levi Wells Regiment, to be marched to New Haven  Mr Keeney knew not that any such circumstance could be found in his favor.
I never saw Mr Ashbel Keeneys original Declaration but I am aware that there was some obscurity or mist hanging over it for a time, either from a misrecollection of dates, or from some other circumstances with which I am not acquainted
But you may rely truly upon it for that the said Keeney is a very fair honest man and one that has no disposision to try to get what is not fairly his right, according to Law.
I have written to Judge Niles, hoping that he may recollect Mr Keeney, & if he does he will drop a line in regard to his integrity.
I know Sir that while you would repel the attempts of every robber, and perjured person, you have no desire that any advantage should be taken of 
 an honest man whose memory may be in a little confusion with regard to dates. It will be perceived that Capt Cones company was a part of Col. Jonathan Wells Regt and that Col Levi Wells Regiment was there while, a after Col Jonathan Wells were there
Page 44

If any thing further should be required in regard to Mr Keeneys proof, I will endeavor to obtain it 
I have sent his old certificate
A
And I am Sir most respectfully
Your obedient Servant
Jesse Charlton
Page 45

Payment to be made at Hartford by Charles Boswell C
Agent for paying pensioners, in the Agency of Connecticut
Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E.2.Volume 3. Page 23. by Clerk
H.R.Weightman
Page 46

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Claim for Military Service.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th June 1832, Richard Keeney, decdl. late of Connecticut, who was a private in the Revolution was entitled to a pension and having died on the 16th December 1857, his only surviving children, John W. Keeney, Richard Keeney, Delana Terry and Delight Burr, are entitled to the amount at the rate of eighty dollars per annum, from 4 March 1831, to 16 December 1857 when he died: payable to John W. Keeney Administrator after deducting former payments at the rate of sixty one 43/100 dollars per annum.
Given at the Department of the Interior,
this eighteenth day of April
one thousand eight hundred and fifty=three.
[illegible]
Secretary of the Interior
[illegible]
Commissioner of Pensions
Esamined and Countersigned.}
[Cancelled written across document four times]
Page 47

P Obret
Oct 9. [illegible]
Sir
I return the paper you sent me. Mr Charlton wishes me to note what I know of Richard Keeney, but I have my little knowledge of him. I believe I have seen him & have heard something about him, & so far as I have any knowledge of him, I have to think he sustained the reputation of an honest man
I have nothing to do with the papers in this case
I L Edwards Esq   I am very respectfully
Com Pensions   Mr Obret
                                  John M Niles
Page 48

Brief in the case of Richd Keeney
Hartford County and State of Ct
act 7 June 1832
Claim ({"original," or crossed out] 'for increase)
Proof exhibited, (if original)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Recently allowed for 2 yrs as fee $80
Parole evidence for 9 months as teamster $72.00
Balance of 2 yrs       15 "        fee                   50.
                                     Incd the -                   $122.00
Commissioner consulted
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
WGWade
Rose
N.Y
S. Cole
Examining Clerk
Page 49

Payments to be made
at Hartford
by Pres: of the Farmers and Mechanics Bank
Agent for paying Pensioners,
in the Agency of
Connecticut
Recorded in the Pension Office,
in Book E.2.Vol. 13
Page 23 by E.D. Bullock
Clerk
Page 50

WAR DEPARTMENT
Revolutionary Claim
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Richard Keeney of the State of Connecticut
who was a Private during the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive Fifty four dollars and Forty three Cents- per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March 1831, and payable semi=annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September every year
Given at the War Office of the United States the 15 day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty=four
[illegible]
Examined and Countersigned.}
J [illegible]
Page 51

no 17.637
Page 52

Brief in the case of Richard Keeny dec?
County and State of Connecticut
act June 7 1832
Claim, (["original", or crossed out]"for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original)
He was a pensioner, at $61.43
Evidence sufficient for 2 yrs/[illegible]
A claim is made for [illegible] as a teamster, but Mr Cole, who is familiar
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
With team service, is not satisfied that the team service shown is of such a character as to entitle to more than ordinary private service.
Thornton Triplett
Examining Clerk,
Name and residence of Agent
W.GWade Esq
Present
Page 53

1778 [illegible] Jon Wells, Col. Cone. Capt
2. Capt Loomis
June 79 2. Jon Wells
Age 79 2. Capt Lyon
9 A Bessell
4 Olmstead} Ranger
Dd 80 9 Teamster Capt Risley
            9      " 
Sept 82  12.  Capt Donamm SB Webb
51
48  4y & 3mo
Page 54

17637
Richard Keeney
Act June 7, 1832
Col Levi Wells
Capt Russell- 9 mo
Col Jonathon Wiles
Capt Cone-   2. 3
Col H Swift
Capt Dorance         7.10
                                 18.13
Admitted
Private 18 mo & 13 days
$61.44
Rept to
Jesse Charlton
East Windsor
Connect
Page 55

Payments to be made
Hartford
 by Ches U J B Bank
Agent for paying pensioners,
in the Agency of
Connecticut
Cancelled
Recorded in the Pension Office,
in Book E Vol.3
Page 23 by ED. Bullock
Clerk
Page 56

WAR DEPARTMENT
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Richard Keeney of the State of Connecticut
who was a Private during the Revolutionary
War
is entitled to receive  Thirty dollars and 
-- cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March 1831, and payable semi annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year
Given at the War Office of the United
States this 5 day 
of September one thousand eight 
hundred and thirty =Three
Page 57

no 17637
Page 58

Richard Keeny dec?
Increase ct
admd. 2yrs per $80
per annum from
4 March 1831 to
16 Dec 1851
when he died 
deducting former payments
at $61.43 per annum
Pay to John W Keeny
adm for the benefit of
himself and Richard 
Keeny, Delana Terry &
Delight Burr
Surviving children
Act June 7 1833
Present
Cert to N.G. Wade Esq
Page 59

Rose New York
August 26th 1852,
Sir,
I beg leave to request a [illegible] examination of the papers of Richard Keeney pens act 32 Con.
in connexion with the papers of Bissel Phelps & Solomon Nye (both pens act 7th June 1832 in Vt.) that it may be known that said Keeney was justly entitled to the pension of a Connecticut Teamster for 18 months service in such capacity,
and 6 months as a private, - which it is requested may now be allowed,
Proof of him[illegible] is here with enclosed,
I am respectfully,
[illegible]
W G Wade
J. E Heath Esq
Com of Pensions
Page 60

Richd Keeny, dcd
Act 7 June 1832,
[illegible] 9 mos teamster   $72.00
  "            15 " pri                     50.00
Incd to                                   $122.00
dedg former payts
at $61.43 per annum
Comig 4 Mch 1831 &
endg 16 Dec 1851
payable to
John B Keeny, [illegible]
for the benefit of himself,
Richd Keeny,
Delana Terry &
Delight Burr, only
surviving children
W G Wade
Rose
N. York
Page 61

Rose, New York
May 25th 1833,
L M Class Esq
[illegible]
Owing to the illness and death of my brother, I was called home from Vermont, and consequently did not go to Ct.- Your letter informing me of Mr. Waldo decision, in the Keeney case has been forwarded to me here & rec'd today. 
Mr. Waldo decided as I expected as to the service of Keeney being such as to entitle him to the $16 per month,- but there is an error as to understanding me to ask for pay as Teamster under Col Wells,-Keeney performed 18 months with Capt Risley as Teamster, two tours each 9 months, or 9 & 10 mo?- I ask for a [illegible] for 18 mos as Teamster $144 
and for-6 mos as pri    20
                                      $164
deducting former payments, -
Please request that it may be issued and forwarded to me Care of W D Gregory Esp
Bethel Ct.
Respectfully Yours,
Willis G Wade
Page 62

Rose, New York
April 26th 1853,
Sir,
On the 26th of Augst 52 I filed in the Pension Office an application for an increase of pension for services as a Teamster, of Richrd Keeney, who was pensioned act 7th June 1832 from Conn, this service was rejected at the time his claim was originally adjusted, as not being considered military service, - by yesterdays mail I recd a pension certificate allowing an increase of pension for the service claimed, but the pension is only computed for the same amount as a private, - I herewith return the pension certificate issued, with the following statement of the facts of the claim, for the decision of the Hon Com of Pensions himself, as to whether the claimant is not justly and clearly entitled to the increased rate of pension at $16 per month allowed Teamsters.-
Richard Keeney, in his original Declaration claimed to have served two terms of 9 mos. each, as Teamster with  Capt Noah Reisley wagon conductor, - connected with the Continental army. I referred the Department to the proofs with the papers of Solomon Nye, pens act 32 Vermont
Page 63

whose claim has been allowed for 18 mos service as Teamster- at $16 per month, in the identical Capt Noah Risley Co.- after being repeatedly rejected, and after a very close investigation of the whole subject by the late Com of Pensioners himself (I think) in connection with Col. Niles, and it was not untill the most clear and positive proof was adduced, that the claim of Nye was admitted- and it must be considered a very unusual practice, to say no more,- to require each and every claimant under any officer to furnish evidence of the character of the service of such officer, when such evidence has already been furnished,, and admitted as satisfactory by the Department. By reference to the affidavit of Captain Bissel Phelps, with the papers of said Nye, it will be seen that he (Phelps) testifies that "Nye enlisted into his B Phelps company of Teams, in the 2d Mr. [illegible] Det under the Continental Establishment and that having a supernumerary number of enlisted men, he was set over to Capt Noah Risley and did serve in his co in the above named Department" - is not this satisfactory that Noah Risleys Teamsters were enlisted men, (and that he belonged to the Continental Establishment, Capt Phelps further stated that he "was well acquainted with Capt Noah Risley, and that said Risley went with his company to Yorktown in the year 1781, & in the Dept above mentioned"
And again will it be seen, that
Page 64

reference is made to Captain Risley, as a conductor by referring to the Decln of the said Capt Bissel Phelps- upon which he was pensioned as a conductor of teams, act 7th June 1832, Vermont,- Declaration dated (date omitted in the copy,)- in which he states "on the 16th June 1778, he rec'd a commission signed by Nehrmiah Hubbard Dept Quarter Master Gen,  as a Captain under the Continental Establishment, he issued orders to raise by Enlistment a Company of men & Teams, that in 1779, Col Hubbard D. 2. M. [illegible] being in want of some additional companies of Teamsters, he was detached with recruiting orders to enlist one other company. That one Risley took the command of his old company" -re, but still more positive evidence is formished; with the papers of said Phelps is an old document, (or certified copy,) from the Wadsworth as Hubbard papers, in books, in which is found the following Hartford Ct Oct 10, 1781. a/c with Bissel Phelps
By by his pay Roll  83, 504,
" ditto rec'd by Noah Risley  41,412"
this was considered perfectly satisfactory by Mr. Heath, I also refer to the papers (on Declaration) of Elijah Risley pens act 7th June 1832 N.Y. whose pension was increased for service in Capt Bissel Phelps Co as Teamster,
George Wrisley of Ct act 32 (I think) was pensd and Incd for service with Bissel Phelps,
(continued see page 5th)
Page 65

Free
[postmark reads: Sept 2 1840 Windsor]
Hon J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Ct.
R Keeney
Page 66

East Windsor Hill, Hartford County, Conn
August 31 1840.
Sir.
Richard Keeney of Manchester, in Hartford County, Conn, received his Pension certificate under the act of June 7th 1832, dated Fbry 15 1834, for $54.4 Cents per annum.
He claims, that he served for a longer time than is included in that estimate, and allowance; and states, that an account of his having entered the service at an earlier age than is usual, his statement of his first services was discredited, as he believe.
If that is the fact, I can satisfy your mind fully, on that point, as I have in my possession Capt Jared Cone's pay Roll, in which said Richard Keeney is credited for services from the 23rd day of August 1779 to the 26 day of October 1779, which roll I will send to you, together with said Keeneys Pension certificate, if you find, that that period of his services were not included in your estimate of the time allowed him, in his pension.
With sincere suspect, Sir,
I am your obedient Serv't
Jesse Charlton
Hon J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D C.
Page 67

Pension Office
Jny 6 1833
Connecticut Rolls
Act June 7 1832
$61.43 . p.an}
Richard Keeney,
To what time paid?
T. Triplett
J.S.Gallaher Esq
Auditor
Paid to 4.th March 1852
BSB
Page 68

MrR.
Page 69

State of Connecticut
Hartford County, [So] Manchester

On this 30th day of September 1840, personally appeared, before me Jesse Charlton, one of the Justices of the Peace for said Hartford County, Richard Keeney, a resident of Manchester in said County, a credible person, aged, 73 years & in my 74th year who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath, make the following Declaration, in explanation of his former Declaration, on which he was allowed a pension, for a part of his services, which a part of the service set forth in his first declaration were disallowed.

In his first Declaration, he stated that his services in Captain Cone's Company, was in the year 1778; he has become satisfied that it was in the year AD 1779; And his services in Captain Bissell's Company of Col Levi Wells [illegible] was not in the year 1779, but in the year 1780; as the documents clearly shew. The difficulty of ascertaining this with precision, at a distant period, where he had no minutes, or entries to refresh his memory, is his apology for the mistake.

He well remembered that his services in Captain Ozias Bissell's company, was the next year after his services in Captain Cones Company, [continued on p. 36 of 105]
Page 70

[continued from p. 37 of 105]

and his error in regard to this period of the service in Capt Cone's Company, caused his mistake in the second period, under Captain Bissell.     I was present when the attack was made in the night by a party of Light Horse on Col. Wells head quarters and stood near Lemuel King where he was cut down, in December 1780.

Please examine the papers of Mrs. Jane King, Widow of Lemuel King of Tolland County Conn, under the Act of July 1838, for the dates of this event, under the Cols own hand. I shot down the man who hewed down said King with his sword, and thus, I beleive (sic), saved my own life, for after he had wounded said King so severely he turned upon his horse toward me and I fired my musket & hit him on the side of the jaw & he reeled and fell from his horse. I certainly served a longer period than I was ever allowed for, in some other of my company's and would ask the Commissioner which part of my services besides this under Captain Cone was not included in reconing (sic) the time allowed me in my pension when first granted? Was I allowed for the time I served after I got through the tour under Capt Cone? When I served as a substitute for my father, who was drafted and got me to go in his place, I went down to New London in Nov 1779 and served under Captain [Amasa] Loomis for a period of two months.

In the presence of John W. Keeney
Richard Keeney X his mark

[continued on p. 35 of 105]
Page 71

[continued from p. 36 of 105]

State of Connecticut
Hartford County, [So] Manchester

On this 30th day of September AD 1840 personally appeared before me Jesse Charlton one of the Justices of the Peace for said Hartford County Richard Keeney a resident of said Manchester a credible respectible (sic) man, and a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States who then and there made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing explanatory Declaration, by him subscribed, in my presence, & in presence of John Wesley Keeney the subscribing witness.

Mist Jesse Charlton Justice of the Peace
Page 72

[illegible]
Page 73

State of Connecticut
Comptrollers office 3d. Oct. 1840.
In the Books of this office belonging to the late paytable and those relating to the Revolutionary War. I find the following entries.
By.
Captain Jared Cone is credited for services performed in the Militia between April and November 1779, the following amount 
Nominal Money [pounds] 5,,497,, 8,,11 Computed value of Services [pounds] 731,,13,,4 (Haskells Receipts 76) And that when the 6 Battalions orders to be raised by the General Assembly in Feb 1778, were reduced to two Battalions on the 15th day of June 1778, The following commissioned officers were continued in Service Viz, First Battalion Ozias Bissel Captain; Mosses Goodman first Lt, Solomon Bulkley 2d Lieuta Lemmy Thrall Ensign. &C&C (Council of Safety) And on the 23 of April 1780, Col Levi Wells was ordered to send forward Such men as[illegible] Thall inlisted into his Regiment as fast as they shall inlist & can be got ready to the post at New London  And that Coll Beebe be ordered in like manner To send forward his men to the Post at Horsneck; And on the same day, Captain Ozias Bissell was appointed Capt in the Room of Edward Payne resigned in Col Levi Wells Regiment ___ (Council of Saretly)
And on the 21st of April 1780 the said Captain Ozias Bissell is charged To order on Treasurer [pounds] 150 which is followed by many others entries amounting to 2165,,6,,51,, which stand balanced, one of the entrees is Cash received of Col Wells [pounds]190,,6,,5___(Pay Table Ledger) And under date of Dec 20th 1779 In the Council of Safetly, it was resolved That two or three Companies as the Commander in chief shall direct
Page 74

of the Regiments under the Command of Lt Colonel Levi Wells remain at New London, and that said Colonel Wells and Major Bisel with the remainder march to New Haven where said Lieut Colonel Levi Wells, shall take post with such numbers of said Regiment, as he may be ordered; & said May or Bisel to take Post with such number of said Regiment as he may be ordered by the Captain General & that on the arrival of the aforementioned troops at New Haven  or other Post, where they may be ordered. The Militia there dismissed with out delay who were to relieve the men now on duty on the first of Jany next
And under date of June 21st AD1780 Resolved that Col Levi Wells with the Regiment under his command do immediately March to the Highlands in the State of New York and on his arrival inform Maj General How there of &C&C
The following is a copy of the certificate given by Col Levi Wells in relation to the wounding of Lemuel King.

East Windsor March 17, 1783
This may certify that Lemuel King of Bolton was a Soldier in my Regiment in the year 1780, and on the 10th day of December, said King was in the faithful performance of his duty and in his action with the enemy wounded and much disabled.

Levi Wells Colonel Commandant
Edwin Benjamin
Only Clerk in office
Page 75

I, Royal R Kinman, Secretary of State, of the State of the State of Connecticut do hereby certify, that Jesse Charlton Esq, before whom the annexed additional & explanatory Declaration was taken, is at this time, and has been for more than one year last past, Lawful Justice of the Peace for Hartford County, in said state; & that his commission will not expire, before the 20th of June AD 1841: and that the signature of said Charlton, to said Document is his genuine Signature, to me well known Secretary office Oct 3d AD 1840
Royal R Kinman Secretary
of State
Page 76

Richard Keeney Privt
Col Well's Regt Con;
Line 1780- 9 months
dec:5th December. 1818=
Rejected- Service
was not on the continental establishment
"State troops
Page 77

."District of Connecticut-33- Hartford.
On the 5th day of December- 1818, before me the subscriber Judge of the County Court in the County of Hartford in said district, personally appeared Richard Keeney aged 53 years, resident in East Hartford, in the said district, who being by me first duly Sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following delaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for Certain persons Engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war." That he, the said Richard Keeney enlisted in East Hartford in the state of Connecticut in March 1780 in the company commanded by by Captain Oziah Bissell of the Regt commanded by Col Levi Wells to serve for nine months that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States more than said term of nine months, when he was discharged from service in the month Jany 1781 with the Regt, at Greenwich in the State of Connecticut,
and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support-; and that he has no other evidence now in his power, of his said services-, except the 
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid.
Jonathon Brace Judge of the County Court for the County aforesaid
I, Jonathon Brace Judge, &c. as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Richard Keeney did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, on the continental establishment, That he is in reduced circumstances & needs the assistance of his Country for supportand I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress
December the 5th 1818 Jonathon Brace Judge as aforesaid
December 5th 1818. Sealed with the Seal of said Court by direction of the Honorable Jonathon Brace who is the Presiding Judge of said Court
Thomas Chester Clark
Page 78

State of Connecticut for County of Hartford 
December the 4th 1818
Personally appeared Lemuel King Esq as he is a respectable, credible witness & made Solemn oath that he was acquainted with the within  named Richard Keeney and know that he enlisted as a Soldier in the month of March 1780 into the Company commanded by Capn
Oziah Bissell in the Regt Commanded by Col. Levi Wells to serve for nine months, that he Served out said terms and was a faithful good Soldier, and was discharged with the Regt that is was upon this Continental establishment and that he said King enlisted & served in the same company & Regt. and for the same terms
Also said Capt Oziah Bissell, came before me on the 5th of said Decem. & made oath that he enlisted said King in his company. for to serve for nine months and that he faithfully served out terms and that all this Past [illegible] by said King on terms - and also that said King is in low circumstances and needs the assistance of his country for support
Before me-
Jonathon Brace Judge of the County Court for the County of Hartford aforesaid
Page 79

State of Connecticut}  Hartford July 7, 1832
County of Hartford }
I hereby certify that Richard Keeney who appears before me on the fifth day of December 1818, now proves his service in Captain Oziah Bissells Company as States in preceding declarations is now living in Manchester in the County of Hartford- and further certify [illegible Lemuel King Esq who made oath with service of said Keeney as  set forth and the  preceding page is now dead-
Jonathon Brace 
3d
Jonathon Brace;
Certificate of State 
Judge of Hartford
de. Richard Keeney
pension in Oziah Bissels Company
State books- 9 months
Lemuel King & Oziah Bissell both dead
Page 80

I, David Smith of Vernon in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut, aged sixty eight years, do depose and say that I [have crossed out] was acquanted with Richard Keeney (now living in Manchester in the County of Hartford) [illegible] the [illegible] revolutionary war  & have seen him frequently since the war- That I was a 'fellow Soldier' with said Keeney in the company commanded by Captain Oziah Bissell in Col Levi Wells regiment that they served together in said Company for the term of nine months from April 11, 1780 until January 1, 1781- that during this time of service they were at Horsneck (Greenwich) County employed in scouting parties & in guarding 'the Lines' [illegible] and were also marched to the Highlands in the State of New York 
David Smith
State of Connecticut} At: Hartford July 7, 1832
County of Hartford}
Personally appeared David Smith the Signer of the above affidavit, a person of veracity & made oath to the truth of the Same.
In testimony where of I have herewith affixed my Seal of office
& Subscribed my name 
Samuel H Parsons
Notary Public
Page 81

I Ephraim Isham of the City and County of Hartford in the State of Connecticut aged sixty five years do depose and say that I have been personally acquainted with Richard Keeney of Manchester more than forty years; and have frequently understood that he was a soldier of the Revolution- I recollect conversing with Lemuel King( late of Vernon deceased) about thirty years ago on the subject of the Revolution- I was then a resident of the same town with said King [illegible] him that Richard Keeney above named, Served in the same company with him the said King at Horseneck, the full term of his enlistment, said King was an invalid pensioner on the  roll of the Connecticut agency [illegible] time before his deceased and I have understood that he was wounded at Horseneck and received a pension on that account Richard Keeney is now an applicant for a pension under the act of 1832- He sustains a fair moral character and his statements are entitled to credit- I resided about twenty years within [illegible] miles of said Keeney before and subscribe this 29th day of January 1833 and thereby certify that Ephraim Isham Esq above named is a [illegible] of respectability this statements are entitled [illegible] at credit} Ephraim Isham
Samuel H. Parsons Notary Public
Page 82

Affidavit of Moses Evans, de Richard Keeney Service in David Dorrance's Company of Continentals,
1 year
Page 83

I Moses Evans of Manchester in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut aged 73 years, a pensioner of the United States on the Roll of the Connecticut Agency; do depose and say, That I am well acquainted with Richard Keeney a resident of said Manchester and know that he served in the Continental Army of the United States for the Term of one year in the revolutionary war in the company commanded by Captain [illegible] Dorrance in the regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel B. Webb of Wethersfild
That according to my best knowledge & recollection Richard Keeney enlisted about the first of September 1782 at Hartford, Connecticut and was discharged at West Point on in or about the month of September 1783- I was born in the same town & have known said Keeney from his boyhood- I have also understood and believe that he performed many other services in the revolutionary war but cannot detail the circumstances
            his
Moses X Evans
           mark
State of Connecticut
County of Hartford} H Hartford
On the 14 day of July 1832, personally appeared Moses Evans of Manchester a revolutionary pensioner, known to me as a credible person & made oath to the truth of the preceding affidavit by him subscribed and in my presence- In testimony whereof thence [illegible] 
 affixed my seal of office & subscribed my name the day and year above written.
Samuel H Parsons
Notary Public
Page 84

Moses Porters'
affidavit deserved
of Richard Keeney
for one year in 
Captain Dorrance [illegible] 
of Continental
Page 85

I Moses Porter a Revolutionary Pensioner of the town of Bristol County of Ontario and State of New Yorke being sworn deposeth and saith that I am Personally knowing that Richard Kinney of Town of East Hartford now Manchester County of Hartford State of Connecticut to his services in [the service crossed out] the United States service in the year 1782 and that the said Richard Kinney was an enlisted Soldier in the service at West Point for the term of one year and I do further say that from Information from persons who are now dead that he the Richard Kinney was in the service of the United States for Four years and six months including the year which I was Personally knowing to in 1782 as above stated
Moses Porter
Subscribed and Sworn to before me June 26th 1832
Chester Wales Justice of the Peace
See Margaret Keeney: affidavit
Page 86

We the subscribers residents of the Town of Mancheste with County of Hartford and State of Connecticut, do depose and say, that we have been acquainted with Richard Keeney of said Manchester ( an applicant for a pension under the act of [illegible] 1832) more that sixty years and have always understood and believed that he was a soldier of the Revolution, and that he entered the service at a very early age, when he was a mere boy, we knew him at the time of his entering the service and can confidently affirm that he rendered served repeatedly at different times and places as a soldier during the war of the the revolution- we cannot state with precision the time & places of his service but have no doubt that he served more than two years-
Frandy Hale
Stephen Bidwell
Zebulen Bidwell except as to time of service
State of Connecticut
Hartford County} ss Manchester February 4th 1833
Personally appears before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for Hartford County, [illegible] Frary  Hale-, Stephen Bidwell & Zebulen Bidwell, by whom the foregoing deposition is subscribed and made solemn oath to the truth of the same, except  the said Zebulen Bidwell
Page 87

I Anna Keeney of Glastonbury in the County of Hartford State of Connecticut depose and say that I am now in the sixty sixth year of my age, that I am well acquainted with Richard Keeney of Manchester in the County of Hartford from my childhood. My father lived about eighty rods from them. Richard's father said Richard is about two years older than I. I know this: Richard went into the army of the Revolution as a soldier when he was a boy. He went in company with my brother Jeremiah Keeney who is now dead. My brother was about fifteen years of age when he went into the army & he was about two years older than Richard. They first went into the Army in the year 1778. I recollect the year from the fact that my sister died during their absence & I know she died in that year. I recollect that Richard & my brother were absent at other times in the army, but the number of times & length of service, I cannot remember. At one time, my brother was taken prisoner & Richard returned. My brother when discharged from imprisonment returned in the winter.

Anna Keeney
Page 88

State of Connecticut
Hartford County} SS Glastonbury February 5th 1833
Personally appeared the  Anna Keeny, by whom the forgoing deposition is subscribed & after being duly cautioned made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
And I further certify, that I am well acquainted with Mrs. Keeney, That she is a person of intelligence and respectability, & sustains a fair character for truth & that I have full confidence for him truth & veracity- Ralph R. Phelps Justice of the Peace for Hartford County
State of Connecticut
County of Hartford} SS Hartford
Samuel H. Parsons anotary Public for the County of Hartford do hereby certify that Ralph R Phelps Esq before whom the preceding affidavits of Anna Keeney and Mary Hale- Stephen Bidwell & Zebulon Bidwell was executed is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Hartford and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine- I am Personally with Mr Phelps and [illegible] familiar with his hand writing-
Witness my hand seal this 15 day of February 1833
Samuel W Parsons
notary Public
Page 89

I Ralph R. Phelps of Manchester in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut depose & say, that I am now about forty six years of age, that I am well acquainted with Richard Keeney from Manchester ( an applicant for a pension under the pension act of June 1832) & have known him from my boyhood- & have heard when a boy that said Keeney was a Soldier in the Army of the Revolution & a brave one. I have also heard that he was at Horse Neck when Col. Wells Regiment was taken & there stood by the side of Lemuel King Esq. of Vernon in Tolland County, where said King was dreadfully wounded. I was well acquainted with said King & think he has told me the story himself 
I have often seen the scars on King, which I was told was in consequence of wounds received at that time. From my knowledge of Mr. Keeney & the reports I have heard on the subject, I have no reason to doubt his having served in the army of the Revolution
I have often heard it said that he went into the service when a young boy Ralph R. Phelps 
State of Connecticut
Hartford County} SS Manchester  February 5th 1833
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for Hartford County Ralph R. Phelps by whom the foregoing deposition is subscribed I made solemn oath to the truth of the same- I also certify that I am well acquainted with the
Page 90

deponent & [am well acquainted with all the crossed out] that he sustains a fair character for truth & in my opinion is entitled to full credit 
George W. Cheney Justice of Peace
State of Connecticut
County of Hartford} Ss. Hartford 
Samuel H Parsons Notary of Public for the County of Hartford do hereby certify that George W. Cheney Esq. before whom the preceding affidavits of Ralph R Phelps Esq was executed is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Hartford and that the signature purporting to be his, is genuine-
Witness my hand & seal this th day of February AD 1833
Samuel H Parsons 
Notary Public
Mr.  Shaphs the above named deponent is a member of the Connecticut Bar with County of Hartford and is a gentlemen of respectability  and standing in the community
Samuel H Parsons
Page 91

Washington [March] 30, 1833

I am personally acquainted with Richard Keeney the within named applicant for a pension. No man [sus]tains a fairer character for integrity and I know of no person whose statements can be relied on with more confidence - I do not believe he would intentionally [...] his services or allege services as rendered in the Revolutionary War, which [had faithfully...] by him.

[illegible]

I would add the following made to me by him at the time of the taking this declaration but then deemed too trifling for insertion.

Mr. Keeney states that when a lad he was [illegible] study and being in the habit of attending old military reviews. A mentor in his neighborhood [illegible] of a soldier's life. His fancy was first with military order and he secondly formed the idea of becoming a "Hero". He accordingly "ran away" from his father's house (who by the way "a mighty timid man") and applied to Mr. Pitkin for a certificate of his ability to do Military duty. In reply to his application Mr. Pitkin the inspector smiles and taking down from a shelf near or over the fire place a long heavy musket desires him to 

[continued on 14 of 105]
Page 92

[continued from 15 of 105]

fire it off. Knowing a certificate if he succeeds, he accordingly raised the musket to his shoulder "with a mighty effort' discharge it and was complimented with a certificate. Coming at the place of mustering the company taking his stand in the ranks, his youthful appearance attracted the attention of the Captain who questioned his ability but in the production of the Inspector's certificate remarked that he would answer very well to pick up [arms]. 

[mostly illegible]

Samuel Parsons

It has been remarked that the Hero of two wars was a mere lad when he commenced his military career in the was of the revolution. Was it not frequent for boys of an early age to serve as [waiters] or in some other capacity in the days of our revolution or was the age limited rigidly [illegible]?
Page 93

2.
Levi Risley
affidavit de
Richard Keeney
Service at New London
Militia 2 months
Captain Johnathan Wells
Company
Page 94

State of Connecticut
County of Hartford} Ss: Hartford
On this Sixth day of February AD1833 before me the subscriber anotary Public [a notary Public crossed out] for the County of Hartford aforesaid personally appeared Richard Keeney of Manchester in the County of Hartford and State aforesaid, well known to me as a person of veracity, and made oath that he is the same person appeared in an applicantion for a pension under the act of 1832 was taken before the probate court for the District of Hartford July 18th 1832 and is herewith forwarded-
The deponent further States- that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and with the following grades vis-
1st I served two months at New London as a private in a company of militia commanded by Captain Jared Cone of Bolton in a regiment commanded by Colonel Jonathan Wells-
Aden Andrus of said manchester was with me during this period, and has annexed his affidavit.
In my declaralation before the Probate Court I stated through misrecollection that I [illegible] born July 22d, 1767- since then I have made enquiries of my wife and my neighbours- and feel confident in stating that I was born July 22n 1765. making my age 67 years July 22d 1832 instead of 65 years as was inadvertently stated in my declaration before this
Page 95

the Probate Court. I would refer to the deposition of my wife Margaret Keeney and that of Anna
 Keeney herewith forwarded- on the [illegible] to my age &- The record  in Welbraham is lost. I am therefore compelled to rely upon the general impressions of my neighbours particularly upon the affidavits of my wife Margaret and that of Anna Keeney- It appears then that at the time of my first service I was between 13 and 14 years years old, and that the service was performed in [illegible] September 1778=
2nd.
I served at least two months as a private in a Militia Company commanded by Captain Loomis at New London. I was then a substitute for my Uncle Benjamin Brown, who died many years ago- I cannot prove this service by any living witness or documentary evidence- It was rendered I think in 1778.
3rd
I served at least two months as a private in a Militia Company commanded by Captain Jonathon Wells at New London. I was a substitute for my father Richard Keeney who died many years ago. This service I verily believe was performed the forepart of the year 1779.-
Levi Risley of East Hartford, a pensioner on the roll of the Connecticut agency under the act of 1818, served in the same company at the same time, and has herewith forwarded his affidavit
I cannot produce any other living witness as to this service.
4th
I served at least two months as a private in a [illegible]  company commanded (according to my present impressions) by one Captain Lyon of Canterbury, this service was performed at New London as the substitute of one Silas Hills who died many years ago. I [illegible] can find no proof of this service- I think & believed it was in 1779-
Page 96

5th
I served nine months as a private in a company of State troops commanded by Ozias Bissell of the regiment commanded by Colonel Levi Wells. According to my best [impressions] I enlisted about the month of March 1780 and served under said Bissell and under Captain Olmsted a little over nine months.During this period of nine months a company of rangers were selected from the Regiment and placed under the command of said Olmsted. I was one of the number selected - and we were employed on scouting parties. I recollect an attack upon the regiment by a party of refugees at Horseneck Connt. About 500 in number was in this engagement. Our Colonel Levi Wells was taken prisoner. Lemuel King was severely wounded (by a broadsword) in his head and his knee. Our Captain Ozias Bissell received a gash upon his head by a broadsword - and nearly the whole regiment was cut to pieces, wounded, killed or taken prisoner.
The proof of this service I offer a declaration taken in 1818 before Judge Brace- upon which declaration the affidavits of my Captain Ozias Bissell and my fellow soldier Lemuel King are written- both of these deponents are dead- I also offer the deposition of Ephraim Isham of Hartford, Connt. confirming the fact from a personal conversation with said Lemuel King before his death
I also offer the affidavit of David Smith of Vernon, who was in the same company, [illegible]
Page 97

6th I served nine months as an enlisted Teamster in the Continental Service under Captain Noah Risley of Glastonbury. who died many years ago- I enlisted according to my present impressions about the months of December 1780 or January  1781 and [illegible] at the close of 9 months started for home [illegible] September 1781- but was recalled into the service and returned to the army and continued to serve until the Spring of 1782. I am unable to recollect the precise time of this service, but should think the whole teaming service amounts to  more than a year perhaps 15 or 18 months. I recollect being at home in May 1782
I have no proof of the teaming service- There is no person to my knowledge now living who served with me 
7th I served twelve months as a private in a company commanded by Captain [illegible] Dorrance. I have understood that his Christian name was David, but do not recollect distinctly the regiment was commanded by Colonel Samuel B. Webb apart  of the time, and who by Colonel Sherman. I am pretty confident that I enlisted into this company about June 1782
Page 98

and was discharged the latter part of 1783- at Westpoint in the State of New York. In my declaration before the Probate Court I stated that I enlisted about September 1782 but on further reflection am pretty certain that the enlistment was in June 1782. I joined the Army at the Highland and the tent in which I was stationed lay near the tent of the left wing of Colonel Webbs regiment- I was marched from Hartford Connecticut with about 15 others, to the Highlands by one Sergeant Kent or  Sanford= and placed in Captain Dorrance's company- Captain Benton or Bentley's Company [illegible] to then tents next to Captain Dorrances= The regiment we joined was commanded either by Colonel Webb [illegible] Sherman alternately according to my best impressions- I may misspell the name of my Captain but it sounded very much like Dorrance My orderly Sergeant was Sanford Our tents were pitched near Westpoint for few months until the "fall rains" when we moved out of our tents into the barracks at the Highlands- [illegible] there- we went on to Westpoint in the Spring
Page 99

and remained there until we were discharged- in June 1783-while there our principal duty was confined to guarding the munitions of war : cannon mortars to [illegible]  West point [illegible] of Manchester, who [illegible] pensioner of the United States on the roll of the Connecticut Agency, served at the same time in Webbs regiment but not in the same company. I believe the name of his Captain was Benton or Bently
The company in which he served was stationed near me in the tents. his affidavit is herewith forwarded- Moses Porter whose affidavit is also annexed was Sergeant in the same regiment. He is the brother of my wife Margaret and now resides in Bristol Ontario County State of New York-
My wife Margaret Keeney also States in her affidavit herewith forwarded
Page 100

that she recollects distinctly my leaving East Hartford to join this Company and was absent One Year- I knew her before starting on this last company and intended to marry her on my  return. She of course recollects the time of my absence as well as myself- I married her in about a year after my return My wife is about two years older than myself, and always born & brought up in the same Town then
Anna Keeney of Glastonbury also testifies that she knows of my entering the army when a boy in company with her brother Jeremiah Keeney (who is now dead) [illegible] the year 1778 and at other times. She is [illegible] two years younger than myself, and resided about eighty rods from my fathers house- her deposition is herewith annexed
Tracy Hale -Stephen Bidwell & Zebalon Bidwell all of Manchester, have been acquainted with me more than sixty years [illegible] certify that they knew of my entering the Revolutionary army when a boy- and serving repeatedly- their affidavit is herewith annexed
Page 101

[illegible]
Ralph R. Phelps Esquire of said Manchester, a practicing lawyer and a magistrate in said Manchester [illegible] known me more than forty years, and has hereto annexed his affidavit via [illegible] reputation of my revolutionary services in the neighborhood where we both reside  Mr Phelps personally known to the Hon William W M  Worth a member of Congress from Connecticut to whom reference can be had as to his character & standing in this community
I presume that the affidavit, herewith presented will satisfy the Honorable Secretary of war, that I am fully and justly entitled to the benefit of the Pension Act of 7 June 1832 [illegible] faithfully served my Country more than two years, as a Soldier of the Revolution and I would therefore respectfully request that my name may be placed on the roll as soon as the convenience of the War Department will permit}        his
                                  Richard X Keeney
                                             mark
Sworn & subscribed
this 6th day of February 1833
Before me
Samuel H Parsons
Notary Public
Page 102

WE, Hezekiah S. Ramsdell a clergyman, residing in the town of Manchester in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut and Martin Keeney residing in the same town hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Richard Keeney a resident of said Manchester who is an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832; that we believe him to be sixty six years of age; that he is generally reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he now resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. We further certify that said Keeney sustains a fair moral character and is reputed to have entered the service of the United States as a Soldier of the Revolution, at a very early age
Hezekiah S Ramsdell
Martin Keeney
Page 103

Aden Andrus
affidavit re
Service of Richard
 Keeney
Militia 2 month's
in Captain Jared Cone's
Company
Page 104

No 1
I Aden Andrus of Manchester in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut do depose and say that I am well acquainted with Richard Keeney of said Manchester and know that he served as a private for the term of two months at New London in the State of Connecticut in the Company Commanded by Captain Jared Cone of(then called East Hartford ) in the regiment commanded by Col Jonathan Wells of East Hartford. I was a soldier in the same Company and we were discharged at the end of 2 months being the whole term for which we were drafted. The month and year I cannot recollect but believe it was September 1778- I was sixteen years old at that time and am now [illegible] 70 years of age- I have also understood that Keeney performed 2 other periods of service at New London the same season 
2 months [illegible] and also of his serving 9 months as a Teamster and that [illegible] the service very young [illegible]  nearly the whole war
State of Connecticut Aden Andrus
County of Hartford} Ss Hartford July 17th 1832
Personally appeared Aden Andrus signed [illegible] preceding affidavit and made oath to the truth of the same, and I hereby certify that said Aden Andrus  is a credible person
Samuel H Parsons
Notary Public
Page 105

I Levi Risly of East Hartford in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut aged seventy one years do depose & say that I was stationed at New London [illegible] in 1779 as a soldier with company commanded by Jonathan Wells, State books: At that time  was about Jany I became acquainted with Richard Keeney of Manchester in said County of Hartford, who joined the same company in [illegible] continued to serve therein some time after I was discharged I am confident that he served about two and a half months. I have frequently understood that he the said Keeney  performed other military services in the Army of the United States, during nearly the whole Revolutionary war. He is a native in the same town in which I reside and now lives in said Manchester then called East Hartford and is generally reputed and believed among his neighbors to have served in the Revolutionary war many terms
Levi Risley
Given and Subscribed
before me this 16th
day of July 1832}
Samuel H Parsons
Notary Public
I hereby certify that the above named deponent is a credible person and that he is a pensioner of the United States on the roll of the Connecticut agency
Samuel H Parsons
Notary Public