Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1681, for Matthew Keys, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Keys, Matthew
S. 1681.
carded.
CONTENTS

8099-
East Tennessee
Matthew Keys
of Knox in the State of Ten:
who was a 1st - in the Company commanded by Captain (Walters) of the Regt commanded by Col: Faulkner in the War: time for 6 months -
Inscribed on the Roll of East Tennessee at the rate of 20 - Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of March 1833 and unto Hon: J. D. Arnold. Campbell's Station
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 40 Semi-annual allowance ending Sept 1 - 10 - $ 50 -
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk, Book D Vol. 9 Page 100 - 104

7278
Matthew Freys from 1780. private 6 months $20.
10. 16
Int. 7.

72 78  BRIEF in the case of  Matthew Keys  County of Henrico  in the State of  Virginia  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? _____  3. How old is he? 72  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Drafted In 1780 May _____ 6 _____ As a private Gen. Capt. A. Walton, Col. R. Faulkner, Gen. Gates, Capt. Jones  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Camden  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Charlottesville City, Va.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? The Clerk's Public Seal of Office is not affixed 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. Waugh Examining Clerk.

Declaration of Matthew Reys in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
State of Tennessee
Knox County Circuit Court for said County at August Session 1832.
On this 18 th day of August 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Honorable Samuel Powell one of the Judges of the Circuit Courts in and for the state of Tennessee, being courts of record, at a Court for the County of Knox, now sitting, Matthew Reys a resident of said County and State aged near seventy two years — who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 — That he was born in Chesterfield County in the state of Virginia on the fifth day of February 1761 where he continued to reside until sometime about the first of May 1780, when he was drafted as a private to serve for a term of six months in the army of the United States — Applicant states that his company rendezvoused at Chesterfield Courthouse, and he was enrolled in a company commanded by Captain Archibald Waller and Lieutenant — Hill — he states that Major Conway commanded his Battalion and that Colonel Ralph Falkner had the command of his Regiment — he states that his company marched from Chesterfield Courthouse to Petersburg Va. where it remained until the companies from several other Counties had collected — Applicant states that after remaining at Petersburg about ten days his company with several others marched under the command of some superior officers not now recollected, but he believes neither his said Major or Colonel had overtaken them, to Hillsboro N.C. — At Hillsboro applicant states they remained sometime and that Major Conway and Colonel Falkner were in command over him — he also states that at Hillsboro is the first place where he had met General Stephens, who had the command from that place, of the Virginia Brigade — At Hillsboro applicant states that General Gates first came to his Brigade — he recollects distinctly that when he first arrived there, there was much firing of Cannon, and other evidences of rejoicing — Before applicant reached Hillsboro

the continental army had marched to a place called Coxes ford on Deep river, under the command of the Baron de Kalb - A few days after Genl. Gates arrived at Hillsboro, applicant states that he was detached from his company, for the purpose of forming the life guard to Genl. Gates, and after remaining a few days at Hillsboro Genl. Gates attended by his life guard, of which applicant was one, marched on to Deep river, where he came up with the continental army under de Kalb . On reaching which place there was also much firing of cannon and other demonstrations of joy - Appli- cant states that the life guard, of which he was one, was commanded by a Captain Jones - that after their arrival at Deep river they were no longer detained as a life guard, but were continued under the command of the said Captain Jones - That after remaining at Deep river, applicant thinks, two or three weeks or perhaps longer, and then the whole continental army together with the militia who had collected there, marched on to Rudgelys mill in South Carolina - here the army encamped a few days and while there the Virginia Brigade from of which applicant had been detached at Hillsboro, came up, commanded by Genl. Stephens After the arrival of Genl. Stephens, applicant was put back into his former place, and the whole company who had acted as the life guard of Genl. Gates from Hillsboro to Deep river, were disbanded and took their places under in their respective companies and under their own commanders Applicant states that on the 15 th of August about eight o- clock P.M. the army were ordered to march, with the view of surprising the British at Camden - early the next mor- ning - after marching till about midnight, the vanguard of the american army came in contact with the rear of the British army, and after a skirmish of some time the British army drew off and the american army lay on their arms all night - Early on the morning of the 16 th the armies met and fought until the disastrous retreat of the militia took place - Applicant states that after firing a few rounds he, partaking of the common panic, retreated with his fellows, and did not again meet his company in an organized

State until he arrived at New Garden meeting-house in Guilford County N.C. - here applicants company met and were organized under their own officers and under the command of the said Col. Falkner and perhaps some other superior officers, they marched within a few miles of Guilford Courthouse and encamped a short time, and then marched to Newport-old-iron works, and remained a few days - after this we marched about and about for the purpose of suppressing the Tories, and procuring the means of subsistence until the last day of October when applicant states he was honorably discharged, he thinks about twenty miles from Hillsboro, and returned home - Applicant states that he got a written discharge from his captain, but he has lost it not thinking it would be of any value - Applicant states that he was drafted for a term of six months and served out his full time in the Revolutionary army - That he lived in Chesterfield County Va. all the time of the Revolutionary war and until sometime in the year 1795 when he moved up to Franklin County Va. where he lived until the year 1811 when he moved to Knox County Tennessee, where he has resided ever since - Applicant states that his age was recorded in his Fathers bible which he recollects to have seen - Applicant states that he has not at this time any documentary evidence whatever of his service - nor does he know of any person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services - Applicant hereby renounces every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state sworn to and subscribed in open Court this 18 th day of August 1832 Wm S. Rowan Clk Matthew Keys
State of Tennessee Knox County & We Martin W. Carter a Justice of the Peace for Knox County Luke Lea - residing in the County of Knox and State

of Tennessee do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Matthew Keys who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and have been so acquainted for several years - that we have reason to believe he is seventy two years old; that he is respected and beloved in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion, and we do further certify that we never have heard the fact doubted or can trace it that the said Matthew Keys was a soldier of the Revolutionary war
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the 18 th day of August 1832
W m Ward Clerk
Martin B. Carter Luke Lea
1832
State of Tennessee S. Francis W. Armstrong formerly  formerly a resident of Knox County & Union County, Tenn. do hereby certify that many years ago Matthew Keys who signed the above declaration lived with my Mother & Brother father in said County, and from his declarations then and the general belief of all the neighbours, I have no hesitation in expressing my opinion that he was a soldier of the Revolutionary war as he has above stated -
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the 20 th day of August 1832
W m Ward Clerk
F. W. Armstrong
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states, and the Court further certifies that the said Martin B. Carter and Luke Lea — who have signed the above certificate as reside in Knox County, Tenn. are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit, and the Court further certifies that Francis W. Armstrong who has signed the last of the above certificates — formerly resided in Knox County Tenn., is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to full credit
J. POWELL Judge of the Circuit Court of the State of Tennessee
William Swan Clerk of the Circuit Court of Knox County
Tenn. do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Matthew Keys for a pension - In testimony whereof I have here to set my hand and private seal having no official seal, at office this 23 rd day of August 1832
W. C. Swan Clerk

Washington District of Columbia
I Thomas D. Arnold Member of Congress from the State of Tennessee do certify that I have examined the Certificate of William Guan affixed to the pension appli- -cation of Matthew Reys, and believe it to be genuine; and that said Guan has no public seal of office
Thos. D. Arnold Jan. 6. th 1833.

December 13, 1928.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Leona Jones 107 West 11" Street Pueblo, Colorado
BA-J/ady Matthew Keys S.1681
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Matthew Keys, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein were obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.1681, based upon the military service of Matthew Keys in that war.
Matthew Keys was born February 5, 1761, in Chesterfield County, Virginia. The names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Chesterfield County, Virginia, Matthew Keys enlisted May 1, 1780, served six months as private in Captain Archibald Waltons' Company, Colonel Ralph Faulkner's Virginia Regiment and under Captain Jones in General Gates' Life Guard and was in the battle of Camden.
In 1795 he moved to Franklin County, Virginia, and in 1811 he moved to Knox County, Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 18, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Knox County, Tennessee.
There are no family data.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name of person paid and possibly the date of soldier's death, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office,

Records Division, Washington, D. C., and cite the following data: "Matthew Keys, Certificate No. 8099, issued March 13, 1833, rate $20.00 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, East Tennessee Agency".
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

25 aug
free (Pension office)
Hon. Lewis Cass Secretary of War Washington City
sep 20
JN
4248

August 11, 1937.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. W. P. Perry 2501 Cleveland Street Dallas, Texas
BA-J/ady Matthew Keys S.1681
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Matthew Keys, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein were obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.1681, based upon his military service in that war.
Matthew Keys was born February 5, 1761, in Chesterfield County, Virginia. The names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Chesterfield County, Virginia, Matthew Keys enlisted May 1, 1780, served six months as private in Captain Archibald Waltons' Company, Colonel Ralph Faulkner's Virginia Regiment and under Captain Jones in General Gates' Life Guard and was in the battle of Camden.
In 1795 he moved to Franklin County, Virginia, and in 1811 he moved to Knox County, Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 18, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Knox County, Tennessee.
There are no family data.
Very truly yours
GEORGE H. SWEET Acting Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Date of death not on aB,

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Matthew Keys a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his ( or his widow's ) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S. 1681
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Aug 1, 1780 6 mos. Private Archibald Walters Ralph Fa. ... Va.   Jones Gen. Nathaniel Greene                                            
Battles engaged in, _____ Residence of soldier at enlistment, _____ Date of application for pension, Aug. 15 1832. His claim was allowed. Residence at date of application, _____ Age at date of application, born Feb. 5, 1761 in Chesterfield Co., Va. Remarks: There is no family data on file.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

107 W 11 th St.
Pueblo, Colo.
Oct. 21 st 1938
Veteran's Administration Washington, D. C.
Can you supply me with any data on the Revolutionary War, soldier, Matthew Keys who was pensioned in 1883 ? He resided in Knox Co. Tenn.
Thanking you, I am,
Sincerely,
(Mrs) Leona Jones 107 W 11 th St
Pueblo, Colo.

Dallas, Texas. July 24 1937
Bureau of Pensions Revolutionary War Section Dept. of Interior Washington, D.C.
Kindly send me a copy of the record of MATTHEW KEYS who served as a private in the Revolutionary War and as such received a pension.
Thanking you I am ,
Yours very truly,
W.P. Perry
2 501 Cleveland St.
Reference S File 1681

343 N. Market Street, Wichita, Kansas, 4--19--15.
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Would you please send me the Revolutionary War Record of Matthew Keys, a private in the Virginia Line. He was on the roll in 1833 and died in Knox County, Tennessee at the age of 74 years, having received a small pension.
Is there any way to find the name of his wife or other information regarding him?.
Any information will greatly oblige,
Yours very respectfully,
Mrs. H. H. Creswell 343 N. Market St. Wichita, Kans.

1915 Apl. 27. Hist. to Mrs. W. W. Creswell. & 1937 Aug. 11. Hist. to W.P. Barry. a.o. y. 1938 Dec. 13. Hist. to Mrs. Leona Jones a.o. y.
New Year.
1681 INVALID.
File No. 1681 Matthew Keys. Miss Va. State
Act: June 7, 1892.
Index: — Vol. a, Page 201
[Arrangement of 1870.]

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Matthews Rous which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? _____
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? No

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? two Citizens
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? _____ Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? _____
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? _____
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No H.
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 7.
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months and _____ days. I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
X. "In every case where the clerk of the Court or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should be sent with the papers."