Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13623, for David Keyes, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
born. sea service
Keyes, David
S. 13623
carded
CONTENTS

9109 Connecticut
David Keyes of Ashford in the State of Connecticut who was a Private in the Conn commanded by Captain Smith of the Reg commanded by in the Conn time for Militia 16 mo
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 53 Dollars 33 1/3 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of March 1833 and sent to Bulkeley Ashford Conn Arrears to the 4th of March: 33: $106.66 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sep: 4. 33. 26.66 $133.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E.D. Bullock Clerk, Book 6 - Vol. 3 - Page 23
Ms. A. 9. 2. 11 4. 1839 9. B.

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Cong ress Passed June 7, 1832 - Which is made in addition to a former declaration of the applicant made before the County Court, within and for Windham county, in the State of Connecticut on 23 rd day of July A.D. 1832 -
State of Connecticut
Windham county - } ss. District of Ashford -
On this 20 th day of December A.D. 1832, personally appeared in open court before the court of Probate for the said district of Ashford, now sitting David Keyes Esq r a resident of Ashford, in said county and state aged 67 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following supplemental declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832
That he entered the service as stated in his former declaration and served as therein stated, that by reason of old age and consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively any more to the day or month he entered or left the service, nor to the precise length of his service in each case time he was out, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades -
1 st time of service - For two months, as a private in Capt e Benja m Sumner's company, and that he was paid for this period of time, as he thinks, in money that was worth less -
2 d Time of service - For three months, as a private in Capt e Simeon Smith's company - and received similar money in pay -
3 rd Time of service - For Eleven months - as a private in Capt e Dana's company, at this time, that he enlisted for a year, but actually served only eleven months - and was paid in money that was good for nothing for the year -
4 th Time of service - For four months - a marine on board the Schooner - Polly Capt e Prond - That he cannot say whether the said vessel was a public vessel or not, but that she fought the common enemy, and the services he rendered as stated in his former declara- tion -
That he is not able to state any other officers, than those he has stated in his former declaration, excepting that he recollects Lieut s Cagwin and Walker, and Ensigns Eaton, and Arnold, but he does not remember so as to distinguish to which company, each respectively belonged -
That he was born in said Town of Ashford, in the year 1765, April 20 th -
That he has a record of his age, in his family Bible, made by his father -
That he was born in said Ashford, and has always lived in that place, and now lives in said Ashford -

That he has answered in his former declaration, the 4 th and 5 th interrogatories prescribed by the War department and is not able to state in this, his supplemental declaration any more particularly in answer to the same —
That he never did receive any discharge — and that the 7 th interrogatory he has answered in his former declaration as prescribed by the war department —
David Keyes
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid before the Court of Probate for the district of Ashford in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut
Attest. Benj a C. Simmons Clerk
And the said court of Probate 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 —
I Benj a C. Simmons clerk of the court of Probate, for District of Ashford, in the county of Windham and State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing containing the original supplemental proceedings of the said court of Probate in the matter of the application of David Keyes Esq r for a Pension —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said court of probate, this 20 th day of December A. D. 1832 —
Benj a C. Simmons Clerk

Rev. and 1812 War Section.
Ques February 10, 1926
Mary B. Bishop 142 Grove St Putnam, Conn
Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 13623, it appears that David Keyes (son of Solomon Keyes) was born April 20, 1765 at Ashford, Windham County, Connecticut.
While residing at said Ashford, he enlisted and served as a private in the Connecticut Troops, as follows-
From June 1779, two months in Captain Benjamin Sumners' Company.
From June 1, 1780, three months in Captain Simeon Smith's Company, Colonel Wylllys' Regiment.
From April or May 1781, eleven months in Captain James Dana's Company, under Major Shipman.
In January 1782 or 1783, he went on board the

schooner "Polly", Captain Proud or Prond, was captured and imprisoned, seven or eight weeks, on Jersey prison ship, and was discharged in April or May of same year.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 23, 1833, while a resident of Ashford, Connecticut.
He died September 4, 1839. ✓
There is no data on file as to family.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.
Date of death from Agency Book

Rev War
13623 INVALID.
File No. 13, 623
David Hays Br. Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index: —Vol. 1 , Page 259
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1926 Feb 10 - Hist to Mary B. Bishop Co. J.

MRS. MARY B. BISHOP 142 GROVE STREET PUTNAM, CONN.
Jan. 4, 1926
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Will you please send me the pension record in the Revolutionary War, of MOSES GAGE who died 1854, number of pension R- 3861.
also
the same for DAVID KEYES, # S-13623, died in Eastford, Conn.
Very truly,
Mary B. Bishop

2861 David Reyes
admit private 16 m o $53.33
Ich Bu Uley adford ex
Page 81.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of David Keyes which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? 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? 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? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? 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?

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? XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? 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?  The service on board the Polly cannot be allowed unless it be shown that she was a public vessel. 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? XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Not Satisfactorily
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.

David Hayes
No. 4

I Caleb Hendee of Ashford, Windham County and State of Connecticut of lawful age depose and say, that I was a Soldier, in the State Troops, in the year 1781, in the Revolutionary war, and I well remember that David Keyes of said Ashford was a Soldier with me in Captain Dana's Company, and Major Shipman's Battalion. and that said Keyes enlisted into the service in the Spring of 1781. and served in said Troops for the period of one year. - for about six months he served in the same company with me, when I was appointed Ensign in another company, but I well remember that said Keyes remained in the service the and performed his duty as a Soldier, the remaining part of the year - as was in the same Battalion with him through the year - and further the deponent saith not Ashford July 23 d 1832 -
Caleb Hendee
Windham County ss. Ashford July 23 d - 1832 -
Personally appeared Caleb Hendee and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed - And I hereby certify that said Hendee is a man of truth and veracity, and full credit may be given to his testimony Before me -
Ichabod Buckley Justice of Peace

I, Admiral Bolles block of the county court within and for the county of Windham, in the State of Connecticut do certify that Richard Bulkeley Esq before whom the within affidavit was made is duly enrolled as a Justice of the Peace in and for said Windham County, that the foregoing signature of his name is in his handwriting, and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his acts as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Public Seal.
Said Court this 23 d day of July A.D. 1832
Admiral Bolles block

We Ezekiel Skinner a clayman and Stephen J. Palmer both residing in Oxford, Windham County and State of Connecticut hereby certify that we are well acquainted with David Hays late High Sheriff of the County of Windham, who has subscribed the foregoing deposition declaration and sworn to the same, that we believe him to be sixty seven years of age - that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Ezekiel Skinner
Stephen F. Palmer
Sworn to and subscribed on this day and year aforesaid before me County Court of the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut Stephen J. Salmond
Sworn to and subscribed on this day and year aforesaid before the County Court of the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut. Attest Jeremie Buel Clerk. And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories put in by the War Department that the above named William H. Hovey is a Unitarian Minister of the Gospel in the United States. And the Court further certify that the said William H. Hovey who has signed the foregoing Certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the said town of Ashford and that Stephen H. Saltonstall who signed the same is a resident in the said town of Ashford and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. Attest Jeremie Buel Clerk County Court at Windham
Stephen Butler of Ashford, county of Windham and State of Connecticut of lawful age depose and say that I was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and served at New London in said State, in the year 1780 and Daniel Hays was in the service at that time and place with me, and served there for the period of three - months, under Capt. Smith - and further the Deponent saith not. July 23 d 1892 - Stephen Butler

I John Snow of Ashford Windham county and State of Connecticut, of lawful age depose and say, that I was a soldier in the revolutionary war and served at New-London in said State, in the year 1779 and that David Hays of said Ashford was a soldier with me at that place, and served for the period of two months, under Capt. Benjamin Sumner and further the deponent saith not. July 23 d 1832. John Snow
State of Connecticut } County of Windham } Ashford July 23 d 1832
Personally appeared Stephen Butler and John Snow, and severally made oath to the truth of the foregoing - disposition by him subscribed - and I hereby certify that said Butler and said Snow are men of truth and their testimony is entitled to credit - Snow before me -
Ichabod Bulkley Justice of Peace
I Armin Bolles Clerk of the County Court in and for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Ichabod Bulkley Esq before whom the foregoing affidavits were made is duly enrolled as a Justice of the Peace in and for said Windham County, that the foregoing signature of his name is in his hand writing and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his acts as such -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the public seal of Court at Brooklyn in said County this 23 d day of July 1832
Armin Bolles Clerk

David Phelps No 2861
P.6.
Return to be made to Dehabad Bulkeley Esq Asford Connecticut
I Armin Bolles Clerk of the Court of the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing annexed hereto contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of D. [illegible] for a [illegible]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 23 d day of July A.D. 1832
Armin Bolles Clerk

had a number killed & wounded. 3 d The enemy marched out in the nite to Stamford unresisted & collected all the horse and neat cattle and other live property & was returning when five hundred volunteers turned out and pursued them to Stamford and retaken retook about all the property taken our loss was considerable in killed and wounded. I was discharged in April or May and out about eleven months according to my recollection. 4 th I went to Providence in Rhode Island with three more in company in January 1782 or 3 and entered on board of the Schooner Polly captained by Capt. Purdie which carried fourteen guns we sailed and cruised off New York & New Jersey there was on of those blow which carried us across the gulf stream and in the nite we fell in with a vessel and pursued until morning when we discovered what she was and we were away she gave us a broadside and pursued us until about 10 o'clock in the morning then took us and in about ten days carried us into the harbor of New York and sent us aboard of the Jersey prison ship we stayed on board about seven or eight weeks in a state of starvation then discharged. I think in the month of April or May which was about four months - my shipmates two are dead the gone other gone to parts unknown - I was born in Ashford Windham County State of Connecticut and have lived there ever since my age is sixty seven the 20 th day of last April the above is true according to my best recollection & I never received any written discharge - I have record of my age at home - David Heye

State of Connecticut
County of Windham
on this 25 th day of July 1832 personally appeared in open court before the County Court of Windham County now sitting David Hays a resident of Ashford in said County and State aged 67 years who being first duly sworn according to law, took, 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 entered the service of the United States under the following named officer & served as herein stated;
1 I entered the service of the United States for my Father Solomon Hays who was drafted in June 1779 as a substitute under the command of Capt Benjamin Sumner I marched through Windham towards New London and commanded by General Tyler was discharged the last of August or the first of September according to my best recollection
2 campaign I was a substitute for Daniel Bartlet who was drafted about the first of June 1780 I went under Capt Simeon Smith and commanded by Colonel Willes of Hartford I marched through Windham & Colchester to Connecticut river and there and stationed a short time and from thence to New London and discharged in August or the first September was out three months according to my best recollection
3 I engaged in April or May for one year in 1781 in Major James Dana & Lieutenant Root, company & in Major Shipman, Battalion & commanded by General Waterbury I marched through Hartford New Haven Fairfield & Stamford to the while Plains the first skirmish was on frogs point a number killed & wounded I was an expedition to cut the sound to Long Island in the night the enemy got intelligence and was ready to receive us we retreated back &

Who have been...
I am acquainted with Ezekiel Skinner a clergyman, and Stephen F. Palmer Esq. who reside in the same Town with me and -
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State -
David Freyer
Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year, aforesaid before the County Court of the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut
Attest Arminius Bolles Clerk
[Signature]