Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,687, for Unite Keith, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Mass
Keith, Unite Sarah
NUMBER
W. 15.687
CONTENTS

No 84 4898 a 36
Vermont
Unite Keith
of ————— in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Williams of the Reg t commanded by Col Walker in the Massachusetts line for Private 11 Mos ————— $36.66
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of February 1833 and put to Pensioner
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1832 — $34.99 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 March 1833 18.33
$73.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Viral Luce Clerk, Book D Vol. 4 Page 68

4197 Vermont Poultry Sarah Keith widow of Nute Keith
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 3 Dollars 66 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of Mch 1849 and sent to
M c Bridge St Albans Vt
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2. 1848, Page 11 Vol. 3

4776
Sarah Keith Wid of Uncle Vernon At July 7 1838 Married 1784 died May 28. 1836 8 34 44, p.m. from May 28 1836
Wm Brags St. Albans

x Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838. entitled An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows.
State of Vermont ss On this 17 th day of August 1838. personally appeared before the subscribing authority Georgia District ss Sarah Keith a resident of Montgomery in the county of Franklin & State afo d aged seventy six years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838. entitled An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows.
That she is the widow of Uriah Keith late of Sheldon in the state afo d who was private in the army of the Revolution when her said husband entered the service he was a resident of Boston Massachusetts. that he served at Burybury and Rhode Island but under whom he served she does not recollect nor how long he served. but believes about eleven months in the whole for which service he obtained a pension under the act of 1832 which he continued to draw until his death. Per Agency
She further declares that she was married to the said Uriah Keith on the 19 th day of February seventeen hundred and eighty four that her husband the afo d Uriah Keith died on the 28 th day of May 1836; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four. Vis at the time above stated

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
Sarah X Keith mark
Before me William Bridges Judge of Probate
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and affixed the seal of the court of Probate at St Albans in the district of Georgia afo d this 17 th day of August 1858.
Wm Bridges Judge

N o 5370
Declaration and papers of United States for a Pension

Fleet commanded by Commodore Saltonstall The Marines were commanded by Gen Lovell commander of militia - they then landed at a place then called Bagaduce (now least time where the British had a Fort - there an engagement took place - but did not take the Fort - they kept their ground about six weeks when the British Fleet came upon, and drove them up the River to the head of tide water - where they burnt our Fleet consisting of about seventy sail in the whole including Transports - he thinks seventeen War Vessels - they then laid their course through the woods for Kennebec River where they arrived on the fourth day after suffering much from fatigue and hunger - he was not again call d on to perform any other service during the time of his indenture - but was ready when called upon He does not remember precisely the time from his entering on board of the Fleet up until his arrival at Kennebec - but thinks it was not far from two months
He has no documentary evidence whatever.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present,
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Unite Keith
And the Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, John Gates, jr. Register of the Court of Probate for the district aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matters of the application of Unite Keith for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 6th day of August A. D. 1832.
John Gates Jr. Register.

DECLARATION.
Revolutionary claim, under an Act of Congress, Passed June 7th, A. D. 1832.
STATE OF VERMONT, } DISTRICT OF GEORGIA, ss. }
Franklin County Probate Court,
July 16th
A. D. 1832.
Personally appeared in open Court, being the Probate Court for the County of Franklin, and a Court of Record for said County, and State of Vermont, as will appear by the first section of a Statute Law of said State, entitled "An act, constituting Probate Courts Courts of Record,"—passed November 15th, A. D. 1821, [see 1st. section of said act,]
Unite Keith
aged 72 years, resident in Sheldon
in said County, 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 7th, A. D. 1832.
In the year 1775 he was a resident of the Town of Easton, County of Bristol, and State of Massachusetts. He then enlisted into what was then called State Troops, and was attached to a Regiment commanded by Col. Walker & Capt. Masey Williams. His enlistment was within a short time after Lexington Battle and for the time of Eight months—which term of service he completed—he was stationed during his term of service at Roxbury near Boston most of the time & also during the engagement at Bunker Hill—was frequently cannonaded during his term of service at that place.
In the Spring following he enlisted into the same Troops for the term of six weeks, under the command of Capt. John Gilbert (and according to his best recollection, Benjamin Tupper Col. and was stationed at Roxbury—during this term of service (which he completed) no engagements took place except some skirmishes with the Pigot Guards. He next enlisted into Col. Abner Mitchell's Regiment Capt. Abner Clapp's company for the term of six weeks (as near as he can recollect) and was stationed at Howlands ferry in the Town of Tiverton and State of Rhode Island and continued there until his term of service expired. He does not know that his service was the same year.

In the Spring following he enlisted into the same Troops for the term of six weeks, under the command of Capt. Job Gilbert (and according to his best recollection) Benjamin Tupper led and was stationed at Roxbury - during this term of service (which he completed) no engagements took place except some skirmishes with the Pigot Guards. He next enlisted into Col. Abijah Mitchell's Regiment (Capt. Abijah Clapp's company for the term of six weeks (as near as he can recollect) and was stationed at Howlands ferry in the Town of Tiverton and State of Rhode Island - and continued there until his term of service expired. He does not recollect this term of service was the same year of the last mentioned service, or the year following. Soon after this service he again enlisted under the same Captain, and was first stationed at Providence, in the State of Rhode Island - from thence removed to North Kingston - During this service there was but one other company with his - he does not recollect whether Col. Knapp commanded the Regiment he was attached to or not.
Soon after he had completed this term of service he again enlisted into the Troops belonging to the State of Rhode Island - for the purpose of taking Rhode Island - which was then and had been during his two last campaigns in possession of the British - he believes there was no time specified other than to take Rhode Island - it was called Gen. Spencer's expedition - he was stationed at a place called Foglin - there was a great preparation for an attack upon the Island - a large quantity of Boats were procured - and they marched to the shore with an expectation of crossing - the British commenced firing and we retreated - soon after this he was discharged -

a large quantity of Boats were procured - and they marched to the shore with an expectation of crossing - the British commenced firing and we retreated - soon after this he was discharged - the term of service he does not exactly recollect but to the best of his recollection it was not less than six weeks.
He next entered on board the Sloop Providence he thinks in the year 1778 for nine months cruise - Capt. Hoxland of Providence commander - the indentures that he signed were to cruise off the West Indies and Port to France - he soon entered Penobscot River in company with a Fleet commanded by Commodore Saltonstall the Mains were commanded by Gen. Lovell commander of Militia - they then landed at a place then called Bagaduce (now Castine where the British had a Fort - there an engagement took place - but did not take the Fort - they kept their ground about six weeks when the British Fleet came upon, and drove them up the River to the head of tide water where they burnt an Fleet consisting of about seventy sail in the whole including Transports - he thinks seventeen War Vessels - they then laid their course through the woods for Penobscot River where they arrived on the fourth day after suffering much from fatigue and hunger - he was not again called on to perform any other service during the time of his indenture - but was ready when called upon He does not remember precisely the time from his entering on board of the Fleet as until his arrival at Penobscot but thinks it was not far from two months

Fleet commanded by Commodore Saltonstall The Mainers were commanded by Gen Loveell commander of Militia - they then landed at a place then called Bagaduce (now Castine where the British had a Fort - there an engagement took place - but did not take the Fort - they kept their ground about six weeks when the British Fleet came upon, and drove them up the River to the head of tide water - where they burnt our Fleet consisting of about seventy sail in the whole including Transports - he thinks seventeen War Vessels - they then laid their course through the woods for Kennebec River where they arrived on the fourth day after suffering much from fatigue and hunger - he was not again call- ed on to perform any other service during the time of his indenture - but was ready when called upon He does not remember precisely the time from his entering on board of the Fleet up until his arrival at Kennebec but thinks it was not far from two months
He has no documentary evidence whatever.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present,
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Unite Keith
And the Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, John Gates, jr. Register of the Court of Probate for the district aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matters of the application of Unite Keith for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this A. D. 1832.
6th day of August John Gates Jr. Register.

Easton Vt Jan'y 17 3
18 3/4
William Bridges Esq. St. Albans Franklin County Vermont

Bristol ss. Easton Certificate of Marriage
February the Nineteenth Seventeen hundred Eighty four.
Mr. Uriah Keith of Easton and Miss. Sarah Davenport of Mansfield were joined in Marriage —
by me James Perry justice of the Peace Recorded by Matthew Hayward Town Clerk
I certify that the above is a true copy of the Marriage of Uriah Keith & Sarah Davenport, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair, legible figures as follows viz., February 19 th 1784.
Tisdale Harlow Clerk of the town of Easton in the County of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Tisdale Harlow above named, depose & say, that I hold the office of Clerk of the town of Easton abovementioned. & that the above is a true extract from the records of said town, with the exception abovenamed as certified by me —
Tisdale Harlow Clerk as aforesaid —
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss. Easton January 8 th 1839. Then personally appeared the above-named Tisdale Harlow the present Clerk of the town of Easton and made oath that the above certificate by him subscribed is a true copy as as above stated from the Town records in his possession —
Before me Joshua Britton justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Bristol County ss. I Anselm Mawd Register of the Court of Sessions in and for said County do hereby certify that Joshua Whitton is a Justice of the Peace in for said County and that the signature to the within certificate purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this tenth day of January eighteen hundred and thirty nine - A Basset

No 5370
Write Keith
Vermont
$36:66 per am
Post Off
Sheldon, Vt

By  BRIEF in the case of  White Keeth of Sheldon  of Franklin in the State of Vermont (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.     In 1775 8 Pri Gen. col Williams, col Walker   1776 1 1/2 " " Gilbert, col Tupper   not enlisted 1 1/2 " " Clapp, col Mitchell   1778 x 9 capt Buckard, Gen Sowell  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Bunker Hill  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Bristol County Massachusetts.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Defective Papers not attached - character of Witness not given. 
* Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
* Privateer
Jas C. Wherry Examining Clerk.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 13684 Sarah Keith Widow of Unile Keith Pre Rev War
Act Feb 20 48
Index: Vol. a , Page 393
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No 5370.
White Keith
Vermont

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Write Keith 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? aid 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? Not all 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? Has VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Has VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Has VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Have IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Has 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? Is

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?
Not
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
None
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?
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 not
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?
Yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
are not
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
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 each 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 affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
‡ QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates 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 ends 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.

Reuel Keith of Sheldon in the county Franklin and State of Vermont aged Seventy Six years do Testify and say that I was acquainted with Unite Keith in the Revolutionary war who is now a resident of Sheldon in the county of Franklin and State of Vermont & am personally knowing to his enlistment in the State Troops Service of Massachusetts for the term of eight months under agreeable to his declaration and also to his enlistment and service in the first six weeks service under his declaration and also to his service in Genl Spencers Expectation against Rhode Island and that I was in Company with him during the whole of said Term of time agreeable to his declaration And further this deponent sayth that he understood at the times specified that the said Unite Keith had enlisted and did perform the other services agreeable to his declaration that I saw him immediately after his return home and previous to his joining the Army and Navy but did not accompany him in these services And further this deponent sayth not Reuel Keith
State of Vermont } July 16 th 1832 Then person- Franklin County } ally appeared before the undersigned authority Reuel Keith of Sheldon and made solemn

oath that the facts set forth in the within certificate by him subscribed as therein con- tained are true according to his best know- ledge information & belief.
William Bridges Judge
State of Vermont District of Georgia
Registers Probate Office July 26th 1832
I hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit was taken in open Probate court
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and the seal of said court the day and year above written
Atts. John Gates Jr. Register

Write Reuth. Burlington legy. June 7 $32.86
when paid -
due 1876
Since 28 th May 1826 p't to that period
14
[Signature]

I Reuel Keith a clergyman residing in the county of Fairfax & state of Virginia hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Uriah Keith who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that I believe him to be seventy two years of age, that he is respected & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that I concur in that opinion. Reuel Keith
Sworn to and subscribed this 29 th Jan y 1833 before me
Henry Whetcroft Notary Public.

4977 Declarations of Mrs. Sarah North for a Pension
$36:66 per an
Wm. Bridges St. Albans Vt

Declaratory.
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3 rd March, 1843, granting pensions for One Year to certain widows who have received pensions under the Act of July 7 th . 1838.
State of Vermont } St. Albans July 19 th . 1843.
Georgia District } On this day personally appeared before the Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the district aforesaid Sarah Keith a resident of Montgomery in the County of Franklin and State aforesaid aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3 rd March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Uriah Keith who was a Private (as she believes) in the Army, but under whom he served she does not know; and that she received Thirty six \frac{66}{100} Dollars per annum under the Act of July 7 th . 1838.
She further declares that she still remains a widow
Sworn to and subscribed on } the day and year above written } Sarah her Keith mark Before me W m Bridges Judge of Probate
Attest Scott Keith

State of Vermont ss St. Albans, July 19th. 1843. Georgie District ss. I William Bridges Judge of the Probate Court in and for the dis- trict aforesaid, do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Mrs. Sarah Keith, widow of Uriah Keith late of Montgomery in said district deceased.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name at St. Albans, in said dis- trict on the day and year above written William Bridges Judge

Declaration
State of Vermont } on this 30 th day of October, 1828, Franklin County ss } personally appeared before the subscribing authority, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Franklin, and State aforesaid, Sarah Keith, a resident of Ennaburgh, in said County, aged Eighty Six years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2 d February, 1828, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war.
That she is the widow of Uriah Keith, who was a private in the army of the Revolution, in the Massachusetts line, but in what Regt. or under what officers he served, she cannot now recollect, but for the services of her deceased said husband she received a pension of Thirty six and Sixty six cents per annum, under the act of July 7 th , 1838, and the acts subsequent thereto.
She further declares that she is still a widow. Sworn to & subscribed on her Sarah E. Keith the day & year above written mark
Before Signed William Bridges Justice of the Peace In presence of Scott Keith Minerva Keith
I hereby further certify that I am personally acquaint- ed with the above  within named Sarah Keith, & she is the same identical person who drew a pension under the act of June 17 th 1842, and she is still a widow. Wm Bridges Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont } S. Joseph H. Brainerd, Clerk Franklin County } of Franklin County Court, do hereby certify, that William Bridges, who has affixed his name to the within, is a Magistrate, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, and that the signatures purporting to be his, are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the county court, at St Albans, in the county this 31 day of October A D 1848. Joseph H. Brainerd Clerk
The answer to the foregoing you are requested to return to me the subscriber W Bridges atty for the applicant

Petition
3562
Vermont Burlington
Sarah Keith widow of Uriah Keith who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of Decr 1843 and sent to
Wm Bridges St. Albans Vt.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 4 Vol. 1 Page 28.

+
3241
Rep d B
Vermont
Sarah Keith.
widow of Unite Keith, Dec d :
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June, 1832 and who died on the 28th: May, 1836 — of Franklin in the State of Vermont who was a private — in the Comp y — commanded by Captain Williams of the Reg t — commanded by Col: Walker in the Massachusetts line for 11 Months
Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1836 29th: May, 1836 —
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of June 1839 and sent to Wm Bridg, St Albans, Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar: 1839 $109.98 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 18.33
$128.31
{ Act July 7, 1838. }
Recorded by Wm Stearns Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 Page 44

I Alfred Keith of Sheldon in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont aged 65 years do Testify and say that agreeable to the original family Record kept by My Father of the births of his Children My Brother Reuel Keith is now 76 years old and My Brother Orville Keith is now 72 years old and are now both Residents of this Town and I also further Testify that I recollect many of things that occurred during the revolutionary war although I was at that time too young to enter the service but have since  recollected agreeable to the best of My remembrance and agreeable to the understanding allways had both from My Father and Brothers all My Brothers being six in number were at different Periods in the Army at what particular periods or length of time I do not recollect My Father was much in favor of the war and all of his sons except myself were at one particular time since the service at once. I  can remember that soon after Lexington Battle a Matine Captain came to My Fathers Furnace in Eastown Mass chusets with his Sword drawn and the Halowed turn out Furn out and that all the men that could be spared from the works did turn out and I believe My Brothers with them
I also well remember of of being My Brother Orville that about three years after this time My Father removed to the Town of Woodbridge on the

Herebeck River and that My Brother unite with left home to join the Army and I understood that when he arrived where the Fleet was on board the Schooner Providence Commanded by Capt Hackard and was one of the first who landed and drove the British from their heights at Brazaduce or Bagaduce and well remember being in Return Home much fatigued and clothes much torn coming through the woods after the destruction of the Fleet and further this deponent sayth not.
Alfred Keith
State of Vermont } Sheldon July 16 th 1832 Franklin County ss } personally appeared Alfred Keith the signer of the above written instrument and made oath to the truth of the same in due form.
Before me Oliver A. Keith Justice of Peace
State of Vermont } At Barnes August 11 th 1832. I Horace James Franklin County ss } Clerk of the County Court in and for said County do hereby certify to all whom it may concern that Oliver A. Keith Esq. of Sheldon is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Franklin as duly appoin- ted by the Legislature of this State, and that the foregoing is his signature.
In testimony whereof I have here unto signed my name and affixed the Public seal of said Court the day and year above. Horace James Clerk