Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 44,479, for John Keith, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn. Mass.
Keith, John
S. 44,479
CONTENTS

Letter to Simon Davis 83 Auditor 28 June 1838
Letter to 3 d Auditor 11 Nov r 1838
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1838 for the period from the 8 th March 1831 to the 8 th April 1833 the day of his death. - age notified 18 Oct r 1838.
Atty Hon. Wm. L. January
Sting 1841.
Connecticut 28.960
John Keith's heirs of Windham the State of Connecticut who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Moore of the Reg t commanded by Col Patterson in the Mass s Inf ty for 8 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 2/3 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831 ending 8 April 1833, the day of his death.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of August 1834 and sent to David E. Thompson
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept 1831, - 80 Pension, allowance ending 13 33 19 33
Revolutionary Claim } Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by [Signature] Clerk, Book 2 Vol. Page 23

John Keith
No 5576.

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } ss. COUNTY OF WINDHAM, }
John Keith
On this 18 day of July A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the County Court of the County of Windham aforesaid, now sitting, at Shrimpton a resident of the town of Shrimpton in the County of Windham, and State of Connecticut, aged 76 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, in his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated: I volunteered in the alarm at Lexington 19 th of April 1775, a few days after I enlisted under Capt Morse of Watie Massachusetts, was in led Patterson Regt. for 8 months. Stationed in the fort at Prospect Hill, at the time of Bunker Hill battle, saw Genl Washington when he took the command, at the end of my time was dismissed at Prospect Hill, I cant say I remember the Field officers.
In 1776, I was, in Capt Allens Co. of Ashford as a private on a Militia train to New York, marched I believe 13 th day of August. I have forgotten the Regt. was at Kingsbridge & set to attend the sick, there and at Norwalk Ct, was out some or more, I cannot say how long, but was 3 months or more. I do not remember the superior officers.
I was at Liverton in Shermans Creek in 1777, about one month. I was a private soldier
He hereby relinquishes 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.
The following interrogatories were by said Court propounded to said applicant, viz:—
 1. Where and in what year were you born? in Needham Ms. in 1756.  2. Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it? I have none here I suppose I am recorded in Needham but dont know.  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live? the 1 st since I lived at Roxbury Ms. 2 nd at Shrimpton Ct, where I have lived ever since.  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? I cant say otherwise than I have stated.  5. State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served; such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service. 
I cannot now remember other than I have
 6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? I do not recollect as I ever had one  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief in your services as a soldier of the revolution. Elder James Grew and asa Jacobs. 
John Keith

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year aforesaid, before the County Court for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut.
Attest Asahel Bolles clerk
We James Grafton a clergyman, residing in the town of Thompson in said Windham County, and Asa Jacobs residing in (the same,) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Keith who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be 78 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Asa Jacobs James Grafton
Sworn, and subscribed, on the day and year aforesaid, before the County Court for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut.
Attest Asahel Bolles clerk
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 it appears to them that James Grafton who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman residing in the said town of Thompson and that Asa Jacobs who signed the same is a resident in the said town of Thompson and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest Asahel Bolles clerk
Asahel Bolles Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windham, in the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Keith for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this 18 day of July A. D. 183 2
Asahel Bolles Clerk

certify note of Court of Probate in John Keith's case

State of Connecticut
Windham County ss.
On this 27 th Day of January, 1834. personally appeared in open court before the Hon. Court of Probate, within and for District of Thompson, in the County aforesaid John Keith of said Thompson in the County of Windham & State of Connecticut aforesaid, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say, that he is the son of Mr. John Keith late of said Thompson deceased who has applied for a pension, and that his father, died at Roxbury, in the State of Massachusetts on the 8 th Day of April last, & left no Widow, his mother having been dead some years, and that the children of the said John Keith now living or supposed to be living, are as follows with their place of residence, Viz. William Keith of Roxbury in the State of Massachusetts, Electa Keith now the wife of Benjamin Guild, of the same place & Susan Keith, also of Roxbury aforesaid. Lucy Watson now a Widow -

who resides in Whites townh in the county of Oneida State of New York, and Sally Hecock a Widow who lives at Syracuse, in the county of Onondaga in said State of New York — Lydia — the wife of Silas. Partridge, who lives in Willington in the county of Tolland in the State of Connecticut, (himself John Keith of Thompson in the county of Windham and State of Connecticut. That the above are all the children living, or supposed to be living after said John Keith deceased.
No. William Keith Electa Guild. Susan Keith. Lucy Watson Sally Hecock Lydia Patridge John Keith.
And that his father John Keith died April 8 th 1832. John Keith Sworn to and subscribed, on the day & year aforesaid, before the Court of Probate, for the District of Thompson in the county of Windham & State of Connecticut.
Marcus Dinsbee Clerk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named, William Keith Eliza Guild Susan Keith, Lucy Watson, Sally Hecock Sydia Patridge & John Keith, are the children now surviving of the said John Keith, & that he left no Widow & that he died on the 8 th Day of April 1833, as is set forth of said.
I, Marcus Amos Clerk of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Thompson in the County of Windham & State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings, in the matter of the application of said, before said Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 27 th Day of January A D 1834.
Attest - Marcus Amos Clerk

5576
John Keith
6,0
admit 8m o
died 8 th April 1833
Surplus
Wm Keith
Electa wife of Benj. Gile
Susan Keith
Lucy Walron
Sally Hencock
Lydia w/p of Elias Partridge
John Keith
$ 26.66
Thompson P. Davis Esq Counsel Thompson Ct.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Keith C.T.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1818 to 1825 7 8 Private Col. Cap. Morse Patterson 76 born in Newham Mass entered service at Roxbury Mass now lives in Mendham Co. C.T.   August 1826 over 3 " Col. Allen   1827 about 1 " Spencer Expedition Certificate of a clergyman and a citizen -  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
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 it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
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 papers 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

James Keith & Moses Mannick
Showing the services of John Keith
5576

I James Keith of Newport in the County of Herkemer State of New York, aged, 74 years do testify and say that, in the Revolutionary war on the 13 th Day of May 1776, I enlisted as a soldier in the Army for one year, by Ensign Jonathan Nichols, and was attached to and served, in a Company commanded by Capt Daniel Allen of Ashford, in the State of Connecticut where I then lived, in Col Ward's Regiment, we marched to Norwich Connecticut & went from there by water to New York, in a vessel commanded by Capt Jennings, went to Fort Lee, and helped build that fort, was taken sick soon after the battle of White Plains & was sent home sick some time in January 1777, and was mostly confined to the house, till the latter part of May following. John Keith of Thompson in the County of Windham & State of Connecticut who is now, on a visit at his sons, in Roxbury Massachusetts, enlisted, at the same time as I did, and for the same length of time and went with me, in the same company & I left him, there when I came off and

I believe that he served the year out said John Keith farther, who was also a Sergeant in S d Company, came home with me, he being sick and unable to do duty, I was a corporal in the Company.
In 1777, I was a soldier with said John Keith one month in Capt Lyons Company, in Col McCallums Regt, our head quarters were at Frierstown R Island,
James Keith
State of Connecticut Windham County ss. Thompson, September 25 th 1832
Then personally appeared James Keith signer of the above deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
before me Simond Davis justice of the peace
And I further certify that I have always known Mr. James Keith the above deponent and full faith and credit is due to his attestation
Simond Davis justice of the peace

I, Almin Bolles, Clerk of the County Court within and for, the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify, that Reverend Davis Osgood before whom the foregoing 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 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 seal of said Court at Manchester in said County this 4 th day of October, A.D. 1832.
Almin Bolles Clerk

John Keith's liars. act of Jane Coe. payment made 13 Dec. 38 - to whom
[Signature: G. M. C.] Wherry $55.83
21. Jan'y '41 { to Hon. Orin Holt. M.C. Reg. paper Dec. 14 th 1838 -
Ms 4663-

J. L. Edwards Esq. on Mr. Keith's behalf

War Department Pension Office December 2 d 1833
Sir,
The additional testimony taken in support of the declaration of John Keith has been compared with it. The eight months service in 1775 appears to be sufficiently established. But in 1776 he alleges that he served as a private in the militia for 3 months on a tour to New York commencing in August under Capt Allen of Ashford which is all the service alleged that year. The evidence of James Keith is that in May 1776 the claimant enlisted in Coln Ward's regiment in the continental service for a year as a sergeant and served out the period of his enlistment. It is perfectly obvious that either the original claimant, or his witness, or both, were mistaken. Neither statement can be believed unless shown more satisfactorily. The other service will be allowed, without further evidence when the name of his widow, or if no widow of his children, are certified under the seal of a court of record, as well as the time of the death of the original claimant. The papers are placed on file.
I am respectfully Your obedient Servant J. S. Edwards
Simeon Davis Esqr Thompson Connecticut

Thompson July 30
free
Mrs 67
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq. Comp. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Thompson Windham Co. Ct July 30 th 1834.
Sir. Some time in January last, I wrote you in answer to your fav. of Dec r . 2 nd 1833 of which the annexed is a copy. & furnished you with the evidence of the time of W. John Keith's death, names of children &c. as required. also stated my reason why more than $1000 ought to be allowed Mr. Keith. I have no copy of my letter of Jan y . it is probably on your files. I expected you would send me the pension certificate for such time as on reflection you should think proper to allow Mr. John Keith but none has ever come to hand, will you have the goodness to inform me on the subject. Yours at all times Simon Davis.
Hon J E Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions.

copy
War Department
Pension Office
December 2 d 1834
Sir
The additional testimony taken in support of the Declaration of John Keith has been compared with it. The eight months service in 1775. appears to be sufficiently established.
But in 1776. he alleges, that he served as a private in the militia, for 3 months on a tour to New York commencing in August under Capt Allen of Ashford, which is all the service alleged that year.
The evidence of James Keith is that in May 1776. that the claimant enlisted in Col Ward's Regt. in the Continental service for a year as a Sergeant and served out the period of his enlistment.
It is perfectly obvious, that either the original claimant or his witness, or both are mistaken, neither statement can be believed unless there is more satisfactory
The other service will be allowed without further evidence, when the name of the Widow, or if no Widow of the Children are certified under the seal of a Court of Record, as well as, the time of the death of the original claimant. The papers are placed on file.
Simon Davis Esq. Thompson Com
I am respectfully your obed. servant J. S. Edwards

John Keith additional proof
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq. Committee of pensions Washington

Thompson Windham Co G. July 11 th 1834
Sir Agreeable to your letter of Dec r . 2 nd 1833 which I herewith enclose you, I send you the names of the children of John Keith, dec d . at the time when he died, he having left no widow. You inform me that the 8 mo. sum in 1775. will be allowed, & that the sum in 1776. cannot without further explanation. The witness lives, if alive in the Western parts of the State of New York. The children are poor, & as you will see are scattered, to the four winds, and I cannot give further explanation, than to state, that, I think on examination, you will see you have misconceived, the evidence of the Witness James Keith. You say that the claimant states he enlisted in May 1776. into Col Ward's Regt. as a sergeant. Now it is the Witness that enlisted in May, & the claimant, says, he enlisted in

August, & served 3 months. Now the only difficulty is that the witness proves more service than John Keith the claimant, says he served,
This I have endeavoured, before to explain & will do it again. John Keith the claimant died with a cancer, at the time he made his declaration, he was confined to his house the board went to his house, to take it. The surgeon was present about performing an operation, he was greatly enfeebled in body & mind & he said he could not say how long he was out in 1776, but knew he was as much as 3 months & he would not put it any longer.
James Keith the witness, says he was mistaken, it was the time he states & he was then in health & vigor of body & mind & a man no one can doubt his testimony.
Now under these circum- stances, I think it would be just at least, to allow to the John Keith at least, the 3 mo.

in addition to the 8 th in 1775. if you cannot further allow him. I think it would be a matter of right. however, the case is submitted to your decision, with the above remarks, presuming you will do that Justice, which under all circumstances, we are satisfied you will act,
You will see by the scattered situation of the children, that great trouble & expenses will arise to get from all of them a power of attorney to draw what may be allowed. Cannot the certificate be given to one to draw the amount in trust for the whole, say to John Keith the son who resides here,? It would be most con- venient to draw the money at Hartford in this State.
I remain your obedient child, son Simon Davis
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Esq. Comm. of pension -

44 479 Pay INVALID.
File No.
44 479 John Keith Privat In Rec Connecticut Troops
Act: 7 th June 1832
Index:—Vol. 3, Page 269
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Moses Mann deposition

I Moses Mann of Needham in the County of Norfolk & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged eighty years do testify and say that I well know John Keith of Thompson in the State of Connecticut, aged as I should suppose about seventy seven years. In childhood we were school mates in Needham, afterwards he lived in the adjoining town of Natick and lived with the Rev. Mr. Badger, the minister of that place: with whom he continued till about the time of Lexington Battle, when he joined, in April 1775, Capt Joseph Morse's Company & Col Patterson's Reg't, in which he enlisted for eight months. About the same time, I enlisted in the same company for eight months, under the appointment of sergeant in which I continued about four months, when on account of sickness in my family at home, I procured a substitute & withdrew leaving the said John Keith in the Company aforesaid, and according to my belief, and according to common report, he served the time out for which he enlisted. And further saith not.
Moses Mann
Norfolk ss. Sept 13th 1832
Col. Moses Mann above named, a person well known to me as sustaining a character for truth & integrity, personally appeared & made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true.
Before me Elijah Draper Justice of the Peace

Norfolk ss Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I Francis Ware Clerk of the Inferior Courts within & for the County of Norfolk hereby certify that Abijah Dyer Esquire within named before whom the deposition within purports to have been taken, was at the time of the taking thereof and now is a Justice of the peace in and for said County, and that his signature within is genuine and true. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the Inferior Judicial Court of said Commonwealth at Dedham this eighteenth day of September A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Francis Ware

John Keith 5576
Hon. Lewis Cass Esq Secretary of War Washington
Add. Post John Keith Fort Richardson Fort Snelling Com —

Thompson Windham Co. vt. Oct. 17 1832
Sir. I have rendered some assistance to some of the Soldiers, applying for pensions under the act of June 1832. whose papers have been sent to the Department. and whom since have got some additional testimony - which at their request I now forward you, to be filed in their cases. Viz. two depositions showing the service of John Keith & two Depositions showing the service of Joseph Richardson & Jacob Blackmar. all of the above. town County & State. whose applications are

now, at your Department,
I am sensible of the rule that you do not communicate with any one on business for another unless his character & standing is known for that purpose. I forwarded a letter from the Hon. Ebenezer Young, member of Congress from this State, to your Department in the summer of 1831, on business then had, then, in the case of the application of Josiah Dean, of Killings, in this County, for a Pension under the old law, which I presume is on file in that case in the proper office, should that not be satisfactory, I will get the introduction of the Hon. Iabez Huntington, one of our Delegation in Congress.

I have annexed a list of such as I have omitted about which you can communicate with me if it is not improper Yours, etc. sent
Simond Davis
Hon Lewis Cass Esq Secretary of War
John Willson Jason Phipps Zadoc Hutchinson Thomas Elliott Jonathan Converse John Gleason Amos Green Ebenezer Green Jacob Blackmar Joseph Richardson Simeon Shepard Amos Standish
Barth Benson John Keith Joseph Luntlett Thomas Davis Wm Tabor Levi Stone Aaron Bixby Moses Bixby Isaac Child Archelaus Sibley Jonathan Leland Alpheus Bowers David Reynolds
Ebenezer Leland Edward Babbitt Seth Babbitt Patience Lobbett Oliver Farny Zebediah Burch Reuben Robinson Josiah Underwood Ephraim Houghton Asa Jacobs Joseph Adams

Hon J. L. Edwards Esq Comm d of Pensions Washington

Thompson, Windham Co. Ct Nov. 21 st 1833.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir, I hope you pardon me, for once more troubling you with the enclosed, application for a pension of John Keith. It is a case, in which I sent to your office, two depositions, one proving his service at Boston in 1775. the other, that in 1776, & more than he has claimed, they were sent on as additional Proof, & up to August last when I was at your office, could not be found, I hope your papers now, are so much diminished, as it will enable you to find them. W m Keith is dead, he died in May last, with a cancer, & his declaration was made, while in the most dreadful state of that cruel disease, he was poor, but a worthy good man, & his family are

Scattered over 3 or 4 states, I have delayed, taking the ever-due, over again partly from the great expense attending it, & having forgot, the names of the recipients, & hoping it may yet, be found in your office. If under such cir- cumstances you cannot allow the pension, & the proof has not been found, I beg you to inform me as soon as convenient.
Very respectfully your ob. serv.
Simon Davis
I send you all the papers I ever have in P. from the office in this case

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office,
December 13 th , 1838.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," The children of John Keith a Pensioner on the Roll of the Hartford, Connecticut Agency, at the rate of Twenty six — Dollars and Sixty six Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June, 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of March 1831- to the 8 th day of April 1833, the day of his death,
Respectfully, yours,
W. B. Passmore Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.