Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15493, for Philip Keeler, Connecticut

SERVICE
born.
Keeler, Philip
NUMBER
S. 15493
CONTENTS
carded

Connecticut, 22.58 5 / 10
Philip Keefer
of Fairfield Co in the State of Conn.
who was a Private and in the Co commanded
by Captain Hilliard of the Regt commanded
by Col. Lanfield in the Connecticut
line for 16 wks!
14. Private — 46.66 2 / 3
2 Corporal — 7.33 1 / 3
$54
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 54. Dollars 00 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of Sept.
1833, and sent to H. Smith
Ridgefield. Ct.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1833. — 135.
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 34. 27.
$162.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Wm. H. Palmer Clerk,
Vol. Three. Page 23.
C.P. Grand

19205-22585 Philip Keeler b.t
Adm 16 Months 2 Mo thereof as Corp. —
44. 66 7. 33 + $ 54. 00
108 27 135.
H. Smith Esq Redgefield Com t "

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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 subjoined 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. These 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 Philip Rules 6 t
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     unlesu Sept 1776. 3 Private Capt Williams Col Canfield Morn to State N York 71 born in Dodge field entered the service at said place — lives at same place   Mar 1777 2 " Capt Hoyt Gen McDougal Park's hill   Fall 11. Sub. 2 " Capt Hine Redpoor N York   Dec 1777 2 Corporal Capt Morris Col Ino Canfield guarding East.   Aug 1778 Sub. 3 Private " Newark   July 1779 Sub. 2 " Capt Somers Horse Neck   Spring 1781 - Feb. 1 " Capt Knowles Quarantine East   July - " doct 1 " Capt O'Neat Horse Neck  
Five living witnesses who gave all the above except the born
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 day 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 basis 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 two years is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, or 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 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 [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule [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.

Philip Kotler
19341
✓

State of Connecticut Fairfield County of Ridgefield
On this 3 d day of August 1832 personally appeared in Open Court before the Honorable Reuben Booth Judge of Probate for the District of Danbury in said County and State, in Open holding said Court in Ridgefield in said District. Philip Steele a Resident of said Ridgefield aged Seventy One year, who being first 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. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated, viz
That on the first of December in the year 1776, he enlisted into the service of the United States in a company of State State Troops, under the command of Captain Isaac Hilliard, in the Regiment of Colonel Canfield, for three Months and on being mustered for service in Redding said company Marched for Mamaroneck in the State of New York, and were stationed at said place and places adjacent, watching the motions of the British who were stationed in the vicinity of Kingsbridge until the period of his enlistment had expired, when he received a verbal discharge and returned home about the first of March 1777.
That in the month of March 1777 this declarant was drafted for two Months, and performed the service in a company of militia under the command of Captain Hoyt of Danbury, when ordered to march to Peekskill at which place was stationed

a Body of Troops under the command of General Mc Dougall, under whose command the Company to which this declarant belonged was placed. That said Troops continued at said Puckskill until the latter part of April when intelligence arrived that a large body of Troops had effected a landing at a place called Compo, in the County of Fairfield, and had proceeded to said Danbury and burned a large quantity of Stores, belonging to the United States Army. And, were committing other depredations in said County. When General Mc Dougall, with the Troops under his command, marched to Bedford in the State of New York, for the purpose of intercepting the British and preventing their embarkation, but on arriving at Bedford news arrived that the British had passed through Ridgefield, and were rapidly moving towards their shipping at said Compo, and said General Mc Dougall returned to Puckskill, which this declarant, after having served out the period for which he was drafted, received a dismission and returned home in the Month of May. And this Declarant further states, that in the fall of the year 1777, he performed a term of service for two Months in a company of Militia under the command of Captain Hine of Ridgefield. John Steele of said Ridgefield Ensign - performed service as a Substitute for a person then living in Ridgefield, but whose name this declarant cannot possibly recollect. Said Company was stationed for said two Months at Morris's Ford, now Paterson in the State of New York, to guard the Old Church which was used by a Company of Artificers, who were building a large number of Carts and Wagons, for the United States Service and at

The expiration of said two Months received a Verbal discharge, and returned home
And this Declarant further States that about the first of December 1777 Nathaniel Sturges of said Ridgefield, was drafted for three Months to go to Fairfield in said County of Fairfield, and this Declarant performed the Service as his substitute, that the Company Marched to said Fairfield under the Command of Lieutenant Job Smith, who had the Command of said Company during said three Months, and were employed in guarding the Coast, the Guard being Stationed at Lintey's point on the Beach in said Fairfield That he served out the full period of three Months and received a regular dismission and returned home in the Month of March 1778.
And this declarant further States that about the first of April 1778 he enlisted as a Corporal in a Company of State troops under the Command of Captain Thorp of Mill River, in said Fairfield, for One year That said Company was Mustered for Service at Fairfield aforesaid, and were there detained about about half a Month, when said Company was Marched to "White Plains" under the charge of Sergeant Joseph Green, and there joined the Regimen- -ent of Colonel Roger Enn.
That this Declarant continued on duty at the White Plains as aforesaid until about the first of June 1778, when he received a written discharge, which was given him in consequence of there being no Corporals but except which he has lost, having been absent on this tour about two Months Capt. Thorp was also discharged about the same time, he not having a full complement of men, and at the time of his discharge, his men were placed under other Command And this declarant further States that in the Month of August 1778 he again entered the Service

3 mrs of the United States as a private Soldier, and performed the Service for three months as a Substitute for Anson Freby of Fairfield aforesaid in Captain Thorps Company of Militia - that said Company was Stationed at Stamford for about One Month and an half to Guard the Coast, and then Marched to Norwalk in said County and were employed in guarding provisions, so until the expiration of said three Months, When this declarant was honorably discharged (verbally)
And this Declarant further States that in the fall of the year 1779, he went as a Substitute for Stephen Mills of said Ridgefield, and served as a private Soldier in a Company of Militia under the Command of Captain Torrens, John Reclus of said Ridgefield Ensign - were Stationed at Norwalk in the town of Greenwich in said Fairfield County, Where after having served two Months (the time for which said Mills was drafted) this declarant was regularly discharged 2 mrs And this declarant further States that in the Spring of the year 1781, he performed Service as a Substitute for Robert Whittlock, for the period of One Month, in a company of drafted Militia under the Command of Captain Knowles Leav, Samuel Stebbins of said Ridgefield Ordinary Sergeant - said Company was Stationed at Middlesex in the town of Stamford to Guard the Coast.
1 mrs That about the first of July in 1781, this declarant was drafted for One Month, Mustered for Service in said Ridgefield, and Marched to Norwalk

under the Command of Captain Arnold remained there but a short time and was ordered to return to Ridgefield to watch the Movements of a Body of British Cavalry which was then stationed at Poundridge in the State of New York where this declarant after having served out the Month was discharged
This declarant States, that he has no documentary evidence other than what is transmitted herewith—
That he was born in Ridgefield aforesaid in the Month of August 1760, had no record of his age, and depends solely upon the information received from his parents— That he resided in said Ridgefield at the several periods when he entered the Service of the United States as aforesaid— that he has resided there subsequent to the War of the Revolution, and still resides in the same place—
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— Sworn and Subscribed in Open Court the day & year aforesaid
Philip Krule
Attest Edward Saylor clerk

and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after 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 Edward Taylor Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Philip Recla for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of my said office this 3 rd day of August 1832 Attest Edward Taylor Clerk
State of Connecticut, Fairfield County, ss.
I Reuben Booth of Danbury in the County of Fairfield in the said State Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Danbury in the said State, do hereby certify that Edward Taylor Esq. who has the signed & certified the foregoing proceedings of the said Court and the annexed depositions, is Clerk of the said Court of Probate and was Clerk as aforesaid at the same was signed and certified. And that the preceding signatures and the signatures to the documents annexed purporting to be the signatures of the said Edward Taylor are in truth his hand writing and that full faith and credence is due to his attestations as such Clerk -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in Danbury aforesaid this 4 th day of December 1832
Reuben Booth Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury Conn.

I Samuel Stebbins of Ridgefield in the County of Fairfield, and State of Connecticut Aged sixty Nine years being first sworn according to Law, depose and say that in the Spring of the year 1781. I was on a line of duty in a company of drafted Militia under the Command of Captain Knowles. Said Stationed at Middlesex in Stamford in said County to guard the Coast, and have knowledge that Philip Kuler of said Ridgefield, served as a private sol- -dier in said Company, during the period for which said draft was made - viz One Month — And this deponent further says that in the Month of July of the same year to wit 1781. The said Philip Kuler performed service as a private soldier in a company of drafted Militia for the period of One Month, that said Kuler joined the Com- -pany at Ridgefield aforesaid, Marched with the same to Norwalk, where said Company had been but a few days, when it was ordered to return to Ridgefield to watch the motions of a Body of British Cavalry then at Poundridge in the vicinity of said Ridgefield, and further that said Kuler served his Country faithfully, and as this deponent believes was honorably discharged — and further doth not. Samuel Stebbins
State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } Ridgefield 31 July 1832
On the day and year aforesaid, personally appeared Sam- -uel Stebbins, known to me as a person of truth and veracity, and who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. Harry Smith Justice of Peace

August 3 d 1832 Personally appeared in open court the above named deponent and made oath to the above deposition
Attest Edward Taylor Clerk And this court certifies the deponent to be a credible witness Reuben Root Judge
J. H. H. Root

State of Connecticut ss.
I Daniel Jackson of Stratford in the County of Fairfield do testify that I am well acquainted with Philip Keeler of Ridgefield in said County & State; that on or about the 21 st day of April 1778 at said Ridgefield, the said Keeler enlisted as a corporal, in a company of militia raised by said State, under Ensign Aaron Hull, that I enlisted at the same time, being then a resident of said Ridgefield, and the said Philip Keeler, with myself and others, immediately after we enlisted in April as aforesaid, left home & joined the United States army at White Plains in the State of New York - In a few days after we joined the army as aforesaid, the said Keeler & I were separated and attached to different companies, & I do not recollect having seen him again again that year, and cannot say how long he served, but I then understood he was to serve under Capt. Eliphalet Throop of Fairfield - I served that year in the Regiment of Col. Root and afterwards enlisted in the Continental army and served more than a year for which I obtained a pension in 1818, & have ever since received my pension money - The said Keeler is now present and I know him well, as we were brought up together in said town of Ridgefield - Witness my hand at Stratford this 30 th day of July 1832. — Daniel Jackson
State of Connecticut ss. Stratford in the County of Fairfield, - On the 30 th day of July A.D. 1832 personally appeared Daniel Jackson, now a resident in said Stratford, and to me well known and of good reputation for truth, and made oath to the truth of the facts stated in the foregoing deposition by him subscribed in my presence, before me.
Robert Fairchild Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut } Fairfield County }
I Thomas Braborne Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Fairfield in said State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Robert Fairchild Esquire before whom the Deposition of Daniel Jackson on the other side hereof was sworn is a Justice of the Peace for said Fairfield County duly commissioned and & duly empowered to administer oaths to said Deposition.
I further certify that the official signature of the said Robert Fairchild to the Certificate annexed to said Deposition is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County Court in Fairfield this 30 th day of July A.D. 1832.
Thomas Braborne Clerk of County Court for Fairfield County

Jonathan Sherwood of Ridgefield in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut Aged Twenty seven years. Being first sworn According to Law do depose and say. That in the year 1777. In this deponent was on a tour of Militia duty in the town of Fairfield in said County of Fairfield for three months under Lieutenant Job Smith, and have knowledge that Philip Keeler of said Ridgefield was on duty as a private soldier at the same time. That said Keeler served as aforesaid faithfully for three months, and as this de- ponent believes was honorably discharged And further that in July 1781. this deponent states that said Keeler was on a tour of Militia under Captain David Olmsted for one month. said service being performed at Housatonic in said County of Fairfield, and at Ridgefield. where said Keeler was discharged — And further say not —
Jonathan Sherwood
State of Connecticut } Fairfield County } ss. Ridgefield 1 st August 1832 On the day and year aforesaid personally appeared Jonathan Sherwood, known to me to be the same person who has subscribed the foregoing deposition and known as a person of truth and veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the same
Before me Harry Smith Justice of Peace
August 3 rd 1832 personally appeared in open court the above named deponent & made oath to the above deposition Attest Edward Taylor Clerk and this court certifies the deposition is a credible witness Nathan Root Judge

I Azariah Smith of the Town of Ridgefield in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, aged seventy one years, being first sworn according to Law, do Depose and say, that I was well acquainted with Philip Keeler of said Ridgefield in the time of the revolutionary War, that we both did and performed service as private soldiers for the term of two Months in a company commanded by Captain Somers, at which time John Keeler was Ensign, and Newton Hine was one of the Sergeants. said Keeler and said Hine were both Inhabitants of said Ridgefield, and that the company aforesaid, were during said term stationed at Horse-neck in the Town of Greenwich in Fairfield County aforesaid. And also, according to my best recollection, he the said Philip Keeler was on service during the aforesaid term of two Months, and was honorably discharged.
Azariah Smith
State of Connecticut } ss. Ridgefield, On this second day of August 1832. Personally appeared before me the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace for said County, Azariah Smith, known to me to be the same person who hath subscribed the foregoing Deposition, and made solemn Oath to the truth of the same. — And I hereby certify that said deponent sustains a fair & unimpeachable character for truth and veracity.
Samuel Hobbins Justice of the Peace.
August 3 d 1832 sworn in open court
Attest Edward Gayler clerk
And this Court certifies that the deponent is a credible witness.
Reuben Root Judge

I Sabry Wakeman of the Town of Thompson in the County of Sullivan and State of New York, aged 70 years being first sworn, according to law, do depose and say that Philip Keeler of Ridgefield in the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut was with me on a tour of duty in the Revolutionary war, in the fall of the year 1778, in a company commanded by Captain Eliphalet Sharp, for the term of three months, and that said duty was performed by the Company in the Towns of Stamford and Norwalk and I am knowing to said Keeler's doing duty in said Company faithfully during said term. and that the above term of duty was acted by the drafted militia between the first of August and the first of December 1778. Sabry Wakeman
State of New York Sullivan County 3p. Thompson - On this first day of November 1832 personally appeared before me the Sabry Wakeman, known to me to be the same person who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same; and I hereby certify that the said deponent sustaining a fair character for truth and veracity - Sworn before me, J. F. Hannon Justice of the Peace Thompson, Sullivan County. N.Y.
Sullivan County 3p. Clerk's office - I Jesse M. Foster Clerk of the said County of Sullivan do certify that J. F. Hannon, Esq. before whom the above Affidavit was sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in & for the said County - and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe his signature to the said Affidavit is genuine. Witness my hand and seal of office this 1 st day of November A.D. 1832 Jesse M. Foster

***** From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension Aug claim S. 15493, it appears that Philip Keeler was born in August 1760 at Ridgefield, Connecticut.
While residing at said Ridgefield, he enlisted and served as a private with the Connecticut Troops, as follows-
From December 1, 1776, three months in Captain Issac Hilliard's Company, Colonel Canfield's Regiment; from March 1777, two months in Captain Hoyt's Company; from September 1, 1777, two months in Captain Hine's Company; from December 1, 1777, three months under Lieutenant Job Smith; from April 1, 1778, two months as corporal in Captain Eliphalet Thorp's Company, Colonel Roger Enos' Regiment; from August 1778, three months in Captain Eliphalet Thorp's Company; in the fall of 1779, two months in Captain Somers Sears ' Company; in the
3-
spring of 1781, one month in Captain Knowles Sears' Company; from July 1781, one month in Captain David Olmsted's Company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 3, 1832, while a resident of Ridgefield, Connecticut. He died May 27, 1838. *****
Chas R. Hale Somberton data

From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 15493, it appears that Philip Keeler was born August 1760 at Ridgefield, Connecticut.
While residing in said Ridgefield, he enlisted and served as a private in the Connecticut Troops, as follows-
From December 1, 1776, three months in Captain Isaac Hilliard's Company, Colonel Canfield's Regiment.
From March 1777, two months in Captain Hoyt's Company.
From September 1, 1777, two months in Captain Hine's Company.
From December 1, 1777, three months under Lieu-
3-
tenant Job Smith.
From April 1, 1778, two months as corporal in Captain Eliphalet Thorp's Company, Colonel Roger Enos' Regiment.
From August 1778, three months in Captain Eliphalet Thorp's Company.
In the fall of 1779, two months in Captain Somers' Company.
In the spring of 1781, one month in Captain Knowles Sears' Company.
From July 1781, one month in Captain David Olmsted's Company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 3, 1833, while a resident of Ridgefield, Connecticut. He died May 27-1838
It is not stated that soldier was married.
copy of this letter to Keeler S15.493 in National Archives
Remainder of this letter in Thomas Mead W 9952

United States Post Office
CLASS
Ridgefield Conn October 18 1926
Bureau of Pensions Revolutionary War Record Dept
Gentlemen:-
Will you kindly give me the Revolutionary
War record of Philip Keeler S 15493
Thank you for your kindness,
Yours respectfully,
Postmaster..
Ans thru Sen. Hiram Bingham Dec. 17-26

15493 INVALID.
File No. 15493 Philip Keeler Coop Rev War
Act: June 7 th 32
Index: Vol. 1 , Page 204
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Apr 1-1901 Eligible - member Ch
1926 Dec. Hist to Sen. Thiam Brigham for Geo. G. Rockwell - See Sen's letter in reherial Keeler 15494 aug.
1928 June 25. Tombstone data to chas R. Hale - See letter in Samuel Stebbins W. 25135 cur 3.

State of Connecticut County of Litchfield } ss Ridgefield
Be it known that on the 3 rd day of July, 1833 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, Philip Miller a resident of said Town of Ridgefield, aged seventy two years, who being first sworn according to Law doth on his oath, make the following decla- -rations, supplementary to, and explanatory of his original declaration made on the 3 rd day of August 1832 before the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury, for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. 1 st As explanatory of the service in 1776-7. This declarant states that he enlisted into Capt. Hilliard's Company in Col. Cone's Regiment on the first day of December 1776, and was discharged on the first day of March 1777 having full three months, and at the place stated in said original declaration.
2 nd This declarant states that as early at least as the 25 th day of March 1777 he was drafted for two months, and served at Peekskill as stated aforesaid in the Company of Capt. Hoyst, and was regularly dismissed on the day of the expiration of the draft, having in this way two months.
3 rd On the first day of September 1777 this declarant entered the service as a Substitute for a person whose name he cannot yet recollect, in Capt. Hays's Compa- -ny of drafted Militia, and was discharged on the first day of November following. having two months.
4 th That at least as early as the 5 th day of

of December 1777 - this Declarant entered the service as a Substitute for Nathaniel Stanger and served three months at Fairfield in Lancaster County of Fairfield, in a Company of Hastings Militia, which was under the command of Lieutenant Job Smith, and was discharged on the fifth of March following.
5th. That on the first day of April 1778. This De- clarant enlisted for One year, as a Corporal in Capt. Throop's Company of State troops in Col. Eno's Regiment. That the Company imm- ediately marched for service at Fairfield in said County, and there continued say half a Month, then marched to the White Plains in the State of New York, and there done duty as a Corporal until the first of June follow- ing when he was discharged for reasons stated in said original Declaration.
This declarant States that he cannot now by reason of Age and consequent loss of Memory, State with more precision the several terms of service following the service in 1778 - but is confident that he served not less than the periods mentioned below in  for for three Months, as a private, a substitute for Aston Ruby, in Capt. Throop's Company of Militia - In the year 1779, for two  three Months as a private a Substitute for Stephen Mills in Captain's Forrest, Company of Militia.
In the year 1781 - a private, One Month a Substitute for Robert Whittaker, in Capt. Knowles's Company - And in July of the same year One Month, as a private, in Captain O'Callaghan's Company - And for which service he claims a Pension - This declarant States that he cannot furnish any further proof of service than he has already transmitted to the Depart- ment, as his Age and infirmity are such as

to prevent his traveling the Country for it. And if Any part of Ohio Province is so provided and stated as to entitle him to Any Compensation he will be glad to receive it, and take the rest, as he feels he is fast approaching the termination of his earthly existence, and that a pension much longer delayed will do him no good —
Philip Keeler
Soon Anne Subscribed this 3 rd day of July 1833 —
before me
Harvey Smith Justice of Peace
State of Connecticut } Fairfield County } S. Thomas B Osborne Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Harvey Smith Esquire, whose own proper signature, known to me to be genuine, is annexed to the above certificate, is now & was at the date of his said certificate a Justice of the Peace for said Fairfield County duly commissioned & duly authorized to ad- minister oaths, & take Depositions &c. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said County Court in Fairfield this 15 th day of July A.D. 1833. Thomas B Osborne Clerk of said County Court

Then the December Term 1747 3 rd is set down with the rest of the Terms on your letter I set in to my Declaration of Terms which makes 19 months the 8 th and the 9 th is proved By Samuel Stebbens Esq r Philip Ruben