Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 45441, for Jeremiah Keeler, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn. Conti.
Keeler, Jeremiah
S. 45441
{ B.L. Wt. 6052 - 100. Pct. Issued Jan. 16. 1797. No papers.
CONTENTS

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Keeler, Jeremiah GRADE Private LINE Connecticut
WARRANT NUMBER 6052 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Jan. 16, 1797 to — not shown —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.

13 679 New York
Jeremiah Wheeler
of South Salem in the state of New York who was a Sergeant in the regiment commanded by Colonel Bradley & Swift of the Connecticut line, for the term of 6 years
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 11 th of May 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th of June 1819 and sent to Aaron Read Esqr
Beaford N.Y.
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 . . . $75.87 Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sep: 1819 "48. 9 mos 15/31 . . . $123.87
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
File Sept 19
Let to O. T. Keeler Aug 7. 1841. copy of discharge sent to same Aug 12. 1841. Let to same Nov 24. 1841

Inverness Shetland Application
Correct
to the Library
of the
University
of
Edinburgh
1884
James
Macpherson
1884

State of New York Westchester County ss; On this Eleventh day of May 1818 before me Aaron Read one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Westchester Personally Appears Jeremiah Shaler Aged fifty eight years resident of South Salem in the County of Westchester and State of New York who being by me first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the late Act of Congress entitled An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States in the revolutionary War; That he the said Jeremiah Shaler enlisted in Ridgefield State of Connecticut in the Company commanded by Capt. Samuel Hoyt in Col. Phelps B. Brigade, And that the 5 th Regiment of Connecticut Line as a private Soldier sometime in the Spring of the year 1777. for and during the War that he served in said Regiment until the year 1781 when he was attacked by the 2 nd Regiment of Connecticut Line under Col. Swift. That he continued to serve in said Corps or in the service of the United States until Peace in the year 1783 when he was discharged from Service in Ditchfield County nearly opposite West Point - S t of New York That he was in the Battle of Monmouth - and was at the taking of Fort Wallasey -
And that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support. And that he now produces a certificate from his Col. and his Discharge signed by his Excellency Gen l Washington which is herewith Encl d . Jeremiah Shaler

The Within Declaration is sworn to L. D. Dulan before me the day & year within written Aaron Read one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Northampton
I Aaron Read one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Northampton do hereby certify that it appears from satisfaction that the said Jeremiah Peake did serve in the revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy; and I now trans- mit the Proceedings and testimony taken and had before me the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the directions of the above mentioned Act as befits Aaron Read.
Bethford Northampton County May 11 th 1818
I certify that Aaron Read is one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Northampton
Elijah Lovejoy of the
This may certify that Jeremiah Peake the above Applicant resides some distance from me his true circumstances are not known to me but from information his circumstances are embarrassed his health much injured & from present & likely believe he was one of the best of Soldiers & suffered exceedingly during the War & that he now stands in need of that reward granted to Soldiers in like circumstances - Aaron Read March 1 st 1819

C. A. Broadley, letter accompanying the illustration.

Hon Secretary of the Treasury
or
Col. Aaron Ogden
Washington City

South Salem, Westchester County & State of N.Y. June 28 th D 1828
The Petition of Your Petitioner Most Humbly Shewseth, that your Petitioner is a Native of the Town of Ridgefield, in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut. That in the year D 1774 being then fourteen years old, he took the Command of a Company of Boys, which he Disciplined at stated times, for two years. That in D 1776 he was call d out & serv d with the Militia at N.Y. April 26 D 1777 your Petitioner oppos d the Enemy at Danbury and the next day at Ridgefield, and Early in May, he Enlisted During the War in Col o P. B. Bradleys Regt ment and serv d as a private Soldier in said Regt ment until the year D 1780 when the three years men were Discharged that he was then Promoted to a Corporal and in six weeks after to a Serjt ant and in six weeks after this appointment, was Selected out by Barron Stuben to join the Light Infantry and was plac d under the Command of the Illustrious Lafayette; whose Steps he follow d through that, & the Next Campaign - was Orderly Serjt ant in Col o Gimat's Regt ment attacked the Enemy at James Town, Storm d a Redoubt at York Town, & continued in the line of Light Infantry until the 19 th of June D 1781 when your petitioner Reciev d an Honorable Discharge, which he expects can now be found in the War Office, at City Washington. In year D 1797 or 98 there was Orders to raise three Companies in the state of Connecticut under the Command of Col o Humphreys, it was agree d that the three Capt ains & three Lieut enants should be appointed from those who had serv d in like stations through the Revolutionary war, but the three Ensigns should be appointed from old Boys Col o Bradley, one of the Committee of appointment, Inform d your petitioner, that your petitioner was the first one Named & appointed, & that Mr o Bissel was the next, who if your petitioner is rightly Inform d , Died a few years since, a Brigade Genl l Commanding at, or near New Orleans. Your petitioner at the time of his appointment to an Ensigny had Timber cut & drawn to the spot, in South Salem, County of Westchester & State of N.Y. and in partnership with two others, had a Saw Mill almost Completed; but, this is not the half, he was, by promis e , under a Matrimonial Tie, and therefore could not go - Your petitioner has Resided about forty years in South Salem and has serv d the Town Repeatedly as an Assessor, and did serve the County a few years, as a Magistrate. In Mr o Munroes Administration your petitioner flatter d himself that his beloved Country was going to make him some remuneration for his Toil, and through the agency of Aaron Read Esq r then an Acting Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, did obtain a pension for Eighteen months but has ever since been Debar d of it. When the Late Act of Congress came to the knowledge of your petitioner, he see at once, that he could not have been better Discrib d without being call d by Name. Two days ago your petitioner call d on Judge Read & he promis e to write to your Honor in behalf of Mr o Joseph Morgan & myself, which Promis e he undoubtedly will fulfill, but Believing that your Honor would not be Displeased at the receipt of a Letter from an Old war worn Veteran, who has as it were, Escaped a Cone to tell thee - on these considerations I have been Induced to commit this Intrusion, which I flatter myself your Honor will Pardon.

My Brother Thaddeus Eight years older than myself wore a Lieut t Com d from 1777 until the Ratification of Peace, but alas he has been Dead these 24 years, his oldest son is now M o Master at Ridgfield, within about two Miles of my Dwelling: any communication that your Honour may be Pleas d to send me, Directed to Thaddeus Keeler Esq r P.M. Ridgfield, or to Gould Harsley Esq r P.M. South Salem, will not fail on their arrival, to be speedily handed to me — Your petitioner feels it his Duty to state to your Honour that the Marquis Lafayette, once in Virginia, did send his Thanks to your petitioner, which was publickly presented to him, near the Center of the Reg t if any other Serg t belonging to the Light Infantry ever receiv d the Generals publick Thanks, it was and still Remains, unknown to your Petitioner — The winter after the Capture of Cornwallis, there was four Companies Detach d from the New England Troops and sent to the Town of Stamford, several Days after their March, your petitioner was order d by the Adjutant Gen l to join that Detachment and do the Duty of Q u arter Master Serg t But that your petitioner would have the whole Duty to perform, as there would be no Q u arter Master to tender assistance — This Duty your petitioner Conducted, as he verily Believes, to the full Satisfaction of his Superior Officers and all others concerned, until the Last of Ap r , when the Detachment was call d back to Dist t Point — whilst at Stamford, a Capt n of Boats, Commission by the Gov r of Connecticut to cruise in the sound against the Enemy, offer d to Serg t your petitioner to accept a Lieut t Commission under him, which he said he could and would procure from the Gov r  but that your petitioner told him with Candor, that he would not quit the line of the Army. The Reason of your petitioner s Entering so fully into particulars is to solicit, and crave, your Honors assistance, to procure your petitioner a more liberal support than what a Serg t is by the act of Congress entitled to receive; and your petitioner as in Duty Bound will Ever Pray &c.  Jeremiah Keeler
P.S. I beg leave to refer your Honor to a Letter from Col o J. B. Bradley to the Hon ble J. C. Calhoun late then Secretary of War, Dated as I conjecture in the Spring of 1818 Respectfully your Master's Serv t   J. K.

Act 1838 Settled at 2 1/2 Grazing Cows to acre Invaded Hills
July 5th 1841 The number of persons who have been admitted to the several prisons of the colony during the year
has been 100,000 and the number of persons who have been admitted to the several prisons of the colony during the year has been 100,000

Ridgefield June 30 th 1828
Sir, I have been requested to forward the inclosed communication — not supposing it to be even usefull in the intended application further than the name and residence — but as it has been his choice, I conclude that he may be indulged — althoug in his eulogy yet a recurrence to the scenes of the revolution evidently produce animation and delight — he is certainly one of the few remaining amongst us that is deserving of the fullest gratitude and justice from his country. —
Yours respectfully
Thaddeus Keeler 2

March 8, 1940
BA-J/MCS Jeremiah Keeler, S. 45441
Mr. Harold T. Keeler 157 South Fifth Street Fulton, New York
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of January 12, 1940, requesting information relative to Revolutionary War soldiers, Elias and Jeremiah Keeler.
The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to afford any information relative to Elias Keeler.
The data which follow were taken from papers on file in the pension claim, S.45441, based on the military service of the only Jeremiah Keeler that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Jeremiah Keeler was born at Ridgefield, Connecticut. The date of his birth is not given nor are the names of his parents shown.
Jeremiah Keeler enlisted at Ridgefield, Connecticut, in May, 1776, served as private, corporal and sergeant in Captain Samuel Halt's company in Colonel Philip B. Bradley's Connecticut regiment, was in the battles of Danbury, Ridgefield and Monmouth, and in 1780 was selected to serve as orderly sergeant in Colonel de Gimatte's regiment and was in the battles of Jamestown and Yorktown and he was discharged June 7, 1783, at which time he was serving as sergeant in Captain Timothy Taylor's company in Colonel Heman Swift's Second Connecticut Regiment.
Jeremiah Keeler stated that in 1787 or 1788 he had timber cut for a dwelling house in South Salem, Westchester County, New York, and that he was then "by promise, under a matrimonial tie." The date of his marriage and the name of his wife are not shown.

Jeremiah Keeler was allowed pension on his application executed May 11, 1818, at which time he was living in South Salem, New York, and stated he was then fifty eight years of age.
He stated in 1828 that he had lived in South Salem, New York, for about forty years.
Reference was made to the children of Jeremiah Keeler and in 1841 a son was referred to but no names are given.
Jeremiah Keeler stated in 1828 that his brother, Thaddeus Keeler, who was eight years older than himself, served as lieutenant from 1777 until the ratification of peace but in 1828 he had been dead twenty four years. It was also stated that this Thaddeus Keeler had served in the Revolution as sergeant and quartermaster. Thaddeus Keeler's eldest son, Thaddeus, was post master at Ridgefield, Connecticut, in 1828.
Oscar T. Keeler of New York stated in 1841 that Thaddeus Keeler (the Revolutionary War soldier) was his grandfather.
It was stated that Jeremiah Keeler received property from his father's estate in 1800 and that he was responsible for one fifth part in the support of a sister who was still living in 1819, her name not given.
There are no further discernible data relative to the family of Jeremiah Keeler.
Your diagram is returned herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

HEAD-QUARTERS, June 7 th 1783.
THE within CERTIFICATE shall not avail the Bearer as a Discharge, until the Ratification of the definitive Treaty of Peace; previous to which Time, and until Proclamation thereof shall be made, He is to be considered as being on Furlough.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Pay to Mr. John Jeremiah Keeler Discharge
Jeremiah Keeler B.F. 45,441. Comm.

By His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq; General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America.
THESE are to CERTIFY that the Bearer hereof Jeremiah Heiler Sergeant in the Second Connecticut Regiment, having faithful- ly served the United States from May 7 th 1777 to June 7 th 1780. — and being enlisted for the War only, is hereby DISCHARGED from the American Army.
GIVEN at HEAD-QUARTERS the 7 th day
of June 1780— Land Warrant to himself Jan'y 8 th 1781 By His Excellency's George Washington
Command,
J. Humphreys
REGISTERED in the Books of the Regiment,
J. Custy Adjutant.
THE above Sergeant Heiler has been honored with the BADGE OF MERIT for Six Years faithful Service.
D. Swift Col 2 2 d Connecticut

to G. B. Are. M. E. C.
to write to well - mention Ch.
Reuben
45 441 INVALID.
File No. 45 441
Jeremiah up Keeler Prio. Rev. War
Act: 18 th March 1818
Index: — Vol. 3, Page 269
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Mar. 25/93 Phil. Hist. Hill. 1822 Heiman Evanston, Ill.
Dec. 17-190
Mr. Chas. E. Rock
1917 June 5. History to Henry R. Drown
1940 Mar. 8. List to Mr. Harold T. Keeler, M.C.D.

Rev Sec H Sons of the Revolution
in the State of New York
Frances T. T. n Corner Broad & Peck Streets New York City
May 18, 1917.
Pension Bureau, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
Will you kindly send me the Revolutionary service of Jeremiah Keeler, who was born May 6, 1760, was a citizen of South Salem, N.Y. and died in South Salem, N.Y. on February 9, 1853. We find in New York in the Revolution that there was a Private by that name in the 4th Regiment Westchester County New York Militia and in New York Archives there was a Private in Crane's Regiment, Truesdell's Company, New York Militia. In Connecticut Men in the War of the Revolution there was a Private, afterwards a Sergeant, who served from 1776 to 1781 in various regiments.
Yours very truly,
Henry Russell Browne
Secretary.
P.S. Also the Revolutionary service of Captain Matthew Lee, only one who was born in Farmington, Conn. on June 11, 1760, and died in Farmington on April 27, 1840, and is in the U. S. pension record, 1840.

1422 Hinman Ave Evanston Ill. 2/13/95
Hon. Wm Lochren Com. of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir: Will you kindly furnish me with the "Pension Record" of service in the Revolutionary War of Jeremiah Keeler. He was born in Ridgefield, Conn May 6, 1760 died in Westchester Co. N.Y. Feb. 9, 1853 He enlisted in "Connecticut Line" at Ridgefield, Conn. in May 1777, according to family tradition, serving therein some three years, when he was chosen among others to form a light brigade of light infantry for the Marquis de La Fayette and was with him at the siege of Yorktown, remaining with the Army until it was disbanded in 1783. He was supposed to hold the rank of orderly sergeant at time he left the army. He was in receipt of a pension at time of his death. Thanking you in advance for an early reply, I am Yours truly A. B. Hall

Fulton, N.Y. Jan. 12, 1940.
U. S. Pension Dept., Revolutionary War Division, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Enclosed herewith is a sketch diagram of two early citizens, some infor- mation of which may appear on your records.
Will you not fill in such details as are available? and return the diagram at your early convenience to
Yours Gratefully,
Harold Meeler
HAROLD T. MEELER 157 So. FIFTH ST., FULTON, N.Y.
1 Eddy E
Wanted records of Elias & Jeremiah Keeler, no place of residence given for Jeremiah Keeler, Mass
3/8/40

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Jeremiah Keeler a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S. F. 45,441.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     May 1776 to June 783 But. Corp. & Sgt. Daniel Benedict Samuel Hatt John St John Timothy Taylor Philip B. Bradley P. B. Bradley Heman Swift Heman Swift Col. Simons Conn                                                   
Battles engaged in, Danbury, Ridgefield, Monmouth, Jamestown, Yorktown. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Enlisted at Ridgefield, Conn. Date of application for pension, May 11, 1818. His cl. was al. Residence at date of application, South Salem, Westchester Co., N.Y. Age at date of application, 58 yrs. He was born at Ridgefield, Conn.
Remarks: In 1841, a son was referred to, name not stated. There is no further data relative to family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

No. 6 Original papers 688
1053
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
20 Sept. 1828.
Jeremiah Keeler of South Salem in the County of Westchester in the State of New York has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution," approved the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he enlisted in the Continental line of the army of the Revolution, for and during the war, and continued until its termination, at which period he was a Sergeant in captain Taylor's company, in the Second regiment of the Connecticut line; and that he received a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars, provided by the resolve of the 15th of May, 1778; and further, that he was not on the 15th day of May, 1828, on the pension list of the United States, and that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, nothing,
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far the several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
By order of the Secretary, H. Adams.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
24 th September 1828
It appears by the records in this office, that a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars has been issued to Jeremiah Keeler in the Connecticut line
It further appears that Jeremiah Keeler  not is now on the pension list of the  any agency, and has been so since the 3 d March 1826 at the rate of  dollars per month
John Hagan Aud

Revolutionary Claims.
[ B. ]
Form of a Declaration to be made by the Non-Commissioned Officers, Musicians, and Privates.
For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828, I, Jeremiah Keeler of South Salem in the county of Westchester in the State of New York do hereby declare, that I enlisted in the Continental Line of the Army of the Revolution, for and during the war, and continued in its service until its termination; at which period, I was a * Sergeant in Captain Timothy Taylor's Company, in the Second Regiment, of the Connecticut Line. And, I also declare, that I afterwards received certificates for the reward of eighty dollars; to which I was entitled, under a resolve of Congress, passed the 15th of May, 1778.
And I further declare, that I was not, on the fifteenth day of May, 1828, on the Pension List of the United States.† Nor have I received any Money from the Treasury Department, since 1819.
Witness my hand, this fifteenth day of September , in the year D 1828  Jeremiah Keeler
Before me,‡ Jared Bouton Justice of the peace in the county of Westchester in the State of New York personally appeared, this day, Stephen Gilbert Esqr and Nahes Bouton of the said county, who did severally make oath that Jeremiah Keeler by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, is generally reputed and believed to have been a soldier in the Army of the Revolution, in manner as therein stated.
Witness my hand, this fifteenth day of September in the year D 1828  Jared Bouton Justice of the peace
I, Nehemiah S. Bates Clerk of the Court of the County of Westchester in the State of New York do hereby certify, that Jared Bouton before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was, at the time, a § Justice of the Peace and duly empowered to administer oaths. &c
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the [L. s.] said Court, this 15th day of September  1828
Bates
* Sergeant, Corporal, Musician, or Private, as the case may be.
† The claimant, though not on the pension list on the 15th May, 1828, may have been on the list on or since the 3d of March, 1826, and afterwards stricken off: if so, he will add, and that I have received of the United States, as a pensioner, since the 3d of March, 1826, the sum of dollars, paid to me by the Agent for paying pensions in the State of
‡ Here insert a Justice of the Peace, or other Magistrate duly empowered to administer oaths.
§ Justice of the Peace, or otherwise, as the case may be.

J. Keeler.
recd Aug. 16. 1828.
ackd Sept. 8.
(four sets)
Wm. Secretary of the of the United States Treasury, Washington City
South Salem N.Y. August 13th
Free

South Salem Aug d 10 A t 1822
To the Hon ble Secretary of the Treasury, City Washington
Honour d Sir,
For want of Better Information, Judge Read of Bedford, has been Induced to send my papers together with those of Joseph Morgan, address d to the Care of Col o A Ogden without the Least Suspicion that the Col o Crave d or Intend d to take any per cent age, and I was not a Little surpris d at the Receipt of his Circular &c. which was the first Intimation that ever I receiv d of his having any Demands — My feelings Hon our d Sir, are similar to those of Mr o Joshua King of Ridgfield, he will not, he says, be Little, or any way Small, in the business; if Other Officers do generally pay per cent age, he will Do so too — If the papers sent by Aaron Read Esq r to your Honour, are not sufficiently satisfactory, I most Humbly Crave Information from your Honour, what we must do to make them Correct; if they are Satisfactory, and your Honour can make it Convenient, it is most Humbly Requested that the money may be paid (like J. Kings) at the Branch Bank N.Y. and that the Draught may be sent to Aaron Read Esq r Bedford, as he has Volunteer d in our business — Did Col o Ogden only know the Distressed Debilitated Deranged & worn-out situation of Joseph Morgan, I feel confident that he would sooner add to, than take aught, from that poor man. I wrote about the 28 th of June, on very bad paper, stating the place of my activity: of some of the services I perform d which were such as no other Sergeant was trusted with, and of being Appointed an Ensign prior to Gen l Bissel, all of which, I can substantiate by Living Testimony, but know not whether this would procure me the pay of an Ensign: this Letter I handed to my kinsman J o Keeler P.M. Ridgfield who informs me that he Directed it to your Honour. Now if Col o Ogden or any other Gentleman will procure me the pay of an Ensign for my Extra services, I will remit to him or them the full sum of at least five per cent But as I did not participate with them in their five years full pay, I humbly crave to be Exonerated from any per cent age —
I Enclose to your Honour, my Sergeants Warrant, which I solicit may be return d together with my Discharge, which was sent to City Washington A t 1818. The Letter contains the same of our Great Washington, in his own hand writing, which Endears it to one, who begs Leave to subscribe himself, Your Honors Very Ob t & Most Humb le Serv t
Jeremiah Keeler

P.S. Accompanying Col o Ogden's Circular, I find a postscript, which conveys an Idea that Your Honor would consent to have payments made no where else but at Washington City; Now I almost positive know, that on Mr r Joshua King's Request, Your Honor did send him a Draught on the Branch Bank at N.Y. Col o Ogden's Opinion to the Contrary Notwithstanding —
JK

J Keeler 1052
J Morgan - 1057.

South Salem Westchester County N.Y. Sept. 15 A 1822
Hon ble R. Rush Secretary U States Treasury Washington City
Honour'd Sir (for so permit me again to Address you) Your kind favour of the 8 th Inst. was thankfully Recd on Saturday the 13 th and I have this Day attended before Jared Bouton Esq r and have fill d out two Declar tions one for myself & one for poor Joseph Morgan, who is so Debilitated as to make it Difficult to Asertain the Name of his Capt or or Number of the Regt t from which he was Discharg d . But Stephen Gilbert Esq r Capt or Moses Bouton (father to the justice) and a number of Other Gentlemen with whom I have Convers d all tell me that they well know of his Enlisting as a Sergeant in the N.Y. Line in A 1777. for & During the War, and that he was Honourably Discharg d at the Close of it — for myself, I belong d to the Connecticut Line & never had any Intimate Acquaintance with Mr Morgan untill I Emigrated to this place, but this I do know that in A 1818 his Discharge was sent to the War Office and he obtain d a pension for about Eighteen Months, and I much Lament that he was Ever after Stricken off — If by having Access to the War Office his and my Discharges can be found, it will, I flatter myself be to your Honou r s satisfactory Evidence — As my Letter to your Honour Dated the latter part of last May has miscarried, I humbly crave your Honours patience, whilst I Recapitulate the principal part of its Contents — It set forth that I was a Native of Ridgfield in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, and at the age of 14 A 1774, was by my School mates Chosen their Capt or & continu d to Exercise & manuever them at stated times for two years — in the month of May A 1776 being then 16 years old, was Enroll d & call d out with the Militia to N.Y. Apr l 26 A 1777 oppos d the Enemy at Danbury and near by at Ridgfield, and Early in the Month of May Enlisted a Soldier in Col o P. B. Bradley's Regt t for & During the War — Serv d as a private in P t Regt t until A 1780 — was then appointed a Corporal & in six weeks after a Sergt t & in six weeks after this, was Selected out by Baron Stuben to join the Light Infantry under the Command of the Illustrious Lafayette whose steps I follow d through that and the next Campaign — was Orderly Sergt t in Col o Gimat's Regt t Attacked the Enemy at James Town in Virginia Storm d a Redoubt at York Town, Recd d publick Thanks from the Marquess (an Honor Confer d on no other Sergt t within my knowledge) and continued in the Line of Light Infantry untill the 7 th of June A 1783 when I Recd d an Honorable Discharge from Capt or Paylors Comp y . Col o Heman Swifts Second Connec t Regt t

I also stated in my Letter that the Winter after the taking of Cornwallis there was four Companies Detach'd from the New England Troops and sent to guard the Town of Stamford a few Days after their March, the Adjutant General Order'd me to proceed & join my Detachment, to do the Duty of Q. Master Sergt. but that I should have the whole Duty to perform as there would be no Q.M. to render assistance; this Duty I conducted (as I verily believe) to the full satisfaction of my Superior Officers & all others Concern'd, untill the last of Apr. when the Detachment was recall'd to West Point — This Honour'd Sir is the only Instance within my knowledge of the like Duty being Intrusted to any Officer below the grade of a Lieutenant — Whilst at Stamford a Capt. of Boats Commission'd by the Governor of Connecticut to cruise in the Sound against the Enemy, offer'd and even urg'd me to take a Lieutenants Commission which he would procure for me from the Governor, but I told him with thankfull Candor that I would not quit the Line of the Army — I also stated in my Letter that in the year 1787 or 88 there was three Companies Order'd to be Rais'd in Connecticut under the Command of Col. Humphrey & that Generl. Huntington, Col. Bradley and Col. Swift were appointed a Committee to Nominate the Officers; who unanimously agreed to select three Capt's and three Lieut's from those who had serv'd in like Grades through the Revolutionary War but the three Ensigns should be appointed from Old Sergts. Col. Bradley Inform'd me that I was the first one nam'd & approv'd of, the next was Sergt. Bissel who if I am rightly Inform'd Died a few years since a Brigadier Genl. at Commanding at or near New Orleans — furthermore in my Letter I stated that at the time of my Appointment I had Timber at the spot, for a Dwelling House and in partnership with two Others, had a Saw Mill almost Completed, all of which was out of the Limits of Connecticut and that this was not the half for I was then by promise, under a Matrimonial Tie and therefore could not go — I stated too that I had heretofore serv'd the Town as an Assessor & in various other Civil Capacities and did serve the County a few years as a Magistrate But I will fatigue your Honour no further with Entreats from that Long Lost Letter, only that I concluded it with soliciting the aid of your Honour if it was Consistent to procure me the pay of an Ensign —

In my Letter of the 10 th Aug t which Your Honour condescended to Answer, I requested the money (if the Claims were accredited) might be sent to Aaron Keed Esq r of Bedford; but he Lives all Eight Miles Distance; therefore it would be altogether more accommodating to have all communications sent Direct to me; if it be necessary that there should be fill d out a power of Attorney to obtain the money, I shall not appoint Col o Anor d . But Sire, Your Honour- Self - I am requested and Authoris- by the Connections of Joseph Morgan (should his papers prove satisfac- tory which I pray they may) that his money might in Like manner be remis- to my Care, in which Case, I faithfully Promis on the Honest word of a Christian Soldier, to see, so far as in me lies, that the whole amount shall Enure to the personal benefit of Joseph Morgan with out Deducting Either fee or Reward for any Trouble that has already or may hereafter accrue, to One, who again begs Leave to Subscribe himself, Honor d Sire Your Honours Most Ob t and Most Humble Servant Jeremiah Keeler —
N.B. please pardon all Inaccuracies and be assur d that I am not wholly at a loss, by what means my former Declaration and other papers have miscarried — JE

Hon ble Richard Rush Secretary United States Treasury Washington City —
Revolutionary Claims

This may Certify that Jeremiah Miller, of South Tadou, Westchester County, & State of Connecticut New York was enlisted by me as private soldier in the 5 th Connecticut Reg t in the Continental army of the United States of America, in the Spring A D 1777 and that he served in Capt n Samuel Hoyt's Company, that in 1780 he was appoin- ted a Corporal in said Company, and soon after a Sergeant, in which Capacity he served untill the close of the Revolutionary war The 5 th Connecticut Reg t was, at the above mentioned time commanded by myself To the Hon. John C. Calhoun Secretary at War      Philip M. Bradley Ridgefield May 8 th . A D 1818

Dec 18th
Hon. John C. Calhoun Secretary of War Washington Adm l .
Aaron Read, Esq r Bedford N. Y.

Underhill Feb. 15 th D 1819
Hon John C. Calhoun,
Sir, Jeremiah Ruler Esq r of South Salem Westchester County & State of New York in favor of whose claims for a pension for services rendered during the Revolutiona- ry war I some time since gave my Certi- ficate, has again requested me to inform you as far as my knowledge extends, both as to those services & his present situation as to property - As respects his services, I know of no Non- Commissioned Officer in the Connecticut line, who served during the war, who is so justly entitled to the consideration of Govern- ment, he was uniformly by brave, active & obedient during my continuance in the army & deservedly sustained the reputation of a good Soldier, & I was informed by the

Officers of the army (after my leaving it) that he continued the same reputation to the end of the war -
As it respects his property at present, I have no personal knowledge, in the year 1880 (if my memory is correct) he recd from his father's estate property to the amount of $10,000 dollars, encumbered with one fifth part the support of a poor sister of his, unable to take care of herself who is still living & her support in the above proportion remains a lien on that property during her life -
I am informed by him that this constitutes the greatest part of the property he has he is now possessed of that he owes $4000 from my knowledge of his character from his youth up to this time, I am inclined to give in true credit to his statement -
I have the honor to be your Obedient Servt.
Philip B. Bradley

Aug 6 1841.
Can't find them
Jere: Keeler 688 Thad: Keeler 2365
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.
142 1630 1698

New York August 4. 1841
Sir.
I address you a letter at the request of Mr Jeremiah Keeler, a sergeant in the Revolutionary War, to see if you could send him his warrant and discharge from the Army also the discharge of his brother Thaddens Keeler - a sergeant Quater Master Vols - He sent an about the year 1830 for a pension for himself & brother, and rec d word that they must see his discharge but that if he wished them they should be returned to him. He is very anxious to have them, and if you can do so, please send them to me & I will send them to him.
My Grandfather Thaddens Keeler, died before his claim was made out, and never rec d a pension.
Please inform me in relation to it & oblige
Yours Most Ob t Serv t Oscar T. Keeler
To the Com te of Pensions

No. 69-
6 August 1841
Pension Office
The Secy of War Washington City D.C.
Mrs: Keeler Thad Keeler
NY.

New York August  July 4. 1840
Sir:
Mr Jeremiah Keeler, a Sergeant in the Revolution, sent to Washington, in or about the year 1830 for a pension, and rec d word that if he would send his Warrant & Discharge from the army, to prove his claim, that it should be returned to him. He is very anxious to have them, also the discharge of his brother, Phaddeus Keeler which he sent on at the same time, and I wished me to see if I could obtain them for him.
Please inform me if they are in your Department, and can be sent or where I must apply for them, & oblige
Your Obedt Serv t Oscar T. Keeler
The Secy of War

New York August 2. 1841.
Sir.
Your letter, in answer to my letters to the Secretary of the Treasury, War, & to the Pension Office, was this morning rec d .
I regret exceedingly that you cannot part with my Great Uncle's discharge from the Army. He thought a great deal of it and wished it to keep it for his children, more particularly, as it had the signature of General Washington attached to it. I do not know as he would care for a copy of it but if not too much trouble to send me a copy, I will forward it to him.
I did not think that you would be able to find my Grandfathers discharge on file as he died, before his claim was made all d .
If you could send a signature of Washington, perhaps he would be satisfied with it. He is over 82 years of age and is a little childish.
Very
Respectfully
Your Obedt Serv t
Oscar S. Heeler
Hon. J. L. Edwards Comm r of Pensions

New York Oct 29 th 41
Sir
Yours of the 23 rd inst, in reply to mine of the 21 st has been rec d . Content noted. Would you have the kindness to inform me if the discharge of Jeremiah Keeler can be granted with after his death. The former copy has been given to his son, and I shall be extremely obliged if you will send me a certified copy for myself.
I am Sir Very Respectfully Yours Affec ly Oscar S. Keeler
A. Edwards Comm ee of Pensions
(4)

M. 69
7 August 1841
Pension Office
The best of the security Washington City D.C.
Mr. Keeler Thos Keeler

War Dept
New York August 4. 1841.
Sir,
Mr Jeremiah Keeler, a soldier of the Revolution, on sending on for a pension in I think the year 1830, rec d word that the warrant and the discharge from the Army must be sent, but should be returned after it was found out to be right. He sent them on with his brothers Lieut Thaddeus Keeler after Quarter Master + Sergeant, with the expectation of having them returned. He has commissioned me to write to you, to see if you could obtain them for him or could inform him where he could apply for them. Mr Jeremiah Keeler held the office of Sergeant - Mr Thaddeus Keeler the office of Sergeant. Quarter Master + Lieutenant.
Mr T. Keeler never rec d any pension, having died before his claim was made out. still he wishes the discharge - Please inform me in relation to the matter + greatly oblige
Yours Obediently
Oscar T. Keeler
Augst
1841
The Secy of the Treasury