Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,319, for Eleazer Kelly, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
P. J.
Kelly, Eleazer
N. 20,319
Kelly,
Mercy
CONTENTS

Rhode
3532 Massachusetts
Mercy Kelly widow of Eleazer Kelly, R.J. who was a Pirate in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 26 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of Dec. 1843 and sent to
Theo. J. Vaham Smithfield R.I. Island
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 4 Vol. 1 Page 46.

I David Kelley of Gloucester in the County of Providence & State of Rhode Island and now in Douglas in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts aged Eighty four years on the third day of January now last past. Depose and say, that the names of my two brothers who served with Ebenezer the  senior Stephen Kelley who was older than Ebenezer Kelley, and Ezekiel Kelley who was younger than Ebenezer Kelley. —
Ebenezer Kelley enlisted sometime in the spring of 1778 in Capt. Asa Kimball's Company, of which Company Abraham Surtelot was Lieutenant and Benjamin Hoppin was Ensign. I also thought that Ebenezer Kelley enlisted at this time for one year, and that he served in Crary's Regt. and such is still my impression. — I likewise have the impression very strongly that Crary's Regiment was made up of men, of whom whom were enlisted for 9 months, and the other part for one year. — I think that Capt. Asa Kimball and his Lieutenant, Surtelot, and Ensign, Hoppin, were Commissioned in February for one years service, and that their Company was immediately, or as soon as possible filled up. — These all all circumstances which took place more than 60 years since, I have only hore recollection to guide me, and am therefore unable to state many particulars & circumstances which would tend to place the subject in a clear light. — Ebenezer Kelley may have been a 9 months man, but the impression is still strong in my mind that his enlistment & service was one year, in the Rhode-Island Force of 1778. —

In regard to the Tower of Service performed by Eleanor Kelly at Rothenberg, I think that Eleanor Kelly enlisted under Capt. Stephen Heimbold, in whose company Joseph Davis was Lieutenant and James Williams was Ensign. — I had enlisted in Capt. Blockmore's company, for eight months, and when we arrived at Rockburg , Eleanor Kelly was anxious to serve in Capt. Blockmore's company with me and an arrangement was made between Capt. Blockmore & Capt. Heimbold to exchange a man from Capt. Blockmore's company to Capt. Heimbold for Eleanor Kelly, and in that way Eleanor Kelly came in & served in Capt. Blockmore's company with me eight months, except the few days he had served under Capt. Heimbold.
And for the your Deposit with nat.
David his X mark Kelley
State of Massachusetts Worcester County ss.
Personally appeared on this 20 th day of June A.D. 1837. the above named David Kelly, with whom I am personally acquainted to be  to be a good name for truth & veracity, & made oath that the facts stated in the above Deposition are true — Before me
BO3 think justice of the Peace

N o 696. 3. Sec.
Mercy Kelley. widow of Eleazer Mass.

Declaration - in order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4 th July 1836.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester County
S. ss. On this twenty-
sixth day of December
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty six, personally appeared before the Judge of the Probate for the County of Worcester aforesaid, Mary Kelley, a resident of the town of Douglas in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 4 th 1836. -
That she is the widow of Eleazer Kelley who was a soldier in the Revolutionary Army of the United States & served as follows. - In. 1. Rec. the sd. Eleazer enlisted into the Revolutionary Army of the United States sometime in the summer of 1775 for eight months & served that time in Roxbury & Cambridge in the State of Massachusetts for the pay of which service see the Deposition of David Kelley. - I knew nothing of this term of service, except what the said Eleazer & others told me afterwards, as it occurred before my acquaintance with him the sd. Eleazer. - I became acquainted with the sd. Eleazer Kelley sometime in the spring of 1776, soon after his return from Roxbury & Cambridge, & from which time to the spring of 1778 he performed a number of short terms of service, varying in length of time, from a few days to one or two months. He was some times drafted, sometimes went as a substitute for others, & sometimes volunteered. These short terms of service were generally performed in cases of particular emergency. - Their number, their duration, the times & places of their performance, I cannot now recollect, sufficiently well, to detail the particulars of each. - Sometime in the latter part of the month of May or the early part of June 1778 the said Eleazer Kelley again enlisted into the revolutionary army of the United States for the term of one

year for the history & particulars of which service, see the Deposition of S d David Kelly. - I was under matrimonial engagements to the S d Elazar Kelly at this time & we were married just previous to his joining the army. - Almost immediately after our marriage he joined the army at or near Rhode Island, & served there one year, & was in the Battle on Rhode Island. - I received letters from my husband frequently while he was in the army & I still have a paper of pins which he purchased at Newport & sent home to me, while there in the service. - My husband always calculated his services in the Revolutionary army at about three years & I have no doubt that they amounted to that time. He has been dead now about fifty years, & I lived with him only about nine years, after his return from the army; - The particulars therefore of his service are almost obliterated from my recollection. - I had long since ceased to think of them, & it is like the recollection of a dream. - I think I am very safely sure his service at two years & a half had I have no doubt that he served the three years.
I was married to the S d Elazar Kelly sometime in the early part of June 1778, the particular day of the month I do not now recollect, & no record of our marriage was ever made to my knowledge & none can be found, but for the proof of which see the Deposition of Deborah Jefferson hereto annexed. - My husband the S d Elazar Kelly died on the 24 th day of January 1787 & I have remained a widow ever since that period, & was never the wife of any other man, as will appear by reference to the proof herewith annexed. -
Mercy Ever Kelly mark
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year above written before.
Mr Bartol Judge of the Court of Probate for said County.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol ss.
And thereupon the Court do declare it their opinion, that Eleazar Kelly the husband of the said Mercy Kelly did serve as a soldier in the Revolutionary war as she in her application states, the Court having carefully investigated and considered the same. And the Court further certify, that it satisfactorily appears that the said Applicant was married to the said Eleazar as she states, and that indeed and she has remained his widow as she affirms her oath has de- clared - she being a person of truth.
W. B. Barlow Judge of said Court of Probate.

Deborah Jefferson of Douglas in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged 77 years Depose & say that I am personally acquainted with Mary Kelley of Douglas in sd County & State, & was old well acquainted with her husband Eleazer Kelley & was present at the marriage of the sd Eleazer & Mary Kelley & acted as Bride's maid at the wedding. — The precise time of their marriage I cannot recollect. It took place during the time of the Revolutionary war, in warm weather & probably about 1778. it being soon after the birth of one of my children. — I have always known & been intimately acquainted with the sd Mary Kelley, & consider her character for truth & veracity to be good. She has never had any other husband than the sd Eleazer Kelley, she still remains his widow & I have known her from her youth up. — Their marriage took place in the presence of & was solemnized by Reverend Arnold Eddy who is now dead. — And further your deponent saith not.
Deborah her X Jefferson mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County — I personally appeared on this 24 th day of November 1836 the above named Deborah Jefferson, whom I justly certify to be a woman of good repute for truth & veracity and made oath that the above Deposition by her subscribed is true. —
Before me — B. Church justice of the Peace

I Lippitt Eddy of Burrillville in the County of Providence & State of Rhode Island aged eighty two years, & now in Douglas in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Depose & say. that on the sixteenth of June 1778 I enlisted into the United States Revolutionary army for nine months & served that time in the state of Rhode Island, in Capt. Wickham's  Providence Company, in Col. Brown's Regt. - I was well acquainted with Eleazer Kelley of Gloucester in the State of Rhode Island (the present town of Burrillville & Gloucester at that time formed but one town under the name of Gloucester) & that S d Eleazer Kelley was in the same company & Regt. with me, & served with me during all of the nine months of service. This Regt was composed of men enlisted for the term of nine months, & some for one year. - Whether the S d Kelley served a year or nine months I cannot now recollect. - The battle of Rhode Island took place during my term of service & our company was in that engagement & the S d Kelley I suppose with them; - I was at that time sick in the Hospital. And further your deponent saith not.
Lippitt Eddy Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County - ss. On this 24 th day of November 1836 personally appeared the above named Lippitt Eddy whom I know to be to be a man of high repute for truth & veracity & made oath that the above Deposition by him subscribed is true - Before me - B. Church, Justice of the Peace.

David Kelley of Gloucester in the County of Providence & State of Rhode Island & now at Douglas in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Eighty four years, Depose & say that I am the brother of Eleazer Kelley of sd Gloucester, & that the said Eleazer Kelley & myself enlisted together into the Revolutionary army of the United States on or about the first of June 1775 for eight months, in the company of Capt. Nathaniel Blackmer, in Colonel Daniel Hitchcock's Regt. - We served together in sd Company & Regt. the sd term of eight months at Roxbury & Cambridge in the state of Massachusetts, & were there on the 17 th June 1775 during the Burning of Charlestown, and the battle on Bunker's Hill, but was not in the battle. - Sometime in the winter of 1777, & in the month of January I think, I was drafted for one month's service, which I hired the sd Eleazer Kelley to perform, & he served the month for me at Providence in the State of Rhode Island, but under what officers I do not recollect if I ever knew. - Sometime in the spring of 1778 my brother Eleazer Kelley & two other Brothers enlisted into the United States Revolutionary army for the term of one year, & served that term of time, on, & in the vicinity of Rhode Island, in the sd State of Rhode Island. - I did not serve in the army with them at this time, but remained at home in consequence of their absence, was knowing to their enlistment, & went frequently to the army during the year to see my brothers & carry them clothes & other things & at all times saw the sd Eleazer there. - The said Eleazer Kelley served in Capt. Abraham Taintor's Company, in Col. Crary's Regt. & was, with my other Brothers, in the Battle on Rhode Island. - I left the army the day but one before the Battle. - The said Eleazer Kelley was married sometime in the spring of 1778 a short time previous to his joining the

aring, to Mercy Kelley of Douglas in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts who is now the widow of the s d Eleazer Kelley & has never been married to any other man. - She said Eleazer Kelley went a number of times on short tours of service both before & after his last above-mentioned term of service. sometimes by draft, sometimes as a substitute for others, & sometimes as a volunteer in case of alarms, but the times, places, and particulars of those tours of service I cannot now recollect. - I have no doubt that the said Eleazer served at least six months in those short tours of service, as I served myself more than that time in those various short tours, & the s d Eleazer I think went oftener than I did. - Those short tours were generally performed, in case of alarms, & sudden collision & in various parts of the state of Rhode Island, sometimes at Providence, sometimes at South or South Kingstown, or Little Compton or some point particularly exposed or threatened by the enemy. And further your deponent saith not. —
David his Kelley mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County — ss.
On this 24 th day of November 1836 personally appeared the above named David Kelley, whom I severally certify to be a man of good credit for truth & veracity, & made oath that the above Deposition by him subscribed is true
Before me - B. Church justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts —
Worcester p. Probate Office.
I Theophilus Wheeler Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester certify that Ira Barton is Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, and that his name written in two places on Papers here annexed is in his own hand writing. — and that R. P. Church whose name is affixed to the affidavits hereto annexed, of Deborah Josephson, Leppitt Eddy and David Kelley is a Justice of the Peace for said County duly appointed & sworn and that his name is in each place written by himself. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of the said Court of Probate this 26th day of November 1836.
Theoph. Wheeler Reg d of the said Probate Court
Please to make any necessary communication to R. P. Church Esq d D.D. Massachusetts —

✓ Massachusetts
Mercy Kelley
Suspended - Let to R.P.
Church June 7. 1837
to same 17. Sep. 1838
to same 11. Apr 1839 —
" 80. Nov. 2. 1839
4 July '36

Ray  WILLIAMS, &c.
File No. 20319
Mercy Kelly Widow of Eleazer Kelly Priv. Rev. War
Act: Mar. 3 rd 1873
Index:—Vol. 12 , Page 393
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Reported
1814
Massachusetts,
Mercy Kelly,
widow of
Eleazer Kelly, died who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 24 th Jany. 1788 of Worcester, in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Comp: commanded by Captain of the Reg't, commanded by Col. Hitchcock in the R.P. D. line for 8 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 26. Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11. day of Oct. 1842, and sent to Benj. Cowell Esq. Providence R.I.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841. Semi-annual allowance ending
$133.30
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Thos S. Moody Clerk Book A Vol. 1 Page 161

Inat Nov.
FREE.
Hon J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington.
Very truly Yours

State of Connecticut.
Windham County.
Brooklyn, October 23-1839.
Sir,
I was much surprised, on my arrival at this place a short time since (having been for some time absent from my usual place of residence on account of ill health) at having put into my hands your communication of the 11th April last in relation to the claim of the widow Mercy Kelley, saying that on account of Elazer Kelley's name not being found on the roll of Col. Crary's Regt. the proof of that service is not satisfactory.
Why his name is not on sd. Roll, we are unable to say, unless perhaps the roll deposited by Col. Crary might perhaps have been copied for that purpose, from the original, & the name of Kelley, accidentally omitted, as it has been suggested to me, was sometimes the case.
But the case of Kelley, is not, it is believed singular. There are other soldiers to whom pensions have been granted whose names are not borne upon the Rolls, & if we succeed in establishing, beyond reasonable doubt, the fact of Kelley's service, we therefore suppose that fact will not be considered a bar to our claim.
Not having the correspondence had with the department, on this subject, at this place, & not recollecting accurately the names of the officers under whom each particular act of service was done, I shall refer to the places at which it was performed.

In regard to the service performed at Rhode Island Lippitt Eddy swears (if I recollect right) that he served there with Kelley. I think 9 months, & saw him paid off there for one years service, & that he found Kelley there in the Army when he arrived. - David Kelley (I think I have the name right) swears that he was the brother of Eleazer that he knew of his entrance into that service, that he went from home frequently, to the army with clothing & other things for his brothers, always found Eleazer there in the service, & that he staid at home at that time on the account of Eleazer, & his other brothers being absent in the service. - We believe that the above testimony, beyond all reasonable doubt, clearly establishes, at least 9 months service. - The witnesses are respectable men, & not a shadow of doubt can rest on their unquestioned veracity.
Of the service in the state of Massachusetts I need not speak, as I suppose we have sufficiently proved that, beyond all doubt. - Another kind of evidence, were it admissible, might be obtained, & that is that Eleazer Kelley was reputed, & believed by all who knew him to have been a soldier of the Revolution, & to have done much service.
It may be proper to remark, that Lippitt Eddy was acquainted with Eleazer Kelley from their youth up, that he lived, always near Kelley, & being remarkably clear in all his recollections, & a man of high respectability, and proverbially honest with all, he certainly cannot be mistaken.
It will be perceived that I have taken the service done under Col. Crary, to be the Rhode Island service, which if I recollect right was the fort. -

I wish, Sir, that as soon as may be convenient you would state what part of this claim (if any) is considered proved, & would be allowed, also what part is not proved, & what further evidence, the department will require. - The object is, to ascertain what particular points, are not sufficiently proved, & what evidence, other than, that already furnished, will be required.
Did I not heartily believe the claim of Mrs Kelley, well founded, I certainly would not urge it, with so much earnestness. - I hope her claim will be as favourably considered, as the evidence of it will admit, & that the difficulty of procuring evidence of such service at this time, will also be duly considered; - and probably very few claims could at this time furnish better evidence of their existence than Mrs Kelley's.
I am very Respectfully Your Obedt. Servt.
R. R. Church.
Hon. J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington.

Providence Oct 6 1842
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Mrs. Mary Kelly for a pension under the act of July 7 1838. She has relinquished her claim under the act of July 4 1836 as will be seen I wrote you in June last enclosing further evidence on this claim in the hope it would be satisfactory but in your answer of 20 th of that month you observe it was not so - As regards to one of your letters of a former date to the person who then had charge of her claim - it is admitted the evidence was sufficient to show the marriage prior to 1794 - & the service in Hitchcock's regiment in 75 was also admitted - His service was 8 Months - I have therefore to request a pension may be granted for that amount of service I am respectfully yours - J. L. Edwards Esq. Benjamin Russell

Providence June 13 1842
Sir
I have been requested by the friends of Mercy Kelly of Douglas Massachusetts widow Chazer Kelly, deceased to forward to you the enclosed affidavits to substantiate her claim to a pension under the act of July 4 1836. The affidavit of Levi Lapham has been taken to prove the credibility of Deborah Lapham as a witness to her marriage as I believe also the respectability of the applicant herself. With Mr Lapham I am acquainted & he is a man of respectability & his testimony is entitled to the fullest credit. He is an approved preacher among the Friends or Quakers. I understand there were two affidavits sent with her papers to prove the services of Chazer Kelly - David Kelly & Lippett Eddy. Lippett Eddy is now dead and I believe David Kelly is also. Lippett Eddy

served with him in 1778 as he testified after his death & as will appear by the enclosed affidavits of his daughter & Thomas J Lapham a son of the above Levi & a very respectable man. I have seen one David Chase first enlisted in Col Crarys regiment in 1778 & served a short time & then hired Thayer Kelly as a substitute who served out the enlistment. Of this service I think there cannot be a doubt for the Rolls of the regiment corroborate it -
It was during this service that Kelly was married as the enclosed papers as I am informed -
I understand the services in Col Hitchcocks regiment are admitted, but the affidavit of Jedediah Sipherston is herewith enclosed to prove it. How long Kelly served in Col Crarys regiment exactly I cannot say but he served several months after the marriage in 1778. His service did not terminate until March 16, 1779 as appears from the act of the State raising the regiment. I have to request that whatever is just & right as to this service, may be allowed
I am respectfully your obedient servant
J L Edwards Esq
Benjamin Lowell

Joseph Place of Gloucester in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged eighty one years being firstly engaged according to law do testify and say that I was a soldier of the United States and am now a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. I further say that I was well acquaint- ed with Eleazer Kelley formerly of said Gloucester said Kelley was bound out to Judge Richard Stone formerly of said Gloucester who lived in the same neighbourhood with me. In the year 1778 and the fore- part of the year 1779 I was an enlisted soldier in Captain William Whipple's Company Colonel Gra- y's Regiment and lived at East Greenwich at Tiverton and on the Island of Rhode Island nine months my time expired on the sixteenth day of March 1779 - while on the Island aforesaid during this enlistment I frequently saw the said Eleazer Kelley who was at this time an enlisted soldier in Capt. Asa Kimball's Company - which was attached to the same Regiment in which I served. When my time was out I saw the said Eleazer Kelley and told him that I was going home that my time was out. Said Kelley said to me that he wished his time was out but that it would not be for some time that he had listed for a year. I do not know at what time said Kelley enlisted
Attest J. S. Forrester Joseph Place his mark
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence S c . Gloucester October 11 th 1838 Then personally appeared before me the above named Joseph Place who subscri- bed the foregoing deposition by making his

much and made solemn oath to the truth of the statements therein contained, And I Cer- tify that the said Joseph Place who is well known to me is a credible person and that his statements are entitled to credit —
Hezekiah Becker Justice of the Peace
I Martha Owen of Gloucester in the County of Prov- idence and State of Rhode Island aged seventy two years being firstly engaged according to law do testify and say that I am the daughter of Ha- ron Arnold formerly of said Gloucester deceased, my father resided in that part of Gloucester which is now Burrillville and was a Justice of the Peace for many years. Some time during the revolution when I was twelve or fourteen years of age Elia- ber Kelley of said Gloucester and Mercy Tinker- son came to the house of my father and were married by my father who was at that time a Justice of the Peace in and for said town of Gloucester, they were married in my presence. A great many marriages were sol- emnised by my father at his house — and I can- not recollect distinctly the month or year in which the above said marriage was solemnised — I should think said marriage took place sixty years ago —
Martha Owen
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Providence ss. Gloucester October 12 th 1838 Then the aforesaid Martha Owen who subscribed the aforegoing deposition personally appeared before me and made solemn oath to the truth of the statements therein contained. And I certify that the said Martha Owen who is well known to me is a credible person and that her statements are entitled to cred- it —
Jonathan A. Tourtellot Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence Sc. I, John W. Smith Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within & for the County of Providence, in said State, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Abram Baker Esquire, is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Gloucester in said County; — that Jonathan A. Southcott Esquire is a Justice of the Peace for said town of Gloucester; — that by law said Abram and Jonathan respectively, are authorized and qualified to administer oaths and take Depositions; — and that their respective signatures, to the certificates to the aforesaid affidavits sworn to before them, are genuine
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of our said Court, at the City of Providence this thirteenth day of October A 1838
John W. Smith Clerk

I Jeremiah Jepherson of Douglas in the county of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Eleazar Kelly formerly of Gloucester in Rhode Island the husband of Mercy Kelly now his widow well known to me being my cousin.
In 1775. I have a distinct recollection of seeing the said Eleazar at Roxbury Massachu- setts in the service of the United States he was in Capt. Blackmans company in Col. Heathcock's regiment of Rhode Island Troops and served 8 months according to my best recollection.
I was in Levi Aldrich's company and Col. Whitney's regiment but well remember of seeing said Eleazar in the service as above mentioned.
Jeremiah Jepherson
Worcester 10 March 7 th 1842.
Then came before me the above named Jeremiah Jepherson and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed in my presence. I further certify said Jepherson is well known to me and is a credible witness in the premises.
Frederick W. Bothean justice of the peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
WORCESTER COUNTY, ss.
I, JOSEPH G. KENDALL, Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify, That Frederic W. Botham, Esquire, _____ is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that his signature to the certificate, on the deposition of Leviathan Gepherson, _____ hereunto annexed, is genuine.
Given under my hand, and the Seal of said County, this eighth day of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty two.
Joseph G. Kendall Clerk

I, Levi Lapham of Burrillville, in the County of Providence and State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, aged Seventy four Years and upwards, do depose and say, that during the War of the Revolution I lived in that part of Gloucester that is now called Burrillville, and not more than half a mile from the Town of Douglas, which is in the State of Massachusetts, and I have always lived in the same house ever since, with the exception of one or two periods, when I lived on a farm adjoining. I first became acquainted with Deborah Jefferson, about the time that she was married to Aaron Jefferson. She was quite young when she was married. Her maiden name was Shearman. She always sustained a fair character for truth and veracity. I never heard any one lift against her, and was in good standing in society, and so far as I know her.

I consider that full faith and credit ought to be given to her testimony, and I do further testify and say that I was formerly acquainted with Eleazer Kelley, who, as I have understood, was a soldier of the Revolution, and, as, he has told me, when living, this Eleazer Kelley, as I have understood, married Mercy Jefferson, the daughter of Lieutenant William Jefferson of Douglas, in the State of Massachusetts, the said Mercy is now living, and is the widow of Eleazer Kelley, as I believe, the said Eleazer and Mercy always, always, lived together as husband and wife, and brought up a family of children, and, their stand- ing was good in that section of the country. The character of the said Mercy Kelley, at this time, is good, and full faith and credit ought to be given to her statements. During the War of the Revolution said Eleazer Kelley resided in Gloucester, or the towns adjoining.
Levi Lapham

The State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plan- tations,
Providence ss. In Providence, on this 22 nd day of February, A. D. 1842, personally appeared before me Levi Lapham, subscriber to the aforegoing deposition, and made solemn af- firmation of the truth of the same, and I do certify that said Levi Lapham is a cred- ible witness, and I further certify that from satisfactory evidence produced before me, I am satisfied that said Levi Lapham is is an approved minister of the Society of Friends.
Samuel Lyman Dright,
Justice of the Peace.

I Thomas J Lapham of Smithfield in the County of Providence State of Rhode Island on oath do testify & say that I am now forty years of age that I was well acquainted with Lippitt Eddy late of Burrillville, deceased, hav- ing been born & brought up a near neigh- bor to him in Burrillville, Said Lipp- itt was a pensioner at the time of his death for services during the war of the Revolution — Said Lippitt has been dead, I believe about two years & a half Some time before his death I think about some four or five years ago I distinctly remember of conversing with him about his services in Col Crarys regiment & of those who served with him at the same time I distinctly remember of his saying that Eleazer Kelly who lived some considerable part of his life, not more than a mile or two from him although in a different town & state, was among those he named, as having been a soldier with him in Col Crarys regiment & in Cpt Courtillots Company I distinctly remember of hearing him say also that said —

Eleazer Kelly did not enlist himself but was hired by another man as a substitute A man by the name of David Chase had enlisted for twelve months in the same Com- pany but served only for a short time & then hired this Eleazer Kelly Kelly to serve for him & after the time of service expi- red he & this Eleazer came home together, I think he said they served together about a year at least on Rhode Island in the year Sullivan's expedition was, which was in 1778, said David Chase was also a neighbor to said Lippitt Eddy both living at that time in that part of Gloucester now called Burrillville, he died about thirty years ago as Mr Eddy informed me
Thomas J. Lapham
Providence R. Smithfield June 3 rd 1942
Personally appeared before me the above named Thomas J. Lapham & made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him Written & signed and I further certify said Thomas is well known to me and he is a credible witness & his statement is entitled to full credit George Aldrich Justice of Peace

I Siviah Eddy of Burrillville in the County of Providence State of Rhode Island on oath do testify and say that I am now fifty nine years of age, that Lippitt Eddy late of said Burrillville was my Father, My father was a Revolutionary Soldier and Pensioner at the time of his death, for his services in Col Brany's regiment, I have heard my father often speak of his own services and also of the services of those who served with him, I have heard him speak of serving with Eleazer Kelley formerly of Douglass, not more than a mile and a half from the Burrillville line, and the husband of Mercy Kelley now his widow I have often heard my father say they served together on Rhode Island and come home together after being discharged, And I further testify that I Eleazer Kelley was hired by a man by the name of David Chase to take his place that said Chase enlisted in said regiment, but served that time in said Brany's regiment, and that said Kelley was his substitute and served out Chases enlistment and came home with my father The year this service was done was the year of General Sullivens expedition 1778 I believe, all these facts I have heard my father speak of. Siviah Eddy
Providence ss Burrillville June 1 st A.D. 1842 Personally appeared before me the above named Siviah Eddy and made oath to the truth of the deposition by her signed, and I further certify that said Siviah is well known to me and she is a credible witness and her statement is intitled to full credit,
Daniel S. Mowry Justice Peace

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence, ss.
I, Albert G. Greene, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Providence in said State, being a Court of record, do hereby certify that Gamaliel L. Dwight who has signed one of the annexed certificates, was on the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace within and for said City, duly elected; That George M. Smith, who has signed one of said certificates, was on the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within & for the town of Smithfield in said State, duly elected; and that Daniel S. Mearns, who has signed the other of said certificates, was on the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace within and for the town of Barrington in said State, duly elected.
In attestation whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and hereoffixed the seal of said Court, this thirteenth day of June A.D. 1842.
Albert G. Greene, Clerk & Clerk

Mr. Jefferson
free
Apr 26
Martha Kelly Mrs. M c Pherson Apr 21
696.30 m
L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington

Douglas, Massachusetts. April 20 - 1837.
Sir. I had the honor sometimes since to transmit to you, Department, the applications of three widows, for pensions. Mrs. Deborah Jefferson, Jemima Balcom, & Mercy Kelley.
Pension certificates for the two first have been Rec'd. - As Mrs. Kelley's no intelligence has yet been received. - I wish to call your attention for a moment to the certificate of Mrs. Jefferson, whose pre thought would have been entitled to a full pension, she having proved a year & nine months by witnesses who served that time with her husband, & one of the witnesses (Eddy, who served nine months with her husband) found him in the service when he (Eddy) entered it, & saw him (Jefferson) paid for a full year. - Mrs. Jefferson's certificate is made up for $76.67 if I mistake not, (not having it now before me) which, if we rightly understand it is for 23 months service, whereas by the proof we think she must be entitled either to 24 months or only 21 months. - Apprehending that there might be a mistake in making up the time, I have taken the liberty asking an explanation.
Very Respectfully Your Obedt. Servt.
L. S. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions P. P. Church.

Providence Aug 2. 1837 Sir. I find that in May 1775. Nathaniel Blackmar was appointed a capt in Hitchcocks Regt. Whether he served in that capacity I have no means of ascertaining.
I can send you a certificate of his appoint t if you wish - Fee one dollar. Ys &c Henry Bowen
Mr R.P. Church.

Warwick Novem. 25-1836.
Esq. Boston Dec. Sir.
I have prepared,
& send for your sanction, another set of pension papers, for another old mother of the Revolution. - I wish you to transmit them to the Pension office in the same manner as you did the others, & direct them, or rather the Certificate, to be returned to me from that Department. - As Mrs. Kelly may hereafter reside in Burrillville & now lives in its immediate vicinity, & her son in law who officiates for her in this business lives in Burrillville, she would like as a matter of convenience to be placed on the Pay Roll of the Rhode Island agency! - Perhaps you will think it proper to make this request in the recommendation accompanying her papers. -
Yours &c Very Respectfully
R. P. Chubb
P.S. The action of the Department on the papers of Mrs. Jeffersons & Mrs. Bobcorn, has not yet been communicated to us. - Shall probably hear soon.

Aug 21 Doylesburg Ky Aug 17 1917 646 Miss Mary Kelly map off
Dear
J. C. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions, City of Washington.
121
11

State of Massachusetts.
Douglas August 15-1838
Sir,
Sometime since, I presented to the Department of War the application of wid. Mary Kelley, for the pension of her husband. - In reply to that application you remark that Kelley's name is not found on the Rolls of Coary's Regt. in which he served. & that therefore another witness to that service will be necessary. - Lippitt Eddy, if I recollect right testifies that he served 9 months with Eleazer Kelley, & saw him paid for 12 months service.
David Kelley saw Eleazer Kelley, in that service I think frequently, & still thinks that he enlisted for, & served 12 months, but admits that possibly he might have been a 9 months man as you will see by his affidavit herewith enclosed. - all of Kelley's acquaintance knew of his having gone to serve on Rhode Island, & it was understood universally that he had enlisted & was there in the service. - In relation to the term of the enlistments in the Rhode Island Brigade, see David Kelley's affidavit herewith enclosed. -
In relation to the question whether Capt. Nathaniel Blackmore belonged to Col. Hitchcock's Regt. in 1775. see the enclosed letter from the Secretary of the State of Rhode Island
The date of the Marriage we are unable to fix, by any other testimony than that already in the department, & for reasons, I think heretofore stated. - As to the reason, why Deborah Jefferson was Bridesmaid, (being then married) we have to say that Mary Kelley was the sister of Deborah

Jefferson's husband, & at that time lived with them, that there was very little ceremony at the marriage, all of them being in moderate circumstances of life, and no invited guests. — Mrs Kelly has lived in this vicinity from her youth up, is respectable, & has brought up respectable, though small family of children. — All the aged people, though not eye witnesses, know of her marriage, & have no doubt, of its legality, both from the circumstances, of its being generally known in the neighbourhood at the time, & the respectability of Mrs Kelly & her husband. — The names of Eleanor Kelly's brothers who served with him are mentioned in the enclosed affidavit of David Kelly. — It is not known that either of them are living, they having long since removed from this part of the country. — If living probably they are pensioners & their names may be found in the department. — Place of Residence ascertained. — They, if living, could place this subject in a clear light, but after long & diligent enquiry, we have been unable to learn that fact. — If the department affords any intelligence of them we should feel greatly obliged, for its communication.
We have taken no affidavits of the aged people who were acquainted with Eleanor Kelly, & know of his being in the army, though not eye witnesses who also know of his marriage as we know other neighbourhood events, supposing that it would not be evidence. — Such substantial testimony of that kind could be furnished if advisable. —
Mrs Kelly is poor & her progress in this business much delayed thereby. — There is no doubt that she is fairly entitled to a pension, although the proof necessary may be somewhat obscure, & it is hoped that from suggestions of the department, & explanations of difficulties it may be rendered clear & certain. —

The department would confer a favor in answering this communication as soon as possible
Yours Respectfully &c B. B. Hunt.
Hon J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington —

State of Massachusetts } ss Worcester County }
On this sixteenth day of August A.D. 1843, personally appeared before me, William R. Morble, a Justice of the peace in said County, Mary Kelley, now resident in Charlton in said County, aged, eighty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress passed March 3 rd 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, viz: That she is the widow of Eleazer Kelley, deceased, who served in said War as a private. That she received a pension under the act of July 7 th 1835 at the rate of $26.66 per annum payable at the Agency for paying pensions at Boston. She further declares that she is still a widow.
In presence of
Mary X Kelley mark
Edw. Knight
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written.
before me,
William R. Morble Justice of Peace
Worcester ss. August 16 th 1843
I hereby certify that the above named Mary Kelley is personally known to me, and is a person of truth and veracity.
William R. Morble } Justice of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester ss.
I, Charles G. Prentiss, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do certify, that William P. Mansfield is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and that his signatures on the preceding page are genuine.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hands and the seal of said Court this seventeenth day of August one thousand, eight hundred and forty three.
Chas. G. Prentiss, Register

Smithfield August 17 th 1843 Mr J. L. Edwards
Please to make your returns to me Thomas J. Lapham Smithfield R.I.

Mercy Kelley wid of Eleazer, of Charlton no 8448
H. I. Mass act 7. July 38
adm 8 mo pri 26.66
Benjn Cowell Providence R.I.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Worcester
On this nineteenth day of September A.D. 1842 personally appeared before me Nathl. Dyer Judge of Probate in said County Mary Kelly now resident in the Town of Charlton in said County aged eighty years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the act of the act of Congress passed July 7 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of Blaze Kelly who was a private soldier in the army of the United States during the war of the Re- bellion that he enlisted & served eight months as a private in Col. Hitchcock's regiment in 1875 of Rhode Island Light Infantry near Boston & subsequently served in Col. Grays regiment as she believes - and she further declares that she was married to the said Blaze Kelly in the month of September A.D. 1878 that her husband the aforesaid Kelly died on the twenty fourth day of January A.D. 1888 and since then she has remained a widow

That she was not married to him prior to his having the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Twenty hundred & ninety four to wit at the time above written -
In proof of the service of her said husband she refers to the Gospels filed with her opposi- tion for a divorce under the act of July 11. 1856 and the rolls in the law department. And by the above declaration she means that she is unable to prove any service of her said husband after her entrance into marriage with him.
Sworn to and subscribed her Mary J. Hettly the day & year first above written. Before me. marks
See M. Martin Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Coos.

Sally Newcomb of Chubb's in the County of Linn in the State of Massachusetts to all persons may know that I am the daughter of Deacon Billy and Mary Billy his wife I am fifty nine years old, and my father since his January before the April when I was five years old. My sister Martha has now been seven years since my father's death and never seems him since his in my family. Sally Newcomb
Witness to Sept 17 1882. Subscribed and sworn to by the undersigned who is a person of truth. Deacon
See M. Boston Judge of Probate for said County

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester ss.
I, Charles G. Prentiss, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do certify, that Rev Mr. Benton is the Judge of said Court, duly Commissioned and qualified, and that his two signatures on this sheet are his own genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof, I do hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this nineteenth day of September, one thousand eight hundred and forty two.
Chas. G. Prentiss, Register

Let to Benj. Lowell June 20. 1842. ✓
Act July 4, 1836