Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5,649, for George Keller, Virginia

SERVICE
Va.
Keller, George
NUMBER
S. 5649
CONTENTS
carded.

Virginia 12.571
act. 80/1.35 Th. P. Ray. " 21/Jan " " "
8107
George Keller of Monongalia in the State of Virginia who was a Private in the Confederate commanded by Captain Thompson of the Reg't commanded by Col. Christie in the Virginia line for 19 1/2 months.
$65.
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 65. Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of May and sent to Th. P. Ray. Morgantown, M.C. Va.
Arrears to the 4th of March. 33. 130.00 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Sept. 32.50 1832.
$162.50
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. H. Calhoun Clerk, Book 6. Vol. 6 Page 15

Rev. Reg. 5828.
A 4/8/4
George Keller
Vag- bush Act 7 th
June 1832.
Partner of Attorney
B.L. v. Prudim
W. M. P. Attorney
Evans & Hunt Washington D. C.

Know all men by these presents that I George Keller of the County of Taylor and State of Virginia have constituted and appointed and by these presents do constitute and appoint Evans & Hunt of Missouri my true and lawful attorneys irrevocably for me in my name to receive from the United States all such sum or sums of money due me on account of arrear of pay three months extra pay forage mileage for horse, and other property lost or destroyed in the military service expenses incurred, or money expended for organizing company of volunteers before being mustered into the service of the United States or any money or moneys which may be due me on any account from the United States whatsoever and to receive any bounty land or pension certificate when issued and in my name to execute such receipts and acquittances for the same as they may be necessary and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touch- ing the premises: and an attorney or attorneys under them for the purposes aforesaid to make and at their pleasure to revoke her- by confirming all and whatsoever my said attorneys shall in my name legally do or cause to be done in and about the premises by vir- tue of these presents, and out of the sum or sums of money ascer- tained to be due me as aforesaid. I hereby guarantee the payment to my said attorneys, for their services in the premises, the fee or commission stipulated to be paid by virtue of my obligation to them of even date with these presents. In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 11 th day of October 1851
Acknowledged and subscribed to before me this 11 day of October 1851
his George X Keller Seal mark Seal
Elisha M. Wagns S D

State of Virginia County of Preston } to wit
I hereby certify that Elisha M Hagan Esqr. before whom the above acknowledgment was made and who has hereunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County court for the county aforesaid this 24 th day of September 1853
Smith Crane
clerk

State of Virginia, County of Monongalia
ss
On this 28 th day of January, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty three, personally appeared before the County court of Monongalia in open court now sitting. George Keller, a resident of said county, aged seventy four 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 7 th June 1832. — That in the month of July 1779, as well as he can now recollect, he volunteered at Staunton in Augusta county Virginia, (to go against the Cherokee nation of Indians) under Capt. Christie, ninety nine of us volunteering at the same time, finding our own rations. Capt. Christie, then being sixty four years of age — that we marched together some distance in the same month, thro' Boletourt, and into North Carolina, on the Holston river, near Big Island, where we were joined by about eighteen hundred troops, and also by Col. Christie of Staunton, this being the place of rendezvous, — Col. Christie was the commander — in a few days we marched, and after crossing the Tennessee river, burnt six indian towns, five of the towns came in and made peace — that we remained three weeks, and then were marched back on the same route to Staunton, and arrived there about Christmas day, and was discharged, after a service of five months and a few days, which discharge he took no care of, and has long since lost —
That in the month of April 1780, he marched in Capt. Thompson's volunteer company of Riflemen, from Staunton, to the West fork of the Monongahela river, to protect the frontier settlements against the Indians — one half of us were stationed at West's fort, and the other at Southers fort, where we remained until August, and then marched back to Staunton, where we arrived about the first of September, after an absence of upwards of four months, and discharged by a general discharge.
That he believes it was in November 1780, he marched in a company of about ninety volunteer riflemen and etc. commanded by Capt. Rankin, from Staunton, accompanied by other troops in all about three hundred under the command of Col. Sampson Matthews, to Falmouth and then to Hunters works a mile above, where we remained a few days — we then marched through Falmouth, Fredericksburg, and down the Rappahannock, and thence crossed James River at Sandy point a mile below Cabin point, and thence to Suffolk on Nansemond, marching through Petersburg — that from Suffolk we went to Camp Carson, where our tents came, and Col. Dicks regiments came, and a considerable number of other troops — from Camp Carson we frequently marched during the night to Portsmouth and back to camp in the day — that about one hundred and fifty of our troops turned out as volunteers at Camp Carson to go to Guilford, where it was expected an action was took place — these men marched under Major Posey, and within a day and a halfs travel from Guilford, we heard of the battle and returned to Camp Carson — during the winter we had several skirmishes, with Arnolds troops in one of which Capt. Cunningham from Augusta, was wounded — in one of

these skirmishes, a hessian shot at him. wheeled and run. he fired and shot the hessian as he ran — that sometime in the spring, the volunteers were marched back to Staunton and arrived there about the last of April, and discharged, after a service of six months which discharge he has long since lost —
That two days after his return from Camp Carson to Staunton, he received orders again to march, in the same company of volunteers commanded by Capt. Rankin, that we immediately marched, across the mountain into Amherst county, to the Old store where Cornwallis was — that a large number of troops, were at this store, and the enemy had moved off towards Richmond — we marched to Westham, where we had a few rounds with the rear guard of the enemy, from thence we marched through Richmond, to Bottoms bridge, across a swamp where we arrived about daylight, and found the bridge destroyed — we made a bridge of rails, and waited until our main force came up — we then followed the enemy to Jamestown, near which we fired on the enemys rear guard, and took a number of cattle from them, and had a severe skirmish, Genl. Wayne commanding — thence we marched after the enemy to York town, where he remained until about three days before Cornwallis's surrender, he was discharged having had the camp fever, for some time before which discharge was signed by Capt. Rankin and long since lost — that he was in the service this time four months and a half —
That in January 1781 (as he omitted to mention above) the troops that had marched to Guilford, hearing that Tarlton was going to attack Morgan, Major Poey determined to join Morgan, we marched in haste and joined Morgan, and was in the battle of the Cowpens, and after that engagement we marched the prisoners up to Bedford in Virginia where the county militia took charge of them, and we marched back to Camp Carson — that he recollects very well Genl. Morgan addressing and animating the troops before the battle of the Cowpens —
That he is under the impression that he served during the Revolution a longer period, for he recollects, that after the Revolution he frequently said that he served about two years, but he was unable to read and write, and from loss of memory he is unable to make any other statement of his services, and may mistake dates.
+ That he now recollects, that his eldest daughter was but two days old, when he marched from Staunton to Falmouth under Capt. Rankin, and she was born on the first or second day of October —
That they never beat up for volunteers, but he entered into the service — that he is confident, he served more than twenty one months —
That he was born on the 19 th of April he believes in the year 1758, at Stovers town, in Shenandoah county Virginia — that he believes the record of his age is in Augusta county, with a sister, if she is still alive — that every tour of duty he performed he marched from Staunton, that after the Revolution he continued to reside in Augusta until about forty seven years ago, he removed to this county, where he has continued to reside — that he has frequently seen Genl. Washington, Genl. Morgan, Genl. Greene, Col. Howard, Col. O. Williams, Col. Lee, Col. Washington,

that he was personally acquainted with Capt. Triplett & Taite. whose companies were placed under Morgan - Taite was from Augusta - that he is personally acquainted with Col. Thomas S. Haymond, Francis Billingsley esq r . Hillary Roggels esq r . Col. Dudley Evans, Capt. John Evans. and a great many other respectable men of the county. who he believes can testify as to his veracity. and the general belief in his services
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State.
That there is no clergyman with whom he has any acquaintance residing in his neighbourhood that he knows of no other testimony than Henry Whiteman of Randolph. to prove his services
Sworn to and subscribed. the day and year aforesaid
his George 2 Keller mark
We Francis Billingsley & Thomas S. Haymond, do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with George Keller, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration in the presence of the court, that we believe him to be seventy four years of age; that he is reputed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and we concur in that opinion - and we do further certify, that the said George Keller is a man of good character.
Sworn and subscribed. the day and year aforesaid
Francis Billingsley Thos S. Haymond
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 George Francis Billingsley and Thomas S. Haymond esq r who have signed the preceding certificate, are residents of said county, are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Thomas P. Ray, clerk of the County court of Monongalia aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of George Keller, for a pension
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name, and affixed the seal of said court at Morgantown, the 29 th of January, in the year 1833. and 57 th year of the Commonwealth
Thos P. Ray

23687
George Miller Va.
Adm for 19 months and 15 days from 1779—
Issue new certificate for 14 months as per rate of 4th. 66—
S. P. Ray Morgan town Monongalia Co. Va

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 subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of George Miller Va
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     July 1779 - 1811 32 3 few days Private Col G. Christie 74 born in Shenandoah Co Va entered in Augusta   1784 " April 4 " Col Thompson now living in Monongalia "   Nov 1780 " 6 " Col Rankin   Jan after 1781 4 15 " Genl Wayne Certificate of two citizens is not acquainted with claimant   He is independent he served more than 21 months mentions a surviving witness but he is not produced  
5 3 3 3 14  46 66
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) _____, who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or 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.
□ 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 in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declarations.

October 19, 1935.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-5/ady
George Keller, S.5649 George Keller, W.4470
Mr. Harry L. Keller Ticket Agent Union Station Plant City, Florida
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter relative to George Keller, a Revolutionary War soldier, pensioned in 1840 in Monongalia County, Virginia, and in which you state that you have received the record of Frederick Keller of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Revolutionary War soldier.
The record of George Keller of Monongalia County, is given herein as found in the claim for pension, S.5649, based upon service in the Revolutionary War. It is noted that you were interested in the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Kellers, therefore, the additional record of a George Keller of that county is given herein, also, as found in the claim for pension based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
George Keller, S.5649.
George Keller was born April 19, 1758 near Stovers-town, Shenandoah County, Virginia. The names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Augusta County, Virginia, he enlisted in July 1779, served over five months in Captain William Christee's Company, Colonel Christee's Virginia Regiment and was in a battle near Holston.
He enlisted in April 1780 and served over four months in Captain Thompson's Virginia Company. He enlisted in October or November 1780, served six months under Captains Rankin and Patterson and Colonels Sampson Matthews and Morgan, was in the battle of Cowpens and several skirmishes. He enlisted and served four and one half months in Captain Rankin's Virginia Company, was in a battle at Jamestown and discharged about three days before the surrender of Cornwallis.

About 1786 he moved from Augusta to Monongalia County, Virginia, and in 1851 he was a resident of Taylor County, Virginia.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 23, 1832 while a resident of Monongalia County, Virginia.
There are no family data.
***** George Keller, W.4470
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of George Keller are not shown.
While a resident of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, George Keller enlisted in June or July 1776, served as private in Captains George Craeff's and Herbert's Companies, Colonel Atlee's Pennsylvania Regiment; was in the battles of Long Island, Fort Washington, Fort Lee, New Brunswick, Trenton, Princeton, and served to the winter of 1776. He enlisted in May or June 1777, served as private in Captain John Doyle's Company, Colonels Adam Hubley's, Bonner or Bonnier's, and Humpton's Pennsylvania Regiments; was in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, wintered at Valley Forge, was in the battle of Monmouth and served to 1779 or the beginning of 1780. He also served three or four weeks in 1780 and 1781 in Captains Christopher Crawford's and Huegher's Pennsylvania Companies.
He died September 30, 1828 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Soldier married February 5, 1776 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Elizabeth Stormfelz. Their marriage was recorded on the records of the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of the Holy Trinity in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Soldier's widow, Elizabeth Keller, was allowed pension on her application executed April 6, 1842, at which time she was a resident of Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, aged eighty-six years. However, in 1855 she stated she was seventy-eight years old. In 1842 she was receiving a gratuity of $40.00, from the State of Pennsylvania.
There are no further family data.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Date of widow's death not on A.B.

Virginia 12571
George Keller
of Monongalia Co, in the State of Virginia who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Thompson of the Regt. commanded by Col. Christie in the Virginia line for 14 months
Reduced from $65 per ann. at the rate of $11 11 1/4
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 146 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of March 1836 and sent to J. P. Ray Morgantown, Monongalia Co. Va.
Appears to the 4th of February. allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk Book E. Vol. 6 1/2 Page 21

Rev.&1812 Wars Section. ADY
November 28, 1930.
Miss Onita McKinley, The Exponent Company, Clarksburg, West Virginia.
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.5649, that George Keller was born April 19, 1758 near Stoverstown, Shenandoah County, Virginia.
While a resident of Augusta County, Virginia, he enlisted in July 1779, served over five months in Captain William Christee's Company, Colonel Christee's Virginia Regiment and was in a battle near Holston.
He enlisted in April 1780 and served over four months in Captain Thompson's Virginia Company.
He enlisted in October or November 1780, served six months under Captains Rankin and Patterson and Colonels Sampson Matthews and Morgan, was in the battle of Cowpens and several skirmishes.
He enlisted and served four and one half months in Captain Rankin's Virginia Company, was in a battle at Jamestown and discharged about three days before the surrender of Cornwallis.
About 1786 he moved from Augusta to Monongalia County, Virginia, and in 1851 he was a resident of Taylor County, Virginia.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 22, 1832 while a resident of Monongalia County, Virginia.
There are no family data.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN, Acting Commissioner,

Perman
5649
INVALID.
1930 Nov. 28. Hist. to Orita McKinley, A.D.Y. 1935 Oct. 19. Hist. to Harry L. Keller. See his letter enclosing Geo. Keller, W. 4470. A.D.Y. 8
File No. 5649
George Keller
Pr. Rev. War.
Act: June 7" 1832
Index: — Vol. M , Page 202
[Arrangement of 1870.]

George Stearns, Asst. of Pensions of 65-
I understand from Thos. P. Ray Esq., that the original declaration in this case was written by William Garrison & Co's agent - that upon its being presented to him for his certificate, he wrote it a new, and corrected the errors & misstatements. Mr. Ray thinks him entitled to the amount awarded - under these circumstances - and the fact that he has been almost out of the world - I considered that it would be a waste of time, to hunt him out.
W. G. Greville Dec. 1. 1834
James W. Garrison
Page 9

1781 2mo J. W. Brown
5 4= 6
J. J. Edwards Esq.

Bridgetown Augt 26 th 1833
Mr J. S. Edwards
Sir I enclose you by this days in three packets the declarations of E. Griffith returned John Roe, John Goodwin, & Michael Lease which you will please attend to as soon as convenient - The following declarations have been sent to your office some time since & no return had. To wit, James Dovers, John Nay, Humphry Mount & Benj. Coplin.
The papers of George Keller of Monongalia county are also returned with the follow- ing explanation his declaration was first made out in this, Harrison, County, after wards in Monongalia both sets of papers sent to the pension office. the enclosed is returned in order that he may have the benefit of the evidence of Henry Whiteman. Should his papers not be in form please

send them to me at this office—
Your Ob t Serv t
J. Johnson

Pa. Feb. 4. Zus. 23687
War Department
Rev. Gen. Off
Washington city
free
150 16 1.66
40 20 3 1 65.99

free
War Department
Rev. Gen. H
Washington city
Pa. Feb. 4. 2nd 23687-
150 16 1.66
40 20 3 33 1.66 65.99

Morgantown 29 th Jan 1823
Dear Sir,
I enclose you the declaration of George Keller for a pension — The testimony of Whiteman, was taken by Col. Johnson who is now in Congress from this District — if he has it, he will hand it to the office
I am respect d
Your ob t ser t
H. P. Ray

Geo. R. Allen says in an aff. In appeal of Henry Whitman, claims, that he sent a 3 mo. bond in 1781. with Whitman's See W's p. 10 for bond.

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book Vol.
Page by
Clerk.

Mar. 4.
Pa-
[Handwritten initials or mark]
Col. J. L. Edwards
Com: of Pensions,
Washington city
[Faint handwritten text, possibly "Mr. A. H. ..."]

Morgantown 27 Feb 1836
Col: J. L. Edwards Com r of Pensions
Sir
W m Geo: Keller, one of the suspended pensioners of this county, called on me yesterday, and I put the inquiry to him , whether he would be satisfied, upon your allowing him for three months service in each tour stated in his declaration - he replied that he would and handed me his certificate to send it to you - he persists in stating that he was kept, as well as the other Virginia troops longer than three months, and yet expects to obtain testimony that will satisfy you on that point -
I am very respt ly Your ob st
J. S. D. Ray

7 George Keller Payments to be made at Richmond. by P. W. Br. Bank. Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Virginia
April 1839
served as a private in Capt. Christy's Rankin's Patterson in V a M o lived in M o 44 y o previous to which he resided in Augusta V a
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book C Vol. 6. Page 15, by W. H. Palmer Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, George Heller of the State of Virginia who was a private in the War of the Revolution is entitled to receive — Six Hundred dollars and _____ cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this tenth day of May — one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three.
Examined and Countersigned. } Jar

George Keller Va.
John Gill with the paper of Geo E. K. M. Keller 12 560
Hon: I. Johnson
D. Davison Clerk Harrison Co Va.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
June 8 th 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of George Keller
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1778 or 79 vol. 7 Pri: Col. Christie   " - - - " Col. Mathews 71 years   " Morgan Augusta Co. Va. Witness   { says he served in all two years and several mos.  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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

State of Virginia } County of Harrison }
On this 22 nd day of August in the year 1832, personally appeared before Jacob Coplin Joseph Johnson Samuel Kunkle. W.P.M. Manton
the Court of Harrison County now sitting, George Helms a resident of Monongalia County, and State of Virginia, aged 71 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth, his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
That he resided in Monongalia County and State of Virginia That he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer in the year 1778 or 9, commanded by Col. William Christie was attached to a Regiment commanded by Col. Christopher of Augusta County, marched to the Ohio River, nation of Indians, was in a battle fought near a place called Holston, from thence to the Muscle Shoals, burned several Indian towns, and returned to Holston having served seven months, some time after, he thinks the year following, he again volunteered his services under Col. Sampson Matthews, Marched to Portsmouth was engaged in several skirmishes with the enemy near that place, from thence he marched to Guilford, but did not arrive until after the battle, that he was then attached to Col. Morgans Regiment was engaged in the battle of the Cowpens, from thence he marched to James Town, was engaged in a battle there, from thence to York, where he became sick

Three days before the surrender of Cornwallis, having served in all two years and several months, he obtained an honorable discharge at the end of each term which have been lost or destroyed he has no documentary evidence and knows of know one who can testify of his services except Henry White man whose affidavit is hereunto subjoined.
That he is known to Thomas P. Ray, Francis Billingsley, Richard Watts William G. Fleming and numerous others within the County of Monongalia who can testify as to his veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution. 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 to and subscribed the day and year fore said. This George Keller mark
I Henry White man of the County of Randolph and State of Virginia do hereby certify that I was well acquainted with the above named George Keller that I served with him in the war of the revolution, that I was with him at Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Camperson and that he served as he states. The above services was rendered in the year 1781 and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Henry White man
Henry White man

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,
I David Davison Clerk of the Court of Harrison County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of George Heller for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this 2 day of November 1832 D. Davison
George Heller Declaration
I do hereby certify that Henry Whiteman who has signed the within certificate is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit.
Given under my hand this 9 day of Janry 1833
Hon. J Johnson J. Johnson J.P.