Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5,555, for John Keeler, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Keeler, John
S. 5,555
CONTENTS
carded

Pennsylvania 31.1
John Keeler of Columbia, in the State of Pennsylvania who was a private in the Company com- by Captain Hornbrook of the reg't. com- by Col. Misenfelt on the Pa. Yorks line for eight months.
31095
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of March 1837 and sent to John Keeler Esq. Columbia.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1837 $160 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. 37 13.33
$173.33
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm. Allison Clerk, Book 8 2 Vol. 5 Page 33
See Letter of the 1837, Att. to Geo. Wolf, Esq.
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6. April 1838 from 4 March to 4 Sept 1837. Agt Notified 24. Sept 1838.

17.487 John Keiler Penns
admitted 10/8 mo. $26. 66 100
found in Col. Wei senfett's Pay Roll page 26. 8 months.
Hm. A. Beaumont AN
Beaumont

State of Pennsylvania } County of Columbia }
On this nineteenth Day of January 1837 personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Columbia, and State of Pennsylvania now sitting, John Theeler a resident of Sugarloaf Township, in said County of Columbia to State of Pennsylvania aged seventy-three 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 act of Congress passed the June 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein after stated.
Weyssenfeld was his Colonel, Dewitt Major, John L Hornbriek was his Captain, John Jamison was his first Lieutenant, Vannike was his 2 nd Lieutenant, he entered the service about the first Day of April one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, and that he left the service about the twenty seventh Day of December of the same year (1782), he resided in Wallkill Township, County of Ulster County, and State of New York, at the time he entered the service, he was drafted as a militia man, his employment was scouting and ranging the woods after the Indians, and that their Regiment was stretched in a line from Esopus to Minnisink, and that they patrolled from one end of the Regiment

was scouting and ranging Indians, and that their Regiment was stretched in a line from Eupus to Minisink, and that they patrolled from one end of the Regiment to the other every week, and there were no Continental Regiments of Companies near them, their principle object was to protect the frontiers against the Indians, as in the war previous the Indians have been known and destroyed many lives, particularly in the Township of Ulster, they did not believe the Church had cut the door all to pieces, and that he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no person, whose testimony they can procure who can testify to his service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn and subscribed, the Day of John Keeler and year aforesaid. James Woodworth Brother
We Joel Rogers a Clergyman residing in Huntington Township, Luzerne County, and Elias Darrow residing in the same place hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Wackler who has subscri- bed to the above declaration, and that we believe him to be seventy three years of age, that he is reputed and believed, in the neigh- borhood where he resides, to have been a Sol- dier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn, and subscribed The Day of year aforesaid Joel Rogers

That he is supposed and alleged, in his neighborhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn, and Subscribed The Day & year aforesaid Jonathan Westover 1802
Joel Rogers Elias Dodsor
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 Joel Rogers who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the Township of Huntington, Luzerne County and that Elias Dodsor, who has also signed the same is a resident in the same place, and is a credible person and their statement is entitled to credit.
Elias Lewis Pres't
William Montgomery
I James Donaldson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Columbia, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Thomas for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this Day of January
Luzerne County
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for said County John Thomas Post Master at Columbia, in the County of Luzerne and

Luzerne County Pa
Personally appeared before me an authorized a Justice of the peace in and for said County John Thomas Post Master at Columbus in the Township of Huntington Luzerne County and after being duly sworn according to Law did depose and say that he has been well acquainted with John Theiler the above named applicant for a pension for a number of years, that he believes him to be of the age of Seventy three years, that his character as a man of truth and veracity is good as far as he is known, and that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the revolution, and he fully concurs in the opinion of the said deponent further states that some ten or twelve years since he heard said Applicant in conversation with Abiel Fellows late of Huntington Township who is now dead but was well known to have served as a Soldier in the revolutionary war, in relation to their ser- vices, and by their conversation (said deponent) has to have had both served in one Regiment during the campaign mentioned in the declaration of the above named applicant.
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 18 th Day of January 1837 Jonathan Westover J.P.

Sworn & Subscribed before me this 18 th Day of January 1837 Jonathan Westover Wm.
After which the court proceeded to propound the following interrogatories.
Where, and in what year were you born? I was born in Goshen Town, Orange County NY in year one thousand seven hundred & sixty-four Have you any record of your age; and if so where is it?
I have the record of my age at my home in my Bible. Where was you living when called into the Service; and where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
When called into the Service, I lived in Wallkill Township, Ulster County. I have since lived in Sugarloaf Township, Columbia County. (formerly Northumberland County)
How were you called into the Service: were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a Substi- tute; and if a Substitute for whom?
I was drafted
State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served such Continental or Militia regiments as you can recollect, and the General circumstances of your Service.
There was but the one regiment, which was to guard the frontiers against the Indians. Weissenfeld was our Colonel, Dault, our Major. John L. Roraback our Captain. John Johnson 1 st Lieutenant. Van Dyke 2 nd Lieutenant.

Such comm- recollect, and the General Circumstances of Service.
There was but the one regiment, which was to guard the frontiers against the Indians. Harrisonfield was our Colonel, Davis our Major. John L. Hornbick our Captain. John Johnson 1st Lieutenant. Pennington 2nd Lieutenant.
Did you ever receive a discharge from the Service and, if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it. My Captain gave me a written discharge, which is lost.
I state the names of persons to whom you are familiar in your present neighbourhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your Service as a Soldier of the revolution.
John M c Henry Daniel Robbins George Top Mathias Rham Robert Wilson Abraham Kline Jonathan Colly Elias Dossan Joel Rogers John Thomson Alexander Colly John Keeler
Sworn & subscribed in open Court Jan y 19. 1837
James Donaldson Prothon
I James Donaldson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Columbia do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Keeler for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 19 th day of Jan- uary 1837 James Donaldson Prothon

Sacramento, Cal, Jan 27th 1913
Bureau of Pensions
Dept. of Interior
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
I am in receipt of your favor dated Jan 22nd 1913, (War Section) and note that you say "that there is no provision of law which would enable the children of a soldier of the Revolution to pension."
Sec. 4742 of Revised Statutes reads : " From and after the 2nd day of April 1862, no claim for a pension, or for an increase of pension, shall be allowed in favor of the children or other descendents of any person who served in the war of the Revolution, or of the widow of such person, when such person or his widow died without having established a claim to a pension."
If this section is still in force, I believe it would entitle my mother, Mrs Sarah Agnes Keeler Stargel, to pension.
My mother was born Feb 7th 1840; her father was John Keeler who was born in 1764 at Coshen, New York. He enlisted Apr 1st 1782, served about 9 months, under Cap. John Hornbeck and Col. Weissenfels. He applied for pension Nov 5th 1852 and was granted same May 9th 1857 (under the Act of June 7th 1832) certificate #31,095. At the time of his death, my mother was under sixteen years of age, and he had established his claim for pension prior to April 2nd 1862, so I believe my mother entitled to pension.
The question will naturally be raised, why was not an application made before this. The answer is that my mother was quite young when her father died and she was not then living at his home; he died at Muncy, Pa. and she was living at Liberty, Pa. and was not advised until about four days after his death. Not knowing that she was entitled (together with a sister who was then living but has since died) to a pension, (his wife having died before him in 1845) no attempt was made to secure such. A few weeks ago an article in a book by Frederic J Haskin, entitled The American Government attracted her attention. This article stated (page 98) that Mrs Phoebe Pakmeter, daughter of a Revolutionary soldier, pensioned by a special act of Congress, was the only pensioner on account of the Revolutionary War remaining on the roll in 1911. Mother has always maintained that she was the

daughter of a Revolutionary soldier but her friends have always said that that could not be. I therefore applied to the Bureau of Pensions on Dec 30th 1912 for information concerning my grandfather and received their reply of Jan 10th 1913 setting forth some of the facts mention ed in the beginning of this letter. The information contained in the letter from the Bureau, together with the information which my mother could give, established the fact that the John Keeler mentioned was indeed her father, and that she is therefore a daughter of a soldier of the Revolution.
If we are correct in the matter and entitled to make a claim, will you kindly send us the necessary instructions and application blanks for so doing.
Thanking you in advance,
Yours very truly
Mrs Isabelle Stargel Stickney 1722 - Q Street Sacramento, Cal.

July 31, 1937.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Gomer Crawford 367 Mulberry Street Berwick, Pennsylvania
BA-J/ady John Keeler S.5555 Cur
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to John Keeler, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein were obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.5555, based upon the military service of John Keeler in that war.
John Keeler was born in Goshen, Orange County, New York, in 1764, day, month, and the names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Wallkill Township, Ulster County, New York, John Keeler enlisted April 1, 1782, and served about nine months as private in Captain John Hornbeck's Company, Colonel Weissenfels' New York Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 5, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Sugarloaf Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania.
There are no family data.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Date of death not on a/p

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John Keeler a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S. File 5555
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr. 1. 1782 Nearly 9 mos. - John Hornbeck Meissenfels N.Y.                                                                 
Battles engaged in, none stated. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Wallkill Twp., Ulster Co., N.Y. Date of application for pension, Nov. 5, 1832. Alld. Residence at date of application, Sugarloaf Twp. Columbia Co., Pa. Age at date of application, born in 1764 at Goshen, Orange Co., N.Y. Remarks: no family data.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS
Veterans Administration Dept of Revolutionary War Washington D. C.

Berwick Pa
July 13, 1937
Will you please send me all the data you can concerning John Keelen who died Nov. 22, 1849 I think he was born in N. Y. but do not know if he enlisted in N. Y. or Pa. Thanking you in advance
Respectfully
Mrs Somer Crawford 367 Mulberry St Berwick Pa

Section.
or Section.
March 6, 1913.
Mrs. I. S. Stickney, 1722 Q Street, Sacramento, Cal.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 24" ultimo and received the 3" instant, you are informed that you were fully advised in the Bureau letter of February 3, 1913. that Section 4742 Revised Statutes had no bearing on the Revolutionary War pension claim of John Keeler, (Sur. 5555) and that there was no provision of law which would entitle the children of a soldier of the Revolution to pension.
For information in regard to Special Acts of Congress, you should address your Member of Congress.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Section.
February 3, 1913.
Mrs. I. S. Stickney, 1722 Q Street, Sacramento, Cal.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 27" ultimo and received the 1" instant, you are advised that Section 4742 Revised Statutes has no bearing on the Revolutionary War claim of John Keeler, who not only established his claim but was also allowed pension at the rate of $26.66 per annum upon a Certificate No. 31,095 in full satisfaction for services rendered.
There is no existing law which would entitle the children of a soldier of the Revolution to pension. The daughters of such soldiers who were pensioned were placed upon the roll by Special Acts of Congress. This was done in the case of Mrs. Phoebe Palmeter, referred to by you.
The history of said John Keeler, Revolutionary War pensioner, which was furnished you on January 10, 1913, states that there was no data as to his family on file in his claim.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Sacramento, Cal.
Dec. 30/1912.
The Pension Department.
Washington D. C.
Gentlemen!
I am writing you in response to a request from my mother Mrs S. A. Stargel, to find what records you have in your department regarding her father. (Keeler)
The name was John Keeler of Muncy, Sullivan Co Pa. He died about 1851 at the age of something like 78 or 87 years of age.
He was drawing a pension

from the U. S. Govmt. for some military service.
Mother does not know what service he was in or the company he served in. She was only a small child when he died, and soon afterward was separated from all her relatives and all her family records were lost on the plains in the pioneer days.
Any information whatever that you may be able to give me, as to the service he was in or whatever your records may show, will be very

gratefully appreciated by the grand daughter of John Keeler.
Yours very truly.
Mrs E. A. Stickney.
1722 Q St
Sacramento, Cal.

WEB J 5555. N. 3261. R. 5807-

Old War and Navy Division.
3-1883.
OWn
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
WASHINGTON, D. C., Feb. 15, 1907.
Mr. William Keeler, 4242 Chambers Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Sir:
In reply to your enclosed communication dated the 8th instant and received in this Bureau on the 11th, you are advised that in order to identify a claim for Revolutionary War pension, the full name of the soldier and some of the following data is essential: organization in which the soldier served; places of residence at enlistment and after service; approximate date of death; given name of widow.
Very respectfully,
J. Warner
Commissioner.
Cin Feby 21-1907
My only object in writing is to get the military record of soldiers named. John Keeler enlisted at Wallkill N.Y. and made application for pension while living in Sugarloaf Pa. Don't know anything about service of Ebenezer Keeler (if any) Hoping that this explanation is sufficient. I am Yours &c Wm Keeler

T. J. KEELER, CARPENTER AND BUILDER.
La Porte, Pa., July 31 1911
To Pension Bureau Washington D.C. My Dear Sir will you please give me the Enlistment of John Keeler of the Revolution War I do not know whether he Enlisted in York State or Pennsylvania and greatly oblige Respectfully yours T. J. Keeler
direct to 118 Filbert St Russell Park New Jersey Roselle

THE SPACE ABOVE IS RESERVED FOR POSTMARK
POSTAL CARD.
THE SPACE BELOW IS FOR THE ADDRESS ONLY.
Home of Congress Washington D.C.

4242 Chambers St.
Cincinnati, Feby 8 th 07
Will you please send me the military rec- ord of my grandfather John Keeler a soldier of Revolutionary war. I have been told that my gred-grand- father Ebenezer Keeler was also a soldier in same war, if so please send this record also
I oblige
Yrs Keeler

Cincinnati O. Jan 13-1900
Pension Commissioner, Washington D. C.
Dear Sir,
Will you kindly secure and forward to me the Military history of my Great Grandfather, John H. Keeler, a soldier of the Revolutionary War? He was born at Goshen, N. Y., in 1764 and enlisted the latter part of war for Independence. During his life, sometime between 1830 and 1840 he secured a pension; he then lived at Sugarloaf, Pa., now Benton, Post Office, Pa.
Respectfully yours
J. Willard Keeler
1567 Pullan Ave Cincinnati Ohio

Office of.....
J. W. Keeler & Co., Publishers
626 Arch Street
PHILADELPHIA,
Apr 11 th 1895
Commission of Pensions Washington D.C.,
Dear Sir,
I desire to obtain information regarding the Army record of my Grandfather John Keeler who was a Soldier in the Revolution. At the time of his death in 1849 he was a pensioner then a resident of Columbia Co Pa. He was born in York State not far from New York City and I suppose was in a New York Regiment. He moved to Columbia Co Pa in 1794. I think from the records in the Pension Office his name can be found and a record of his services. Regiment he was in etc. I shall be pleased to have from you the information or be informed what steps are necessary to obtain the same. Yours Truly John W. Keeler

M Jan 1926
Rev War
5555
INVALID.
File No. 5555
John Keeler Pri Rev. War.
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index: Vol. 16, Page 202
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Apr 30/93, Virg. Hist. Soc. John Keeler, 626 Arch St. Phila.
Feb 7-1900 J. Keeler Cinti. Ohio
1906 July 2. History to Miss M. Ambra Beck 1907 Mar. 22. History to Mrs. Keeler 1911 Aug. 7. To T. J. Keeler, f 1913 Jan. 10 Mrs. E. A. Stickney f 1913 Feb. 3 Mrs. J. S. Stickney wife children no title 1913 Mar. 6. Mrs. J. S. Stickney again wife as John 1937 July 31. Visited Mrs. Gomer Crawford A.D. f.

Columbus Pa April 27 th 1832
Free
Ph Oct 1832
J. L. Edwards Esquire Pension office War Department Washington D.C.

1831 Columbus, Luzerne County Pa April 27
J. Edwards Esquire
Sir Enclosed you have the application of John Wheeler for a petition to -gether with his for Declaration which had been returned for amendment, with a further authentication of the seal of Columbia County as required by communication of the 25 th January last.
most respectfully your Obedient Servant
John Wheeler

Washington City Oct. 25. 1837
Dear Sir,
The accompanying papers were received this morning enclosed in a letter from John Koons of Luzerne County Pa in which he says John Keeler the subject of those papers has been allowed only $26.66/100 per annum as for an eight months service when in fact he served nearly nine months and was entitled to $32 per annum. He desires me to request a re-examination of the subject and to have the error corrected if any exists -
You will oblige me, my dear Sir, to cause a reference to be had to the Records, and to ascertain how the fact is - Should an error have been committed it will doubtless be corrected  Advise me if you please of the result and return the papers of Mr. Keeler
With great respect
Your friend
Geo. Morris
James L. Edwards Esq. } Comm te . Pensions }

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office,
September 18 th 1838.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," John Keeler a Pensioner on the Roll of the Philadelphia Agency, at the rate of twenty six Dollars and sixty six Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th of June 1832 has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1837 to the 4 th of September 1837.
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parrish Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

Danville Pa Nov 10 th
Free
Nov 8 Pa. John Keeler 1748
Hon. Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Washington City
Am. Lewis Cass

State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County Set
On this 15th day of November 1832
personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas of Columbia County aforesaid now John Reeler a resident of Sugarloaf Township in the County of Columbia aged sixty eight 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 7 th 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the month of April in the year 1782 in a company commanded by Captain John L. Hornbrook and was attached to a Regiment commanded by Colonel Weissenfeld. Deponent enlisted at Wallkill Township Ulster County in the State of New York and was marched to Warrenton on the frontier, where we were engaged in ranging and scouting for Indians. I continued on the frontier engaged in the service until about the Twenty fifth of December in the year 1782 when we were discharged at Warrenton. I enlisted for nine months but was discharged a short time before the term expired. I enlisted on the first day of April in the year 1782 was marched for the frontier on the fifteenth of April of the same year and was discharged about the Twenty fifth of December 1782. I received a written discharge from my Captain which I have lost. There were no other troops in company with us. There was one Regiment and commanded by Col. Weissenfeld. I think the Major's name was DeWitt but I am not certain. The troops were scattered along the frontier from near Sopris to Minisink. I served nine months all to about fifty days. He hereby relinquishes all claim 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 since his discharge the day.
2 year aforesaid Jacob Eyerly Dist
John Reeler

And the said Court, do hereby declare their opinion that the within named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states
Jethro Chapman
William Montgomery
Pennsylvania
Columbia County, Set
I Jacob Eyerly Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Columbia County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Reelin for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of office at Danville the 15th day of November AD 1832.
Jacob Eyerly Worthy

Bloomsburg Columbia County Pa If approved of the Department will send the necessary information to
William G. Hurley
Nov. 5 th 1832

Sacramento, Cal, Feb 24th 1913
Bureau of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:-
I have received several communications from your Department relative to John Keeler, Private, War of the Revolution, and desire to thank you for your promptness in replying and the information so freely given.
As stated in previous correspondence, my mother Sarah Agnes Keeler Stargel was born Feb 7th 1840 and at the time of her father's death, was under sixteen years of age. As we understand it, children under sixteen years of age at the time of the death of a revolutionary soldier who had previously established his claim to pension, were also entitled to pension until they became sixteen years old. As my grandmother had died before my grandfather, his children were left orphans. As nothing was ever said to the children that they were entitled to a pension after their father's death, no effort has ever been made before to obtain one.
Would be pleased to receive a reply to the situation as presented above. For further facts, please refer to my letter of Jan 27th 1913.
We also desire to obtain a Special Act of Congress in behalf of my mother that she may now receive a pension as a daughter of a Revolutionary soldier, the same as was done in the case of Mrs Phoebe Palmeter. Will you kindly give instructions how we shall proceed and what facts we should establish.
Thanking you for your kindness,
Yours very truly
EAS
Mrs Isabelle Stargel Stickney 1722 Q Street Sacramento, Cal.