Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29273, for John Keith, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Keith John or Keth
S. 29273
CONTENTS

Rep. to Agent,
32490
New York
John Keith Madison Co. in the State of N. Y.
who was a Private in the company comd. by Captain Hodge of the regt. comd. by Col. Francis in the N. Y. line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany, at the rate of 20 Dollars — Cents per to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 th day of August 1846, and sent to Hon. W. J. Hough, House of Representatives, Cazenovia, N. York. Aruars to the 1 th of March 1846 300:00 Pension allowance on single Sqr. " 10 00
Aug 3 1846 $310:00
Special act { Revolutionary Claim, { Act Jan 7 1822. August 3, 1846 (Clerk)
Recorded by D. Brown Book E. 2. v.

Date of death not on file

✓ 1923 John Keith
12 years old in '75
5821
6. All.
Apr. 19. 1834
Hon. W. K. Fuller H.R.
W. K. Fuller
sent the correspondence to D. D. D. D.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
May 20. 1837
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Keith. Ohio Co. P.V.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted May '75 9 Corporal Capt. H. Lewis Col. McCall Miss? Br.ville Trad. Horton who swears that he was in the war   " July '76 2 not stated " Russell " French Miss?   " Sept '76 6 " Hodges " France   Vol. Ap. '78 3 " Russell " Clapp   Enl. Sept. '79 about 3 " Howard " Lapp   9 + Sergeant + Tucker   Jeps  
The record about him was but one when the war was over. It is presumed it will be found in some of the records of the company. It is not found in the records of the company.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
+ Not found on rolls of Col. Lapp

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that _____
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, _____ 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 he 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 Court must give its certificate in every case.
[i] The seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, or of a Justice of the Peace, or of a Clerk of a Court of Record, 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 [j] 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.
[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.
W. L. Welch and Clerk

San Francisco M.P.

State of New York County of Madison
On this 9 th day of October 1882 here personally appeared in open court before the Justices
of the Court of Common Pleas of Madison County now sitting John Rieth a resident of the town of Brookfield in the county of Madison and State of New York aged sixty nine 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 June 7 th 1882 that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated that his permanent residence through the whole term of the Revolutionary war was in the town of Easton County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts but now resides in the town of Brookfield county of Madison and State of New York where he has resided for fifteen years past that he enlisted in Easton County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts on or about the first day of May in the year 1775 for nine months under Captain Mace Williams in a Regiment commanded by Col Abiel Meehel and served as a corporal and was discharged about the first of February 1776 & was in the service nine months was stationed part of the time at Cambridge and part of the time at Roxbury in the State of Massachusetts he enlisted in February at Easton aforesaid in 1776 for two months in a company commanded by Capt Mathew Randall in a Regiment by Col French marched from Easton to Dorchester in the State aforesaid and was discharged in April following at Dorchester at the expiration of two months in April 1776 he enlisted at Easton aforesaid for six months under Capt

Isaac Madges in a Regiment by Col Francis Munroe to Dorchester in Massachusetts and continued there and was discharged in October following at Dorchester aforesaid at the end of the six months that he volunteered in August 1778 for three months under Capt Mathew Rowall in the Regiment commanded by Col Clapp at Easton aforesaid Marched to Leicester in the State of Rhode Island went onto the Island of Rhode Island was in an engagement with the British in Sullivan's Expedition was discharged at Bristol Rhode Island aforesaid in November following. He enlisted in 1779 aforesaid for one year in April or May 1779 in a company commanded by Captain Abner Howland in Regim ment commanded by Col. Jesse Euphen joined the Army at Worcester Massachusetts marched through Springfield Massachusetts from Springfield to the State of New Jersey served about three months as a private and the last nine months as Sergeant as a sergeant under Captain Deuben was at Bucksport Harbor in the State of New York from Bucksport Harbor to Lake Champlain and was discharged at Burlington at Burlington in April or May in the year 1780 at the end of the year from his enlistment
That he has no documentary evidence except the draft of William Randall now deceased and he knows of no person whose testimony he 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

and the many others being put to him as prescribed by the 8th or 9th part must be answered then as follows under oath
1st That he was born in Bridgewater County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts in the year 1763
2nd That he has no record of his age
3rd That he lived in the town of Dartmouth County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts when called into the service. That in the year 1783 he moved into the town of Hops in the State of Massachusetts and lived there about twenty years from this he moved into Bristol Massachusetts where he lived about six months from this he moved to Westmoreland State of New Hampshire where he lived four years he then moved into the town of Springfield County of Madison and State of New York where he now lives and has lived for fifteen years past
4th That he enlisted every time he went into the service
5th That he received two discharges one from Col. Pease and one from Col. Clapp but he lost them more than forty years past
6th That Reverend William Clark and J. S. Clark Bishop can testify as to his character for veracity and the belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution William Clark John Keith & Lockhart Pease Jr
Sworn & Subscribed to this 9th day of October 1832 - before me -
A. S. Sloan (Clerk)

We William Clark a Clergyman residing in the town of Frankfield County of Madison and State of New York and Deborah Make for herself in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Keith who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that respected opinion
William Clarke
Deborah Make
Given and subscribed in open Court this 2 nd day of October 1822 before me
A. Sloan Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories proposed by the Board as first stated that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and several as he states, and the court further certifies that it appears to them that William Clark who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman residing in the town of Frankfield County of Madison and State of New York and that who has also signed the same is a resident of the same place and is a credible person and that their statement is in letter to credit

I Andrew Sloan Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Madison do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Beets for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 9 th day of October 1882
A. S. Sloan Clk

Judge Clarke Brookfield Madison County

Brookfield November 5 th 1805 Judge Clark Dear Sir
I take my pen to address a few lines to you in relation to Mr John With's not obtaining a pension I understand he fails for the want of proof and that my Father's testimony was rejected on the ground that he was not but seven years old I have conversed with him on this subject he say he well recollects of hearing that John With went with his brother Freeman because Freeman was brought home and died I regret Sir to think that he has been so long excluded from that which he I believe has so justly merited I believe he moved in to this town in 1816 and has lived ever since within about half a mile of me and I think I have had a chance to know his integrity I hope therefore you will not spare no pains in trying to obtain proof for if he does not receive it soon he never will want it you know he is in indigent circumstances and his health he has related some incidents that was particular mentioned in Gordons history of the revolution I hope you will not cease from importuning for his claim if although you never should be remunerated for your labour You will remember it was the pride of our fathers to achieve our Independence and transmit to us the inestimable blessings of free government As it relates to my Father's testimony would it not appear probable that he could distinctly recollect under the circumstance of his brother being brought from the army and dying and the said John With living within a hundred yards of him you know he is not related although of the same name
Joseph Clarke Yours truly
Thomas Withy

July 15, 1935.
Mrs. Thomas D. Watkins 1531 Kemble Street Utica, New York.
BA-J/ILL John Keith S. 29273
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Keith, claim S. 29273.
The data given herein relative to John Keith, or Keth, are found in the papers on file in the above noted pension claim, based upon his service in that war.
John Keith, or Keth, the son of David, was born May 23, 1761 in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts. Just prior to 1775, he resided with his father in Easton, Bristol County, Massachusetts.
While a resident of Easton, Massachusetts, he enlisted about May 1, 1775, served as corporal in Captain Macey Williams' company, Colonel Abiel Mitchell's Massachusetts regiment and was discharged February 1, 1776; he enlisted in February 1776, and served two months as private in Captain Matthew Randall's company, Colonel French's Massachusetts regiment; he enlisted in April 1776, and served six months as private in Captain Isaac Hodge's company, Colonel Francis' Massachusetts regiment. He enlisted in August 1778, served three months as private in Captain Matthew Randall's company, Colonel Clapp's Massachusetts regiment, was in General Sullivan's expedition to Rhode Island and in the engagement there. He enlisted in April or May 1779, served three months as private in Captain Abner Howard's company, Colonel Jesse Fuller's Massachusetts regiment and nine months as sergeant and ranger in Captain Tucker's company in the same regiment.
In 1783, the soldier moved to Hope, Massachusetts, where he resided twenty years, thence to Boston, Massachusetts, where he lived

six months, thence to Westmoreland, New Hampshire, thence to Brookfield, Madison County, New York.
He applied for pension October 9, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Brookfield, New York; he had resided there then fifteen years. He was allowed pension. Special Act Congres. Aug 5-1846
There is no reference to wife or children of John Keith, or Keth.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILKER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Note - 1935-
Did not use the other dates on sheet with age of this soldier, as Mrs. F. said it would be confusing.
The Thomas Keith of Brookfield in 1833 - & Thomas Keith, Jr. 1837 - and the Freeman Keith wife to (Thomas' brother of John) are not related , although the name is the same.

State of New York
County of Oneida
On this 10 th day of Sept.
1823. Personal appearance before me Vine Bailey Esquire Lieutenant William Randall of now Coeymans In the County of Madison who being by me firstly sworn, deposes to Law deposes and saith that he is well acquainted with John Keith of Brookfield in said County of Madison that he was well acquainted with him in the time of the Revolutionary war. That his deponent was a Lieutenant in the service in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Marshall and Colonel Whitney. That he, this deponent had knowledge of the said John Keith serving in the Revolution service was. He saw him there in the service and also him after his discharge and return home. This deponent lived in the same town where the said John Keith then resided viz the town of Castleton in the State of Massachusetts. That he, this deponent hath this day seen & examined the Declaration of the said John Keith taken before Denison Palmer a judge. I dated the 18 th day of May 1810. And from the Revolution this deponent hath of then & since he hath no doubt but that he did serve in the Continental as he hath told for the same he always understood that he served faithfully and was honorably discharged. This deponent hath lately come to reside in the County of Madison and did not until a few days since know where the said John Keith lived not having seen or heard from him for many years past.
William Randall
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I judge the said William Randall to be a credible witness. Vine Bailey J. Pease

Onida County ss John Keith being duly sworn Deposits and saith that the Reason he has not before this time forwarded his proof of service in the Revolutionary war is that he could not find in the country any person having knowledge of the same until now he has found Lint William Randal and he was not able in point of health and property to go a long journey to find his evidence
Sworn and subscribed before me this 10th day of Sept 1823
John Keith Vine Bailey Justice of Peace
Onida County ss Alner Livermore being Duly sworn Deposits and saith that the Declaration of John Keith as taken before Justice of Peace Vine Bailey has remained in my office since it was returned from the War Department and the Reason of its long delay is as stated in the above affidavit and that he is a man of truth and veracity. Alner Livermore Sworn and subscribed before me this 10th day of Sept 1823.
Vine Bailey Justice of Peace
Clerk's Office Onida County ss
I. Eliasaph Dorchester Clerk of the County of Onida do certify that Vine Bailey before whom the foregoing affidavits were taken was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Onida duly appointed and sworn and further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe the signature of "Vine Bailey" above written to be the proper hand writing of the said Justice.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 23. day of October 1823
Eliasaph Dorchester Clerk By Thomas M. Francis Esq. Clerk

HR 254
27th CONGRESS, 2d Session.
[SENATE.]
[ 389 ]
IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
AUGUST 4, 1842.
Ordered to be printed.—To accompany bill H. R. 254.
Mr. BATES submitted the following
REPORT :
The Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the House bill (254) for the relief of John Keith, report :
That the petitioner asks for a pension for revolutionary services. He states that he performed twenty-three months service as a private, and nine as a sergeant. There is no direct proof, and the corroborative ill sustained. This, too, appears to have been intended originally to support a claim under the act of March 18, 1818, and has been appended to his application under the act of June 7, 1832. William Randall's deposition, dated September 10, 1823, sets forth that he saw John Keith in the service, and saw him after his discharge and return home; that he lived in the same town where he resided, —the town of Eastown, in the State of Massachusetts. The justice of the peace before whom this witness testifies certifies that he thinks Randall a credible witness. Thomas Keith, who alleges he was a neighbor, but is not a relative of the petitioner, deposes that John Keith went into the service of the United States as a soldier in 1775, in company with Freeman Keith, a brother of deponent, who was brought home sick and died. The character of this witness is deemed to be good by the judge of Madison county court. Silas Kinsley deposes to three months' service near Boston in 1776.
The certificate of the Secretary of State of Massachusetts establishes but one day's service of John Keith in Captain Isaac Hodge's company, Colonel Francis's regiment in November, 1776, and declares that the rolls of other companies named by Keith are not in the secretary's office. The petitioner has had the benefit of a thorough examination of the records at the War Department without being able to produce additional evidence. The proof is deemed not sufficient to entitle him to a pension. The committee, therefore recommend that the bill be rejected.
Thomas Allen, print.

254
27th CONGRESS, 2d Session.
Rep. No. 286.
HO. OF REPS.
JOHN KEITH.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 254.]
————— MARCH 8, 1842. —————
Mr. W. SMITH, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, submitted the following
REPORT:
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of John Keith, report :
That the petitioner states that he was in the service in the revolutionary war at five different times, in which he served 23 months as a private, and 9 months as a sergeant. He states that he has met with great difficulty in obtaining corroborative testimony. He however furnishes the testimony of four witnesses bearing upon the subject, who pretty conclusively show that he was in the American army in the year 1775, and also in 1778.
Upon the whole, although they may have done injustice thereby to the petitioner, your committee have concluded to report a bill for six months' service only.

S. 155.
IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
APRIL 15, 1846.
Submitted, and ordered to be printed.
Mr. JOHNSON, of Louisiana, made the following
REPORT :
[To accompany bill S. No. 155.]
The Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of John Keith, report :
The petitioner swears that he was in service during the war of the Revolution for the period of two years and eight months; twenty-three months of which he served as a private, and nine as a sergeant. The petitioner resides in Madison county, New York, and his character for veracity is sustained by the testimony of the most respectable persons in his neighborhood. He furnishes undoubted evidence of his service as a soldier in the Revolution, but has had great difficulty in furnishing proof of the time of service. From the facts which the petitioner states—facts corroborated to a certain extent by respectable witnesses—they do not doubt that his statement is correct. But the direct evidence does not establish to the satisfaction of the committee a longer period of service than six months. This term they think is satisfactorily shown.
1. The petitioner swears that he enlisted on or about the 1st day of May, 1775, for nine months, under Captain Mace Williams; was in the service nine months, and was stationed part of the time at Cambridge, and part of the time at Roxbury, Massachusetts. He also swears that he enlisted again in February, 1776, for two months, and served under Captain Matthew Randall; that he enlisted again in April, 1776, for six months, under Captain Isaac Hodges; and that in August, 1778, he volunteered for three months, under Captain Matthew Randall.
2. William Randall, a lieutenant in the revolutionary war, swears that he lived in the same town with the petitioner; that he had knowledge of his serving in the revolutionary war, saw him in the service, saw him after his discharge and return home, has read his affidavit, and, from knowledge of those transactions, has no doubt he did serve as set forth.
3. Thomas Keith swears that he was born in the same town with the petitioner; that he recollects the petitioner having been in the service as a soldier in 1775, and knows that he performed service as a soldier in that year, at or near Boston.
4. Silas Kinsley swears that he lived with petitioner's father; that in the spring of 1776 petitioner went to Roxbury as a soldier in the army, and thinks he was absent about three months. He also states that he lived

with petitioner's father again in 1777; that petitioner went into the army, and was stationed at Providence; that he (deponent) went with him, and is pretty positive that they were absent three months, the weather being very warm, and it being in the middle of the summer when they went, as he thinks, and the weather being very cold when they returned.
5. Adam Drake swears that he lived in the same town with the petitioner; that he served with petitioner in Captain Matthew Randall's company in 1778, and he has no doubt that petitioner served the full length of time stated by him.
6. The records of the secretary of state's office, in Massachusetts, show the petitioner to have been borne on the roll of Captain Isaac Hodge's company, and to have been paid for one day's service in November, 1776; the rolls of the other companies named by the petitioner are not found.
On a review of the testimony, the committee consider the following facts established, independently of his own statement under oath:
1. He was in service in 1775 as a soldier of the revolutionary army. 2. He was in service in 1776 about three months. 3. He was in service three months in 1777. 4. He was in service again in 1778. Taking all this corroborative testimony in connexion with his own statement, and the very strong evidence in support of his character for truth and veracity, the committee cannot doubt that he served at least six months, and that he is entitled to the benefit of the act of the 7th of June, 1832, extended to those who served a term or terms not less than six months. They have accordingly reported a bill for his relief.

Rejected
See let. to Jos. Clarke, Nov. 17, 1837

September 26, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/REL John Keith-S.29273 Ezekiel Sheldon-S.14434
Bertha C. Keith Wood 30 N. Fifth Avenue Ilion, New York
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the records of John Keith, S.29273, and Ezekiel Sheldon, a pensioner of Chenango County, New York, in 1838, both soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
You are furnished herein the histories of John Keith and Ezekiel Sheldon, the data for which were obtained from the papers on file in the respective claims for pension based upon their military service in the Revolutionary War.
John Keith S.29273
Copied from M.M.H.F.
John Keith, or Keth, the son of David, was born May 23, 1761, in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
Just prior to 1775, John Keith was living in Easton, Bristol County, Massachusetts with his father and about May 1, 1775, still a resident of Easton, he enlisted, served as corporal in Captain Macey Williams' Company, Colonel Abiel Mitchel's Massachusetts Regiment and was discharged February 1, 1776. He enlisted in February, 1776, served two months as private in Captain Matthew Randall's Company, Colonel French's Massachusetts Regiment. He enlisted in April, 1776, and served six months as private in Captain Isaac Hodge's Company, Colonel Francis' Massachusetts Regiment. He enlisted in August, 1778, served three months as private in Captain Matthew Randall's Company, Colonel Clapp's Massachusetts Regiment, was in General Sullivan's expedition to Rhode Island and was in the engagement there. He enlisted in April or May, 1779, served three months as private in Captain Abner Heward's Company, Colonel Jesse Tuller's Massachusetts Regiment and nine months as sergeant and ranger in Captain Tucker's Company in the same regiment.

In 1783, John Keith moved to Hope, Massachusetts, where he lived twenty years; thence to Boston, Massachusetts, lived there six months; thence to Westmoreland, New Hampshire; thence to Brookfield, Madison County, New York, where he was living when he was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832.
It is not stated that soldier was ever married.
*****
Ezekiel Sheldon- S.14434
Ezekiel Sheldon was born February 11, 1758, in Scituate, Rhode Island. The names of his parents are not shown.
While residing in said Scituate, Ezekiel Sheldon enlisted in September, 1776, and served until the summer of 1778, fourteen months in all, as a private under Captains Omer Smith, Cornell, Hope Smith and Caleb Carr, Colonel Archibald Crary, and Stephen Kimball in the Rhode Island Troops.
After the Revolution, he continued to reside at Scituate, Rhode Island, for seven or eight years; then moved to Johnston, Providence County, Rhode Island, where he lived for three years; thence to Stamford, Connecticut, and lived one year; thence to Paris, Oneida County, New York, where he lived for thirty years; thence to Plymouth, Chenango County, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832, while residing in Plymouth, New York.
In 1832, soldier's daughter, Hannah Curtis, was aged thirty-one years and resided in Plymouth, New York. The name of her mother was not shown nor are the names of any other children designated.
In 1832, one Ira Sheldon was a physician of Plymouth, New York, and the name of Asa Sheldon also appears; no relationship of the above named person with surname Sheldon to the soldier was shown, and there are no further family data.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

MMHF
January 20, 1927
he said 1763 was a mistake on his part
Mrs. C. S. Paine Station A Lincoln, Nebr.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 29273 it appears that John Keith, or Keth, son of David, was born May 23, 1761 in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
Just prior to 1775 he was living in Easton, Bristol County, Massachusetts with his father, and about May 1, 1775, still a resident of said Easton, he enlisted, served as Corporal in Captain Macey Williams' Company, Colonel Abiel Mitchel's Massachusetts Regiment and was discharged February 1, 1776.
He enlisted in February 1776, served two months as private in Captain Matthew Randell's Company, Colonel French's Massachusetts Regiment and was at Dorchester, Massachusetts when the castle was blown up.
He enlisted in April 1776 and served six months as private in Captain Isaac Hodge's Company, Colonel Francis' Massachusetts Regiment.
He enlisted in August 1778, served three months as private
his was Easton William

R
in Captain Matthew Randell's Company, Colonel Clapp's Massachusetts Regiment, was in General Sullivan's Expedition to Rhode Island and was in the engagement there.
He enlisted in April or May 1779, served three months as private in Captain Abner Howard's Company, Colonel Jesse Tuller's Massachusetts Regiment and nine months as Sergeant and Ranger in Captain Tucker's Company in the same regiment.
In 1783 he moved to Hope, Massachusetts where he lived twenty years, thence to Boston, Massachusetts, there six months, thence to Westmoreland, New Hampshire, thence to Brookfield, Madison County, New York where he was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832.
There is no data on file as to his family, other than father's name.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

29, 273 John Keith Oct. 9 1837 Brookfield Mt. 69
May 75 Easton Mass Capt. Isaac Williams Col. Abial Bleeker Comp 9 mos
Feb 76 Capt. Matthew Randall Col. French 2 m
Apr 76 Capt. Isaac Hodges Col. Francis 6 m
Aug 78 Capt. Matthew Randall Col. Clapp 3 mos
Apr 79 Apr 79 Capt. Abner Howard Col. Jesse Tupper Sgt. 1 yr
Bat Rhode Island Prov. Sp. Art Aug 3. 1846

Ino Keith -
Nov 16. 80 Capt Williams - 5 Keiths but no John on
3. 114 - Oct 77. Matthew Capt Randall R.I.R. 29 day not on
117 " 78 " " 3 not on
22 113 - Oct 76 - " " " not on belongs to Marshall 17 moin 76
2. 86. Hobbs. m Nov 76 - 1 day
19. 198 - " March 79 not on
226-7 - Edm Hobbs 77 - not on
20. 57. Isaac - 78 - not on
59 Isaac Dec 76 - not on
60 Isaac Sep 77 - not on
93 Isaac Oct 77 - not on
Not found on the roll of any Capt named by him -

President RALPH M. JONES UTICA, N. Y.
1st Vice-President PRENTISS BAILEY UTICA, N. Y.
2nd Vice-President SAMUEL H. BEACH ROME, N. Y.
3rd Vice-President G. LINNEMANN PRESCOTT ROME, N. Y.
Executive Committee WILLIAM C. WRIGHT, Chairman RT. REV. EDWARD COLEY CAPT. WILLIAM G. MAYER DR. JAMES W. W. DIMON EARL WIDTMAN
Treasurer JAMES H. ROLLINGS UTICA, N. Y.
Recording Secretary WM. PIERREPONT WHITE UTICA, N. Y.
Librarian MRS. THOMAS D. WATKINS 1521 KEMBLE STREET UTICA, N. Y. TELEPHONE 4-9088
Corresponding Secretary ABIGAIL C. DIMON
FOUNDED 1876 BY HORATIO SEYMOUR TO SECURE STATE RECOGNITION OF THE CENTENNIALS OF THE REVOLUTION. WE NOW SEEK NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR THEM
THE ONEIDA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUNSON-WILLIAMS MEMORIAL BUILDING PARK AVENUE AND ELIZABETH STREET UTICA, N. Y.
June 27th 1935
Vetern's Bureau. Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Please send me the record of John Keith, whose record claim was S.29273, Revolutionary War.
Yours truly
Mrs. Thomas D. Watkins Librarian -

Ilion, N. Y., Sept. 4, 1934.
Veteran's Burean, Washington, D. C.
Would you please give me the pension record of service and any other personal data of John Keith , who enlisted May 1 st 1775, served as Corporal in Captain Williams's Co., Col. Mitchell's Mass. Regiment. His pension number was S 29273. and Ezekiel Sheldon (1758-1846) served in Rhode Island Continental line. He was born in Scituate R.I. and died in Plymouth N.Y., was on Pension roll of Chenango Co., 1833, for service in R.I.
Respectfully, Bertha C. Keith Wood.
30 N. Fifth Ave., Ilion, N. Y.
Hak. Co.

The Daughters of the American Revolution in Nebraska
Vice-Regent
MRS. GEO. D. BUTTERFIELD NORFOLK
Recording Secretary
MRS. N. A. S. McLEAN MORRILL
Corresponding Secretary
MRS. E. J. WILLIAMS 627 So. 34TH ST., LINCOLN
Treasurer
MRS. ADAM McMULLEN 1445 H. ST., LINCOLN
Registrar
MRS. GEORGE WANSER DAVID CITY
Historian
MRS. J. L. CODINGTON HAMILTON APT., OMAHA
Auditor
MRS. ALVA LEE BROWN FAIRMONT
Librarian
MRS. F. L. SPEAR FAIRBURY
Chaplain
MRS. MARY ELY GILLETTE McCook
Regent's Secretary
MRS. W. D. BANCROFT 1137 No. 33RD ST., LINCOLN
STATE REGENT MRS. CLARENCE S. PAINE STATION A LINCOLN, NEBRASKA
Jan. 13, 1927
Bureau of Pension, Washington, D.C.
Revolutionary Records Dept
Gentlemen:
Will you be kind enough to send to me by the earliest possible mail if there is a pension record for John Keith who was born in 1761 and died in Brookfield, New York in 1846. He resided for many years in Hope, Maine so his service will be from New England States, probably Mass. Kindly let me know what the pension record discloses.
The daughters of this man are buried in Lyons, Nebraska and we are waiting to unveil a "real daughter" marker until this information reaches us. He is said to have had a pension.
If you would be kind enough to reply at once it is a favor that will be most greatly appreciated.
Yours truly,
Mrs. C. S. Paine State Regent
He was in Boston when a lad

Wm. H. Clay Eames; Commissioner of Pensions Dear Sir:
I beg to ask if you will send me immediately ascertained the record of John Keith who died at Brookfield New York in 1846 and oblige
Yours respectfully (Mrs) Laura B. Pound 1632 L. St. Lincoln Ht. Jan. 24. 1901.

Will to S Neb.
INVALID.
Reg 29273
File No. 29,273
John Keith
Res Per me
Act: June 10 1897
Index: Vol. 9 , Page 219
[Arrangement of 1870.]
July 9-1901 Mrs. Fannie D. Brown Lincoln
1877 Jan. 20 - List to Mrs. C. S. Paine MMH 1884 - Sept 26 - List to Bertha C. Keil Wood Get for MMH. 1885 - July 15 - List to Mrs. Thomas D. Watkins - all.

I HEREBY certify, that the accompanying pages numbered from one to twenty-one, inclusive, are truly copied from the original, in the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions, Department of War.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
BE IT REMEMBERED, That JAMES L. EDWARDS, who has signed the foregoing certificate, is Commissioner of Pensions; and that to his attestations full faith and credit are and ought to be given.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the seal of the Department to be affixed, on this fifteenth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight.
J. B. Poinsett
Secretary of War.

John Keith
additional Evidence
8
*

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, March 27 1834.
I hereby Certify. That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of John Keith, as a private, is borne on a Pay Roll of Capt. Isaac Hodges' company, Col. Francis' Regt. where he is allowed one day's service in Nov. 1776.
John Keith claims for services under Capt. Mace Williams, Matthew Randall, Isaac Hodges, Abner Howard & Lieut. Jona. Pratt; but the Rolls which he describes are not found in this office.
Edward D. Bangs Secy

An act for the relief of John Keith of New York.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress Assembled, That the Secretary of War be directed to place the name of John Keith, of Madison County, New York, on the roll of Revolutionary Pensioners, under the act of the seventh of June, eighteen hundred and thirty-two, and allow him a pension for six months service as a private in pursuance of said act.
Approved August 3 d 1846.
Department of State
August 6 th 1846
I certify that the above is a true copy of "An act for the relief of John Keith of New York," transcribed from, and compared with the original roll on file in this Department.
J. P. M. Chief Clerk

John Keith facts
memo

John Keith Madison Co NY, Declared to obtain under BZ
Enlisted at Castleton 1 st May 1861 - for
9 months under Capt. Newell Williams in Q.M. A. Meigs reg t - Disch d 1 st Feb 1862
At Castleton 2 months in Feb 1862 Capt. Newell's Co D in Col. Gerlach's reg t - Disch d Apr. 1862
When ashore (in Apr.) 6 months more - Discharged at end of 6 mos. in Oct. - Re-enlisted in Aug 1862
for 6 mos. under Capt. Martin in Col. Clapp's reg t - in engagement with Sullivan's Division - retreating in poor weather
At Newburg 1862 Enlisted for new term Capt. 12 th - Forward Co. Col. Lapham's reg t - served 3 mos. as 32 nd - a priv. & 9 as serg t - went to Washington D.C.
24 th - Discharged at Burnside, Va. in Apr. or May 1863 No evidence except testimony of W. Kendall & Co. & others hereof
Dec 1863 - Did two discharges - first time - a chagrined situation soon after - left character unfounded & character as a soldier
= Said to Newell's friends he was sent in Drat's reg t Rev. War & saw Newell Keith & knows he was a soldier - saw his habit & has no doubt but it is some always understood it so
= That Keith was in same company June 1869 & lived next neighbor to John R. in relation to local Military Cattle was in army too soon after died - knows app l - knows went into town - John R. seen & thinks he was old enough - 12 yrs -
The character of this cut up cited by a judge 1883 - went into service with Col. Brown 1865
= 1888 - June 12 - John R. found copy of record survived 1885 at age 14 -
by his father by which he is 72 yrs old - date uncertain BZ judge certifies this good character - various other facts
= That Newell's father was in the army, S.K. worked for applicants father -

Adams New Drakes
Deacons in 18th C in Army in 1778
And estates of Stark Mass estates Rolls from 1 day under Capt. Isaac Lawrence Hodges Col. Lawrence Regiment by John Ketts no rolls found of officers in names—

court in the matter of the application of John Keith for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 9 th day of October 1832,
Eseab
A. S. Sloan clk.
State of New-York County of Oneida ss
On the 10 th day of Sept. 1823 Personally came before me Vine Bailey Esquire Lieutenant William Randall now of Casanova in the county of Madison who being by me du- ly sworn according to Law deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with John Keith of Brookfield in said county of Madison That he was well acquainted with him in the time of the Revolutionary war. That this Deponent was a Lieutenant in the service in the Regiment com- manded by Colonel Marshall and Colonel Whitney. That he this deponent had knowledge of the said John Keith serving in the Revolutionary war he saw him there in the service and saw him after his discharge and return home this deponent lived in the same town where the said John Keith then Resided viz. the Town of Easttown in the State of Massachusetts. That he this Deponent hath this day seen & examined the Declaration of the said John Keith taken before Denison Palmer a Judge Dated the 5 th day of May, 1818. And from the Recollection this deponent hath of three transactions he hath no doubt but that he did serve in the En- listments as he hath set forth and he always under- stood that he served faithfully and was honored.

bly discharged. This deponent hath lately come to Reside in the county of Madison and did not until a few days since know where the said John Keith lived Not having seen or heard from him for many years past.
William Randell
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I judge the said William Randall to be a credible witness.
Vine Bailey J. Pease
Oneida County ss
John Keith being duly sworn Deposeth and saith that the Reason he has not before this time forwarded his proof of services in the Revolutionary war is that he could not find in this country any person having knowledge of the same untill now he has found Lieut. William Randal and he was not able in point of health and property to go a long journey to find his Evidence.
John Keith
Sworn and subscribed before me this 10 th day of Sep r 1823.
Vine Bailey J. Pease
Oneida County ss. Abner Livermore being Duly sworn Deposeth and saith that the Declaration of John Keith as taken before Denison Palmer Judge hereunto attached has remained in my office ever since it was returned from the War department and the Reason of its long delay is as stated in the above affidavits and that he is a man of truth & veracity Abner Livermore.

Sworn & subscribed before me this 10 th day of Sep r 1823
Vine Bailey J. Peace
Clerks office Oneida County } S.
{ seal }
Eliasaph Dorchester
Clerk of the county of Oneida do certify that Vine Bailey before whom the foregoing affidavits were taken was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the peace in & for the county of Oneida duly appointed & sworn and further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe the signature of "Vine Bailey" above written to be the proper hand writing of the said Justice.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 23 rd day of October 1823.
Eliasaph Dorchester Clerk By Thomas M. Francis Dp. clk.
State of New-York } S
Madison County }
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Judge of Madison county court Thomas Keith who being duly sworn deposed & saith that he was born in Easton, County Bristol and State of Massachusetts May 13 th 1769 and lived in Easton aforesaid during the whole time of the Revolutionary war that John Keith is not a relative of his but lived the nearest neighbor to him in Easton aforesaid during the whole time of the War that the deponent distinctly recollects that John Keith went into the service of the United States as a soldier in the year 1775 in company with Freeman

Keith a brother of deponent at or near Boston that while at Boston or near this Freeman Keith was taken sick bro't home and soon after died that from the circumstance of the sickness & death of his brother he distinctly recollects the circumstances that he has no doubt that said John Keith is seventy two years of age and knows that he was old enough and did perform his services as a soldier in 1775 at or near Boston that this deponent has been a resident of Brookfield county of Madison and state of New-York for thirty six years past and that said John Keith has been a resident of the same place for nearly twenty years.
Thomas Keith
Sworn and subscribed
October 7 th 1833
before me
Joseph Clarke Judge of Madison county courts. I further certify that I have been well acquainted with Thomas Keith the above deponent and know him to be a man of the first respectability and of an excellent character for truth & veracity.
Joseph Clarke Judge of Madison county courts.
State of New-York } ss. Personally appeared be- Madison county } fore the subscriber a Judge of Madison county courts, John Keith aged seventy two years who being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he is seventy two years of age that he enlisted in to the service of the United States in the town

of East-town, county of Bristol and State of Massachusetts the last of April or first of May 1775 under capt. Mace Williams and marched to Roxbury near Boston & continued in the service of the United States nine months, that he was fourteen years of age a few days after he first enlisted and that he enlisted and served at various times up to the year 1780 in all ten years and eight months as near as he can now recollect and served in every grade as stated in his declaration now on file in the pension office that not having a record of his age supposed he was but 70 years old last may but from recollection knows that he is seventy two years of age the 23 d Day of May last that on searching his papers has found the inclosed copy of a record kept by his father which paper has been in his possession more than thirty years and that the first name Marked J. H. is a true copy and date of his age that while at Roxbury in 1775 he was a regular enlisted soldier and performed all the duties of a private and in the night time took his station as a sentinel and all the other duties of a soldier.
John Keith
Sworn and subscribed
October 7 th 1838,
before me
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison county court. I further certify that I have been well acquainted the John Keith for more than fifteen years that he is universally esteemed as a man of truth & veracity.
J. Clark Judge &c.

State of New-York } ss. I, Andrew S. Sloan county of Madison } clerk of the said county do certify that Joseph Clarke before whom the two fore- going affidavits purport to have been sworn to me at the date of the same one of the judges of the county courts in & for the said county, and that I am acquainted with his hand wri- ting, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavits to be his proper hand writing and signature - Witness my hand and seal of office this 12 th day of October 1833. A. S. Sloan clk
To the Hon. James L. Edwards commissioner of pensions.
We your petitioners residents of Brookfield, county of Madison and state of New York would respectfully represent that we are well acquainted with John Keith of this town who is an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of 1832, that we have been acquainted with said Keith for more than twenty years past that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity and morality, integrity and patriotism that he is noted where known as a patriot of the Revolution that we believe he served in the Revolutionary war to the full extent of his declaration as near as he doth recollect, which is now on file in the pension office and we believe his declaration is universally believed by his acquaintance. That we have been for many years well acquainted with Thomas Keith who testified to some of his service who is now dead who sustained a good character for

truth and veracity, as the Pension Law requires satisfactory evidence of services rendered and as Record evidence in all cases may be the best yet when the records are imperfect as the Records of Massachusetts are by representation even by the secretary of State great injustice may be done and we verily believe will be if a pension is withheld from said Keith & we verily believe if your honor was as well acquainted with said Keith as we are the evidence would be satisfactory without any thing further than his own declaration we therefore respectfully request your honor to grant him such pension as he would be entitled to without reference to said record & we your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray.
Dated at Brookfield August 29 th 1837.
Joseph Clarke Judge of Madison Elisha Randall, Justice Peace county court Andrew Babcock } Town clerk John Davis, Justice of Peace. Thomas Keith } Justice of the peace Nahs Clark } supervisor of Brookfield Florea B. Clark } comr of Deeds.
Washington City Sep r 5 th 1837.
I am well acquainted with all the persons who have signed their names to the within. They all hold the several offices attached to their respective names, and are the most respectable citizens of said Town.
Bennet Bicknell M. C.
To the Hon. Lewis Cass Secretary of War.
We the subscribers residents of Brookfield, county of Madison and state of New York, respectfully represent that we have been well ac-

quainted with John Keith a revolutionary soldier residing in said town for nearly twenty years that he sustained a good reputation for truth & veracity and a good moral character but is in poor health and circumstances as to property having learnt that his claim is suspended for want of proof that the evidence of Thomas Keith is not allowed in consequence of his age being but seven years old being considered too young to testify. We therefore hereby give our opinion that full credit ought to be given to his testimony as he is a man of intelligence and the first respectability. We further represent that from a long acquaintance with said John Keith we have no doubt he rendered all the services set forth by him in his affidavits as near as he could recollect and that we have no doubt the opinion is so universally by his neighbors we therefore pray your honors to grant him such a pension as in your opinion Justice requires & we your petitioners will ever pray
Dated at Brookfield November 26 th 1825
Jedidiah Peck Jadak Beebe Thomas Keith Jr Wail Clarke Seth Miner Jr Benjamin Gorton Leonard Babcock Shephard Main Gilbert Hinks Joseph Clark

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
By His Excellency Edward Everett, Governor and Commander in Chief, in and over said Commonwealth.
To all whom it may concern:
Edward Everett
Know Ye, That Ellis Ames Esq t is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk; (and that his signature is his genuine signature)
in the said Commonwealth, duly con- stituted and commissioned, and that to his Acts and Attestations, at such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of court; that the within Attestation is in due form, and by the proper Officer.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Com- monwealth to be hereunto affixed, this first day of September, A. D. 1837, and in the sixty second Year of the Indepen- dence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor.
John P. Bigelow, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Silas Kinsley of Canton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts in the seventy second year of my age do testify and say that before the year 1775 I was acquainted with John Keith the son of David Keith, who then lived with his father in Easton in the county of Bristol in this state. Said John Keith was a little more than four years older than myself. We were brought up together in the same neighborhood. In the year 1776 in the spring said John Keith went to Roxbury as a soldier in the army and I think he was absent about three months. I went to work for his father while he was absent in the army at Roxbury. I think said John Keith returned when we were cutting stalks which is usually some time in September. I cannot say whether John Keith was in Roxbury with the army when the British left Boston on the 4 th of March 1776. I went to his father's David Keith's in the month of April or May to supply said John's place he being then gone to the army. How long before said time in April or May 1776 when I went to his father's to live, said John Keith had been absent, I cannot state. It is my impression that at this time he went in a company under Captain Matthew Randall. In the summer of 1777 I lived with David Keith having continued my residence with him after my going there in the spring of 1776 and in that summer to wit of the year of 1777 said John Keith went into the army at Providence where he was stationed. I

went myself and carried with a horse and waggon his gun and pack and those of several other soldiers to Providence at that time. Said John Keith rode part of the way and walked part of the way. I think it was in the middle of the summer 1777 that I carried him to Providence to join the army for the weather was very warm. I am pretty positive that we was absent three months in the service at Providence this time for it was very cold weather when he returned. I never heard of said John Keith's death. He moved from Easton about 40 years ago to what is now the state of Maine and some time after moved back when I saw him. I have never seen him since. It is about 20 years since I saw him but I think not thirty years. He moved away from Easton shortly after I saw him last, but where he moved to I know not until about four years ago when I was informed he resided some where in the state of New-York and further this deponent saith not. Canton September 1 st 1837.
Silas Kinsley
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. September 1 st 1837.
Then personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Norfolk County aforesaid the said Silas Kinsley and made oath that the deposition on the foregoing page by him subscribed was true in all respects.
Ellis Ames Justice of Peace.
I further certify that said Silas Kinsley

who subscribed the affidavit on the preceding page bears an unexceptionable character and that his character and reputation for truth and veracity is good and unexceptionable.
Ellis Ames Justice of the Peace.
State of New-York } ss. Madison County }
Personally appeared before me Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Court John Keith who being duly sworn deposeth & saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively to the precise length of his services but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned below and in the following grade for nine months, I served as a corporal for one year and two months I served as a private for nine months I served as a sergeant and for such service I claim a pension.
Sworn and subscribed before John Keith me this 22 d day of May 1837
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison county court
State of New-York } ss. Madison County }
Personally appeared before me Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Court John Keith of the Town of Brookfield, county of Madison and state of New-York aged 73 years the 23 d day of May instant who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that

he is the identical person named in a declaration made in open court before the Judges of the court of common pleas of Madison County on the 9 th Day of October 1832 which declaration accompanies this affidavit that during the Revolutionary war he rendered the following services that he enlisted into the line of the United States in May 1775 for nine months in the state of Massachusetts under Capt. Mace Williams in a regiment commanded by Col. Michel and served the full time of nine months as a corporal. In February 1776 he enlisted under Capt. Mathew Randall in a regiment commanded by Col. French served two months as a private at Dorchester Massachusetts and was present when the castle blew up that in April 1776 he enlisted for six months as a private under Capt. Hodges in a regiment commanded by Col. France, and served the full term of six months that at or near the end of his services in this campaign he with others of his detachment was selected to guard the magazine at Jamaica Plains near Boston and continued at that place as a guard until a short time after his six months service expired which is the only time he can recollect for the one day noted in the certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts, that he volunteered in August 1778 he volunteered for three months as a private under Capt. M. Randall in a regiment commanded by Col. Clapp & was in Sullivan's expedition on Rhode-Island and served the full length of his term of three months. That in April or May 1779 he enlisted under Capt. Abner Howard in a regiment commanded by Col. Pease. Supper joined the army

as Worcester Massachusetts that he moved into New-York near Albany after serving three months he enlisted or volunteered under Capt. Tucker as a ranger and sergeant that the statement in the original declaration of New-Jersey was a mistake in the writer of that declaration that from Albany on greenbush in the state of New-York he marched into the north part of the state of New-York was at Sackets Harbor and Lake Champlain, that he has no documentary evidence and knows of no proof except the affidavits of Thomas Keith and William Randall whose affidavits accompany this who he can procure, that he relinquishes every claim to a pension except such as the regulation of the war department ever allow under all the circumstances attending his case.  Sworn and subscribed John Keith before me this 22 d Day of May 1824
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison county courts.
I further certify that I have been well acquainted with John Keith this deponent for nearly twenty years that he sustains an excellent character for truth and veracity & as far as I am acquainted I believe there is not a doubt of his rendering the full services stated by him in the foregoing declaration.
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison county courts.

I certify that Joseph Clarke before whom the foregoing affidavits purport to have been taken was at the dates of the same a Judge of the County Courts of the county of Madison (N. Y.) and that I well acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe his name subscribed to said affidavits to be his own proper hand & signature - Dated June 12 th A. D. 1834. W. H. Fuller.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss
Adam Drake of Easton in the county of Bristol yeoman aged 73 years being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he lived in the Town of Easton, County of Bristol during the Revolutionary war. and was well acquainted with John Keith then of Easton aforesaid. who he has been informed & believes, now lives in the Town of Brookfield, county of Madison, & State of New-York, that this deponent served in the army of the Revolutionary war in a company commanded by Capt. Mathew Randall.
in the year 1778 that John Keith was a soldier in the same company & that this deponent well recollects the said John Keith, & that he has no doubt the said Keith served the full length of time stated by him
Sworn to & subscribed before } Adam Drake me this first day of August, } his x mark 1834
Samuel Deane Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I have lived in the vicinity of Adam Drake for a number of seventeen years and

from my acquaintance with him believe him to be a man of truth and veracity.
Samuel Deans.
Justice of the Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss.
Seal
I James Sprouse, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Samuel Deans, Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the within certificate is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this eighth day of January, in the year of our Lord, Eighteen hundred & thirty five.
Ja s Sprouse.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office, March 27, 1834.
I hereby certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Mil- itary Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of John Keth, as a private, is borne on a Pay Roll of Capt. Isaac Hodge's Company, Col. Francis' Reg t . where he is al- lowed one day's service in Nov. 1776.
John Keth claims for services under Capt. M c Williams, Matthew Randall, I- saac Hodge, Abner Howard, & Lieut. Fona.

Pratz; but the Rolls which he describes are not found in this office.
Edward D. Bang Secy.

Aug 11 46
M. Keith H.R.
Th. C. Hough H.R.

House of Reps.
Washington Aug. 10. 1846
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Con't. Placidus
Dear Sir
After I called upon you a few days ago, during a petition certificate in favor of Silas Keith of Brookfield Academy Co. N.Y. with an act of Congress a copy of which I delivered you, I called on Genl. Dix of the Senate (when the bill originated) who requested the Secy of the Senate to send you the papers upon which the bill was passed, who responded to do so, but from the fact that I have not recd the certificate. I approached the Secy of the Senate in the hearing of the Clerk, of the Speaker has requested to send the papers of which sent Monday. I ask of you at your earliest convenience to send a line to the Secy. of the Senate asking him to send you the papers, and when in place send me the papers sent direct to me at Catskill, N. York.
I am Sir with esteem Your Ob't Serv't.
Wm. H. Hough

Easton Hove M.D. Joseph Clark. P.M. D Brookfield N.Y.

I Silas Hunsley of Canton in the County of Norfolk and state of Massachusetts in the seventy second year of my age do testify and say that before the year 1775 I was acquainted with John Keith the son of David Keith, who then lived with his father in Easton in the County of Bristol in this state. Said John Keith was a little more than four years older than myself. We were brought up together in the same neighborhood. In the year 1776 in the spring said John Keith went to Roxbury as a soldier in the army and I think he was absent about three months. I went to work for his father while he was absent in the army at Roxbury. I think said John Keith returned when we were cutting stalks, which is usually some time in September. I cannot say whether John Keith was in Roxbury with the army when the British left Boston on the 4 th of March 1776. I went to his father, David Keith, in the month of April or May to supply said John's place he being then gone to the army. How long before and home in April or May 1776 when I went to his father's to live, said John Keith had been absent I cannot state. It is my impression that at this time he was in a company attached Captain Matthew Randall. In the summer of 1777 I lived with David Keith having continued my residence with him after my going there in the spring of 1776 and in that summer to wit of the year of 1777 said John Keith went into the army at Providence where he was stationed. I went myself and carried with a horse and waggon his gun and pack and those of several other soldiers to Providence at that time. Said John Keith rode part of the way and walked part of the way. I think it was in the middle of the summer 1777 that I carried him to Providence to join the army for the weather was very warm. I am pretty positive that we was absent three months in the service at Providence this time for it was very cold weather when he returned. I never heard of said John Keith's death. He moved from Easton about 40 years ago to what is now the state of Maine and some time after moved back when I saw him. I have never seen him since. It is above 20 years since I saw him but I think not thirty years. He moved away from Easton shortly after I saw him last, but where he moved to I knew not until about four years ago when I was informed he resided some where in the state of New York and further this deponent saith not. Canton September 1 st 1837. Silas Hunsley

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss September 1 st 1837
Then personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Norfolk County aforesaid the said Silas Kinsley and made oath that the deposition on the foregoing page by him subscribed was true in all respect. Ellis Ames Justice of Peace
I further certify that said Silas Kinsley who subscribed the affidavit on the preceding page bears an unexceptionable character and that his character and reputation for truth and veracity is good and unexceptionable.
Ellis Ames Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By His Excellency EDWARD EVERETT , Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth.
To all whom it may concern:
Edward Everett
Know Ye, That Ellis Ames Esq rs is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk; (and that his signature is his genuine signature)
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commission- ed, and that to his Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in out of Court; that the within Attestation is in due form, and by the proper Officer.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this first day of September A. D. 1837, and in the sixty second Year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor.
J. P. Bicknell Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Hon. H. Johnson, Chairman S.C. etc.
From John H. M.

Gen. H. Johnson
Saturday 28, March 1846.
Dear Sir:
I have looked over John Keith's papers, and have drawn a report, which I hope the Committee will approve. It seems to me that his months service is satisfactorily made out. I know Keith well. He is an honest man, and the whole country around him, knowing him to be a revolutionary soldier, and believing him to have served from 2 to 30 months, feels a strong interest in his application. —
I am, Sir, respectfully Yours, John A. Dike

Report John Keith Revog. to Hon B. Bicknell

New York Revol.
John Keith
Rejected
see letter D
Jos. Clarke
24 Sept th 1833.
Papers sent to Hon W H Fuller
see letter 25 Jany 1834
Act 7 June 1833

E. Rogers - care of John Keith & Co

Madison Feby 26. - 42.
Hon. A. B. Foster,
Dear Sir,
I am requested to ask your attention to the case of John Keith a revolutionary soldier - I am satisfied he is entitled to a pension - Mr Ward reported a bill during the last Congress, but it was not acted upon - The term of service allowed is much too short - Nine mo. was allowed - From an examination of his papers I became satisfied that a greater length of time should have been allowed. I should have moved an amendment of the bill if it had been reached on the calendar - Please to examine the testimony. He is apparently a very worthy man - I noticed to you when at home my wish as to the books directed to be furnished to those members of the 26 th Congress who had not before received them - will you please to direct the Post Master Mr McCormick to send them as soon as our waters are navigable in the manner directed by me - If my directions are mislaid - let him soon send them to me at Madison Madison Co. N.Y. to the care of M. Hershend Bolsville - Chenango Canal - I have nothing new -
Very respectfully yours E. Rogers

DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Aug 6 '46
M c Keith sp. act.
Please send me a certificate for John Keith of Brooklyn New York
Aug 6. 1846
W. J. Hough
sp. act August 3. 1846 - Albany roll, $20 per annum from the 4 th March 1831. (Inscribe on roll act June 7. 1832)
Send cut to Hon. W. J. Hough HR

Free
Oct 17 Hon Bennet Bicknell - House of Representatives Washington City
My Dear Sir James L Edwonds Esq Chairman of Pensions

Brookfield Oct 11th 1837
Dear Sir
Yours of the 6th was recd or the 9th was gratified to learn the result of the Bank question in your house I should think it a hard case for Webster as his friends to the east help him as the champion of the Bank. an Independent Convention promoted Mr Skinner of Amesbury it is said by the treachery of one of our own delegates but of this I am not as yet properly advised I hope it will turn out to be some other cause but it will soon be known, I had some hope as the expression in this town & country was so decided it will effect an election some in this place at least if it is known to be intentional but I shall do all in my power to keep things quiet I enclose additional proof for Mr Thistle I wish you to present it and say to Mr Ladd that he wishes something allowed at least that part of his services of which there is no doubt if nothing is allowed I can say frankly it is one of the most unjust acts I have ever known by any government. There is reason enough to give him nearly a full pension but if that cannot be given any amount will be most thankfully received
Yours B. Bicknell
Sincerely Yours Joseph D. Clark

April 2 o
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commission of Pensions 88 Washington City D. C.
My Dear John

Albany March 30th 1854
Dear Sir
The last communication I had from the Pension office on the subject of John Smith's claim for a pension was a notice of an affidavit for a certificate of the character of the deponent & that it must be properly authenticated I was under the necessity of sending it to Massachusetts which occasioned a long delay I did suppose that when that paper was returned to your office it would be satisfactory at least for the principle part of the two years if not the full amount, the paper was presented to your office by Gen. Fuller our representative some time in Feb I think to Dr. Cramb he informed me that when presented it was agreed that I should be informed of the result of the final result as soon as known but he found the full amount of his services would not be allowed There is no doubt by those of his acquaintance of the extent of his claim in full but as I had been informed by Thomas Smith where affidavit you have just think 8 or nine months that he had a sister residing in Hudson where he believed would testify more fully than any other person I adopted a line to her on the subject she was given one the enclosed which satisfies me completely that I can find no person who was particularly acquainted with his services, he was the son of Henry from our and my young was not known out of his immediate neighborhood & that none of his near neighbors are now in existence This is with his papers on affidavit of one of his officers in one company & the affidavit of J. Kunt of another part of another company & a record of some service although that record is incomplete yet it must be satisfactory to all of some sort I therefore hope that a favorable decision as possible will be

Yours & if out to the whole amount for some thing, he is an aged man found but worth all more & if not relied immediately it will be too late
Please inform me at Allens of the final determination Very Respectfully Yours Edward East Joseph Clarke
Edward I Clarke in Allens Allens etc
Edward I Clarke

J Clark D.M. } Brookfield N.Y.
J. Clark Esq. Member of the Assembly Albany
145 60 10 10  2.25
Me 25 48 = 30 Palm 55 Enc 10 Bales 25  1.45
J. Clark Esq. Brookfield Nassau County

City of Hudson, March 28 th 1835.
Dear Sir
Your Letters on Business were duly received, I have consulted a Justice of the Peace on the subject and I sincerely regret that it is not in my power, to give the positive evidence, that the Law requires, - Mr John Keith when a boy I well remember, but cannot recollect as to his being in the Army, for my mind at that time was occupied with sickness, domestick concerns, and assisting in managing the Farm, as there were no Men or Boys at home, in the Town of Easton, who could in any possible way assist in liberating their Country - my Brother who enlisted at that time, remained in the Army a few months with his Uncle, who was stationed at Roxbury near Boston, came home sick, and soon after died - John Keith I think was older than my Brother, and of course took a part with his neighbours in the struggle for Independence.
I doubt not in the least, what he asserts, is perfectly true, for I was acquainted with him, untill he was Twenty six years of Age, and during that time he was remarkable for his Veracity and strict integrity.
To neglect the petition of these Revolutionary sufferers, after the lapse of so many years, would I think be an unpardonable Sin -
P.S. I do not know of any person in Easton, that would be likely to give the information, they of that age, are all dead.

that I was acquainted with.—
Yours Respectfully.—
To Judge Clark
Susannah Goodwin

Macahipia 1882 July 10 m
John Nathan N.Y. City
India
Rev. W. K. Fuller
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commencement of services Washington City D.C.

Brookfield February 9 th 1835
Dear Sir
By your direction I have returned the enclosed affidavit of Adam Drake to Samuel Dean Esq. of Massachusetts for his certificate of the credibility of the deponent & likewise the certificate of the Clerk of Bristol County which I believe is done according to the rules of your department the papers have been more than 3 months in Massachusetts by the neglect of the County Clerk, Mr. Keith has been very impatient, I think all things must now be satisfactory to all I therefore pray that a certificate may be made out for him as soon as possible & forwarded to me in Albany
Direct Joseph Clark in Albany
Albany to which place I shall be after tomorrow
in haste & very
Respectfully
Your Humble Servt.
Joseph Clark

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss
I Adarn Dnake of Easton in the County of Bristol aforesaid aged 73 years being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he lived in the town of Easton County of Bristol during the Revolutionary war, and was well acquainted with John Keith then of Easton aforesaid, who he has been informed & believes, now lives in the town of Barnstable Madison a State of New York, that this deponent served in the Army of the Revolutionary war in a company commanded by Capt. Mathew Brindall in the year 1778 that John Keith was a soldier in the same company & that this deponent well remembers the said John Keith, in the service of the United States during the war , & that he has no doubt the said Keith served the full time length of time stated by him
Sworn to & subscribed } Adarn Dnake before me this first day } his Mark of August 1834 Samuel Atkinson Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I have lived in the vicinity of Adarn Dnake for a number of seventeen years and from my acquaintance with him believe him to be a man of truth and veracity
Samuel Adams Justice of the Peace

Mass
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
"Bristol ss. I, James Sprout, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Samuel Deane, Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the within Certificate, is a Justice of the Peace in the said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, the eighth day of January, in the year of our Lord, Eighteen hundred and thirty four.
J. Sprout

J. S. Edwards Esq. H. or. De post part Commission of Pensions Washington City

Brookfield Vt August 28 th 1884
Dear Sir
I herewith return the papers of John Pratt for a for the investigation I have been to considerable expense & a great deal of trouble to obtain all the proof that could be obtained, but the Records of Massachusetts are not to be depended on and so says the Secretary the Records of his services for one day at the close of 9 months service I think must be satisfactory proof of mistake. It cannot be supposed that John Pratt would travel 55 miles to perform one days service in a company that had served 9 months & was then discharged. The evidence of Thomas Pratt under the circumstances of his brothers death must prove the 9 months in 1775 - satisfactorily. I believe the affidavit of Adon Dake which proves his services under Capt. Nathan Roundell in 1778. I have just recd from Boston Massachusetts a communication from Samuel Dean Esq. stating that nearly all the Revolutionary soldiers in that place were dead & from the whole number enlisted by Mr. Pratt whom he recruited Adon Dake was the only survivor capable of giving a statement & he quite infirm that all could recd about John Pratt & that he was in the army & that there were no doubts of his serving as stated by him. I have done all I am able for him & am authorized by him to say he submits the case with a hope of a favorable decision & can say if he is not allowed a full pension I shall regret it more than any care of the kind within my knowledge being fully satisfied of the justice of the claim with a knowledge that his connection is where in full ment and that he is very needy
J. S. P. Woodruff Esq. Washington City
Sincerely & respectfully Yours Joseph Clark

John Kietto

To the Hon Lewis Cass Secretary of War
We the subscribers residents of Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York respectfully represent that we have been well acquainted with John Keith a revolutionary soldier residing in said town for nearly twenty years that he sustains a good reputation for truth & veracity and a good moral character but is in poor health and circumstances as to property having learnt that his claim is suspended for want of proof that the evidence of Thomas Keith is not allowed in consequence of his age being but seven years old being considered too young to testify - We therefore hereby give our opinion that full credit ought to be given to his testimony as he is a man of intelligence and the first respectability We further represent that from a long acquaintance with said John Keith we have no doubt he rendered all the service set forth by him in his affidavit as near as he could recollect and that we have no doubt the opinion is so universally by his neighbors we therefore pray your honors to grant him such a pension as in your opinion justice requires & we your petitioners will ever pray
Dated at Brookfield November 26th 1833
Frederick Beck Zadok Beebe Thomas Keith Jr. Wait Clarke Seth Miner Jr. Benjamin Gorton Leonard Babcock Shephard Main Gilbert Farnsworth Joseph Clark

Brookfield Mass. 17.9
M. W.
Hon. G. Becknell

To the Hon James S Edmonds commissioner of Pensions We your Petitioners residents of Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York would respectfully represent that we are well acquainted with John Smith of this town who is an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of 1832, that we have been acquainted with said Smith for more than twenty years past that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity and morality, integrity and patriotism that he is noted where known as a patriot of the Revolution that we believe he served in the Revolutionary war to the full extent of his declaration as near as he could recollect which is now on file in the Pension office and we believe his declaration is universally believed by his acquaintances. That we have been for many years well acquainted with Thomas Smith who testified to some of his services who is now dead who sustained a good character for truth and veracity, as the pension laws require satisfactory evidence of services rendered and as record evidence in all cases may be the best yet when these records are imperfect as the records of Massachusetts one by representation can by the Secretary of State great inquiry may be done and we very likely believe will be if a pension is withheld from said Smith & we very likely believe if your Honor was as well acquainted with said Smith as we are the evidence would be satisfactory without any thing further than his own declaration we therefore respectfully request your Honor to grant him such pension as he would be entitled to without reference to said records & we your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray said at Brookfield August 29th 1837
Joseph Clarke judge of Madison County Elisha Randall Justice Peace John Davis Justice of Peace Andrew Babcock } Town Clerk Thomas Smith Justice of the Peace Wait Clarke Supervisor of Brookfield Hosea B. Clarke Com. of Deeds.

Washington City Sep r 5 th 1837
I am well acquainted with all the persons who have signed their names to the within - They all hold the several Offices attached to their respective names, and are the most respectable Citizens of said Town
Bernard Bicknell M. C.
A large, stylized signature in cursive ink, likely that of Bernard Bicknell, featuring a prominent loop and flourish.

John J Mayan Dec 28 th 1835
Hon. Mr. T. Fuller In Congress Washington City

Albany, Decemr 28 th 1835.
Dear Sir:
Our friend Joseph Clark of Brookfield, requests me to write to you, in respect to John Keith's claim for a revolutionary pension. —
The old man lives on a piece of land leased of me, in Brookfield, and I have no reason to doubt his being worthy & honest. —
Ignatius Clark states that an application made in his behalf, has been rejected, because the service is proved by a witness who, in the opinion of the department, was too young at the time of the service alleged, to testify to the fact.
The circumstances however connected with the fact testified to, are such as were quite likely to impress it upon the memory of a boy. — His brother who enlisted with John Keith, was taken sick, brought home & died: and John Keith's family lived within a few rods of his father. —

Such facts as these, at such a time, would no doubt make a strong impression even upon a child: and the recollection of them would be preserved, by frequent conversation about them, afterwards: so that unless there is reason to doubt the character of the witness now and I do not understand that there is, the evidence may be considered sufficiently strong. - I congratulate you most heartily upon your doings in the house, and am most sincerely
Yours sincerely
John S. Morgan.

May 27.
Free
J. P. Edwards Esq. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Washington City D. C.

Albany N.Y. May 2 1835
Dear Sir
Yours of the 29th ult is this moment recd including a copy of one sent to one on the 8th which I have not recd It has undoubtedly got into the hands of some other person in consequence to that as I inform you that the certificate of D Brangs Esq of Massachusetts was forwarded to the Hon Department I think more than one year past & in that certificate he stated that the records of the Massachusetts General Association by Keith was not in his office but he found the name of said Keith in one company for a short time which Keith did not recollect that there was no dependence on the records on matter that they were not extant & he authorized me to state that a Clerk had been sent by the Hon Department to examine his records and knew that the records were lost & no real dependence could be placed on them, under these circumstances I did suppose that Keith having received part of part of his salary & more particularly after full examinations of the facts that one of the facts having been returned to be authenticated that it would be satisfactory for part of his time if not for two years of this I had no doubt neither have I now the least doubt that he served as stated in his disclination so is the unusual opinion of his agreement here I do hope that he may be allowed something at least for that part of time

time of which he had proof if not he must submit & I shall abandon his case with no cost
I wish the final decision sent me direct to Athens I shall remain here until the 11th instat on which day the Secretaries
Very Respectfully Your humble servt Joseph Clark J. L. Edwards Esq
not

Joseph Clark
Dec 11 th 1835
John Keith
agent
Mr. H. K. Fuller H.R.
Brookfield Ms.
Dec 11
Dear
Mr. William H. Fuller
Thurs. Representatus
Washington City
Pa
Dear Sir

Clarksville Dec 18th 1885
Dear Sir
I enclose a petition for John Smith as you will see it is signed by an impressive number of our friends. Mr. Peck is a remarkable person and much to be envied. His conduct being immediately in Smith's neighborhood and I have no doubt every individual in town would have signed by the united there to get more but offers & noted persons when you could represent. I believe I can safely say that the rejection of any other applicant in this place would have caused less regret than the loss of Smith. He is a man of integrity & morality & a patriot & no one can doubt his senses who knows him. J. J. Morgan Esq. from New York thinks his services here is well appreciated with him & says he will write to the Secy on the subject & have another Morgan this day & requested him to write to you that your money for rent all the papers at once. I have enclosed Col. Smith's letter to me on the subject of the papers to you for you to dispose of as you think best nothing new. Truly Yours Wm H. Gullin Joseph Clark
Please let me know how soon you can send me the papers

PENSION
Finch, Margaret W. H.
15 19
New York Madison Co.
Lorna Jackson

5-8211
P. O.
John Keith
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .

Copy John Keith's papers for Hon. W. Bicknell
cop?

to Hon. H. Johnson 14. 1846.
Let to Hon. A. H. Jan. 28. 1840
✓ New York
See lett Feb.
Revo. Rejected
John Keith
Suspended
Let to I. Clark
April 8 th 1835
Let to I. Clark 7 May 1835
" " Hon. W. R. Fuller 27 Jan. '36.
" " D. Bicknell 7 Sep. '37.
" " Same 20 Dec. '37.
" " Same 17 Dec '38 Copia encl.

Pension Office, April 3. 1846.
Sir,
In answer to your letter of this date, I have the honor to state that it is not in my power to give any information relative to the service of John Keith, as the rolls of the Militia of Massachusetts are on file in the office of the Secretary of that State, at Boston, and we have no list of the names of the Militia Captains. I have no knowledge of either of the Officers named, having belonged to the State or Continental lines of Massachusetts. They must have been Militia Officers.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, J. L. Edwards
Hon. John A. Dix, Senate U. States.

Office of the Sec'y of the Senate U.S. August 6. 1826.
Sir
By request of the Hon Mr Dix I transmit to your office the papers in the case of John Keith for whom relief an act has passed.
I have the honor to be Sir, Your obed t Servt.
W. M c Donald clerk.
James L c Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions.

Application of John Keith
[Signature]
Dec  1838. Revolutionary - by Reso
Jan 9 4 1840 Ref d (under resolution) to the Com ee on Revolutionary Pensions -
April 25. 1840 - Bill No 380
Jan. 24. 1842 Ref d to Com ee on Rev. Pensions Mar. 8. 1842. Bill No 254
1 J. Johnson 42, dis d to him
Richnell.
Russell A. L. Foster
29 th Cong S. 155. 1. Sess 38 & 19.
Documents relating to the claim of John Keith, for a pension.
1844 Jan. 23 Referred to the Com ee on Pensions.
" March 18 th Report adverse " " 26. Agreed to
1845 Dec. 27 Referred to Com ee on Pensions.
1846, April 15. Bill (S. 155) and report.
Mr. Dix

Application of John Keith (Signature)
Dec  1838. Rev. J. Kenney - by Reso
Jan y 4 1840 Ref d (under resolution) to the Com e on Revolut y Pensions -
April 25. 1841 - Bill No. 387
Jan. 24. 1842 Rpt d Comm e on Rev. Pensions
Mar. 8. 1842. Bill No. 254
J. Johnson 42. dis d to him
Mr. Becknell. Rufus A. Foster
29 th Cong. S. 155. 1. Sess 38 & 19.
Documents relating to the claim of John Keith, for a pension.
1844 Jan. 23 Referred to the Com e on Pensions.
" March 18 th Report adverse " " 26. Agreed to
1845 Dec. 27. Referred to Com e on Pensions.
1846, April 15. Bill (S. 155) and report.
Gov t Dis y

State of New York } ss Madison County }
N
Personally appeared before the subscriber a judge of Madison County courts
Thomas Keith who being duly sworn deposes and saith that he was born in Essex County of United and State of Massachusetts May 16th 1769 and lived in Essex aforesaid during the whole term of the Revolutionary War that John Keith is not a relation of his but also the nearest neighbor to him in Essex aforesaid during the whole term of the War that this deponent distinctly recollects that John Keith went into the service of the United States as a soldier in the year 1775 in company with Freeman Keith a brother of deponent at or near Boston that while at Boston or near there Freeman Keith was taken sick but soon recovered soon after died that from the circumstances of the sickness and death of his brother he distinctly recollects the circumstances that he has no doubt that said John Keith is seventy two years of age and knows that he was old enough and did perform his services as a soldier in 1775 at or near Boston that this deponent has been a resident of Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York for thirty five years past and that said John Keith has been a resident of the same place for nearly twenty years.
Thomas Keith
Sworn and subscribed October 7th 1833
before me Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County courts
I for the certifying that I have been well acquainted with Thomas Keith the above deponent and know him to be a man of the first respectability and of an excellent character for truth and veracity
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County courts

State of New York } ss Madison County
Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Judge of Madison County Courts, John Keith aged seventy two years who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is seventy two years of age that he enlisted in the service of the United States in the town of Easttown County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts the last of April or first of May 1775 under Capt Mark Giddings and marched to Brattlebury near Boston & continued in the service of the United States nine months that he was further seven years of age a few days after he first enlisted and that he enlisted and served at various times up to the year 1780 in all two years and eight months as near as he can now recollect and served in every grade as stated in his declaration now on file in the pension office that not knowing a record of his age supposed he was but 70 years old last may but from resolutions passed that he is seventy two years of age the 28 th day of May last that on searching his papers has found the inclosed copy of a record kept by his father which shows he was in his sixtieth more than thirty years and that the first name marked S. H. is a true copy and date of his age that while at Brattlebury in 1775 he was a regular enlisted soldier and performed all the duties of a private and in the night time took his station as a sentinel and all the other duties of a soldier
John Keith
sworn and subscribed October 7 th 1833
before me
Joseph Clarke Judge of Madison County Courts I hereby certify that I have been well acquainted with John Keith for more than fifteen years that he is universally esteemed as a man of truth & integrity
State of New York } ss County of Madison } the said County do certify that
Joseph Clarke before whom the two foregoing affidavits purport to have been sworn, was at the time of the same one of the Judges of the County Courts in and for the said County, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavits to be his proper hand writing and signature Witness my hand and seal of office this 12 th day of October 1833
A. Sloan Clerk

John Heath
  17 h May 23 1761   At h Apr 30 1766   At h Oct 1 1785   D h Nov 21 1787   2 h July 6 1789   L h Nov 11 1791   J h Dec 17 1793   J h March 21 1795   Be heth Feb 28 1797   Be het May 9 1799   A het Feb 29 1801 

State of New York § Madison County §
Personally appeared before me Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Court John Smith who being duly sworn deponeth & saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear particularly to the particulars of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned below and in the following grade - for nine months he served as a corporal for one year and two months he served as a private for nine months he served as a sergeant and for such service I claim a pension sworn and subscribed before me this 22 nd day of May 1888
John Smith
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Court
State of New York § Madison County §
Personally appeared before me Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Court John Smith of the Town of Pownahfield County of Madison and State of New York aged 75 years the 23 rd day of May instant who being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he is the identical person named in a declaration made in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Madison County on the 9 th day of October 1882 which declaration accompanies this affidavit that during the Revolutionary War he rendered the following services, that he enlisted into the service of the United States in May 1775 for nine months in the State of Massachusetts under Capt. Mose Williams in a regiment commanded by Col. Michel and served the full term of nine months as a corporal in February 1776 he enlisted under Capt. Matthew Rendall in a regiment commanded by Col. Simon & served two months as a private at Dorchester Massachusetts and was present when the castle blew up that in April 1776 he enlisted for six months as a private under Capt. Hedges in a regiment commanded by

Col Simons and served the full term of six months that at or near the end of his service in this campaign he with others of his detachment was selected to guard the magazine at Farnsworth Place near Boston and continue at that place as a guard until a short time after his time months service expired which is the only time he was absent from the one day noted in the certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts, that he volunteered in August 1878 he volunteered for three months as a private under Capt M Randall in a regiment commanded by Col Clapp & was in Sulemans expedition on Rhode Island and served the full length of his term of three months - that in April or May 1879 he enlisted under Capt Stone Hawkes in a regiment commanded by Col Jesse Phelps joined the army at Worcester Massachusetts that he moved into New York near Albany after serving three months he enlisted or volunteered under Capt Fisher as a sergeant and requested that the statement in the original declaration of New Jersey was a mistake in the words of that declaration that from Albany he went back in the state of New York he moved into the north part of the state of New York was at Sackets Harbor and Lake Champlain, that he has no documentary evidence and knows of no proof except the affidavit of Thomas Beck and William Randall where affidavit appears this was he can prove, that he relinquishes every claim to a pension except such as the regulation of the war department will allow under all the circumstances attending his case
sworn and subscribed before me this 22 nd day of May 1884
JOHN SCOTT
Joseph Elmore Judge of Middlesex County Court

I for the certify, that I have been well acquainted with John Smith this deponent for nearly twenty years. That he sustains an unblemished character for truth and accuracy & as far as I am acquainted I believe there is not a doubt of his rendering the full service stated by him in the foregoing declaration.
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Courts
Dear Sir
I have taken much pains & been to considerable expense to procure the necessary proof for the truth to obtain his pension & have put much exacting money his character and circumstances but he having left his notice history soon after the application I have been unable to find out one person who was acquainted with him during the war viz, Thomas Smith whose affidavit is included he served part time to his service in 1874 - This being no reason to prevent his mind so personally as at that time I do not know particularly to other services but I say this is no doubt of his rendering all the services stated by him as he was absent from his residence much of the time during the war & has no doubt of his being in the Army & even from nothing further & hope a certificate will be given as favorable as can be allowed under the regulation of the Genl Appr. J. L. Edwards Esq. Truly yours Washington City Joseph Clark

I certify that Joseph Clark before whom the foregoing affidavits purport to have been taken was at the date of the same a Judge of the County Courts of the County of Madison (N.Y.) and that I well acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe his name subscribed to said affidavits to be his own proper hand & signature - Dated June 12 th A.D. 1834 -
W. K. Fuller

State of New York } County of Madison }
On this 9 th Day of October 1832, personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the court of common pleas of Madison county now sitting, John Keith a resident of the town of Brookfield in the county of Madison and state of New York aged sixty nine 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 June, 7. 1832 that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated that his permanent residence through the whole term of the Revolutionary war was in the town of Easton county of Bristol & State of Massachusetts but now resides in the town of Brookfield county of Madison and state of New York where he has resided for fifteen years past that he enlisted in Easton county of Bristol and state of Massachusetts on or about the first day of May in the year 1775 for nine months under Capt. Mace Williams in a Regiment commanded by Col. Abial Meekel and served as a corporal and was discharged about the first of February 1776 & was in the service nine months was stationed part of the time at Cambridge & part of the time at Roxbury in the State of Massachusetts He enlisted in February at Easton aforesaid in 1776 for two months in a company commanded by Capt. Mathew Randall in a regiment by Col. French marched from Easton to Dorchester in the state aforesaid and was discharged in April following at Dorchester at the expiration of two months in April 1776

2 who enlisted at Easton aforesaid for six months under Capt. Isaac Hodges in a regiment by Col. Francis marched to Dorchester in Mass- achusetts and continued there and was dis- charged in October following at Dorchester aforesaid at the end of the six months that he volunteered in August 1778 for three months under Capt. Mathew Remained in the Regiment commanded by Col. Blapp at Easton aforesaid marched to Tiverton in the state of Rhode Is- land went into the Island of Rhode Island was in an engagement with the British in Sal- ivan's expedition was discharged at Bristol Rhode Island aforesaid in November following he enlisted in Easton aforesaid for one year in April or May 1779 in a company command- ed by Capt. Abner Howard in a Regiment commanded by Col. Zepe Tupper joined the Army at Worcester Massachusetts marched through Springfield Massachusetts from Springfield to the state of New-Jersey served about three months as a private and the last nine months as Sergeant as a ranger under Captain Tucker was at Sackett Harbor in the State of New-York went from Sackett Harbor to Lake Champlain and was discharged at Burlington state of Vermont in April or May in the year 1780 at the end of the year from his enlistment
that he has no documentary evidence ex- cept the affidavits of William Randall now deceased and he knows of no person whose testimony he 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, and the interrogatories put to him as prescribed by the War Department he answered them as follows under oath.
1 st that he was born in Bridgewater county of Plymouth and state of Massachusetts in the year 1763.
2 nd that he has no record of his age.
3 rd that he lived in the town of Easton county of Bristol and state of Massachusetts when called into the service that in the year 1783 he moved into the town of Hoope in the state of Massachusetts and lived there about twenty years from thence he moved into Boston Massachusetts where he lived about six months from thence he moved to Westmoreland state of New Hampshire where he lived four years he then moved into the town of Brookfield county of Madison and state of New York where he now lives and has lived for fifteen years past.
4 th that he enlisted every time he went into the service.
5 th that he rec d two discharges one from Col. Vose and one from Col. Clapp but he lost them more than forty years past.
6 th that Reverend William Clark and Zadock Beebe Jr. can testify as to his character for veracity and the belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution. William Clark
Zadock Beebe Jr.
John Feth
Sworn & subscribed to
this 9 th day of October
1832 - before me.
A. S. Sloan. clk.

We William Clark a clergyman residing in the town of Brookfield county of Madison and state of New-York and Zadock Beebe Jr residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Keith who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be sixty-nine 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  William Clark Zadok Beebe Jr  sworn and subscribed in open court this 9 th day of October 1832 before me
A. S. Sloan clk
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 William Clark who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in the town of Brookfield county of Madison and state of New-York and that who has also signed the same is a resident of the same place and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
I Andrew S. Sloan clerk of the court of common pleas of the county of Madison do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said

18357.
John Keith Welch Madison Co New York
John Welch
8 ————— aome
J. Chapman Esq. Clarksville Madison Co Clarksville New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. 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 John Keith Madison Co New York.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Apr 1780 " 9 " Private Capt. E. L. Wood Lt. Bloodgood Col. W. L. Keith Johnstown N. York 68 years Manlius N. York One Witness  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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