Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5807, for Ebenezer Keeler, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Keeler, Ebenezer
R. 5807
CONTENTS

Ebenezer Hucker
Recd 23 April 1829
new.

For the purpose of obtaining the benefit of An act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Army of the Revolution passed on the fifteenth of May, 1828 I Ebenezer Keeler of the Town of Maduel in the County of St Lawrence, in the State of New York, do hereby declare that I enlisted in the Continental Sine of the Army of the Revolution for, and during the war, and continued in its service, until some time, in the Month of April 1778, when being sick and unable to join or continue with my Regiment I hired a substitute for the sum of forty five pounds New England currency, to take my place for the residue of my Term of service - that my substitute was soon after put under marching orders & joined my Regiment - at which time I was a private in Captain Isaac Warren's Company, in the Massachusetts line - the name of the Colonel & number of the Regiment I cannot recollect - further I believe that my substitute continued in the service until the termination of the war -
And I further declare that I was not on the fifteenth day of March 1828 on the Pension List of the United States -
Ebenezer Keeler

Before me George Redington a Justice of the Peace, duly empowered to administer oaths in the County of St Lawrence in the State of New York personally appeared Salmon H. Keeler and Abisha Packard Jr. this day, both of whom reside in the Town and County aforesaid, who did severally make oath that Ebenezer Keeler by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, is generally reputed and believed to have been a soldier in the Army of the Revolution in manner as therein stated -
Witness my hand this 23 d day of March 1829 -
Sworn before me this 23 d day of March 1829 Geo. Redington J. Peace
S. H. Keeler Abisha Packard Jr.
I James G. Hopkins, Clerk of the Court of the County of St Lawrence in the State of New York do certify that George Redington before whom the foregoing Affidavits were sworn was at the time a Justice of the Peace and duly empowered to administer oaths -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court, this 28 th day of March 1829
J. G. Hopkins Clerk

State of New York
St Lawrence County ss
Be it remembered that on the second day of August A D 1853 personally came before me St Lawrence County Court of St Lawrence County Solomon H Keeler aged sixty seven years a resident of the Town of Madrid and County aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law declares on his oath that he the said Solomon H Keeler is the only son and heir at law of Ebenezer Keeler and Phebe Keeler deceased. That the said Phebe Keeler was the lawful wife of said Ebenezer Keeler a Revolutionary soldier who served three years a sergeant in Captain Barnes Company in the 2 nd Regiment Commanded by Colonel Woodbridge (in the vicinity of White Plains)
And six months during the year 1777 in the company of Captain Isaac Warren as by his substitute Elias Moor whom he hired and paid as by the annexed Certificate of Capt Isaac Warren That he also served in the Company Commanded by Captain John Strong in 1780 as by Receipt of the annexed certificate of John Strong Capt
That he the said Ebenezer Keeler served as sergeant in the company Commanded by Captain the William Barker in third Regiment Commanded by Col Caleb Hyde in the forces raised by the State of Massachusetts. That said Ebenezer Keeler was at the battle at Bunker Hill & White Plains
And that said Ebenezer Keeler and his said wife Phebe were married about the month of April A D 1780 and prior to A D 1794 and that the said Phebe Keeler died at Madrid in aforesaid County on the 15 day of June A D 1815

And that said Ebenezer Keeler died at aforesaid Town of Maduel on the first day of December A.D. 1832 And that the said Ebenezer Keeler never applied for nor received any pension for said services nor has he the said Solomon H. Keeler made any application for a pension before and that there is no public or private Record of said Marriage nor death of said Ebenezer Keeler & Phebe Keeler That he is sixty seven years of age S. H. Keeler,
Applicant for no error before signing
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written and I hereby certify that I have no interest whatever in said claim
S. H. Keeler
State of New York
St Lawrence County ss
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written and I hereby certify before the St Lawrence County Court of St Lawrence county Ebon Edmond Dodge presiding.
And I hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to me. Clerk of the Court of St Lawrence County that S. H. Keeler who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaration is the only son and heir of Ebenezer Keeler the reputed soldier aforesaid.
I further certify that Edward Crary Esq before whom the affidavits of the marriage of said Ebenezer Keeler & Phebe Keeler & the death of the said Ebenezer & Phebe were made was at the time of so doing a justice of the Peace in & for said County and that the signature purporting to be his I believe to be genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set

my hand and affixed my seal of office this 8 th day of August 1833.
Yr rge S. Winslow Clerk

State of New York
It swears bounds as
On this first day of August A D 1853 personally appeared before me a justice of the Peace within and for the County of stated aforesaid Anson Hall aged fifty seven years a resident of the Town of Maduel in aforesaid County Who being duly sworn according to law declares that he was well acquainted with Ebenezer Keeler in his life time. That he was so acquainted with said Keeler from his earliest recollection until the death of said Keeler. That said Ebenezer Keeler was reported to have served in the Revolutionary war That said Ebenezer Keeler lived and cohabited with Phebe Keeler as husband and wife That he (Deponent) knows that said Ebenezer Keeler and Phebe Keeler so lived and cohabited together as man & wife prior to A D 1800 & so continued to live & cohabit together until the death of the said Phebe Keeler
That the said Phebe Keeler died at the Town of Maduel aforesaid about the 15 th day of June A D 1815 and that the said Ebenezer Keeler died at in said Town of Maduel in the month of December A D 1832 and about the first of said Month
That Solomon H Keeler is the son and only child and heir of said Ebenezer Ebenezer Keeler and Phebe Keeler That he resides in the Town of Maduel aforesaid and is about sixty years of age
Anson Hall

Sworn to & subscribed the day and year above written before me And I hereby certify that the said Anson Hall is a creditable & disinterested person & that I have no interest whatever in said claim
Edward Gray Justice of the Peace

P. H. Keeler son of Ebenezer Keeler Application for Pension
Act 38
Edward Gray Madison St Lawrence N.Y.
5807

State of Need Work At Superior Court
On this 1 st day of August A.D. 1853 personally appeared before me William Powell aged seventy years a resident of the Town of Maduel & County aforesaid. Who being duly sworn according to law declares that he was well acquainted with Ebenezer Keeler deceased in his life time and was so acquainted with him for the period of about forty years prior to the time of his death — and during that time he was acquainted to be a Revolutionary Soldier in the Neighborhood where he resided. That said Ebenezer Keeler lived and cohabitated with Phebe Keeler as husband and wife and so lived and cohabitated together from his (respondent's) earliest recollection (and which period was prior to 1794) up to the time of the decease of the said Phebe Keeler. That he knows that they so lived and cohabitated together prior to 1794 —
That said Phebe Keeler died at the Town of Maduel aforesaid about the 15 th day of June A.D. 1815 and that said Ebenezer Keeler died at said Town of Maduel December first A.D. 1832
That Solomon S t Keeler is the son and only child and heir of said Ebenezer and Phebe Keeler. That he now resides in said Town of Maduel and is about sixty seven years of age
William Powell
Sworn to and subscribed by said William

Powerd the day and year above written And I hereby certify that the said William Powell is a creditable & disinterested person and that I have no interest whatever in said Claim
Edward Gray husband of the Revm

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
5-807
P. O. Abenezek Keller Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
REJECTED
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____ _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____ _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

aw Rej #5807

Elenezer Keeler - Pot. Mass. line - Rev.
New York
No Rec d in old Books. Ref File No 5,807 OK
Not allowed Act 1828

REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
24 April 1829.
Ebenezer Keeler of Madrid in the County of St Lawrence in the State of New York has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution," approved the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he enlisted in the Continental line of the army of the Revolution, for and during the war, and continued until its termination, at which period he was a Private in captain's company, in the regiment of the Massachusetts line; and that he received a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars, provided by the resolve of the 15th of May, 1778; and further, that he was not on the 15th day of May, 1828, on the pension list of the United States, and that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, Nothing. The claimant states that at the close of the war he served by a substitute.
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far the several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
By order of the Secretary. T. Adkins.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
24. April 1829
It appears by the records in this office, that a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars has been issued to in the
It further appears that Ebenezer Keeler is now on the pension list of the any agency, and has been so since the 3d March 1826 at the rate of dollars per month.
The name of the claimant cannot be found among those of the Massachusetts line, to whom certificates for the gratuity of Eighty Dollars, were issued - His name is not on the record of Muster of the Massachusetts line -
Samuel Hagner Aud

No 38,618.
Ebenezer Keeler
NY
Edw? Crary Sept 30 1853
S.H. Keeler 26 Dec. 1853.
Warne Dec 29 1853
Same Feb 4 1854
Hon B. Perkins Mar 3 54
S.H. Keeler April 19/54
Steam May 9/54 same Sep 27/54
June 7, 1852, (cont.)
S.H. Keeler 18 No.
Letter Apr 19/55

Dear Mrs. Walda E commemoration Passion Alice Washington D.C.

Excuse an Old Man's Neglect and Slowness of expression

Madrid St. Lawrence Dock, N.Y. Nov. 10 th 1834.
Dear Sir
I send you enclosed, a Certificate from the Secretary of Mass s which I think will enable you to determine more accurately the services done in the Revolutionary war by Olunego's Tribe, I wait to hear your opinion,
Yours Respectfully S. H. Kuler
Hon. L. P. Waldo

Madrid St Lawrence Co. D.F.
Dec. 14 th 1868
Hon. L. P. Waldo, Esq. -
Dear Sir
I received yours of the 26 th Oct. I wrote directly to the Secretary of War, and received from Him the within Certificate, accept Dear Sir of my sincere thanks for your prompt attention to my communications, and believe me yours Respectfully
J. H. Williams

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
April 1 st 1854.
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 Ebenezer Huler is borne on muster roll of Capt. Asa Barnes Comp. Col. Patterson's Regt. of Minute Men from April 22. 1775. 25. Days as Sargent from Lansborough.
Also in Capt. Asa Barnes Comp. Col. Woodbridge's Regt. Enlisted May 17. 1775. Served 76. days, as Sargent, from Lansborough.
Also on return of Capt. Asa Barnes Comp. Col. Woodbridge's Regt. (Dated Sept. 28. 1775. from Pittsfield. as Sargent.
On the last roll he stands in the same in the same place and holds the same office as in the former, when he appears to belong to Lansboro.
Also the name is borne on roll called The Coat roll in Capt. Asa Barnes Comp. Col. Woodbridge's Regt. (Dated Oct. 23. 1775.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears: that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Mr. Waldo
Macbride St. Lawrence Co. N.Y. April 8 th 1854
Dear Sir, I send you the within which I think may give you some light on the subject it appears that the 2d Elizabet Huls Ultho. under different Col. & hailed from different places was in the same company under the same Captain held the same place on the roll & the same office and there is nothing that I can find to show that Capt. Asa Barnes Comp did not serve without interruption thro' the Eight Months Service When the location is considered it may not appear so strange that he hailed from two places Capt. Asa Barnes lived in Lansborough & Elizabet Huls in Pittsfield on one and the same street & not half a mile apart, it is ascertained that most of Capt. Asa Comp belonged to Pittsfield & was generally called the Pittsfield Co. I should like to hear from you as soon as convenient
Yours Respectfully J. H. Huls

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Case of Morris Mar. 28 41
Secretary's Office, Boston;
January 16 th 1854.
Sir:
I find by a further examination that I was mistaken in the amount of the Stillwater Service. I was led into the error by endorsements on the margin of the bill, and instead Sept. 30. of Ebenzer Keeler having 47 weeks Service I find 1777 that there divided between the whole company of 30 men (Capt Francis, there being 30 men in said company 1 week and and one week 4 days for each man. 4 days I had previously supposed that a portion of the man served one week four days, and the balance 47 weeks 4 weeks the 47 weeks being set against Ebenzer Keeler's name. I will give the form of the endorsement on the margin of this paper. I now suppose that Ebenzer Keeler went to Stillwater Sept. 30. 1777 and was discharged Oct. 10. 1777. Making the said amount 1 week 4 days.
John

In regard to the 8 mos service the records are so insufficient that I cannot give the time he commenced service. The first date that appears is on a muster roll of Capt Asa Burns Comp, in Col. Patterson's Regt. of Minute Men dated April 22. 1775. 23 days as Sergeant from Sandwich. The next a "Return of Capt. Asa Burns Comp, Col. Ruggles Woodbridge's Regt. Sept. 28. 1775." from Pittsfield" and gives no length of time served. Then I find him on Roll dated Oct. 23. 1775 and his name borne on roll called Coat roll. That is, supposed to have served eight mos. before the Capt. endorsed an order for a Coat according to a resolve of the State (enacts)
J. H. Keeler Esq.
Most. Cordially
Your aff. Servt.
N. Lyman Strong Clerk of Pensions

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
Nov 6 th 1854.
Sir:
Yours of Oct. 12 is before me and I have again made a thorough search for the service of Ebenezer Kade. There can be no doubt but he served the 8 mos. in 1775 as Sergt. from Sandwich. Our records for the year 1776 are very defective and no service for him can be found during 1776. We have but little service for that year for any person. As regards the service of 1777 at Stillwater I was misled by the record, supposing that the man served according to record 47. weeks, but upon closer examination, I found the whole Company served the 47 weeks, and each man 11 days.
I am most cordially P. H. Keeler Esq.      Your obt. Servt. N. Lyman Strong - for the Secretary.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, Nov. 6 th 1854.
6 Nov 2 1854
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 Ebenezer Keeler is borne on pay roll of Capt. Asa Barn's Comp. Col. Patterson's Regt. from April 22. 1775. 25.
25 days as Sergt. from Lancaster.
Also on pay roll of Capt. Asa Barn's Comp. Col.
Ruggles Woodbridge's Regt. from May 17. 1775.
76 days as Sergt. from Lancaster.
Also on return of Capt. Asa Barn's Comp. Col.
Ruggles Woodbridge's Regt. dated Sept. 28. 1775.
also name borne on Cont roll, dated Nov. 13.
1775, as Sergt. from Pittsfield. H
Also on pay roll of Capt. Asa Barn's Comp. on the Alarm of July 13. 1777. Marched to Manchester. 15. days.
Also on roll of Capt. William Fannin's Comp who went to Stillwater, from Sept. 30. to Oct. 10. 1777.
11 days. In my former Certificate this service was called 47 weeks, but I was misled by that being

given for the whole Company viz, 30 Men.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. McWright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
December 12 th 1853.
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 Ebenezer Kuler is borne on list of 8 mos. Men, in Capt. Asa Barnes Comp. Col. Woodbridge's Regt. On Coat roll , dated Oct. 23. 1775. from Pittsfield, as S erjt. Also in Capt. William Fannin's Comp. who went to Stillwater and was discharged Oct. 10. 1777. 47 weeks, from Pittsfield. The record does not show in what capacity he served.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. D r ight Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Letter to Hon.
B. Perkins
embodying the within Statement
Mar. 3 1857

In the matter of E. Keeler decd. N.H.
Proof of Service.
Secy. of Mass, says: — The first date that Ebenezer Keeler appears is on a muster roll of Capt Asa Burns' Company in Col. Patterson's regiment of Minute men, dated April 22. 1775. — 35 days Sergeant, from Lansboro' . The next a "return of Capt Asa Burns Co.; Col Woodbridges Regiment (of 8 months men) September 28. 1775 — from Pittsfield , as sergeant. On coat roll Oct 23. 1875. Discharged Oct 24. 1775.
From the above, which is all the evidence of service submitted in this case, it is evident that Ebenezer Keeler was not entitled to a pension under the Act of June 7. 1832 — as it does not establish as much as Six months service.
In April 22. 1775 Mr Keeler is found among the Minute men, and served as Sergeant 35 days . In this service he enlisted from Lansboro Mass.
Again, in September 28. 1775, he is found in Col. Woodbridges regiment of "8 months men" and enlisted from Pittsfield — showing a different service and enlistment, altogether, from that in April with the Minute men. The question then arises, How long did he serve under this last enlistment?

It is very evident he did not serve out the eight months as he prayed a discharge from service which was granted him October 24, 1875. His name being on the "Coat roll" would be prima facie evidence of 8 months service, but, in the present case, this presumption is clearly rebutted by the facts that Keeler was in a different service in April 1875 and was discharged from his 8 months enlistment in Oct. 1875. He therefore could not have served out this eight months term . When did he enlist in the Regiment of "8 months men"? If this fact could be ascertained we could then determine his length of service under this enlistment, and this, added to his 35 days in the "minute men", would make up the total of Mr. Keeler's military service. Unfortunately for the Claimants in this case there is no evidence of Mr. K. being in this Regiment until Sept 25, 1875, and calculating from this date the evidence does not prove six months service and therefore no pension is due. All of which is Submitted
Very Respectfully A. H. Evans
Hon L. B. Waldo Com'te

By his Excellency George Washington Esquire Commander in Chief of the army of the united Colonies in North America -
Whereas Ebenezer Keeler a Sergeant in Capt Barna's Company in the 25 th Regiment commanded by Colonel Woodbridge hath prayed a discharge from the Service. These are therefore to release the said Ebenezer Keeler from all duty therein Given under my hand this 24 th Day of October 1795.
G Washington

Madrid 24, Laurence C o
Hon. Robert M c Lehane, Esq., — Apr 12 1855.
Dear Sir, I take the liberty to address a line to you, on a concern in which I am interested & if I have been rightly informed comes within the limits of your official duties, about a year and a half ago, I applied for a pension, for the services of Ebenezer Keller a soldier of the revolution, the petition & original papers were sent to Mr. Waldo, he did not consider the papers sufficient proof of service as the discharge did not name the time, as the S r . Eben r Keller was an inhabitant of Massachusetts, & enrolled among the 8 Months Minute Men of that state in 1775. I obtained from the Secretary of Mass tts a Certificate, which I suppose the Secretary of Mass tts thought sufficient, Mr. Waldo did not consider it so, I obtained another with additional evidence, and another which contained all the evidence was though that Mr. Waldo required but he did not admit it, And as I have consulted a number of those who are supposed to be competent judges of such matters & they all express one mind on the subject that is that the evidence of service, is clear, I have been constrained to appeal to you, for a decision the papers & certificates, I suppose are on file at the Pension office, if you want any more information than you can obtain, there or any more evidence, I will furnish what I can, obtain but I am too poor to go to needless expense as it is the uncontested opinion of those I can depend on that the evidence is sufficient

I hope you will be good enough to consider my request, and inform me as soon as convenient,
Yours Respectfully,
Hon. R. M. Cleveland Secretary Interior,
J. H. Keller,

Maduel St. Lawrence Co.
N.Y.
April 9 th 1846
Mr. Waldo
Dear Sir; I have looked for an answer from you since my last communication about the first of Jan'y, and I did believe I should re- ceive a more favorable answer as it was supposed that the evidence of service of E. B. Keeler was at least the time requi- red by law was so plain that it would convince the most fastidious in your your letter to Mr. Perkins, a copy of which you sent me, you acknowledged the 28 days service in Col. Patterson's Regt. up to April 12 th 1845 and his service in Col. Woodbridge's Regt. in the eight months service, but the difficulty was to find when he joined Col. Woodbridge's Regt. by the last certificate from the Secretary of War, it is made certain that he belonged to Col. Woodbridge's Regt. as he was returned the 18 th of May 1845, that was five months before his discharge, five months and six days which added to the 28 days inside Col. Patterson would make six months which I suppose would be sufficient but we find in Col. Woodbridge's returns something like two months service recorded before his returns in May, you say some thing about continuous service, you have returns from the company of Capt. Burns in Woodbridge's Regt. with the name of Eben Keeler on the same roll, occupying the same

The same Officer in May, the 17 th of June, in September and October your times in five Months, if that does not look like continuous service, I know not, how it can be proved, there has never been any question raised before that I ever heard, about the minuit Eight Months me of Mass; the first army raised in the Revolutionary war, being of fickle service, It does appear from your letters that you do not put much confidence in the Records of Massachusetts, whether they are worthy of confidence or not the Constitution of the United States makes them valid evi- dence in this case, Article 4 th Section 2 nd Then there is the same evidence of service in 1776, & 1777 for 25 days which you may count, for interest or any other way you please, I trust you will have to much respect for the dignity of your office to trifle with a subject, when any one is in- terested, as in this,
I now ask your judicial decision on the evidence you have, and shall expect it as soon as may be convenient, as I think the only barriers to you acknowledged -ging, sufficient service done by the G d Elen- Keeler, to meet the pension law is done away by the last Certificate,
Yours Respectfully
Hon L. P. Waldo, Sec y ,
D. H. Keeler,

Madrid Dec. 5th 1874
Dear Sir
I have once more to ask your indulgence, altho' I have so long perhaps trespass on your patience, I have to acknowledge my obligations for the patience you have hitherto shown, in attending to my communications & rendering answers so promptly, to them, altho' I have sometimes thought you were rather too hard to convince, perhaps I should not have considered the evidence so clear if I had not had as satisfactory evidence that Eben Harker served thro' the 6 months, service as I had that there was a Revolutionary War But I acknowledge I was puzzled with the Records as removed from Massachusetts.
I had the company of an old gentleman formerly from Mass. who had once been a help in the Secy. Office there, in conversation I told him my perplexity in proving the service of My Father when it commenced & whether it was continuous after it had commenced, I showed him the last Certificate, He said it was rather blurred by the way it was communicated, but he thought it very easily understood. The first returns on pay roll dated Ap. 22 nd 1874 under Col. Patterson, 23 days service from Lancaster the (first from being gratuitous) must have been three Months from the time the Minutemen were called into service as they would not draw pay under three Months from

the time their service commenced, nor present the pay roll till after the three months, had expired, consequently the time the eight months service commenced must be about the 22 nd of January the roll merely showing 25 days under Col R.
The next under Col Woodbridge dated May 17 th being three months from the time he took the Command, being 25 days from the time that the 8 months service commenced, the probability is that Col Woodbridge took the command before they left Lanesborough, (which accords with the information I had previously received)
That the next payday would arrive in August, the returns being dated in Sept. shows that the second three months had been performed before that when the next three months expired in Nov. & the returns made then at the time they enlistment expired in October 25 th day agreeing with the time of the commencement of the 8 months service, the pay roll it seems was not dated at the exact day that payment was due does not speak a vacuum in service so long as these returns embrace the full term of service,

In one Certificate it is expressed in such a manner that would lead one to conclude that there were two enlistments by the Comp y of Usa Battery, First under Col P, and then under Col. 88, & I think it was so expressed in one Certificate, that too was gratuitous his name being found enrolled under a new commander. suggested to Mr Stacy the idea of a new enlistment, but that was left out of all the other Certificates.
Now under this light of the subject (which I believe is the true light,) it has certainly proved one point, that is that Cap s Burns Co. claimed pay for the full term, of 3 M. & I do not know why continuous pay does not imply continuous service, I submit to you, sir confident that you will give the subject your careful attention under the view I have endeavoured to express and I think it will divest it of the Cloud that has hitherto hung over it.
As ever I remain Yours Resp ly .
J. H. Keller,
Hon. L. P. Waldo, —

Muddy St, Lawrence Co. N.Y.
Sept. 19 th 1834
Dear Sir,
It is sometime since I have troubled you with a line, & had thought I should not again, but by the advice of friends not mine merely, but friends to the present Administration whose opinions are generally considered as worthy of note, & only will state what I have done in respect to the evidences of service done by Ebenezer Peeler in the Revolutionary war, I have laid the evidence of service as I have sent them to you, I mean the eight months service in the Mass. line, before a number of those who are considered the best judges in the State and every individual expressed a different opinion from what you have on the subject, & when I came to give them your answers, they expressed an opinion that if the evidence had all gone at one time you might have thought differently, when I wrote you last asking for the papers, you said that evidences of service done in the Revolutionary war & filed could not leave the Office which was the first intimation, that I had that you considered any thing I had sent unmounted to evidence, I would like to know how much service you are willing to allow, I have been advised but (not by those friends I mentioned above) to lay the subject before the public that all might judge of the justice of the claim with your permission I may do it, as it will cost me nothing, I suppose there is a political end

in view, but what it could count on that score I cannot divine. I never wish to put a political club in any man's hand, and if I supposed it would I should at once refuse. But if I am wrong in considering I have not had a fair hearing I should like to be convinced, & then I should be as well satisfied without as with the pension.
I wish you would explain for 'tis a logic I do not understand. you say in your note to Mr. Perkins that the return on Coet Roll was prima facie evidence of Eight Months service but because he the P. D. E. M. applied and received his discharge the next day you seem to consider as evidence that he had not performed that service, while to all who have examined the thing seem to think it strengthens beyond a doubt, —
I wish Dear Sir you would give the subject a fair investigation for it has appeared to me and the same opinion has been expressed by others that you was pushed by a crowd of business and slid this as of little moment, it may not be to you, & yet of consequence to me,
Yours Obedient Servt & Friend
Hon. L. P. Waldo, Commissioner S. H. Keeler,

Madrid At Lawrence Co O. S. P. Jan. 9, 30 th 1854.
Dear Sir,
Sent the same to Me I received yours dated Dec. 29 th 1853 and Received the within returns as to the mistake of the Secretary you will see his ex- cuse, But as respects the Eight Months service I know not why it is not rendered plain enough from the Records - that Simon Keller served the time claimed. If he was on Roll April 22 nd 1875 it would count Six Months to the time of his discharge. Then 25 days from Lancaster, which was probably the place where the Co of Capt. Asa Barnes organized would give a few days over a Month to drill and prepare for service before they were called upon to join the Army at Cambridge or vicinity. Then again Sept 28 th 1875 which was probably the time when Capt. Barnes Co was transferred from Col. Pattersons Regt. to that of Col. Goodbridge. But His Name being found on Roll called Col. Bell would be sufficient evidence of his service for the full time of the draught By the resolve of Congress, -
With respect to the declaration I first gave in, calling My Father's services 3 years or thereabout I supposed that services rendered by Substitutes

Suspense is tiresome especially to the Old,

Whitfield St Lawrence City May 1 st 1834
Sir
I received yours dated Apr. 19 th & was a little surprised at the contents you say, It appears that he was discharged from the Company of Capt. Burns in which his name is found on Cost Roll on the 24 th October and it seems from the Certificate now presented that his name is only found on the Roll dated 23 rd Oct. the day before his discharge. I think if you will take a second look you will find that on both it stands the 23 rd .
If you examine the two last Certificates from Mass. you will find it proven by them if they are allowed as proof that the name of Eben n Heeler is found on Capt. Burns Roll occupying the same place on the Roll and holding the same Office in April, June, September & 23 rd of October 1775. — But to plead the merits of recolon is not my errand at this time I only wish you to return me the Certificate and all the papers you have received from me pertaining to this business, and oblige
Yours Obedient Servt. S t Heeler. Comt d S t He. Heeler.

Madrid St. Lawrence Co. N.Y. Hon. B. Perkins, Feb. 15 th 1854—
Dear Sir,
Not having the honor of a personal acquaintance with you, yet living within the bounds of your constituency, & having known you many years by report, I take the liberty to write you on a business in which I am interested. Encouraged by Mr. Crary who was somewhat engaged in the business as I supposed, and informed too, I applied for a pension on account of the services done by my Father Ebenezer Wheeler in the Revolutionary War, sent the declaration Attested too by Mr. Powell, & Anson Hall, two old and respectable inhabitants of this Town. I presume you know them. Mr. Crary supposed that the Original papers carried evidence enough to secure the pension, but soon received a letter from Mr. Balde that they did not prove six months service done by him, that is the said Ebenezer Wheeler; there were papers showing his connexion with the army, and a discharge from the Eight Months service of the Mass. Militia dated Oct. 24 th 1778 but it did not name the time, served, — and as there was no records, in his Office showing his name he

(That is) Mr. Waldo referred me to the Records of Massachusetts, for evidence and after search being made by Mr. Knight Secretary of Mass. he wrote me that his name was found on Coat Roll, returned Oct. 23 rd 1875, on Capt. Asa Bruns company Col. Woodbridge Regt. As sergeant from Pittsfield. I suppose Mr. Knight considered his return on that roll to be sufficient evidence of his service for the whole time of the draft, or enlistment. As Congress had passed a Resolve that they would not be entered on Coat Roll unless they had served the full time for which they were drafted, Mr. Waldo wrote me that that Resolve did not prove the time required. I then wrote again to the secretary of Mass. and he sent a list of services done by the S. P. E. Keller in 1877 to the amount of 47 weeks, which was a mistake and he corrected it when I wrote to him Mr. Waldo's answer to it, I had no means of knowing whether it was correct or not.
But with respect to the Eight Months service, Mr. Waldo wrote me Dec. 29 th 53 and says It is admitted that he did serve in what is called the Eight Months service and was discharged on the 25 th October 1875.

The last Document I received from Mass and sent to Mr. Waldo had on one side of the sheet the Secretaries explanation of the mistake and on the other the Certificate a copy of which I will give you below, which by Mr. Waldo's last letter dated Feb. 4 th 1854, I should suppose he did not notice, Secretaries Office Boston Jan. 16 th 1854.
In regard to the 8 Months Service the Records are so imperfect that I cannot give the time he commenced service The first date that appears is on the Muster Roll of Capt Asa Barnes Comp'y in Col. Pattersons Regt. of Minut men dated April 22 nd 1775 25 days as Sergeant from Lanesborough the next a return of Capt Asa Barnes Comp'y Col. Ruggles Woodbridges Regt. Sept 28 th 1775 from Pittsfield and gives no length of time served. Then I find him on the Roll called Coat Roll that is supposed to serve Eight Months before the Capt endorses an Order for a Coat According to a resolve of the State Congress of Mass. Most Cordially your Obed Servt.
A. Lyman Tracy Clerk of Pensions
Sir H. Keller,
This Certificate will be easily understood when you consider that Capt Asa Barnes lived in Lanesborough & that Mr. Father belonged to Pittsfield the latter showing and that Capt Barnes Comp'y was transferred

From Col Pattersons Regt. to Col Woodbridys probably the 18th Sept - The Record have no reference to but one service
You may perhaps begin to wonder why I should intrude on your time so long a talk, well Sir it is to get your assistance in this business if possible I have been recommended to do it by your friends of mine, I have written as if I had already engaged your help, I presume you can have access to the papers I have sent to Mr Waldo and can readily tell what is wanting to secure the pension if any thing, as I have no doubt of the justice of the claim I think it may be easily obtained by a competent person if you will undertake for me you shall in no case lose your reward
Hon Bishop Perkins M.C.
Yours with Respect S. H. Kellett
P.S. You will readily perceive that from the 2nd of April to the 25th of Oct will embrace over six months and his discharge was given 24th Oct.
you will know that Colonel presented by an old Delaware Man unacquainted with law or the tactics of diplomacy who is not known beyond the reach of his shadow, is very easily thrown by and on that account I had not ought to have gone so far without an Attorney
I would not be understood as censuring Mr Waldo he has probably a great deal of business and I suppose I am rather too busy for a business man.
P.S. I wish you would let me know as soon as convenient whether you can comply with my request

Madrid St Lawrence County N.Y. October 13 th 1858
Dear Sir
Your communication to Mr Crary of the 30 th September has been received in respect to the application of Ebenezer Keeler, or his heir for a pension for Revolutionary service it was supposed that the benefit for money as it stated that it should be the same as six Months service done by him, (that is the said Ebenezer Keeler) and as no substitute was mentioned, (at least that could draw pension) would prove six months service, But if the records of the Massachusetts Line for he belonged to that line is to be found, I presume that they will prove more service than is required for to entitle him to a pension, I do not suppose it is any part of your duty to look up proof for petitioners, but I suppose that you have at your office all records extant that can be found pertaining to the subject As there is no person in Washington that I know that I could apply to If Sir you could be prevailed upon so far to aid the cause of humanity and justice which was I suppose the object of the Pension Laws, as to let me know who I might employ to search those

records, as if any one that you should consider competent would under take to do it. If they should succeed in finding proof sufficient to establish the claim, as I have no doubt they would if the records are full, I will pay all for the trouble, I fear Sir I am asking too much, of a stranger and perhaps detaining you too long, (Old mens wants pray heavily) I will here state a few facts which together with the papers you now have might direct in finding the record of his services My Father Ebenezer Kider was at the commencing of the war an inhabitant of Pittsfield Mass. - He had belonged to the company of what they called minutemen which had been drilling in preparation for service and was among the first company made by Massachusetts joined the Army at Cambridge. I think early in the spring of '75; probably in March, he was one of the Shawsheen men detached to fortify Bunkers hill and participated in the battle that followed, and I suppose the discharge in October 1775, was from that service. He next joined him in the spring of '76 was with the army of Washington at the Battle of White Plains continued on

the army and was with them when they went into winter quarters at Morristown where he had the small pox. Since I was twenty five years old he had among his papers a discharge signed by Genl Washington from this service for eighteen months, but that discharge together with several other papers I recollect two Sergeant warrants, which pertained to his war services, were lost when we moved from Vermont into the place his other services may be found by the papers you have perhaps. My Father El n Keeler, was a soldier in the or employed in the business of the army He was in the Battle at Bennington As a volunteer As he has often told me he was at home in Pittsfield Entusting to drilling recruits for the army when the alarm was sounded and went in the Company of the Patriot Captain the Rev. Mr. Allen of Pittsfield, Now I will presume to ask but one question as there is not more living that I know of that was his companions in the service, whether the testimony of their children who have heard their fathers tell went to them the campaigns they served with the said El n Keeler

= would be evidence of avail in this case, if the records should fail to prove sufficient,
Yours Respectfully J. H. Keller
W. P. Waldo,
Commissioner,
Washington D. C.,
P.S.
You will excuse me Dear Sir in wishing to hear from you as soon as convenient, as it was reported here that the part of the Records of the Massachusetts line were burned or otherwise destroyed, when the British burned the Capital in the last war if that was so you undoubtedly are informed, and will be able to tell if it is the part to which my Father belongs if that is the case I shall have to go to some other source for evidence for I am so well convinced that my claim is just, that I think I shall eventually succeed. J. H. Keller

Pittsfield September 19 th 1780
Messrs of the Continental Congress and Hundred Continental Dollars towards the hire of six Months Men which shall be considered as much done by the S. Spencer in support the War till for
John Strong Capt

These May Certify that Ebenezer Kuler has hired Elias Hoar of New Canaan a good and able bodied man to serve in his Room in my Company
Isaac Warren Capt.
New Lebanon
June 8 1777

May 27 th 1777
Refer d of Ebenezer Keeler forty five Pounds Lawfull Money To enlist in the Continental Service for the Term of Three years or During the Present War and am to March in three Weeks, From the Date - the above Sum is to be given Exclusive of Both Continental & Provens Bounty the above Sum is reserved for Col n Lathrop
NB I am to enlist in Capt n Morris's Company of Vansborough. But if I get a man that shall be Judg d fit for Service he is to be taken in My Place _____ Col n Lathrop

Pension Office February 28. 1854
Sir
On examination I find the case of John Sint, Drum

Ebenezer Dyer } S. H. Dyer }
New York Suspended
Passing
L. D. M.
Hon. Mr. Perkins