Person:Hezekiah Keeler (1)

Newtown Vital records show his date of birth as December 2, 1760; Pension records December 4, 1761

Hezekiah Keeler and Winthrop P. Blake lived on adjacent land. Hezekiah served in the Revolutionary War in Connecticut and either the father or grandfather of Winthrop did as well, but in Massachusetts. Both appear as pensioners on the 1840 census,

August 8, 2001

FORWARD

I reviewed the written documents prepared for HEZEKIAH KEELER in regards to his and, subsequently his widow's, three applications to obtain a pension for his service in the Revolutionary War. These documents were obtained from the National Archives. Based on this review, I am convinced that he is one of the GGG grandfathers of Nancy Popham (nee: Werntz) , Barbara Youpel (nee: Werntz), James Blake and Kenneth Blake.. His daughter, Laura Keeler, married Winthrop Page Blake, the grandfather of Roy Winthop Blake. Laura would be the great great grandmother of Nancy, Barbara, James and Kenneth. She is listed as one of his children in the 1820 Pension application. The following is my "translation" of the readable portions of his 1820 handwritten application. Incidentally, he was a private.

REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM, UNDER THE ACT OF CONGRESS, MAY 1, 1820.

State of Vermont, Franklin County, Supreme Court on this thirteenth day of July 1820 personally appeared in open Court, being the Supreme Court for the County of Franklin and a Court of Record for said County, having the power of fine and imprisonment- HEZEKIAH KEELER aged 58 years, resident in Georgia in said County, who being duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows:

Enlisted in Bethlehem in Connecticut in the summer of 1776 in Captain Hurd's Company for six months in Colonel Sullivans alias Sullivan's Regiment; in the year 1777 in the spring enlisted under Captain Mattocks for during was in Colonel Chandler's Regiment, Connecticut Line and was discharged by General Washington near White Plaines in the year 1783. My original declaration is dated May 10th, 1818 and my pension certificate is numbered 11219.

And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part there of, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled " An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.

50 acres of unimproved land in the Northwest part of Georgia (can't read the rest of that section).

I am by occupation a Blacksmith but unable to pursue my business having in a considerable degree lost the use of my arms. My family are six in number- my wife Mercy aged about 54 years wornout with hard labor not able to do but little; my son Lewis (I think) aged 20 years unwell internal bleeding spitting of blood has not been able for two years past to earn his living; my daughter Menimia (?) aged 19 years is in weakly feeble constitution does but little ?; Aurilla (twin?) aged 16 years in good health; Maria (twin?) aged 16 years in good health; Laura aged 12 unable to labour.

Signed: Hezekiah KeelerSubj: Sons of the American Revolution (sAR)

EXCERPT FROM 1818 APPLICATION

That he served until the close of the War in the year 1783 when he was honorably discharged by George Washington from Service at the Highlands near west ? in the State of New York and he further says that he was in the following battles on Long Island previous to the retreat on the retreat at New York, the battle at White Plaines, the battle at Germantown and in siege at ? fort and at the taking of Lord Cornwallis under the command of Marquis de La Fayette.

He indicated that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support and that he has no other evidence of his said service than is here to answered,

Date: 9/23/2003 3:52:20 PM Central Standard Time James E. Blake E-Mail To Ken Blake

Good News! I have just been notified by SAR's National HOs that I have been accepted into this patriotic organization under 3G, maternal, grandfather, Hezekiah Keeler. This will make it easier for all the family to enter SAR or DAR if you are interested. They also have sub-membership for children under 18 yrs old. As soon as I receive the national registration number, I will pass to you should be a couple of weeks. I entered under Keeler because it was quite clear that he served in the Revolutionary Army. I will pursue a supplemental membership under the name John Blake whom appears too also had been a patriot, but was not as lucid. This would not have been possible without the research conducted by Ken over the years. His persistence, patience and monetary expenditures to obtain this genealogy should be applauded. We all can take great pride in knowing that our ancestors participated in the establishment of this great country Jim

The National Society Sons of the American Revolution 1000 South Fourth Street. Louisville. KY 40203 Greetings: James Edward Blake It is a pleasure to inform you that your application for membership in this Society has been approved by the Registrar General, under National Number 161094 and TX Society. Your membership certificate will be prepared and sent to you through your State Society. We cordially welcome you, and hope that you will participate in the meetings and programs of our Society. Fraternally, Date Approved: September 23, 2003

President General