Revolutionary War Details

Thomas Keepers: Group 15, Salem County, New Jersey

Militia affiliation: Captain Josiah Crane’s Company, Colonel Sylvanius Seeley’s Eastern Battalion, Morris County, N. J. Militia

The following was copied from Thomas' pension application.

Thomas Keepers appeared in court to petition for his pension on October 15, 1832, then “...age 80 years nearly...”. He was born in Pittsgrove, County of Salem, N.J., on June 5, 1753 - stayed there most of his life - moved to Gloucester county “within a few years past.” At the time of application, Thomas lived in Gloucester County, New Jersey. He listed service from January to March, 1777, and February to June, 1778. When he entered service, he resided at Pittsgrove, Salem County, New Jersey. He entered a company commanded by his uncle: Captain Christopher Rape. Thomas marched through Morristown, Mount Holly, Trenton, and other places to Somerset Court House: “...I was never in an engagement...” The battle had always seemed to move on by the time his group got there. “...saw a great many officers at Morristown, but did not know any of them.... ...I never received a discharge.”

Thomas’ application was successful, and he received $22.52/ year, starting March 4, 1834 as recorded by the clerk Viniul Luce. There were also two witnesses who were “well acquainted with Thomas ...”: Joseph Johnson, “a neighbor of 40 years”, and John Cade, both supported the petition of “Thomas Keeper.”

Mary (Keepers) Helgevold provided the data below regarding this Thomas.

Keeper, Thomas

Pittsgrove, Salem Co.

Ref. Inv. #2659 (Joseph Johnson)

Pvt. Cpt. Joseph Haywood’s Co., 2d Rgt., Salem Co. Militia, April 1777, for one month. At expiration of service at Haddonfield, his company and the company of Cpt. (Daniel) Vincent, Second Salem, were consolidated with the co. of Cpt. John (Jonathan) Beesley, Second Cumberland, making 65 men; to serve until July 1, 1777. Joseph Johnson and Azariah Jarman served in both companies.

A pensioner - #5653

Keeper, Thomas

Gloucester, Salem Co. Age 24. Inv. #5653

Pvt., Cpt. Christopher Rape’s 5^th Co., 3d Reg., Gloucester Co. Militia, Jan. 1777, and served 2 mos.

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Keeper, Thomas

Salem Co.

MSS. #1456

A list of the Delinquent in Cpt. Jacob DuBois Co. this 1^st day of Feb. 1777.