John Keyes (soldier)

General John Keyes
Born	(1744-10-24)October 24, 1744 Ashford, CT
Died	April 13, 1824(1824-04-13) (aged 79) Canajoharie, NY
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Rank	Brigadier General
Unit	Knowlton's Rangers
Commands held	Connecticut State Militia
American Revolutionary War	Battle of Harlem Heights
Spouse(s)	Mary Wales Mercy Scott
Website	www.ct.gov/mil

John Keyes, son of Sampson Keyes, was the first Adjutant General of the State of Connecticut, being appointed to that position in 1782 and retiring from service in 1791. He also served in the American Revolution in the Continental Army.

Military career

John Keyes was commissioned as a lieutenant in Knowlton's Rangers in 1776 by the unit's namesake, Colonel Thomas Knowlton. Under Knowlton, he fought in the American Revolution. He was present at the Battle of Harlem Heights, where Knowlton fell in battle. Along with other members of the unit, Keyes was one of the first military intelligence operatives in the American Army, where he achieved the rank of captain.

After the war, Keyes was promoted to brigadier major and was appointed as the first adjutant general of the State of Connecticut the following year. The position was officially established by Connecticut law in 1784, and he held the office until 1791.

Personal life

John Keyes married Mary Wales on September 28, 1767. Mary was the daughter of Elisha and Mary (Abbe) Wales. Together they had five children: Clarissa (1758–1846), Elnathan (1770–1853), Laura, Zachariah (1778–1834) and Almira (1785–1842). After his military career, the family moved to Vermont and later Canajoharie, NY where he obtained a grant of land. His wife, Mary, died on September 11, 1806, and John remarried on October 18, 1807, to Mercy Scott (1748–1860). John died on April 13, 1824, in the State of New York.

References

Abbe, Cleveland & Joseph Genung Nichols, Abbe-Abbey Genealogy In Memory of John Abbe and his Descendants, 1916
Listings of Adjutants General - State of Connecticut
Daughters of the American Revolution Library

Military offices
Preceded by Position Established	Connecticut Adjutant General 1782 - 1791	Succeeded by Ebenezer Huntington

Connecticut Adjutant Generals

1700s	John Keyes

1800s	Ebenezer Huntington George Cowles William Hayden Samuel L. Pitkin Charles T. Hillyer James T. Pratt George P. Shelton Elihu W.N. Starr John C. Hollister Justin Hodge Joseph D. Williams Horace J. Morse Charles T. Stanton Colin M. Ingersoll Samuel E. Merwin, Jr. William P. Trowbridge William B. Franklin Edward Harland George M. Harmon Darius N. Couch Stephen R. Smith Frederick E. Camp Lucius A. Barbour Andrew H. Embler Edward E. Bradley Charles P. Graham George Haven Louis N. VanKeuren

1900s	George M. Cole William F. Ladd Reginald B. DeLacour Frederick G. Reincke Donald E. Walsh John F. Freund John F. Gore John T. Gereski David W. Gay

2000s	William A. Cugno Thaddeus J. Martin

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