He was born in Tyrone, Ireland, in 1824/30, to William Keys and [unknown]. He had a sister Elizabeth, who married Clemens Leibsly. [sources: place: 9, 16. date: 10, 16 (30 in 1860). family: 15]
On 19 September 1850, he married Mary A Gamble, in Kensington, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were married by Reverend John C Lyons, minister of the First Associate Presbyterian Church (later known as the Kensingon Presbyterian Church). She was born in 1829/30, in Ireland. They had two children: [source: 15, 16]
In 1860, he was living in ward 19, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was living with his wife Mary, and children William and Rachel. He was a laborer. [source: 16]
When he enlisted, he was a laborer. He was living in Philadelphia. [source: 10]
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 10 inches tall, and had a light complexion, blue eyes, and light hair. [sources: 9, 10]
He enlisted and was mustered into service on 18 September 1861. He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Colonel Burr [?]. He was mustered in as a private, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a private in company H. He had rifle number 617. [sources: 1, 9, 10, 17]
On 29 June 1862, his wife died. [source: 15]
He probably went on leave on 10 March 1863, and returned on 21 March 1863. [sources: 3, 4]
He fought at the Battle of Gettysburg. [source: 11]
He was declared absent without leave on 22 December 1863. [source: 5]
He reenlisted as a veteran volunteer on 26 December 1863, at Bealton, Virginia. [sources: 1, 10, 15]
He was wounded on 18 June 1864 at Petersburg Virginia. He died in hospital, on 23 June 1864, of those gunshot wounds. He was a private, in company H. [sources: 1, 7, 8 (22 (?) Jun), 9, 10, 15, 17]
He was buried at the City Point National Cemetery, Virginia, section E, division 2, grave 141. The Record of the Federal Dead lists him as being originally buried on Prince George Road, one-half mile east of Meade Station; other soldiers from this same area were moved to Poplar Grove Cemetery, but most of them are now listed as unknown soldiers at Poplar Grove. [sources: 1, 2 [section C], 6, 12]
On 7 November 1865, John B Markley was appointed guardian for his children, by the Orphans' Court of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. [source: 15]
On 16 February 1865, John B Markley successfully applied for a pension on behalf of William and Rachel Keys. His application was approved on 5 March 1866. He initially received a pension of $8 per month, retroactive to 23 June 1864, and ending on 25 January 1871. [sources: 13, 14, 15]
John B Markley applied for an increase in pension. On 8 November 1866, his application was accepted, and he received an additional $2 per month for William and $2 per month for Rachel, until they were sixteen, retroactive to 25 July 1866. [source: 15]
Cindy Mull is researching John Keys. Contact her at [email protected].
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster)
2 City Point National Cemetery, interment index (searched 26 November 2000)
3 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 10 March 1683 (not named; inferred)
4 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 21 March 1863 (John Key)
5 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 22 December 1863 (Private Keyes)
6 Poplar Grove Cemetery records (thanks to Elizabeth Dinger-Glisan for the information!) (John Keys)
7 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 29 June 1864 (Pri Keys)
8 company H, register of deaths (John Keys)
9 company H, descriptive roll, #9 (John Keyes)
10 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 29 January 2005 (John Keys)
11 Pennsylvania Memorial, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (John Keys)
12 'Our illustrious dead', Philadelphia Inquirer 20 July 1865 page 2 (John Keys)
13 pension index, by name (John Keys)
14 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company H (John Keys)
15 dependent's pension certificate file, National Archives and Records Administration, RG 15, John B Markley guardian of minor children of John Keys
16 1860 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 19, microfilm series M653, film 1170, page 691 = 221 handwritten (John Kees)
17 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (John Keys)
| line | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 |
| Dwelling number | 1625 | |||
| Family number | 1804 | |||
| Name | John Kees | Mary " | William " | Rachel " |
| Age | 30 | 30 | 7 | 5 |
| Sex | M | F | M | F |
| Color | ||||
| Occupation | Laborer | |||
| Value of real estate owned | ||||
| Value of personal estate | ||||
| Place of birth | Ireland | " | Phil | " |
| Married within year | ||||
| Attended school within year | ||||
| Cannot read & write | 1 | |||
| Deaf, dumb, blind, etc. |
BRIEF in the case of William Keys + Rachel Keys minor children of John Keys Pri. Co. H. 91 Pa. Vols. Resident of guardian Lancaster County and State of Pennsylvania Post Office address Lancaster Pa
| Service. | |
| Death. | Adjt. Genl. Reports enrollment + muster as a Vet. private, Dec. 26 1863. on the Muster Roll for May + June 1864, he is reported "Died of wounds received in action at Petersburg Va. June 18" 1864."
Surg. Genl. Reports soldier died June 23 1864 |
| Marriage of parents. | Properly authenticated clergyman's record and affts. of credible witnesses to reputations establishing marriage. |
| Names and dates of birth of minor. | Credible witnesses present at births, swear William Keys was born Sept. 13" 1852, and Rachel Keys Jan. 25" 1855. |
| Death or remarriage of mother. | Shown by credible witnesses to have died 1862 and that soldier did not remarry and that clmts. are the only children of soldier. |
| Guardianship. | Appt. of Jno. B. Markley, under seal of court |
| Loyalty. | by declaration |
| Agent and his P.O. addresss. | James Black Esq. Lancaster Pa |
Admitted Mch 5, 1866, to a Pension of $8.00 per month, commencing June 23, 1864, ending January 25", 1871, and payable to John B. Markley, Guardian.
Exd. S. Holtzlander, Examining Clerk.On this twenty fourth day of November A.D., one thousand eight hundred and sixty five, personally appeared before me the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the County and State aforesaid, John B. Markley a resident of Lancaster City in the county of Lancaster, and State of Pennsylvania, aged forty one years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on oath make the following declaration as guardian of the minor children of John Keys deceased, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, approved July 14, 1862, granting pensions to minor children, under sixteen years of age, of deceased officers and soldiers; that he is the guardian of William Keys and Rachel Keys whose father was a Private in company "H" commanded by Captain Closson in the Ninety first Regiment of Penna Vols. commanded by Colonel Gregory in the war of 1861, and that the said John Keys died at or near Petersburg Virginia on the twenty third day of June in the year A.D. 1864, that his death was caused by Gunshot wounds received in battle that the mother of the children aforesaid died on the twenty ninth day of June A.D. 1862, and that the dates of birth of his said wards are as follows:
William Keys born September 13. 1852.He further declares that the parents of his said wards were married at Philadelphia Pa. on the nineteenth day of September in the year 1850, by Rev. John C. Lyons now deceased. He also declares that he or his wards have not in any manner been engaged in, or aided or abetted the rebellion in the United States, but have always been true and loyal to the government of the United States. And James Black of Lancaster City, Pennsylvania, is hereby appointed Attorney with power of substitution to prosecute this claim and receive the Certificate.
Also personally appeared Jacob B. Lichty and John B. Goad residents of Lancaster county of Lancaster State of Pennslvania persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw John B. Markley sign his name to the foregoing declaration; that they are well acquainted with the applicant, and the children of the said John Keys and know them to be the identical persons represented, and they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. That the names, and ages of the children of John Keys under sixteen years of age at his decease as follows:
William Keys born September 13. 1852.That the mother of the said children aforesaid [sic] died on the twentyninth day of June A.D. 1862, that the parents of the said children were married at Philadelphia Pa. on the nineteenth day of September A.D. 1850; that said guardian and children have not in any way been engaged in, or aided or abetted the rebellion, but have always been true and loyal to the government of the United States. That they are able to state the foregoing facts from the following circumstances: Long and intimate acquaintance
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the twenty fourth day of November A.D. 1865, and I certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.
John SeldomridgeI, [blank] Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State above named, do hereby certify that [blank] Esq., before whom the foregoing affidavits were made, and who has thereunto signed his name, was at the time of so doing, a [blank] in and for the County and State above named, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit; that his signature thereto is genuine, and that I have no interest in this claim.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name, and affixed my official seal, this [blank] day of [blank]
I have the honor to acknolwedge the receipt from your Office of application for Pension No. 83,204, and to return it herewith, with such information as is furnished by the files of this Office.
It appears from the Rolls on file in this Office, that John Keys was enrolled on the 24" day of Dec, 1863, at Bealton, Va., in Co. H, 91" Regiment of Pa. Volunteers, to serve 3 years, or during the war, and mustered into service as a Private (V.V.) on the 26" day of Dec. 1863, at Bealton, Va., in Co. H, 91" Regiment of Pa. Volunteers, to serve 3 years, or during the war. On the Muster Roll of Co. H of that Regiment, for the months of May and June 1864, he is reported Died of wounds received in action at Petersburg, Va., June 18" /64 Date of death not given.
I have the honor to return herewith applications [sic] for Pension, No. 83,204 with such information as is furnished by the records of this Office, Private John Keys, Co. H, 91" Regiment Pa Vols, is reported to this Office by Surgeon W. G. Keir as having died June 23, 1864, at Div Hosp. of Gun Shot Wound
PERSONALLY appeared before me Jonath. S. [?] Brown within and for said County [sic--no mention of his position] Mrs. Jane Lyons, well known to me as respectable and entitled to full credit, who after being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that the following is a true copy from the RECORDS OF MARRIAGES kept by Rev. John C. Lyons a Minister of the Gospel, late Pastor of "The First Associate Presbyterian Church" now called "Kensington Presbyterian Church" of the Record of the Marriage of John Keys and Mary A. Gamble on the nineteenth day of September A.D. to wit:
"Married on the 19th September 1850 by the Rev. John C. Lyons John Keys to Mary A. Gamble"
That Rev. John C. Lyons is now dead, deponent is his widow and that the book containing said Original Record is now in deponent's possession and control; and that she has no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.
Jane LyonsSworn and subscribed before me the 11th day of December A.D. 1865; and I certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.
Jonath L. BrownPersonally appeared before me Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said county Clemens Leibsly a Laborer and Elizabeth Leibsly his wife residents of the City of Lancaster County and State aforesaid, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to full credit, who after being duly sworn according to law do depose and say that they well knew the late John Keys private Co "H" 91st Regt. Penna. Volunteers and Mary Ann Keys his wife, both now deceased. That they left surviving them the following named children born during lawful wedlock, to wit: William Keys born September 13. 1852 and Rachel Keys born January 25. 1855, and that besides these said John Keys left no other child or children surviving him.
That deponents' means of knowledge of said facts are derived [sic] as follows, deponent Elizabeth Leibsly was present at the birth of both of said children in the capacity of Nurse and deponent Clemens Leibsly saw the children a short time after they were born. That Dr. John Lyons who was the accoucheur in attendance is dead and deponents do not know anything of his books or medical records. That deponent Elizabeth Leibsly is the sister of said John Keys and has the family Bible of said John Keys in her possession wherein on a blank leaf somewhere between the Old and New Testament is a Record in the handwriting of said John Keys, to wit: "William Keys born in Philadelphia September 13th
13th [sic] 1852" and "Rachel Keys born January 25th Philadelphia 1855". That deponents are well acquainted with the handwriting of said John Keys and from that know that said entry in said bible was made by him. That at the birth of said children there was no other person present except said Dr. John Lyons and deponent Elizabeth Leibsly; that they reside as aforesaid and are disinterested.
Clemens LeibslySworn and Subscribed before me the twenty fourth day of November A.D. 1865, and I certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim and I certify that the foregoing Affidavit was read over and explained to witnesses before they were sworn
John SeldomridgeOn this fourteenth day of February A.D. 1865, personally appeared before the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the Co. of Lancaster John B. Markley, a resident of Lancaster City, in the County of Lancaster and State of Pennsylvania, aged forty years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on oath make the following declaration, as guardian of the two minor children of John Keys, deceased, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, approved July 14, 1862, granting pensions to minor children, under sixteen years of age, of deceased officers and soldiers: that he is the guardian of William Keys and Rachael Keys, whose father was a Private in Company H, commanded by Captain [blank] in the 91st Penna. V.V. Regiment, in the War of 1861, and that the said John Keys was wounded in front of Petersburg on the Eighteenth day of June A.d. [sic] 1864 and died from said wound on the Twenty third day of June and buried [sic] on Prince [??] George Court House Petie [?] Va that the mother of the children, William and Rachael Keys, aforesaid died on
the twenty ninth day of June A.D. 1862, and that the date of birth of his said wards as [sic] follows:
William Keys was born September 13. AD 1852He further declares that the parents of his said wards were married at Kensington Phila, on the nineteenth day of September in the year 1850, by Rev. John C. Lyons of 1st Asst. Presbyterian Church. My Post office address is as follows: Lancaster City, Lancaster Co, Penna.
John B. Markley,Also personally appeared William T. Wylie and Gerardus Clarkson, residents of Lancaster City, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present, and saw John B. Markley sign his name to the foregoing declaration, and they further swear that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with him that he is the identical person he represents himself to be, and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
William T. WylieSworn to and subscribed before me this Fourteenth day of February A.D. 1865, and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim
John SeldomridgeI, C. L Stoner Depty Clerk of the Orphans' Court of Lancaster County and State of Pennsylvania, do certify that it appears by the records of said Orphans' Court, that on the Seventh day of November A.D. 1865, John B Markley was appointed GUARDIAN of William Keys and Rachael Keys minor children of John Keys late of the City of Philadelphia and State aforesaid, deceased.
Witness my hand and the Seal of the said Court, at the City of Lancaster, Penn'a, this 9th day of November A.D., 1865
C L Stoner Depty Clerk.Personally appeared before me Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas William Keys, Elizabeth Leibsly, Clemens Leibsly and Thomas Baxter residents of Lancaster City county and State aforesaid, respectable and entitled to full credit who after being duly sworn according to law do depose and say that they were well acquainted with John Keys late a private in Co "H" 91st Penna. Vols. who died in said service, and with his wife Mary Ann Keys, that they were married in the City of Philadelphia in the year 1850: that deponents do not know any person that was present at said marriage, nor do they believe that there is any person now living that was an eye witness to the ceremony, as the Minister who performed the ceremony is dead; that deponents know that said John Keys and and [sic] Mary Ann Keys have lived and cohabited together as husband and wife ever since their marriage in 1850 up to the time of his enlistment in the service of the United States: that deponents never had a doubt nor ever heard a doubt expressed that they were legally married: that said Mary Ann Keys died on June 19. 1862, in Philadelphia, Penna. deponent William Keys being present when she died and saw her corps [sic] in the coffin, that said John Keys never intermarried [sic] after that but died unmarried leaving no widow and only two children, to wit: William Keys and Rachel Keys; that deponents have the following means of knowing the facts to which they swear, to wit: William Keys
Keys [sic] being the father and Elizabeth Leibsly the sister of said John Keys and deponents Clemens Leibsly and Thomas Baxter being old acquaintances of said John Keys his wife and family: that deponent William Keys, lived with his son said John Keys nearly all the time since he had been married, that deponents reside as aforesaid and are disinterested.
X The mark of William KeysSworn and subscribed before me the first day of March A.D. 1866; and I certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim; and I certify that the foregoing Affidavit was read over and explained to affiants before they were sworn
G. Clarkson Dep ProthyBefore me John Seldomridge, Prothonotary and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, personally appeared John B. Markley of Lancaster City, who being duly sworn, declare and say, that he has not in any manner been engaged in, or aided or abetted, the rebellion in the United States, has always been a true and loyal citizen of the United States.
J. B. Markley| Only children of soldier living. | As shown by former dec. |
| Names and dates of birth. | William Keys, " [sc. born] September 13" 1852, " " [sc. who will be 16 years old] September 12", 1868. |
| Rachel Keys, " [sc. born] January 25" 1855, " " [sc. who will be 16 years old] January 24", 1874 | |
| Proof of ages. | As shown by creditable eye witnesses |
| Agent and his P.O. address. | James Black, Esq, Lancaster, Penna. |
Issue certificate for Eight dollars per month, commencing June 23", 1864, and ending January 24", 1871, and two dollars per month additional for each of the above-named children, commencing July 25, 1866, and payable to John B. Markley, Guardian, deducting former payments.
L. Holtzland, Examiner.