John Keyes (soldier)

General John Keyes
Born	(1744-10-24)October 24, 1744 Ashford, Connecticut Colony, British America
Died	April 13, 1824(1824-04-13) (aged 79) Canajoharie, New York, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Service / branch	United States Army
Rank	Brigadier General
Unit	Knowlton's Rangers
Commands	Connecticut State Militia
Battles / wars	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