The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
State of Service: PA
Qualifying Service: Patriotic Service
William Keith was born in about 1714 in Londonderry, Ulster, Ireland. He came to America with his mother as a small child, in about 1717 landing at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was in Makefield Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, by 1733; in 1737, he signed the petition to make Upper Makefield a separate township.
He married Martha Stockton in about 1738, probably in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Margaret is believed to have been born about 1721 in England, the daughter of Robert and Isabel Stockton, who later moved to Pennsylvania and lived in Sadsbury, Lancaster County.
William and Margaret were the parents of:
Martha was born about 1741 and married James McNair.
Isaiah was born about 1743 and married Ann Mann.
Noble was born in 1745 and married Elizabeth Drake.
Robert was born in about 1749 and married Elizabeth Adams.
John was born in 1752 and married Rosey Walker.
Elizabeth was born about 1754 and married Samuel Torbert.
Isaac Stockton was born on 17 January 1755 and married Hannah Sprout.
Margaret was born on 21 May 1757 and married Samuel Mann.
Sarah Jane was born in 1758 and married Alexander Foresman.
William lent his home in Upper Makefield Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to General George Washington for use as his headquarters and his farm for use by the soldiers from 14 December until 24 December 1776. From here, General Washington planned, prepared, and implemented his attack on the Hessians garrisoned at Trenton, New Jersey, on 26 December 1776. It was a much-needed victory that would change the course of the Revolutionary War
He signed the Oath of Allegiance on 1 July 1777, page 4, in Upper Makefield Township., Bucks County, Pennsylvania, as did his sons, Noble and Issac, on 8 July.
The Patriot died on 16 April 1781 and is buried in the Presbyterian Church Cemetery at Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in plot D-38 alongside his wife, Margaret Stockton, who died on 1 May 1772.
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