Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 16088, Ezekiel Willey, N.H.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
N. H.
CONTENTS
Willey, Ezekiel
Patty
NUMBER
W16088
Page 2

3666
New Hampshire
Patty Willey
widow of Ezekiel Willey
who died on the 4 June 1833
of Merrimack Co. in the State of N. Hampshire
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Adams of the regt commanded
by Col. Poor N.H. in the N.H. mil
line for 7 months & 5 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord, N. H.
at the rate of 23 Dollars 88 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of Feb
1842 and sent to J. W. Kelley
Esqr Salisbury, N.H.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 1841            250.74
Semi-annual allowance ending 6 Mar. 11. 94
                                                             $263.68
Revolutionary Claim
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the 3
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk
Book C Vol 1 Page 36
Page 3

[crossed through]
Hezekiah D. and
Nancy Batcheld
No 5414
Page 4

Nancy Batchelder of Franklin in
the County of Merrimack and State of
New Hampshire aged forty four years
depose and say that I am daughter of
Ezekiel and Patty Willey that my
father and Mother the aforesaid Ezekiel
and Patty Willey after my marriage
resided with me the most of the time until
the decease of my father the aforesaid
Ezekiel Willey which happened on the
fourth day of June 1833 and my Mother
the aforesaid Patty Willey still resides
with me that I never new or heard
of any record of the marriage of the
aforesaid Ezekiel and Patty Willey or of
the births and burials of their children
I further say that my mother the aforesaid
Patty Willey has not been marred
since the decease of her husband the
aforesaid Ezekiel Willey but sill
remains his widow
I further say that I am their youngest
child
the aforesaid Ezekiel Willy was formerly
of Lee N.H.
and died in Northfield N.H.
She word me and N.H. were interned
before signing

Nancy Batchelder
 her mark
Richard [illegible]
State of New Hampshire Merrimack ss June 12, 1841
Then the above named Nancy Batchelder Personally
appeared and made solemn oath that the above
affidavit by her subscribed is true. Before me
Benjamin Wadleigh Justice of the peace
I certify that the above named Nancy Bachelder is a credible witness
Benj Wadleigh Justice of the Peace
Page 5

I Hezekiah D. Batchelder of Andover N.H. [crossed out]
Franklin N.H. aged forty five years depose
say that I was acquainted with Ezekiel
by late of Northfield deceased, & formerly from
Lee N.H. thirty three years ago & up to the time
his death - he died at said Northfield N.H.
the fourth day of June A.D. 1833, & left a
widow named Patty formerly Patty Glover also
Lowe of who shall remains his widow and has
resided in my family since his decease.
I married their daughter Nancy Willey
twenty two years ago last February-
I have often heard the aforesaid Ezekiel
Willey relate his services in the war of the
Revolution -- I remember leaving him say
that he was in the battle of Bunker hill and
at Stillwater and at many other places but
do not now remember the names of them-
My wife was the youngest child in their
family & is now forty four years old-
I never knew or heard of any family
around being kept by the old folks or any
of their children - Hezekiah D. Batchelder
State of New Hampshire Merrimack ss June 12, 1841
Personally appeared the above named Hezekiah
D. Batchelder and made solemn oath that the
above affidavit by him subscribed is in
his belief true
Before me
Benjamin Wadleigh Justice Peace
I certify that above named Hezekiah D Batchelder
is a credible witness
Benj Wadleigh Justice Peace
Page 6

Patty Willey's
Declaration
Page 7

State of New Hampshire
Merrimack County ss
On this twelfth day of June eighteen
hundred and forty one personally appeared
before me Benjamin Wadleigh Esquire, a
Justice of the Court of Common pleas in
and for said County of Merrimack Patty
Willey of Franklin in said County aged eighty
six
years, who being first duly sworn
according to Law, doth on her oath make the
following Declaration, in order to obtain the
benefit of the provision made by the act of
Congress, passed July 4th 1836. That she is
the widow of Ezekiel Willey, who was a
private in the War of the Revolution as
follows-to wit-
That in May 1775 her husband,
the aforesaid Ezekiel Willey entered the
service of the United States as a private in a
company commanded by Capt Winborn
Adams in Col Poors Regt and served through
 the eight months campaign was in
Bunkerhill Battle - it is her belief that he
continued in the service in the same or
some other company in same Regt until
after the British Army evacuated Boston
in March 1776-
That some time in the summer of
1776 he again enlisted and served as a
private in Col Baldwins Regt to
reinforce the Northern Continental army
in New York or Canada, the company
he served nor the length of time she does
not remember-
Page 8

That in 1777, it is her belief that her
husband, the aforesaid Ezekiel Willey served
in the U.S. Army & was at the taking
of Burgoyne, but does not remember
his officers nor the length of time.
That the said Ezekiel Willey service
at other and different times as a private in
the War of the Revolution and in the army
in all not less than three years but the officers he served
under, or what places, she does not recollects
She further declares, that she was
married to the said Ezekiel Willey in Lee in
the County of Strafford and State of New
Hampshire January
eighteen [crossed out] Seventeen hundred and seventy
them by the Rev. Mr Hutchins the minister
of said Lee that her husband the aforesaid
Ezekiel Willey died on the fourth day
of June 1833 and that she has remained a
widow since that period, as will more
fully appear by reference to the proof hereto
annexed.
Patty Willey
her mark
Benjamin Wadleigh
Hezekiah D. Batchelder

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day
and year within written.
Before me Benj, Wadleigh Judge of the Court
of Common Pleas for the
County of Merrimack
I certify that by reason of bodily infirmity
the above applicant was not able to attend Court
and for that on her declaration was taken at
her place of residence in Franklin N. H.
Eighteen [illegible] before sign & sworn to me
Page 9

The aforesaid Patty Willey further declares
never had any family record either
marriage or of the birth of her children
nor did her husband the aforesaid Ezekiel
or any of her family ever keep any
family record
Patty Willey her mark
Benjamin Wadleigh
Hezekiah D. Batchelder

Subscribed and sworn to on this
twelfth day of June AD 1841
Before me
Benjamin Wadleigh
Justice of the
Court of Common
Pleas for the
County of
Merrimack
Page 10

March 21, 1940 

RA/MCS
Ezekiel Willey
W.16088

Mr. Joseph A. Willey
581 E. 4 N.
Payson, Utah
Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter of February 20, 1940, requesting
information relative to Ezekiel Willey, a Revolutionary War soldier who
lived in Lee of Durham and in Northfield, New Hampshire.

The data which follow were taken from papers on file in the pension
claim, W.16088, based on the military service of Ezekiel Willey.

The date and place of birth of Ezekiel Willey and the names of his
parents are not shown.

While living in Lee, Strafford County, New Hampshire, Ezekiel Willey
enlisted May 25, 1775, served eight months as private in Captain Winborn
Adams' Company in Colonel Poor's New Hampshire Regiment and was in the
battle of Bunker Hill. It was stated was believed that he continued to
serve in same company or some other company in the same regiment until
the British evacuated Boston in March, 1776. He enlisted in the summer of
1776 and served as private in Colonel Baldwin's Regiment to reinforce the
Northern Continental Army in New York or Canada, captain of the company
and length of this enlistment not given. He enlisted in 1777 in the United States
Army" and was at the capture of Burgoyne, details of this enlistment
not given.

Ezekiel Willey married in Lee, New Hampshire, in January, 1773, Patty
Glover.

Ezekiel Willey died June 4, 1833, at Northfield, New Hampshire, having
moved there from Lee.
Page 11

As the widow of Ezekiel Willey, Patty Willey was allowed pension
on her application executed June 12, 1841, at which time she was eighty-
six years of age and was living in Franklin, Merrimack County, New Hampshire
.
It was stated that Ezekiel and Patty Willey had one or two children
in the fall of 1775, Nancy Batchelder of Franklin, New Hampshire, aged
forty-four years, stated in 1841 that she was the youngest child of Ezekiel
and Patty Willey and that her mother was then living with her. In June,
1841, Hezekiah D. Batchheldor of Franklin, New Hampshire, aged forty-five
years, stated that he married Mary Willey twenty two years ago last
February,"

There are no further data relative to family,

If you wish to obtain the date of last payment of pension of
Patty Willey, the name and address of the person to whom it was paid
and possibly the date of death of the widow, it is suggested that you
address the Comptroller General, Records Division, General Accounting
Office, Washington, D.C., giving the following data:

Patty Willey, widow of Ezekiel Willey, Certificate 3666, issued
February 21, 1842, rate $23.88 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act
of July 4, 1836, New Hampshire agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 12

State of New Hampshire
Secretary of State Office July 6. 1841
I hereby certify that David
Murray is an acting Notary Public
in and for said State duly Commissioned
& qualified; that his
Commission was dated on the
24th day of June AD 1839, and did
4 him on the 24th day of June AD 1844
and that his signature to the annexed
Instrument is true & genuine
In testimony of the forgoing I have
hereunto affixed the Seal of said State
Josiah Stevens
Sec of State
Page 13

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.
I, Josiah Stevens, Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify
Benj Wadleigh is an acting Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas in and for the County of Merrimack duly Commissioned and qualified; that
his Commission was dated on the eighth day of June 1833
and will expire on the eighth day of Jany 1853 and that
his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said State this sixth day of
July 1841
Josiah Stevens Secretary of State
Page 14

Patty Wiley
Wid of Ezekiel
NH
Act July 4, 1836,
Married 1773
died 1833

Allow 7 mt 5 days
N H Militia Lot
Adam [illegible] Poor
$23.88 per ann

J W. Kelley Esq
Salisbury
NH
Page 15

I Thomas B Hall of Lee in the County of Strafford and
State of New Hampshire age forty seven years depose
and say that I am Town Clerk of said Lee; that
I have held said office twelve of the last fifteen years;
that I have made a thorough examination of the
Records of said town for the year 1769 to 1800
and find no proof of the marriage of Ezekiel Willey
to Patty Glover in 1773, or at any other period
prior to 1800; that the register of births offered in proof
of the birth of a child of the said Ezekial and
Patty, that the marriage records of said town
a very imperfect, and are not calculated to
raise a jurisdiction against an alledged marriage
within said town not found then on
I further depose and say, that the church over
which the Revd M Hutchins was Pastor, has long since
been disbanded, and that no records of his or
of the Church are to be found

Thos B. Hall Town Clerk

State of New Hampshire
Lee June 12, 1841
Sworn and Subscribed
Before me
David Murray Notary Public
Page 16

I Nathaniel Colwell of Barrington in the County
of Strafford, and State of New Hampshire aged
about Eighty one years depose and say that
Ezekial Willey formely of her and late Northfield
and was married to Patty Glover at said Lee
about two years previous to the commencement
of the Revolutionary War. That while they lived in
said Lee, they lived within about one half
of a mile of where I reside and that I was 
intimately acquainted with said Willey and his
said wife, both before and after their said marrige
I further depose and say that I was frequent at
their house immediately after their marriage and
said Willey has worked with me for my Father
Witness
David Murray]
[illegible]
Nathanial Colwell his mark
State of New Hampshire
Barrington June 3, 1844
Subscribed and Sworn to by
the said Nathaniel Colwell who I hereby
certify is intitled to full credit as a Witness
Before me 
David Murray Notary Public
Page 17

Elezear Bennet &
Willey Hill's
Affidavits
Page 18

I Eleazer Bennett of Durham, in the County of Strafford
and State of New Hampshire, aged ninety one years and was
depose and say that I served as a private about 6 months
from September 1775, under Captain Winborn Adams 3 mos
as a substitute for Timothy Durpin and the remainder
of the term under Captain Alpheus Chesley, and was
discharged soon after the Brittish evacuated Boston in
March 1776. That I was well acquainted with Ezekiel Willey
then of Lee in said County of Stafford who was also a
private under said Winborn Adams, I futher depose
and say that I was aquainted with said Willey previous
to the commencement of the Revolution and certify that
at that time said Willey was a married man, and
lived with his wife whose maiden name was Patty
Glover) within about four miles of my place of residence. 
That I tended a grist Mill in said Durham
December 1773 until June 1775 during which time
the said Willey was frequently at said mill with
corn and Grain to be ground for his family were
and that he always brought said corn and grain
his back. I further depose and say that said Willey
and family moved from this vicinty back into
to the country many years ago soon after the
Revolution, but to what part I do not recollect

Eleazer Bennett
State of New Hampshire
Durham June 3 1884, subscribed and sworn to by
the above Eleazer Bennett, who I hereby certify is a
respectable inteligent witness Before me David Murray Notary Puller
Page 19

I Willey Hill of Lee in the County of Strafford
and State of New Hampshire aged eighty two years
and upward depose and say that I was well acquainted with
Ezekiel Willey formerly of this town, and late of
Northfield and from my youth up to the time that
he moved out this town to Northfield some year
after the close of Revolutionary War. That while said
Willey lived in said Lee he was my neighbor, that is he
lived within one mile. I further depose and say that I
was present when the said Ezekiel Willey was married
to Patty Glover of this town by the Rev M Hutchins
an ordained Minister at said Lee. I further depose
and say that I rode on horse back with the said
Patty Glover to the house of the said Hutchins where
they were married, and then she rode back with her
husband, that the marriage took place. I further depose
and say that said marriage took place some time in
the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy three that I
am enabled to fix the time of said marriage by
fact that I was a private under Captain Smith
Emerson at Scaney Island in Portsmouth Harbor
in the Fall of 1775 and said Willey then had by
his said wife one or two children - I further depose
and say that I was frequently at said Willey house
previous to the time I went to Portsmouth and am
positive that I am not mistaken as to the time of
Said Marriage that the words Lee, one, the and that
were intertwined before signed. I further depose and
say that the said Patty Willey has been [illegible]
Page 20

a my house and tarried all night since the
decease of her late husband the said Ezekiel
Witness
David Murray
[illegible]
Willey Hill his mark
State of New Hampshire
Lee, June 3 1841
Subscribed and sworn to by
the said Willey Hill, who I hereby certify is a
respectable, inteligent witness
Before me David Murray day Public
British evacuated Boston 17th March 1776.
Page 21

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.
I JOSIAH STEVENS, JR.  Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify
that Israel W. Kelly is an acting Justice of the Peace in
and for the county of Merrimack duly Commissioned and qualified; that
his Commission was dated on the 21st day of June 1839
and will expire on the 21st day of June 1844 and that
his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said State this 8th day of
July 1841
Josiah Stevens Secretary of State
Page 22

[crossed through] No 5  Atorshalla

Isaac Foss and
Jane Morse
Page 23

I Jane Morse of Bascom N.H. aged forty years
depose & say that I have heard the affidavit of Isaac
Fops read & confirm the facts therein stated I am the
daughter of said Fops & was one of the watchers with the
said Ezekiel Willey the night before he died

J. W. Kelly
Jane Morse her mark
State of Newhampshire
Merrimack County July 1st [illegible]
Personally appeared the above named
Jane Morse who is a credible witness
and made oath in due form of law
that the above affidavit by her subscribed
was true
Before me Israel W. Kelly Jus. Peace
Page 24

I, Isaac Foss of Northfield N. Hampshire
aged seventy five years & upwards depose & say that
I was well acquainted with Ezekiel Willey late of
said Northfield deceased & was his neighbor at
the time his death he died at said Northfield
the year [illegible] left a widow named Patty, who, before
married was Patty Glover, she is now living & remains
the widow of the said Ezekiel Willey. They moved
from the Town of Lee N.H. many years ago, to
said Northfield
Witness
Dully Morse
J. W. Kelly
Isaac Foss his mark
State of New Hampshire
Merrimack County ⎬ July 1st 1841.
Personally appeared the above named Isaac
Poss (who is a credible witness and made oath
in due form of law that the above affidavit
by him subscribed was true
Before me Israel W. Kelly Jus. Peace
I certify that date of the year was blotted & afterward
made 1833 in the above affidavit
and the record was [illegible]
signed & sworn to
J. W. Kelly Jus Peace
Page 25

Milford October 4th 1775
[illegible] sixteen Dollars for the four
following men viz Ezekiel Willey, Sam
Hidclaptin John Dewitt and Micah Davis
Winborn Adams Capt
State of New Hampshire
Suntary of State Office July 6 1841
I hereby certify the foregoing to
be true xtract that from the original
which purports to have been money
in lieu of a Regimental [illegible]
In testimony of the forgoing I have here
unto affixed the Seal of said State
Josiah Stevens
Sec of State
Page 26

Pay roll of Capt Winborn Adams
Company in Col. Enoch Poors
Regiment to the 1st of August 1775
Names
Ezekiel Willie, Rank Private
Time of Entry, May 25 1775 Time
in service 2 Mo 12 day

State of New Hampshire
Secretary of State Office July 6. 1841
I hereby certify the foregoing to
be a true xtract from the original
now in this office. In testimony whereof
I have hereunto affixed the Seal of
said State
Josiah Stevens
Sec of State
Page 27

Patty Wiley
Suspended
New Hamp
Let to J. W. Kelly
September 17th 1841
to same 10 Jan. 1842
Act July 4th 1836
Page 28

Willy S Watson
Page 29

Salisbury N. H. Dec 15th 1841
Sir
I have yours of the 17th of September
last acknowleging the receipt of the Declarations
of Patty Willey & Lydia Watson & that they were [illegible]
upon your files and suspended-- I would
thank you to inform me, only as convenient,
the deficiencies, as I have not retained full
copies of the papers in those two cases-
I am Very respectfully
Your Obt Sevt-
Gerald W. Kelly

Hon J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 30

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.
I JOSIAH STEVENS, JR. Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify
that Benj Wadleigh is an acting Justice of the Peace in
and for the County of Merrimack duly Commissioned and qualified; that
his Commission was dated on the 21st day of May 1839
and will expire on the 21st day of May 1844 and that
his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said State this Sixth day of
July -1841
Josiah Stevens Secretary of State
Page 31

July 22, 1841
[illegible]
NH
[illegible writing in other direction]
Hon Fr. Pierce
Senator US
Page 32

Senate Chamber
July 21, 1841
Dear Sir
Will you have the goodness
to inform me whether the claims of
Patty widow of Ezekiel Willey for a
pension under the act of July 4th 1836 and
of Lydia Widow of Caleb Watson under the
act of 1838 - Applicants now residing
in the State of New Hampshire have been
considered and whether your decision of the [crossed out]
is allowable or adverse
With much respect
Yr Obd Send
Franklin Pierce
J.L. Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 33

Ezekiel Willey
75.75  M Adams
25 May & contin
March 1776
76. Col Baldwin
77
M an 'J 73 d Jun 1833
Eleazor Bennet says
he dec. that he left
Capt Adam 1 Dec 775
and joined another co
2337
17
d
Page 34

Salisbury N.H. July 10th 1841
Sir
This accompanies the declaration
&c of Patty, widow of Ezekiel Willey
deceased, for a pension under the act
of July 4th 1836 -
to record evidence can be found
on Lee town books of this or any other
marriage by Mr Hutchins except 2 or 3 no available
recond is found of his keeping
The marriage is proved by Willey Hill
(who carried her to ministers) to have taken
place in 1773.
Eleazer Bennet says he tended a grist
will from 1773 to June 1775- that Willey was then
married & come to his will foregontly- that
his wifes name was Patty Glover -
Nathl Colwell says they were married
& had children before the Revolutionary
broke out
Much more evidence like this can
be produce if required - but it is believed
that the foregoing is sufficient.
Page 35

No proof has yet been found to support the
alledged service, except the first to wit in
Capt Adams Compy in 1775 & about 1776-
Mr Bennet says he served six months
from Sept in Capt Alams & Capt Cherby
Companies & Willey was in Capt Adam's County
in the winter of 1776-
The extract from Capt Adams pay roll
shows Ezekeil Willey to have entered the 25th May
1775
his coat visited October 4th same year
this shows that he was in the  8 mos service
no doubt served the full [illegible] & altho Capt
Adams roll is not found for any further
time, it is believed that Mr Bennet is correct &
that Willey was with him up to November 1776
The death of Willey is proved by Nancy
& Hezekiah Batchelder identified by Isaac
Foss & Jane Morse -
The proof in this case is not affected
by the withdrawal of the N.H. Rolls from
Washington, as the service is made out
from papers which have never been out of
the office of the dept of N.H.
Page 36

Have the kindness to let me know the
result of your opinion in this case as soon
as will out your convenience-
Very sincerely
Your Obt Levit -
Israel W. Kelly
Hon J.L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 37

Ez. Willey May 25 1775
Capt. Winborn Adams
Page 38

Salisbury N.H. Feb 17th 1842.
Sir
This accompanies papers (additional) in
the application of Patty, now of Ezekiel
Willey for a pension under the act of 1836.

In this case Mr Bennet testifies, that
Ezekiel Willey was a private in Capt Winborn
Adam's Compy in March 1776
I ask you to examine the full copy of Capt
W. Adams all under the new [illegible] filed
in the application of Molly Willey, Widow
of Robert Willey decd (forwarded to your
office by David Murray Esqr of Newmarket
N.H.) which will shew the the name of
Ezekiel Willey as a private in said Company
from the Spring of 1775 as made of
in that pay roll-- I also forward you a
copy of the last Receipt roll in Oct
of that year, which shows Ezekiel to have
been in the first eight months service
Page 39

I have not found any record showing
the continuation of service of Capt. Adams
but must rely on the affidavit of Mr
Bennet, with such construction as you
may conclude one, for the continuation
of service, after the first eight months
expired - my own belief is, that after
the expiration of the first eight months, the
said Ezekeil Willey enlisted for three months
more, that being done in various instances
at that time
Ezekiel Willey's name has not yet
been found in any other place we [illegible]
of course aught of such certificate of you will be satisfied to issue on the evidence,
1775 & 1776
The old lady is very infirm,
totally defendent on her son-in-law, with
whom she lives for support, he has a large
family, which, with the old lady, he supports
by his daily burden
For any further in this case please
address me, if certificate be granted
Page 40

please enclose it to me
Very respectfully - I am 
your obt servt
Israel W Kelly

Hon J.L. Edwards
Commr Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 41

1940 Mar 21 [illegible]
Jos. A. Willey [illegible]
Rev WIDOW, &C
No. 16088
Patty Willey
widow of
Ezekiel Willey
Priv Rev War
Act July 4th 36
Index: Vol M Page 342
{Arrangement of 1870}
Page 42

Payson, Utah Feb. 20, 1940
Pensioners of the Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.
Gentlemen:-
Have you on file any record
of a pension, as having been granted to
Ezekiel Willey (Wille) or his widow
It appears that this person enlisted
Captain Winborn Adams Company
June 1775, either from Lee or Durham-
N.H. as being 51 years old and a carpenter
In 1790 he resided at Northfield, Merrimack
Co. N.H.
Will you kindly furnish me a
summary of papers which
pertaining to this person?

Very sincerely yours
Joseph A. Willey
581 E. H. N.
Payson
Utah