Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19,634, Benjamin Willis, Continental (New York)
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SERVICE                 Willis, Benjamin     NUMBER           
Continental, New York  Willis. Bridget                W. 19.634                                                                              B.L. Wt 18217-160-55
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1444
New York Albany
Bridget Willis widow of Benjamin Willis
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Dragoon
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 100 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of August 1820 and sent to Hon. H.S. Cruger M.C.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 240 Vol. 4
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[Illegible text stamped in the middle of page]
[bottom left page] Vol.W2 - 14.
138. 794  Act March of 8/83
May 19
Bridget Willis Widow of Benjamin Willis 
Private Lee's Legion Revolutionary War
Pensioner, under act Feb 2/48
N.S. Feb 48 - 1444
Ad. 160 as Mar 11/56
Thos Riddle
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New York. 32.549.
Benjamin Willis, decd enlisted in the State of N. York
who was a Dragoon in the Co. [Blank] commanded by Captain [Blank] of the Reg commanded by [blank] in NY the of line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany
the rate of 100 Dollars Cents per
annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831,
512 July 1843, he did
Certificate of Pension issued the 22d day of
March 1847 and sent to R.G.
Marray, Huron, N. Y.
Arrears to the 4th of
Seminal. allowance ending
Deduct under Act 1818, at the rate of 96 per annum  
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by D. H. Wood Clerk
Book E Vol. 4 Page 83
Payable to Bridget Willis his surviving widow.
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138.794
Bridget Willis
War of the Revolution
Act 3rd Mar 1855
Thomas Ridelle
Darien N.Y.
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State of New York
County of Erie
On this tenth day of May A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace duly authorized by law to administer of the within and for the County and state aforesaid Bridget Willis, aged eighty eight years a resident of Marilla in said County and State who being duly sworn according to law declare that she is the widows of Corn Willis, deceased who was a private in the war of the Revolution, and a pensioner under the act of the 18th March, 1818 a pension of $96 per annum; that he is a pensioner on the Roll
of the Albany Agency at the rate of 100 dollars per annum, under the act of, and his pension certificate bears date the 27th day of August 1842 numbered 1441: that the proof of her marriage, and of her said his death is on file in the person office at Washington, with the other proof up his pension was granted, and to which she refers he further states that she was married to the said Will in New York City-On the twenty eighth day April-1786,
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The foregoing declaration and affidavit  statements were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year first above written, and I certify that I know the affiant to be a credible person, that the statement of the persons he represents himself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Seth P. Taber GP
State of New York.
Erie County Clerk’s Office 
I William Andre, Clerk of said County, and of the Courts thereof, certify that Seth J. Taber or
annexed affidavit was taken, and whose name is subscribed in the certificate of proof
thereof, was at the time of taking the same, Justice of the Peace, in and for the said
County, duly sworn and acting as such, and authorized to take the same: and
further, that I am well acquainted with his handwriting, and verily believe the
signature thereto, to be his genuine signature.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the
seal of said County and the Courts thereof, the 12 day of May A.D. 1855
W Andre Clerk.
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Benjamin [crossed out] Willis Willis
Certificate No 593 May ‘18
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State of New York
Montgomery County            
Present  the Honorable Aaron Haring Esq. First Judge
Be it Remembered, That on the Eighteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty personally appeared in the Court House at the town of Johnstown in the County Aforesaid in the Court called the Court of Common pleas in open court, the said court being a court of record for the County aforesaid having the power of fine and imprisonment proceeding according to the Care of the Common Law with a Jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount. keeping a record of their proceedings, Benjamin Willis aged Fifty Six  years, resident in Broadalbin in the County aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the revolutionary war as follows: that on or about the twentieth day of June One thousand seven hundred and seventy nine at the County of Rockland in the State of New York he enlisted as private soldier for during the war in Captain Michael Rudolf he company and Colonel Henry Lees Legion and Virginia line that he continued in said company and Regiment until the termination of the War, when he was honorably discharged at the head of Elk river which he thinks was in Maryland that he was in the battle of Haw River Guildford Court House and several investments of forts and skirmishes in the southern states that he has been placed on the pension list under the law of 18th March 1818 and that his original declaration is dated the twentieth day of April one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen and that his pension certificate is No. 593.
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And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18 the day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled “an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War” passed on the 18
the day of March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed, to wit:
Schedule
Real property I have none.
Personal property. 1 Iron kettle 1 small pot, 1 Tea kettle, 1 small kettle, 1 spider, 1 fire shovel, 4 chairs,two chests, 1 Trammel six spoons 4 knives & forks, 4 plates, 1 Bowl, 3 cups, 3 saucers, 1 Log chain 1 Ax. that I am a farmer and laborer by occupation I have three in family whom I support Viz. my wife Bridget aged fifty three, sickly, Daughter Rachael seventeen not able to do any hard work, having a weakness at the stomach, and affection of the lungs, son Robert eleven years of age and hearty that I am much troubled with Rheumatism and other complaints preventing me from working at least half the time that I owe Bona fide debts to the amount of Ninety Dollars. I have no means of support than above stated except the pension I received from the United States which was paid up to the fourth of March 1820. Benjamin Willis, his mark
Subscribed, sworn to and
declared the 15th day of October 1825. in open Court
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I, John M Carthy Clerk of the Court of Common pleas for Montgomery County in the State of New York Do hereby certify, That the foregoing declaration and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said Court: and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is fifteen dollars
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said
Court, this Eighteenth day of October 1820
Jno McCarthy
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Montgomery County
On this 20th day of April 1818 before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the court of common Pleas of the county of Montgomery and State of New York Personally appears Benjamin Willis aged Fifty five years resident in the town of Broadalbin in said county who being by me first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the Provisions made by the Late Act of Congress entitled an Act to provide for certain Persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United in the Revolutionary War. That the said Benjamin Willis enlisted in New City in Rockland County in the state of New York in the company commanded by Captain Michael Rudolph of the corps commanded by Colonel Henry Lee of Virginia, on the last of June or the first of July one Thousand seven hundred and seventy Nine that he continued to serve in the said corps untill August one Thousand seven hundred and Eighty three being the close of the War when he was discharged from service at the head of Elk river in the state of Maryland. that his discharge is lost. that he was in the Battles of Georgetown in South Carolina, at the Haw river in North Carolina, at Guilford in said state and in a number of skirmishes in the southern states and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support, and that he has no other evidence
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now in his power of his said services
Benjamin Willis, His Mark
Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid James Hildreth
I James Hildreth Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County as aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Benjamin Willis did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration against the common Enemy and now transmit the proceedings and Testimony taken and had before me to the secretary for the department of War pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of congress-dated this 20th day of April 1818

State of New York Montgomery County 
I John McCarthy Clerk of Montgomery County aforesaid do certify that James Hildreth whose name appears Signed above and before whom the above examination appears to have
been taken was one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas in and for the said County on the 20th day of April 1818-
Jno McCarthy 
[illegible text at bottom]
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Acts of Congress
of the 3d of March 1843 and of the 17 June 1844 
State of New York County of Genesee
On the 4th day of June 1845, personally appeared before the Subscriber a Judge of the Court in and for the County aforesaid Bridget Wills of the town of Carlisle in said County being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in Order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 3d of March 1843 and of June 17th 1844, ranting Pensions to certain Widows. That she is the widow of Benjamin Willis who was a soldier in the
War of the Revolution and a pension of the United States that she was named to the said Benjamin Willis in the City of New York in the month of April 1786 Seventeen hundred and Eighty Six. That the has no family record, accepting our made about nine years since, and knows of no Record of her marriage in Existence-- That her said husband died on the 12th
day of July 1843 Eighteen hundred and forty three. That she has not since married, but remains a widow 
Subscribed and Sworn before the The day and year first above written  Bridget Willis
James R Jackman a Judge Of Genesee County Court
I certify that the above named Bridget Wills a reputable person - That I consider her to be of the age represented by her That on account of age and bodily infirmity she cannot attend the Court to make this her declaration-
James R Jackman a Judge of Genesee County Courts
State of New York
County of Greene SS. Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Catharine Vickery of the town of Cairo in said County
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aged Fifty then year next October - After being duly sworn according to law, deposeth & saith that Bridget Willis who is applying for a pension as the widow of Benjamin Willis late a soldier and a pensioner of the United States of this deponent Mather and that the said Benjamin Willis was this deponent Father that her said Father and Mother have as the legal part of their mar
Ridge, three Children older than this deponent all on brother and Seely of this deponent. That her said Father & Mother and together as husband & wife, from the earliest period of this opening recollection to the death of the said Father which event I do Recollect
occurred the 12th day of July 1843 Eighteen hundred forty three — leaving my said mother now a widow
Subscribed and one before me
This 3rd day of June 1845   Catharine Vickery
Thomas Riddle, Justice Peace

I Certify that the above named Catharin Vickery is a respected person and worthy of Credit
Thomas Riddle, Justice Peace

State of New York
County of Genesee SS.
Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for the said County of Genesee, John Willis of Alden Erie County & State aforesaid aged thirty nine years & upwards, & being duly sworn according to law, deposeth & saith: that Bridget Willis was the lawful wife & widow of Benjamin Willis, of the 16th Regiment U.S. Infantry, and that the said Benjamin Willis was that Benjamin Willis who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and that this deponent further saith that the said Bridget Willis has died & left the following older than this deponent & two children the issue of this affiant — that this deponent was present at the death on the 12th day of July 1843 & further saith not.That his said mother has not since married.  
Subscribed & Sworn before me                    John S. Willis
This 5 day of June 1845                      
Thomas Riddle Justice Peace
                
I certify that the above named John S. Willis is a highly respectable person & worthy of credit.
Thomas Riddle
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State of New York
County of Genesee
Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace of said County, Isaac Cobb of Darien in said County, aged sixty six years, after being duly sworn according to law, deposeth & saith that for the last sixty years, he has been personally acquainted with Bridget Willis, who
is by this present applying for a Pension as the widow of Benjamin Willis and that he was equally well acquainted with her late husband the said Benjamin Willis. That the said parties were said to have been married Fifty nine of Sixty year sim - That from about that the said Bridget Benjamin Willis have herd together as husband & wife & have always had the reputation of being sick. That this deponent thinks he cannot be mistaken about the time the said parties have bed together as husband & wife because he will of that he had with the said parties at the time their first child Saucy was an infant, & that the said Nancy Now our Fifty eight years old - That Nathan Vickery & John S. Willis who have subscribed the foregoing affidavits an & always have had considered children of the said Benjamin & Bridge Willis that from his continued knowledge of the family this deponent believe the said Catharin & John Willis have stated their [illegible]. That the above named Bridget Willis of the trial person & Widow of the said Benjamin Willis who was a Soldier & a Pensions of the United States that she is the same person that was living with the said Benjamin Willis as his Wife Fifty nine or sixty years in and that she is now a widow
Subscribed & Sworn before This 11th day of June 1843
Thomas Riddle, Justice of Peace  Issac Cobb

I certify that I have been personally acquainted with the above named Issac Cobb for man the Twenty year past. That he is a person in the Presbyterian Church & Just and an unimpeachable hail for truth & veracity Thomas Riddle Justin Peace
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State of New York
Genesee County 
J. H. Carpenter Clerk of Genesee County Court certify that James R. Jackman is Judge as above also that Thomas Riddle is a Justice of the peace as above and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
affixed my official seal of office and subscribed my name this 24th day of year 1845
R. H. Carpenter
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Acts of Congress of March 3rd 1843 and 17th of June 1844
State of New York
County of Genesee 
On the 12th day of May 1846 personally appeared before the Subscriber a Judge of the County in & for the County aforesaid Bridget Willes of Davie in said County aged Seventy one 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 Acts of Congress passed March 3 1843 and the 17th of June 1844 Granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the Widow of Benjamin Willis who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and a Pension of the United States-That her maiden name was Col. That he met with the said Willis from her Fathers resided in Rockland County W.S. to New York City where she was married to the said and Wills in the month of April 1786 (seventeen hundred and Eighty six - That her said Husband died on the 12th day of July 1843, Eighteen hundred & forty three. That she has not in married, but remains a Widow That she has no old Family Record showing the time of the Marriage or when he children were born-- nor does she know of any ancient Record in Existence that shows the time of her Marriage
Sworn to & Subscribed before me This 12 day of May 1846
James R Jackman a Judge of Genesee Co. Courts

I Certify that the above named Bridget Willis is a reputable person- That I consider her to be of the age
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Presented before the Court on account of bodily infirmity.The Court orders the Court to strike him from the calendar.
James R. Jackman Judge of Genesee County Court
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State of Michigan
County of Wayne
Personally appeared before me, Joseph A. Toppin, Judge of Probate in and for said County, Catharine Vickery, of Detroit in said County, aged fifty-three years, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares and says: That she was the wife of Abel Vickery, deceased, who was a soldier in the Army of the United States during the War of the Revolution. That said Abel Vickery died in the town of Malta, State of New York, in the year 1814, leaving this deponent a widow, as she now is. That this deponent and the said Abel Vickery were married at Malta aforesaid, on or about the first day of December, in the year 1786; and that their marriage was solemnized by a magistrate, whose name is not now remembered. That this deponent had issue by said Abel Vickery, eight children, all of whom are now living. That she has no record or documentary evidence of her marriage. That she makes this deposition in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838. And further saith not
Sworn and subscribed before me, this 12th day of October, 1846.
James Joslyn    Catharine Vickery
Judge of the Peace
I certify that the above named Catharine Vickeryis a highly reputable person & worthy of Credit
James Joslyn Justice of the Peace
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State of New York
County of Genesee 
Personally appeared before the subscribe a Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid
Isaac Cole of Davie in said County aged Sixty Six years. After being duly sworn according to law, deponth and saith, that for the last sixty years and upwards in has been personally acquainted with Bridget Wills of Davie in said County who is applying for a Pension as the widow of Benjamin Willis, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and a Pension of the United States, and that he was equally well acquainted with the said Benjamin Willis. That this deponents resided in the year 1786, and previous thereto, was in the town of Rockland County N.Y. in the same neighborhood in which the said parties then resided That in the year 1786 the said Bridget left home in company with the said Wills, and it was said they must to the City of New York, about his miles distant - That when the above named parties returned, they said they were married, and it was then, and always has been believed, that they me married at that time, in the City of New York That Ever after that time they lived together as Husband and wife, and raised a family of Peter Children This deponent thinks he cannot be mistake about the time the above named parties men said to have been married, from the fort. that he met to live with them the next year after the marriage and distinctly recollects that the first child Nancy was then an infant, and is now 59 years old-That this deponent was then some years of age. That Catharine Ann Vickery who has subscribed the foregoing affidavit is, & always has been considered a child of the said Benjamin & Bridges Willis, and that the said parties had a Children older to the said Catharine. That the said Benjamin Willis died in July 1842 leaving the present applicant Bridget
Willis his widow, who is the identical person & widow of the said Benjamin Willes to whom she was said to have been married as above. That this deponent has a family record
by which he establishes his own age 
Sworn and subscribed before me This 13th day of April 1846 
Isaac Cobb
James Joslyn Justice of the Peace

I certify that for years past I have been personally acquainted with Isaac Cobb
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who has subscribed the forgone affidavit that he is a Deacon of the Presbyterian Church in good & regular standing and man of unquestionable truth and veracity
James Joslyn Justice of the Peace

State of New York
County Clerks office
I hereby certify that James Joslyn is a Justice of the Peace of the County and that the forgoing signature to the forgoing affidavit purporting to this are a Givins Sequests In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my officers of office and subscribed my name this 14th day of April 1846
M G Soper Deputy Clerk of said county

State of New York
Genesee County Clerk’s Office
I certify that James R. Jackman is a judge of Genesee County Courts and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
Witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal this 15th day of May A.D. 1846.
H. R. Carpenter Clerk

Assmt to R. G. Murray
Huron Wayne Co. N.Y
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Answer to R. G.Murray Haron Wayne Co. NY
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Acts of Congress passed March 3d 1843 and Jun 17th 1844
On this 11th day of August 1846 Personally appeared before the same a Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid, Bridget Willis of Davis aged Seventy nine years, who after being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Acts of Congress of March 3d 1843 and Jun 17. 1848 granting Pensions to certain widows- That she is the widow of Benjamin Willis deceased, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and a Pensioner of the United States. That her said husband enlisted as she believes from Rockland County New York, for during the war about 5 years before its close. That she always understood from her said husband that he had nearly 3 years when the army was disbanded and he was honorably discharge - That according to the best of her recollection the following on the names of all
of this Manor by Capt Rodolph, Col Henry S. and Gen. Green. That her said husband Spent about 3 years during the war in the Southern States. That for further partialed she refers the Commissioner of Pensions to the Declaration of her said husband upon which a Pension Certificate was issued to him under the Act of 1818. That his residence 
at that time was in Montgomery County New York Subscribed & Sworn before me
this 11th day of August 1846
E. H. Ewell Justice of the Peace  Bridget Willis

I certify that Bridget Willis who has subscribed the foregoing Declaration is a respectable person and worthy of Credit 
E H Ewell Justice of the Peace
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State of New-York,
County of Erie
I, MANLY COLTON, Clerk of the County of Erie, and of the Court of Common
Pleas thereof, do hereby certify that E H Ewell Esq., whose name is subscribed to the annexed Certificate affident it the sum Justice of the was at the time of subscribing for said County, duly Elected in and and sworn, and acting as such. And further, that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said E H Ewell this to and verily believe the signature to be his genuine signature
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of the
said Court of Common Pleas and of said County, this 11 day August A.D. 1846 
Manly Colton Clerk
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Albany New York 8076.
Bridget Willis
widow of Benjamin Willis
who was a Dragoon
in the Virginia Line
Husb. died 12th July 1843
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
100 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on
The [crossed out] 4th day of March, 1843.
12 July
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 CR day of Jany. 1847 and sent to Hon. J. D. Mou Ho. of Reps.
Act of March 3, 1843. and June 17. 1844
Recorded in Book a Vol. 2 Page 90
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State of New York
County of Madison
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid, the Rev Joseph Cooley of Cazenovia in said County aged Eighty years after being duly sworn according to law, deposeth & saith, That for the last sixty years in has been well acquainted with Bridget Willis of Davies Genesee County NY. who is applying for a Pension as the Widow of Benjamin Willis, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution & a Pensioner of the United States. That he was also equally well acquainted with the said Benjamin Willis. This deponent well recollects that the said Benjamin Willis was said to have been married to the said Bridget whose maiden name was Cole) in the year 1786, the facts and circumstances in relation to the Marriage an as follows. The said Bridget Cole left her Fathers house in the town of Hempstead, Rockland County W.S (Where this deponent then lived) in company with the said Benjamin Willis and much to the City of New York, when they were married, as they stated when they returned a few days subsequently. That the said Parties were married at that time, as statute by them, was generally understood and believed by all who knew them- That they immediately command being together as husband & wife and continued, they to her that this deponent thinks he cannot be mistaken in regard to the time the said Marriage was reported to have take place, because he knows that his own marriage and about one year previous to that of the above named parties, and at the time they were said to have been married, this deponent had one child, and he establish his our marriage and the ages of his children by Record. And further this deponent saith, that about two years after the Marriage of the said parties the said Willis and this depont moved the family together from Rockland Co. NY. to a place called Hollabrook, West of Albany in said State, and by reform to age of Children and to the dates, this deponent belief said removal took Place in 1788. That at that time, the above named Bridget, had one child. That this deponent is son, that the present applicant for a Pension Bridget Willis of the identical person, and Widow of the said Benjamin Willis, who was said to have been married to him as above stated-
Sworn to Subscribed before me This 2nd day of March  1846 
Philetus Lathrop Justice of the Peace
Joseph Coley
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I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Joseph Coley. That he is a minister of the Gospel in Good and regular standing that for a person of his
age he possesses a strong mind, and that any statement made by him is entitled to full credit
Philetus Lathrop
Justice of the Peace
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State of New York,
Madison, County Clerk Office;I do hereby certify that Philetus Lathrop Esq whose name is subscribed to the certificate and jurat on the foregoing paper, was at the time of taking the same, was (as I believe) a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County duly elected and qualified; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe that the signature to said jurat and certificate is genuine
Witness my hand and seal of Office this 5th day of March 1846
F.T. Bentley Clerk
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Darien, N.Y.
September 16, 1818
To:J. Edwards, Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
From: Benj. Willis New York Postmarked Free T. Riddle, JP
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Darien Genesee Co. N.Y.
Sept 16. 1843

Sir

Allow me to enquire whether Bridget Willis, widow of Benjamin Willis deceased, a Revolutionary Pensioner of the U.S. under the act of the 18th March, 1818, is entitled to a Pension
If so send me, if you please the necessary instruction to establish her claim- They were married April 28th 1786.
I am Sir Very Respectfully
Your Obt St
Thomas Riddle

JL Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
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Hornell, N.Y.
June 22d

7985 
July 25, 1843  
Bridget Willis  

J.H. Curtis P.M.

Hon. J.L. Edwards  
Commissioner of Pensions  
Washington D.C.
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79853  1337.
Bridget Willis N.Y.
act 3 March 43 
2 yrs Dragoon Lees Legion Valine
1843- 100 from 12 July
husbands papers under
act of 1818 mislaid his
name or dec's legion
Hon J. Demott HR
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Benjamin Willis N.Y. Act 18 March 1818 $96.00 pension
To what time was he last paid? G.C.A
Pension Office January 15th 1847-  Died 12th July 1843 Paid to his death, WLM
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There is the name of Benj. Willis & Benjamin Willes, both pensioners under Act 1818 from Montgomery Co. N.Y. As Benj. Willes’ papers are in file & Benj. Willis cannot be found, possibly Benjamin Willis’ widow may have applied & from the similarity of the names, Benj. Willis’s papers may be there. The Register or rolls will show.
Benjamin Willes was under Lee’s Brigade for 18 months and also gave up presence in
Lee’s Brigade – Eastern in 1779. Willes was pensioned for no service as a pensioner
Page 36

Bridget Willis
act of 38, NY allowed
Wm Bullock Sr
act of 32 — allowed
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Official Business  
Hon. L. P. Waldo,
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Page 38

7985  
Bridget Willis  
M.D.  
Late R.G. Marcy July  22d 1846  
Act 3rd March '63
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413b3
Rev INVALID.
File No. 44863  
Benjamin Willis  
Pvt. Rev War
Act: 18 March 18
Index: -- Vol. 3 , Page 568
Arrangement of 1870.
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18.217
New York
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Widow, &c.
No. 19634
Bridget Willis
Widow of
Benjamin Willis
Dragoon Service
Act: Feb. 22, 1848
Index – Vol. M
Page 344
Page 42

Herron Dec. 8th 1846
Hon. JL Edwards
Will you allow Hon, J. D. Mott to investigate in Relation to the Pension Claim of Bridget Willis Widow of Benjamin Willis of New York, and report to him, additional proof was for to your office on the 11 of August and to Robert Reed.
John F Curtis – atty for widow
Plse reply at your early convenience
Yr obt
JD Mott
Hos. Wp
14 Dec. 1846
Page 43

Hon JL Edwards
Page 44

Dec 11, 46 
Madam
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Washington, D.C.

Examd R.G.
Dec 7th

Bridget Willis
Widow Aug —

R. G. Murray
Page 45

Darien Genesee Co. N.Y. Dec. 1846
Hon J.L. Edwards
Sir
On the month of June 1845 I mailed to you a set of papers in the case of Bridget Wills of this Town Widow of Benjamin Willis deceased, who was a Pensioner  of the United States Said people forwarded another set in May last on which I received your Report of July 22. 46. in which you required Bridget Willis to famish a formal statement of the Service of her husband, that you might determine which Benjamin Willis was her husband. That statement I mailed to you on or about the 12 of August last, which I fear was lost as I have not heard from you since that time in relation to this claim. You will confer a special favor by informing me whether said Statement was received by you. And if it was, whether any further proof is required to substantiate the claim
I remain Sir,
Your Ob't Serv't
R.G. Murray

[illegible] Darien, Genesee Co. N.Y.
Hon. J.L. Edwards
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Darien N.Y.
Aug 13

Augt 13th 1846
To Brig. Genl. J.L. Edwards
Washington D.C.

Mailed Augt 13th
Page 47

Cavin August 13 1846
Hon J.L. Edwards
Sir
Enclosed is the declaration of Bridget Willis setting forth the facts called for in the form of the 23d just as minutely as she can give them at this time.
With respectful regard
Your Obt Sert
R.G. Murray
Hon J.L. Edwards
Washington DC
Page 48

Revolutionary Claim 2145
Bridget Willis
Act July 7, 1838
N. York
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Washington D.C.
Page 49

Darien, Genesee Co. N.Y. May 17, 1846
Hon. J.L . Edwards
Sir, Enclosed is the Declaration of Bridget Willis and the proof
to substantiate her claim to a Pension about one year since I forwarded to your Office a set of papers in this case, which appears now lost, as I learned from Arad Joy Esq that the name of Bridget Willis does not appear upon Your Register I have endeavoured to procure a Certificate in regard to my marriage, either positive or negative, but the circumstances connected with that event, (as you will see by the deposition) are such as to preclude the hope of obtaining such Certificate to the proof of Marriage herewith submitted, I think will be deemed by you abundantly sufficient to show that said ceremony took place prior to the 1st day of January 1794
Very Respectfully Your obvt sert
RG Murray

Hon JL Edwards 
Washington DC
Page 50

[illegible]
Hon. H.S. Cruger Mc
Page 51

Declaration
In order to obtain benefits of the Act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled “An act making further provision for surviving widows of soldiers of the Revolution”
State of New York
Genesee County
On this twentieth day of July 1848, personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Mrs. Bridget Willis a resident of Darien in the county of Genesee State of New York
aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to the widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war; that she is the widow of Benjamin Willis, who was a Dragoon in Col. Lee’s corps Virginia line in the war of the Revolution, and that she has drawn  pension at the rate of one Hundred dollars [blank] cents  per annum, under the Act of 17th June, 1844. She further declares that she is still a widow. Bridget Willes
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year written above written, before Thomas Riddle Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit.
Thomas Riddle Justice of the Peace


I hereby certify that Thomas Riddle is a Justice of the same as an and that the foregoing certificate purporting to be his is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed
my seal of office and subscribed my name this25 day of July 1848
M.G. Soper Dep Clk
Page 52

New York
Benjamin Willis
Capt. Rudolph Private NY
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War 
Inscribed on the roll of New York at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to on the 20th of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 19th of May 1818 and sent to the Pensioner care of [illegible] Esq. Judge, Montgomery County, N. York
Arrearages to Sept. 1818 – $36.00
Semi Anl. [Semiannual] to 4th of Mar. – $36.00
Revolutionary claims,
Act 18th March, 1818,
Virginia Line
Lee Regt.– 1779
Sep 18
Page 53

decd L. H. Rose
1843
if sent Nov 22 1820 to John T. Lobdel
Johnstown Montgomery Co NY
Page 54

Benj Willis Pr Lee's Legion
Did he receive land
No
Page 55

[left page]
Answer to R. G. Murray
Darien, Genesee Co. N.Y

No 37.486
Benjamin Willis
NY act 7 June 1832
Admr. Lees Dragoons 
$100 per annum from 4 March 1831 to12 July 1843 the day of
his death, deander what has been paid and the act of 18 March 1818 at the rate of $96th per annum payable to his widow Bridget Willis
R. G. Murray
Wayne County NY
Page 56

Declaration
In order to obtain the right of the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832

State of New York
County of Genesee
Personally appeared on this 1st day of February 1847 for the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Bridget Willis of Darien said County aged Eighty part who of the being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith. That she is the widow of Benjamin Willis deceased late a soldier in the war of the Revolution & a Pensioner of the United States. This deponent doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress Passed June 7 1832 - That her before said Husbend Benjamin Willis enlisted in the Army in the War of the Revolution from Rockland County New York - That he served in the Virginia Line, and drew a Pension`at the rate of Ninety Six dollars instead of One hundred dollars per annum to which he was entitled. That he died on this town on the 12th day of July 1843 Eighteen hundred and Forty three that this deponent is the identical person, to whom was issued, as the Widow of the said Benjamin Willis a Pension Certificate, now in her possession bearing date January 19th 1847. at the rate of our hundred dollars. This deponent in the name of her deceased husband, the said Benjamin Willis makes the above Declaration and application for the Pension due to him at the day of death which took plan on the 12th day of July 1843
Subscribed and Sworn before me This 1st day of February 1847
Thomas Riddle, Justice Peace  Bridget Willis

I certify that for twenty two years I have been personally acquainted with above named Bridget Willis; that she is a person of the first respectability and her statements are entitled to credit; that I know her to be the widow of Benjamin Willis deceased, late a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of eight dollars per month
Thomas Riddle, Justice Peace
Page 57

Genesee County
Clerks office

I Samuel C. Holden Clerk of the County of Genesee do hereby certify that Thomas Riddle is a Justice of the peace of said County as above and that the foregoing Certificate purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 9th day of February 1824.
S. C. Holden Clerk
by M. G. Soper Dep. Clk
Page 58

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES                                            Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
Form VAN-51 12-5-41
         BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD 

            Willis, Benjamin Private Lee's Legion

        Warrant Number 13928  Acre Age 100   ISSUED July 16, 1790
  to Wm. G. Vreedenburgh Jr, assignee 

The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of ""Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800"" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.