Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19629, Russell Willis, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey.
Willis, Russell Mary
W 19629
B.L.M. 26038-160-55.
CONTENTS

1313 act March 3/55
March 13/55
Mary Miller - wid of Russell Miller - Govt.
capt. Miller's col.
Ent. Dis.
Revolutionary War
July 48-1385 D. D. Dighton
Will 16 Dec, May, 1575 B. M. W.
H. H. Bostwick Auburn N.Y.
Sit to H. H. Bostwick Apr. 24/53 " " " " " May 7/53 " " " " " " 23/53
Vol W2. page 19.

Reported
1385. New York Albany Mary Willis widow of Russell Willis who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 33 Dollars 33.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23. day of August 1848 and sent to
John H. Curtis Huron Wayne Co. N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 240 Vol. 4
J. V.

New York 20519
Russel Willis of Cayuga in the State of N. Y. who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Bailey of the Regt. commanded by Col. Leely in the Militia line for
10 months
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Y. at the rate of 33. Dollars 33. Cents per annum, to commence in the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17. day of Sept. 1833 and sent to A. Goud. Auburn. N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833- 83. 32 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 34- 16 66
$ 99 98
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. Francis Clerk Book Co. Vol. 4 - Page 39

State of New York County of Cayuga
On this 8th day of March 1855, before me the subscriber, James M c Intire, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Mary Willis, and made oath in due form of law that she is the identical person named who was the lawful wife of Russell Willis who was a private in the Revolutionary War, and the same person who is named in an original Certificate of Pension, in her possession of which the following is a true copy.
War Department Midwif Pension
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2 d 1848, Mary Willis widow of Russell Willis who was a private in the Revolutionary War, is inscribed on the Pension list at the rate of thirty three dollars and thirty three cents per annum, commencing on the 4 th March 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Examined & Countersigned J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions. By F S Evans
Given at the War Office of the United States this 23 d day of August one thousand eight hundred and fifty eight W L P. Hearn Secretary of War.

And she further deposes and says that she has not intermarried, but continues the widow of the above mentioned the said Russell Willis, That she now resides in the Town of Mentz in the County and State aforesaid, and continues to draw pension under said certificate.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act passed March 3 rd or 3 rd 1855, granting Bounty Lands to certain Officers and Soldiers who have been engaged in the Military Service of the United States. She also declares that she has not received a warrant for Bounty Land under this or any other act of Congress.
Stephen Ward Hannah A Willis
Mary his Willis mark
State of New York County of Cayuga ss
On this 8 th day of March AD 1855 before me personally came Stephen Ward & Hannah A Willis, residents of the Town of Mentz in the County and State aforesaid, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, depose and say that they were present and saw Mary Willis sign her name to the

foregoing Declaration. And they further swear that they are well acquainted with the said Mary Willis, and know her to be the identical person she represents herself to be
Stephen Ward
Hannah A Willis
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first hereinbefore written. And I certify that the said Mary Willis and the said Stephen Ward, and the said Hannah A Willis, are known to me to be persons of respectability and character, and entitled to full credit and belief. And that the foregoing points testified to by them are known to me to be true.
James H. Postwick Justice of the Peace

POWER OF ATTORNEY.
Know all men by these presents, That I, Mary Willis, of the County of Cayuga and State of New York, do hereby constitute and appoint Henry H. Bostwick, of Auburn, N. Y., my true and lawful attorney, irrevocable, for me and in my behalf, to prosecute my claim for whatever Bounty Land I may be entitled to, on account of military services of her late husband, Rufus Willis, in the Revolutionary War, and to receive such Land Warrant as may be issued, and to appoint one or more attorneys under him for the purposes aforesaid, hereby revoking any power of attorney which may have been heretofore given, and confirming all things that my attorney, the said Henry H. Bostwick, may lawfully do in the premises. And I do hereby agree to allow the said Henry H. Bostwick, five Dollars, of whatever amount there may be obtained upon said claim, as a compensation for prosecuting the same, and to furnish him with such proofs and facilities as may be required, so far as the nature and circumstances of the case will admit; and if nothing be obtained, he is to charge nothing for his services.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 8th day of March. A. D. 1855.
In the presence of Stephen Ward, Hannah A. Willis
Mary Willis mark
Acknowledged before me the day and year last above written, and I certify that I am satisfied that the said Mary Willis is the widow of the said Rufus Willis. H. Bostwick Justice of the Peace.
COUNTY CLERK'S CERTIFICATE.
STATE OF New York, Cayuga County Clerk's Office.
I hereby certify that James H. Bostwick, before whom the foregoing acknowledgment was taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county and State aforesaid, duly elected and authorized to take the same, and that the signature thereto purporting to be his, is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of said county, and of the Court of Record thereof, this 8th day of March, 1855.
E. B. Marvin, County Clerk, of Cayuga County.

no 18450
Rufel Willis NY
Admitted
1833 77 1756
e
A. Gould, agent Columbia New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Rifeel Willis
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Called into service 1776 1 Private Capt Austin Bailey — Lieut Joshua Lurton Colo Sylvanus Saly To Hackensack Morris County New Jersey aged 70 Grand Jury during trial   Chledout 1776 1 same to same   Sub. " " 1   Sub 1   On list 1781 3 Capt Stephen Baldwin Colo Sylvanus Saly Colo. Matthew Ogden Genl Dayton Springfield From Morris County to Pottsburg N.Y. to New York Connecticut Farms  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
From this time to 1780 he alleges to have been in service — as substitute for others or for himself at the muster of the lines

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Rupel Willis
18459 additional claim before a magistrate not admiss- ible -
Agent
A. Gould Auburn NY
Acord 10m. p.m. $33.33

State of New York
Cayuga County
§ Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in & for said County Rufus Willis who being duly sworn says that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his services but according to his best recollection he served not less than the period men- tioned below and in the following grade. For ten - - - months I served as a private soldier and for such service I claim a pension
In addition to the tours of service particularly mentioned and set forth in my said declaration I can now remember the following tours of service performed as a guard upon the lines.
In the month of Sept 1777 I again entered said service as a volunteer in the company of militia commanded by Capt Joseph Beach and in (the name of his  my colonel I do not remember. I marched to Newark where I was stationed one month.
About one week after the close of the last mentioned service I again entered said service as a substitute for one Sylvester Leering in the company commanded by Capt Joseph Beach aforesaid and marched to Newark where I was stationed one month, I was not under any Colonel or Regiment officers at that time. but served as a guard upon the lines
In the month of June 1778 I was again in said service as a volunteer in the company of militia commanded by Capt Layton I marched to Monmouth and was in the battle on the 28 th of the same month, and after the battle I was discharged having served one month, I was at this time in the Regiment commanded by Major Lindlay I performed many other tours of duty as I believe but cannot remember now when and where they were performed. The name of my other company

officers whilst in said three monthly terms I do not now remember
Sworn & Subscribed the 10 th June 1833 Russel this x Will's mark before me R Cook Justice of the peace
I certify my opinion that said Will's is a man of truth & veracity. June 10 th 1833
R Cook
State of New York
Cayuga County
ss I Michael S Myers Clerk of said County do certify that Robert Cook before whom the foregoing affidavit was made was on the day of the the day of the date of the same a justice of the peace in & for said county that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said justice & believe his signature to said affidavit & the above certificate to be genuine Witness my hand and seal of office the 10 th June 1833
M. S. Myers

State of New York Cayuga County Ss John Norris of Mentz in the county of Cayuga aforesaid being duly sworn says that he is aged seventy seven years, that he is well acquainted with Rufel Willis of Mentz aforesaid and was well acquainted with him in the time of the Revolution- ary war. that they bothe resided in the town of Mentz in the County of Morris & State of New Jersey during said war - that he first became particularly acquainted with him at the time of the Battle of Monmouth when they were both in service of the United States as soldiers. He further says that altho' he this deponent was not at home all the time during said war yet he then, and has ever since been informed, and understood, and believes that said Rufel Willis was engaged in the service as a guard upon the lines frequently and a great part of the time from the year 1776 until the year 1781 that whilst the enemy lay in New York it was thought necessary to keep a guard upon the lines along from at 1778 Hackensack Amboy and Elizabethtown to prevent them from plundering the inhabitants - that the guarding of said lines was as he believes entrusted to the militia of the neighbourhood. He further says that from what he knows of the state of the country at that time, from his personal knowledge of the said Willis, services and from what he has understood from said Willis and others at that time & since he thinks that the service of said Willis must have been not less than two years and nine months as such guard & in cases of alarm He further says that he has also understood that said Willis served in the New Jersey state troops a term of three months but has no personal knowledge of said services. that the said Willis has always sustained a fair character as a moral man and a man of truth and

veracity - that about the year 1810 as he believes the said Willis received a shock of the Palsy which very much impaired his health & memory and from the effects of which he has not recovered Sworn & subscribed the 14 th day of November A D 1832 John Norris John Grover Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with the said John Norris and that he is a man of good moral character and a man of unquestionable truth and veracity John Grover Justice of the Peace
State of New York Cayuga County } ss I Michael S Myers Clerk of the County of Cayuga do certify that John Grover before whom the foregoing affidavit was made was on the day of the date thereof Justice of the peace in and for said County that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and believe his signature to the said affidavit and the above certificate to be genuine Witness my hand and seal of office the 17 th day of November A D 1832 M S Myers Clerk

State of New York Coeymans County ss On this tenth day of Nov AD 1832 personally appears before me first judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Coeymans in said State of New York Rafael Willis a resident of the town of Nunda in said County aged seventy  two years who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 That he entered the service under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he was born in the town of Salisbury in the State of Connecticut that when he was four years of age his father removed to the County of Morris in the State of New Jersey where he continued to reside until the time of the Revolutionary War. That he was born in the year 1760 as he believes but has no record of his age - that in the summer of the year 1776 then being a resident of the town of Morris in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey & about the time that the British troops landed upon Long Island he was called into the service of the United States in a company of Militia commanded by Captain Austin Bailey Lieut Joshua Green in the Regiment commanded by Col Sylvanus Seely. That he marched with said company to Hackensack at & near which place he continued to serve a term of one month as a guard upon the lines when he was dis- missed and returned home, where he remained about one month. That about the month of July 1776 he was again called into said service

in the same company & Regiment & marched to Hackensack; whilst stationed there a certain number of men was chosen from each company in the Regiment and organized into a company to serve as a guard upon the lines. That he was chosen as one of said company and continued to serve as such guard a term of one month. That he does not remember the name of his captain or other company officers during said month but recollects that he was one of the captains belonging to said Regiment.
He further declares that immediately after the expiration of said monthly term he engaged in said service as a substitute for one Mr Wells and continued to serve as a guard upon the lines for a term of one month and that from this time until the Spring of the year one thousand seven  eight hundred and eighty one he was in service most of the time in cases of alarm and as a guard upon the lines; that during said time the enemy lay in the City of New York and were accustomed to send out parties into the country to plunder the inhabitants. That in order to prevent said depredations a guard was kept constantly in service along the lines at Elizabeth town, ambo g Hackensack & other places. That said guard was composed of the militia of the neighbourhood in which service they were constantly engaged by turns. That he was engaged nearly all the time as such guard. Some times for himself, but most of the time as a substitute for others but for whom he does not now recollect except one Stites - for whom with a Continental Regiment he served one month. That he did not attend to any kind of business during said term except as a soldier.

in the army. And that his actual service during said term was not less than two years and nine months. That he served under different captains but belonged to the company of Capt. Austin Bailey in Col. Sylvanus Seelys Regiment as aforesaid. -that about the month of June AD 1781 he enlisted into a company of New Jersey State troops commanded by Captain Stephen Baldwin. in the Regiment then commanded by Col. Sylvanus Seely for a term of three months. That he marched with said company from Morristown to Dobbs Ferry on the Hudson River in the State of New York where he remained a few weeks and marched back to Newark and from thence to a place called "Connecticut Farms" about three miles from Newark where he continued until his term of three months expired. That whilst in said three months service the company & Regiment to which he belonged served part of the time in company with a continental Regiment commanded by Col. Matthew Ogden in Gen. Dayton's Brigade. That during said the war he was in the battle of Springfield and of Monmouth. That owing to a shock of the numb palsy received about the year 1813. His memory is very much impaired and his health quite feeble which is the reason of his not being more particular in his narration. That he never received a written discharge from said service and has no proof documentary or otherwise other than the accompanying affidavit. That he continued to reside in the County of Morris aforesaid then until the year 1810 when he removed to the County of aforesaid Cayuga where he has resided ever since and where he

now resides. That the Rev Noah Barr & Edward C Willis of Mertz aforesaid reside in his neighbourhood and can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution
He hereby relinquishes all claim to annuity or annuity or pension except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any state or territory Sworn & subscribed the day of his Ralph his Willis year aforesaid mark
J. L. Richardson notary public
We Noah Barr a clergyman residing in the town of Mertz in Cayuga County and State of New York and Edward C Willis of the same place do certify that we are well acquainted with Ralph Willis who has subscribed and sworn to the preceding declaration that we believe him to be seventy two years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & subscribed the 17 th day of November A.D. 1832 John Grover Justice of the

And I the said Joseph L Richardson first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Cayuga & State of New York do hereby declare my opinion after an investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the said Russel Willis was a Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states, and I further certify that it appears to my satisfaction that Noah Banel who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in Mentz in said County and that Edward C Willis who has also signed the same is a resident in Mentz aforesaid and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to full credit - and I further certify that the said Russel Willis is not able to attend Court by reason of bodily infirmity - Dated November 17 th A D 1832
J. L. Richardson first Judge of Court
State of New York, Cayuga County } ss
I Michael S Myers Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County & Clerk of said County do certify that Joseph L Richardson before whom the foregoing declaration was made and by whom the foregoing certificate was made was on the day of the dates thereof first Judge of said Court, and that John Grover before whom the above certificate was made was on the day of the date thereof a justice of the peace in & for said County. that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and also of the said justice and believe the signature of the said judge to the said declaration & certificate and the signature of the said justice to the said certificate to be their proper handwriting and signature respectively - I further certify

that the foregoing contains the proceedings of the said Judge in the matter of the application of Rufus Willis for a pension
Witness my hand and the seal of said Court and County the 17 th day of November A D 1832
W. J. Myers Clerk

10718
no. act 43
N o 6331
Mary Willis
NY
Hon George Rathbun
Act 7. July 38
a 42.
Rejected
Act 3 March 43
adm d
10 mo pri
$33.33
And Joynt avid NY

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of New York } ss. On this 15 th day of February 1844 County of Cayuga personally appeared before the Subscriber a Judge of the court in and for said County Mary Willis a resident of Albany in said county aged seventy nine 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 7, 1838 entitled, "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of Russell Willis who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States. She further declares that she was married to the said Russell Willis in Morris County New Jersey in February 1781, seventeen hundred and eighty one. That the attached family record, is the true record of the children of this deponent & her aforesaid husband. That her husband, the aforesaid Russell Willis died on the 30 th day of June eighteen hundred and forty two. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz. at the time above stated.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before J. L. Richardson first judge of Cayuga
Mary X Willis mark
I certify that the above named Mary Willis is a respectable person. That I consider her to be of the age stated by her, and that from her great age, slender health, disabilities of such age, and general infirmity, ought not to be required to appear before open court to make her declaration. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible for her to appear before open court on account of bodily infirmity.
J. L. Richardson first judge of Cayuga
State of New York } ss. Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said county William Willis of Albany in said county aged fifty five years, after being sworn according to law deposeth and saith that widow Mary Willis above named is this deponent's mother and that her late husband, Russell Willis late a pensioner of the United States was this deponent's father. That the attached family record is the true family record of the ages of this deponent's aforesaid father and mother, & their children, of their family. That the attached family record has been in his Eighteen years, & is the one referred to at all times, as the true record of the ages of this deponent's aforesaid father & mother & their children, that this deponent aforesaid father Russell Willis the said pensioner, died on the 30 th day of June, eighteen hundred and forty two & that this deponent aforesaid mother Mary Willis is still a widow. That the attached family record was copied from an old worn out record that had been kept as a true record ever since this deponent's first recollection. Subscribed & sworn before me this 30 th day of January 1844
Wm S. Willis
I certify that William S. Willis who subscribed the above deposition is a respectable person - Henry S. Macey Justice of the Peace
Henry S. Macey Justice of the Peace

State of New York County of Cayuga
ss. Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, known to Sarah Baxter of Noemt in said county aged forty two years, after being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith. That widow Mary Willis who is applying for a pension as the widow of Russell Willis is this deponents mother and that the aforesaid Russell Willis was a pensioner of the United States, & was this deponents father. That the attached family record, is the true family record of the ages of this deponents aforesaid father, mother & their children, that the same has been in being for Eighteen years as the true record & of the truth of which this deponent has full confidence. That this deponents aforesaid father Russell Willis died on the 30th day of June, eighteen hundred & forty two
Subscribed and sworn before me
This 30th day of January 1844
Hiram M c Carty Justice of the Peace
Sarah Baxter
I certify the above named known to Sarah Baxter is a respectable person.
Hiram M c Carty Justice of the Peace
State of New York
County of Wayne
ss. Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, Julia Ann Ward of Clyde in said county aged sixty years, after being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith. That widow Mary Willis who is applying for a pension as the widow of Russell Willis late a pensioner of the United States, is this deponents mother and that the aforesaid Russell Willis was this deponents father. That the attached family record is the true record of the ages of this deponents aforesaid father and mother & their children, that this deponent is the eldest child, that the aforesaid family record has been in being, and referred to as the true record for Eighteen years past, that this deponents aforesaid father, Russell Willis the said pensioner died on the the 30th day of June, eighteen hundred & forty two and that this deponents aforesaid mother Mary Willis is still a widow. That the attached record is a true copy of an old original record, and was copied to persons
Subscribed & sworn before me This 30th day of January 1844
{old original record, and was copied to persons a true record. That the original record is not lost.
John S c Curtes Justice of the Peace
Julia Ann Ward
I certify that the above named Julia Ann Ward is a respectable person.
John S c Curtes J.P.

BIRTHS.
Russel Willis was born December 22 nd - 1763 Mary Willis was born March 23 rd - 1764 Julia Ann Willis was born October 25 th 1783 Rachel Willis was born September 27 th 1786 William Willis was born November 16 th - 1788 Thomas Willis was born April 29 th - 1791 Jane Willis was born October 2 nd - 1793 Edward Willis was born March 2 nd 1796 Hannah Willis was born December 22 nd 1798 Sarah Willis was born May 22 nd - 1801

State of New York
County of Wayne ss. Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county Nancy Pixley of the town of Walcott in the county of Wayne aged SixtySeven years.
after being duly sworn according to law, deposeth & saith that she has been personally acquainted with widow Mary Willis who is applying for a pension, as the widow of Russell Willis late a pensioner of the United States for more than Sixty years, and that the aforesaid widow Mary Willis is the identical person & widow of the aforesaid Russell Willis, that she is the identical person who was the wife of the aforesaid Russell Willis more than Sixty years since, and that Julia Ann Remond  Sarah & William S. who have subscribed the foregoing depositions are & had always been called the children of the aforesaid parties, Russell Willis & Mary Willis, & that this deponent considers them to be of the ages represented by them that the aforesaid Russell Willis died on the 30th day of June eighteen hundred and Fortytwo and that he left as his widow the aforesaid Mary Willis, who is still his widow.
Subscribed & sworn before me this 3rd day of February 1844
Nancy Pixley mark
John F. Curtis Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named Nancy Pixley is a respectable person
State of New York
Wayne County Clerk's office ss: I certify that John F. Curtis whose signature appears to the mark of the preceding affidavits and certificates, was at the dates of the same a Justice of the Peace of said County duly qualified; and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and that his signatures thereto are genuine.
Witness my hand & seal of office February 5. 1844 Darius Chapman Clerk of said County.
State of New York
Cayuga County Clerk's Office ss: I Philip Van Arsdales Clerk of said County of Cayuga do hereby certify that Joseph L. Richardson Esq was on the 15th day of Feby inst first Judge of said County Courts, that Henry S. Macey Esq was on the 30th day of January last, a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, that Hirand M c Carty was on the said 30th day of January last a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, that the said Richardson, Macey & M c Carty were truly appointed as such officers aforesaid & qualified & that the foregoing are their genuine signatures.
By Witness whose hand & seal of office February 15. 1844
Philip Van Arsdales Clerk

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19____
W 19629  In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Russell Willis a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Summer 1776 he served at various times until end of war. Pvt. Austin Bailey Jos. Beach Layton Stephen Baldwin Sylvanus Seeley N.J.  
Battles engaged in, Monmouth & Springfield
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Morristown N.J.
Date of application for pension, Nov 10 1832 his cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Menty N.Y.
Age at date of application, born Salisbury Conn - Dec 22 1763
Remarks: (Colonel in Morris Co N.J. in Feb 1781 Mary (maiden name not stated) who was born Mar 23 1764 d. June 30 1842. She was at p in 1844 while living in Menty N.Y. Children - Julia Ann Ward b Oct 25 1783 - Rachel b Sept 27 1786. Wm S. Nov 16 1788. Thos C Apr 29 1791. John S Oct 2 1793. Edw C Mar 2 1796 Hannah A - Dec 22 1798 Sarah Bachel May 22 1801  Respectfully,
X  Commissioner.

Aug 20 '44
Mansfield, N. J. wh 38
Hon
J. L. Edwards Comm. of Pensions Washington D. C.

Overd Augt 16th 1844
Hon J. L. Edwards.
Com d of Pensions
Dear Sir
The case of Mary Willis, under the law of July 1838 widow of Russell Willis, seems to have been accepted, the family record & proof, all you have on file, may I respectfully ask your Honor if you will not issue her certificate under the act of March 3 d 43 & June 17. 44 - Since you have done it in other cases, under the same circumstances, as for the widow to make a new application, would be attended with great expense & trouble, & subjecting her to all of this trouble & expense, when it is not or has not in many cases been required of others, I pray that I may be pardoned, if I ask a miss
I am Respectfully Your Most Ob d Servt Abad Foy
Edw Foy J. L. Edw

10718
Mary Willis NY.
act 7 July 38 & joint res. 23 June 45. adm 10mopri
33.33
no deduction - hus- -band died in 1842
No 163.
Abad Jay Ent Ohio NY

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the resolution of Congress of the 23 rd January, 1845.
Whereas the act of the 30 th of April 1844, prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period during which my husband was a pensioner, I now make the following statement under oath, to obtain the benefits of the resolution above mentioned.
I am the widow of Russell Willis, who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution; I have drawn a pension at the rate of Thirty-three dollars and Thirty-three cents per annum from the 4 th March, 1843, and now ask for the amount due me from the 4 th March, 1836, to the 4 th day of March, 1845.
Sworn to & subscribed before me, on this 28 th day of February 1845.
A. C. Munger Justice of the Peace. Cayuga County. Mary Willis her mark
I 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.
A. C. Munger Justice of the Peace Cayuga County
I, Philip Van Andale Clerk of the County of Cayuga, do hereby certify, that Asahel C. Munger who has signed the foregoing, is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Cayuga, in the State of New York, and that the above is his signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office, this 28 th day of February at Auburn, in the State of New York. Philip Van Andale Clerk
State of New York Cayuga County
Clerks Office: I Philip Van Andale Clerk of the said County do certify that Asahel C. Munger Esquire was the 28 th day of February A.D. 1845 a Justice of the Peace

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."
STATE OF NEW YORK,
County of Cayuga } ss.
On this 25 th day of July 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county, Mary Willis a resident of Mentz in the county of Cayuga aged Eighty four 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 on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Philip Willis , who was a Reverend of the United States from the State of New Jersey . That she cannot state the names of the officers he served under, or the Regiment he served in. That this Deponent drew a pension under the act of June 17 th 1844 of Thirty three Dollars and Thirty three cents .
She further declares that she is a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before
me
A. C. Munger Justice of the Peace Cayuga County
Mary X Willis Mark
I certify that the above named affiant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing affidavit.
A. C. Munger Justice of the Peace Cayuga County
I certify that the above named Mary Willis cannot write her name by reason of Old age and trembling hands
A. C. Munger Justice of the Peace Cayuga County

State of New York County Clerk's Office
I Ebenezer B. Cobb Clerk of said County do hereby certify that A. C. Munger before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in & for the said County duly elected and authorized to take the same also that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice & know the foregoing to be his genuine signature.
In Testimony whereof I have unto set my hand and affixed seal this 25. day of July, A.D. 1848.
E. B. Cobb Clerk of said County of the County of ...
admitted
J. H. Curtis Huron N.Y.
Answer to ...
DECLARATION

Huron NY July 29 - 1878
free New York
Amos Cole
Hon. J. L. Edwards Court of Persons Washington City D.C.

Throopsville July 26
Yrs
Mr J. F. Curtis T. M.
Huron Wayne County State New York

Mar 11 US
Con 43 5/113
Mr. H. W. L. Smith
L. Edwards Com of Pensions Washington D. C.
FREE
[Faint mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the paper]

Oria March 6th 1845
Dear Sir
I enclose Mary Willis application for a pension, for back pay -
Yours Respectfully Abad Joy
Hon J. L. Edwards Comt. of Pensions Washington D. C.

NY Ad 2 48-1385
Boylston
Mass
Rev
Act Commr 1855. No 1313
FREE
L. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

FREE
Howard L B Waldo
Commissioners of Pensions Washington
DC
Miss M rs Mary Waldo Auburn

✓ 26,038
5 Nov Aug

9223
New York
Mary Willis
widow of Russel Willis who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 30 June 1842 of Cayuga in the State of NY who was a Pri in the Co commanded by Captain Baily of the regt commanded by Col Seely in the line for 10 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 33 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Apt 45 and sent to Strat Jay, Ext. Ovis,
Total amount, $ H Res. 23 Jan 45 [Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Book
Vol.
Page
Clerk,
J. L. Swann 187
No 163
Cert: J. Res: of 23 Jan 45 issued
Apt 21. 1845 — at $33. 33 p. ann.

6027 Albany, N.Y.
Mary Willis — widow of Russell Willis, who was a chivalrous in the N.Y. Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 33 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Aug t 1844 and sent to
Adm. Exy. Secy, Quid, N.Y.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 269.

April 21. 1845.
N o 163 —
Joint Resolution.
and Sent to
Adrad. Joy, Esq.
Ovid
(N.Y.)

Mary Willis
Per. Lam '38. N.Y.
I made some papers from
Arad Joy

V 10.7.18 Mary Willis
NY.
Let to Hon. Geo. Rathbun May 22, 44
act July 7. 38

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 19629 Mary Willis widow of Russell Willis Prs Rev War
Act: Feb 29 H 6
Index:—Vol. M Page 344
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1921. May 19. Heir. to Chas. E. Willis and

Albany NY March 8 th 1855-
Hon D P Waldo. Com r of Pensions.
Sir
Herewith I send Application for Bounty Land in the case of Mrs Mary Willis, under the act of March 2 d & 3 d , 1855.
Yours truly A W Dostine

Auburn May 18 th 1855
Hon d L. P. Waldo, Washington, D. C.
Sir
I reply to your letter of the 17 th inst relative to the claim of Mrs Mary Willis widow of Russel Willis for Bounty Land on account of his revolutionary services, I would enquire whether there is not some record evidence of his services on file in the Department with his or her claim for a Pension, presented at the time of his or her application for a Pension, or whether his service was alone proved by Com d s.
Yours Truly H. B. Burch William L. Mott

Form 2 copies.
Auburn, N.Y. May 1 st 1855.
Hon ble J. P. Waldo, Com te of Pensions.
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 26 th ult o . relative to the claim of Mary Willis for Bounty Land under the Act of 3 rd March 1855, as the widow of Russel, No 1313 , I would say that the requirement to prove by "Record Evidence" that her husband served in the war of the Revolution "fourteen days", seems onerous and unreasonable. Such requirement applies with peculiar hardship to the widow of a Revolutionary Soldier, particularly to one who has already proved the service of her husband, and entitled to and admitted as entitled to a pension on account of the services of her husband, and the justness of her claim admitted by the issue of a certificate of Pension to her upon which she is in the receipt of a pension. Surely, if any one should be exempt from burdensome proofs, it is the widow of a soldier of the Revolution. I suppose that your requirement in this instance is based upon the 3 rd section of the Act of March 3 rd 55, which was undoubtedly intended to apply alone to cases where the service rendered was less than 14 days, for instance the volunteers at Plattsburgh and those engaged in battle. It certainly could never have been designed to apply to such an instance as the one in question. I trust this case will be reconsidered, and decided upon its merits.
Yours truly, H. H. Bostwick

705 WEST GRACE ST.
Richmond, Virginia
May 13-1921
The Commissioner of Pensions Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I have written your department several times to obtain some much needed information but have received no reply.
I am therefore writing once again in hope I may this time hear from you as the record is necessary to complete a manuscript.
I desire a copy of the application for a pension by the widow of Russel Willis, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, he enlisted from Morris county, New Jersey, in the year 1776. The widows application is ( Widow No. 19629), and was probably sent from Cayuga County, New York, state.
Trusting you will favor me with an early reply,
I remain,
Respectfully yours
Charles E. Willis