Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6526, Thomas Willis, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Willis Thomas
W 6526
Willes or
B.L. Wt. 26824-160-55-
Anna.
CONTENTS

91. 2 37. Vol March 3/ Up 23/55
air Ford & Davis Nov 24/55
Anna Willis Mag Thomas Willis Pirate
Capt. Wm Barkley } N. Y. Col. Snarturet } Mil.
Ent. 1876 } Dis. 1878 }
Revolutionary War.
Recd Mar.
Ohio Feb 48-5141 2
17
Ford L Davis Mansfield Ohio
Vol W2 page 20.

32754. Albany New York
Thomas Willis
Livingston in the State of Willis, New York who was a private in the Compy commanded by Captain Nixon of the regt commanded by Col. Suggington in the N York militia time for 6 mo.
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany N York at the rate of 20 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 day of July 1836 and sent to S. G. Groton Sp. Springwater N.Y.
Arrears to the 14th of March 1836- 100.00 Pemi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept 1836 10.00 $ 110.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. McCurdy Clerk, Book E. 2. Vol. 4. Page 81

Letl. O. H. Fitch Jan 16: '36-7.
Tr. en - Jan. 20: '37
Transf. to O. Pittsburgh fr.
Alby fr. 4: March 1831 - Jan 31:
'37 -
Mm. I. R. Giddings
July 13 1840. — —

Lt. J. H. Fox
Oct. 11/13
Indy Davis Nov 26 1853
5745 Ohio - Pittsburgh Anna Willis ~ widow of Thomas Willis NY who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private ~
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 ~ Dollars ~
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of October 1849 and sent to B. B. Gaylard - Jefferson Ohio -
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 368, Vol.

BIRTHS.
Thomas Willis born 1 st May 1755 Anna Atkins born 15 th Sept r 1766 Archibald Willis born 16 th May 1782 Pededick Willis born 18 th May 1784 Enoch Willis born 22 nd March 1787 Deborah Willis born 23 rd March 1789 Garius Willis born 20 th June 1791 Charlotte Willis born 19 th May 1793 Ferusha Willis born 28 th August 1795 Asa & Asahel Willis twins born 2 nd October 1797 Lovisa Willis born 25 th May 1800 Malinda Willis born 15 th February 1805
BIRTHS.
Benjamin Baldra born Oct 30 1725 Ferusha W Baldra born August 29 1757 Elizabeth W Baldra born May 17 1815 a son born Oct 12 1823 Asa W Baldra born March 14 1822 Lana Baldra born April 25 1824 Alvin Baldra born July 13 1826 Anna Baldra born February 25 1829

MARRIAGES.
Thomas Willis And Anna Atkins Married the 14 th of February 1781
MARRIAGES.
Asa Willis And Wetthy Barber Married the 8 th of August
Asahel Willis And Patty Livermore Married the 5 th of December 1824
Benjamin Beldra and Sarah Willis Married September 13 1818. William Carlton and Elizabeth Beldra Married June the 10 1820

State of Ohio Ashtabula County } } }
I Martha Willis of Plym- outh in the County and State aforesaid of lawful age being first du- ly sworn do depose and say that the leaf hereto attached contains the original family record of the marriage of Thomas Willis & Anna Atkins (now widow of said Thomas Willis); that said leaf was ta- ken from the family bible belonging to Thomas Willis that the said record is in the hand writing of Erastus Barber and that said family bible, of which this leaf is a part has for the last twenty four years been kept in my possession,
Martha Willis
Sworn to and subscribed this thirty first day of July 1849, Before me
Syrus Dous Appear Judge

old papers refund Thomas Willis.
146 21
✓
S C Grover agent Spangate Leicester O NY

State of New York Livingston County ss
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for said county in the town of Spencerville Thomas Willis who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, 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 in the Revolutionary war not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades one year and nine months I served as a private soldier and for such service I claim a pension
Sworn subscribed this 22 nd day of May 1833 before me Thomas Willis
Alvah Southworth Just peace
State of New York Livingston County ss
I Chauncy R. Bond Clerk of the said county certify that Alvah Southworth before whom the above affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a legally authorized justice of the peace of said county. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said justice and verily believe his name to the purport of the said affidavit is his own proper hand writing & signature
Witness my hand and seal of office at Geneseo this 13 th day of June 1833

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress
Dated June 7 th 1832
State of New York } County of Livingston }
On this 28 th day of September 1832 Personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas General Sessions of Livingston County Now sitting Thomas Willis a resident of the Town of Springwater in the County of Livingston and State of New York, Aged 77 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 act of Congress Dated June 7 th 1832 That he entered the service of the United States under the following
named officers and served as herein stated That in the month of March as near as he can recollect the Year he cannot precisely state but thinks it was in the Year 1775 or 1776 There was a Company of Minute Men raised to stand as such for one Year that he volunteered his services to be one of the Company subject to be called out at a moments warning That the time this Company was raised he resided in what was then called "Philips Patent" in the County of Dutchess in the State of New York and that the Company was commanded by Capt David Hance and that at the time Danbury was destroyed by the British forces he was called out upon an alarm and joined his Company he does not recollect what month but marched immediately to Danbury and joined the Army then collecting as believe of Militia and that immediately after Danbury was Burned the British Troops went on Board their fleet and that he continued in the service along East River near a place called Throgs Point for the purpose of preventing the British Troops from advancing and that he was out in this Campaign about six
Apr 1777
6- months and that immediately on his return he was again called out by order of Col Suddleton for the purpose of preventing the Cowboys from taking Cattle to the British Camp and that he was out on a scouting party in the neighborhood of the Fishkill Mountains and near Peekskill detected a party of Cow- boys with about seventy head of Cattle which were driven back to Col Suddletons quarters than advertised so that the owners could receive their property again and that he

6- was out upon this Tour as near as he can recollect about six weeks and that during the whole year in which he stayed as a minute man he was continually alarmed but upon 1- scouting parties sometimes for a week sometimes only a day And that in the spring of the year 1776 he thinks, he entered into state service in the Revolutionary war for one year and that his officers as near as he can recollect were Lieutenant Crane and Capt. McCalkins. That the Company into which he was mustered was raised in Philips Patent in Dutches County as before described that he first marched to Peekskill and joined other Companies then marched to Kingsbridge near New York and then joined the main army and was in Col. Swartwouts Regiment thinks General Green had the Command of the Army at Kingsbridge that he went on to Long-Island with the main Army and there had an engagement with the main British Army. Was obliged to retreat back to Kingsbridge he was then taken out of the main Army with a number of other soldiers for the purpose of manning Fort Washington and that at the time orders were received to evacuate Fort Washington he & two other soldiers succeeded in reaching the Jersey Shore in a small boat that he understood that most part of the troops the number he does not recollect were taken prisoners & that immediately after he reached the Jersey Shore learned that that the American forces were then at White Plains where he proceeded and immediately joined the Army and was in the Battle at White Plains and that after the Battle of White Plains he was marched to Peekskill and from there to Fort Independence Constitution and there went on board of a Schooner was taken to West Point and there assisted in drawing timber from the woods by what was then called Sag ropes which service was very fatiguing as it was performed without the assistance of beams that the object in procuring the timber was to sink a chain across the River to prevent the British shipping from going up the North River that he continued at West Point until his term of enlistment had expired and was duly discharged after undergoing a series of hardships & privations that he is not in possession of any documentary evidence that under the pension act of 1818 he

Made Application for a Pension the thinks procured three persons who were acquainted with his Last Years Services on which he Relied for a Pension under that Act that he Presumes that the testimony in question is now at the War Department Accompanying his first application The reason why he did not receive a Pension on his first application as he understood was in consequence of his Services having been rendered resided in the Militia.
He hereby Relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension or Annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of the said State
Sworn Subscribed The day & Year aforesaid in open court J. G. Haven Dep. Clerk
We Alvah Southworth & Christopher Ford residing in the Town of Springwater in the County of Livingston hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Willis who has Subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be Seventy Seven years of age that he is Reputed and believed in the neighbor- -hood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution that we concur in that opinion
Sworn & Subscribed the Day and Year aforesaid in open court J. G. Haven Dep. Clerk
Alvah Southworth Christopher Ford
And The said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogations 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 Alvah Southworth & Christopher Ford who have signed the preceding Certificate are residents in the Town of Springwater of the County of Livingston and State of New York are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to Credit

J. Chauncy R. Bond Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the County of Livingston in the State of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of Thomas Willis for a Pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of the said Court this 28 day of September 1832
Chauncy R. Bond Clerk By S. G. Haver Dep Clerk

Thomas Willis
Alb- Alb
to
O.P.
Washington D.C.
Commissioner of Pensions
J. L. Burns Esq.
Mr. Burdine Esq.
Mr. E. O. Hiltner Esq.

Mr. E. H. Miller H. H.
Aug Mr. Burdine
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Q.P.
to
Attg - Attg
John N. Miller

The State of Ohio } Ashtabula County }
On this twenty ninth day of November A.D. 1836, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for said County of Ashtabula personally appeared Thomas Willis who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain William Collins in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War, that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New York, from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State of Ohio, where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Springwater, Livingston County New York to Ashtabula County, State of Ohio, that two of his sons had removed into the State of Ohio, and he came out to reside with them -
Thomas Willis
Sworn to and subscribed, before me, this day and year Oramel H. Fitch Justice of the Peace aforesaid
We Asa Willis and Asahel Willis on our oaths afore and say that we are personally acquainted with Thomas Willis who signed & made oath to the above affidavit in our presence and that we know him to be the same person described in the said affidavit, Ashtabula Nov. 29. 1836 - Sworn to and subscribed before me Oramel H. Fitch Justice of the Peace
Asa Willis Asahel Willis
The State of Ohio } Ashtabula County }
I Oramel H. Fitch a justice of the peace within and for said County hereby certify that Asa Willis and Asahel Willis signers of the foregoing affidavit are persons of truth & veracity. Oramel H. Fitch Justice of the Peace

The State of Ohio, Ashtabula County p. 3
I, James Whitmore Deputy Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Oramel H. Fitch is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 25th day of March A.D. 1835 and will expire on 25th day of March A.D. 1838 and that his signature above written is genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said County this 30th day of November A.D. 1836.
James Whitmore Deputy Clerk
The State of Ohio Ashtabula County
On this tenth day of January A.D. 1837 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said County of Ashtabula, personally appeared Thomas Willis who on his oath (further) declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Capt. William Collins in Col. Dwartwoat's Regiment in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New York from whence he has lately removed, that he now resides in the State of Ohio, when he intends to remain & wishes his pension to be then payable in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Springwater Livingston County, New York, to Ashtabula County Ohio, that two of his sons removed to Ohio and he came out to reside with them
J. V. ROOSEVELT
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and year last aforesaid Oramel H. Fitch Justice of the Peace
I do further certify that Thomas Willis who swore to and subscribed the foregoing affidavit is the same person who appeared before me on the twenty ninth day of November A.D. 1836 and subscribed & sworn to the affidavit on the preceding page of this sheet. Ashtabula Jan'y 10th 1837.
O. H. Fitch
Justice of the Peace

Ashtabula O. Dec r 1. 1856
Sir,
Enclosed, by request of Thos Willis I forward to you his application for a transfer. Having removed from New York he cannot now draw his pension at the agency in that State. Although he resides in Ohio, it would be more convenient for him to draw his pension at Pittsburgh Pa. than at Cincinnati, as it is much nearer to his residence than the latter place, and he therefore requests that his pension may be paid at the Pittsburgh, agency if it is consistent with your regulations,
The Certificate of Transfer may be sent, directed to "Thomas Willis Ashtabula Ohio" or to me at the same place & I will see that he gets it as he resides some distance from the Postoffice
Yours Respectfully O. H. Fitch
J. L. Edwards Esq. } Comm ee of Pensions } Washington }
Ashtabula Jan y 10. 1857
Sir
In closed I forward the additional of the Colonel's name on the Certificate as requested by you.
Will you have the goodness to forward the transfer as above requested
Yours Respectfully O. H. Fitch
J. L. Edwards Esq. } Comm ee of Pensions } Washington }

Anna Willis, widow of Thomas, O,
Act 17 June 1844
Married 1781 Hus d died Dec 6, 1846
Adm o 6 mos private $22 per annum Com 6 Dec 1846,
Adm o Act 2 Feb, 1848
Pittsburg Agency
B. B. Gaylord, Jefferson, O

State of Ohio Ashtabula County } } }
I Lynas Jones Associate Judge within and for the County and State aforesaid do certify that the said Anna Willis the above declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the person she represents herself to be.
Lynas Jones Associate Judge
The State of Ohio Ashtabula County } } }
I Abner Kellogg Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Lynas Jones is an associate judge in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 15th day of December A.D. 1845 and will expire on the 1 st day of April A.D. 1853. and that his signature above written is genuine Given under my hand and the seal of our said Court at Jefferson in said County this 1 st day of August. A.D. 1849
Abner Kellogg Clerk

State of Ohio Ashtabula County ss
On this thirty first day of July 1849 personally appeared
before the subscriber one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State aforesaid Anna Willis a resident of Plymouth Township in the County and State aforesaid aged eighty three 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 2nd February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Thomas Willis who was a private in the Revolutionary Army (for proof of whose services reference is hereby made to the papers in proof of the services of the said Thomas Willis now on file in office of the War Department) That the said Thomas Willis drew a pension of twenty dollars per annum under the act of the 7th June 1832.
She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Willis on the fourteenth day of February in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one that her husband the aforesaid Thomas Willis died in Plymouth in the aforesaid County and State on the sixth day of December 1846; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794, viz:- at the time above stated.
Benj B. Gaylord } Witnesses to the signature Lyndus Jones } of Anna Willis
Anna her Willis. mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. Before me Lyndus Jones Associate Judge

No 1462! Thomas Willis Livingston County New York
Suspended. 5.12
P 388
Admitted Private 6 months
May 3. 33
S. G. Groves, Springwater Livingston Co N.Y.

County of Livingston  BRIEF in the case of Thomas Willis  in the State of New York (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before Court or a Judge? about  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 77-  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     Vol in Minton In 1775-6 March about 6 Private Capt Heacock Col Luddleton   Enlisted 1776 1 About 42 " " Colkins " Swartouts  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Long Island White plains  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Putchep Co NY  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional evidence  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? not as the regulations require  Commc 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Dyer Castor Examining Clerk.

BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
State of Ohio, County of Ashtabula ss.
On this 2nd day of April A. D. 1855, personally appeared before me, Wells Blacken a justice of the peace within and for said county and State, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Anna Millis aged 88 years, a resident of Ashtabula county, State of Ohio who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the reid of the identical Thomas Millis who was a private in the company commanded by Captain William Perkins in the Revolutionary regiment of New York Militia commanded by Col. Swartout in the war with Great Britain, Deceased by the United States, June 18th, 1828; that he enlisted at Dutchess County on or about the 1st day of October A. D. 1776 for the term of (three months) and continued in actual service in said war for the term of 22 months and was honorably discharged at place unknown on or about the 1st day of June unknown 1778, as will appear by the muster rolls of said company. He has made application under act of 1831 and obtained a Warrant for 160 acres, No. 12345 which is now and cannot be returned.
She further declares that her said husband was a pensioner under the act of 1831 at the rate of twenty dollars per month payable at Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and that since the death of her said husband she has drawn a pension at the rate of twenty dollars per month to which she is not entitled for proof of marriage and death of said husband. She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Millis on the 14th day of February 1781 by Rev. David Closs at Dutchess County New York that her said husband died on the 6th day of December 1846 at Ashtabula County Ohio and that she is still a widow and that she has never made application for any other warrant for 160 acres. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land, granted by the act passed March 3d, 1855, and she hereby declares that she has not applied for, or received, and she believes she is not entitled to Bounty Land, except as above stated, and she hereby appoints FORD & DAVIS, Attorneys at Law, of Mansfield, Ohio, to prosecute her claim, and receive her warrant when issued.
Anna Millis
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year above written, and I certify that I have no interest in the above claim, and am not concerned in its prosecution.
Wells Blacken J. P.
State of Ohio, County of Ashtabula
Personally came Daniel Hubbard and William Millard residents of Ashtabula persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, say, that they were present and saw Anna Millis make her mark sign her name to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; and they, deponents, do reside in the county of Ashtabula State of Ohio. They also swear that they are disinterested witnesses. and that the said Anna Millis is like a mother
Daniel Hubbard William Millard
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 2nd day of April 1855.
Wells Blacken J. P.
State of Ohio, County of Ashtabula ss.
I A. T. Lee Clerk of the County Court, in and for the county and State above mentioned, do hereby certify, that Wells Blacken whose genuine signature appears above, is, and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the county and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction. I also certify, that I have no interest in the result of the case, and am not concerned in its prosecution.
Given under my hand and Seal of Office at Jefferson this 3rd day of April A. D. 1855 A. T. Lee Clerk

Miss Thomas NY 16526
Thomas Miller Affidavit a
9

Ontario Co. personally called before me County } the undersigned one of the Justices of the Peace of the county of Ontario and state of New York & Thomas Miller to me personally known, who being duly sworn, says That in the spring of seventeen hundred and seventy six he was present with Reuben Miller when he enlisted and received bounty in Capt. E. Perkins company in Col. Swifts Regiment  in the continental service and that he this deponent enlisted at the same time and served with the said Reuben and was knowing to his serving and being in the battle of York Island and in the retreat of the army to White Plains and in the battle there and that after that they were sent to Westpoint and assisted in sinking the cheveau defrise and that both of them were discharged at Westpoint together that he the said Reuben enlisted for nine months but served ten before he was discharged and that he this deponent is entirely disinterested.  Thomas Miller
Sworn and subscribed before me at Springwater this ninth day of October 1819 William Callan J.P.
State of New York } Ontario County } Clerks office } 3/
I certify that Ephraim Perkins was on the day of the date of the above certificate or instrument in writing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Ontario duly commissioned and sworn and that the name of said Ephraim Perkins subscribed to the same is in his proper hand writing. Witness my hand and the County seal this 12 th Oct 1819 Herman Norton Dep: Clerk

Ontario } Is State of New York County } Personally came the fore and the under- lined one of the Justices of the peace of the said County Benjamin Jones to me personally known to be of a good moral character Receiving Duty I now say that Ruben Willis in herbed in the Spring of 1876 under Capt. Wm Perkins Belonging to Col. Davenport Regiment and in herbed for nine months and this Defendant further saith not
Benjamin Jones
Sworn & Subscribed to this 5 day of Oct 1879 Re fore me Davenport A. G. H.

State of New York Ontario County 3/4 Clerks Office 3/4
I certify that
Davenport Alger was on the day of the date of the within instrument in writing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Ontario duly commissioned and sworn and that the name of said Davenport Alger subscribed to the same is in his proper hand writing — Witness my hand and the County Seal this 12 th Oct 1889 —
Human Norton Dep: CLK
Willis, Thomas NY W652b

(Scipio)
Reuben Willis pm.
Col. Elmer's Regt Cav. line 1776-1781
May 15 th 1818
Gifts are not much in favor of the style of 9 months in the U.S. - The above is yet required. Note that the certificate of the above is to the reduction in amount of the principal - also in interest -
With interest did not allow for the continued establishment. Willis, Thomas NY Wb52b

STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. Cayuga County, }
ON this sixteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty before me, the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the county of Cayuga in said state, personally appears Reuben Willis aged sixty three years, resident in the town of Scipio in the county of Cayuga and state aforesaid, who being by me first duly sworn according to Law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision 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 States, in the Revolutionary War:"
That the said Reuben Willis , enlisted in the Spring of 1775 the then 18 th at Sharon in the state of Connecticut in the Company commanded by Captain David Dews in Colonel Elmers Regiment of Connecticut Troops the term year  He was in the capture of the British

Nov. 21, 1853 Declaration in case of Anna Willis, widow of Thomas Willis, known of Atty previous to file. Ashtabula Co., O.
Ford & Davis, Mansfield, Ohio James Mills

State of Ohio } Ashtabula County } ss
On this 14 th day of November A D 1853 Personally appeared before the Probate Court of the State of Ohio Anna Willis a resident of Plymouth in the County of Ashtabula and State aforesaid aged 87 years who first being 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 3 rd February 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War that she is the Widow of Thomas Willis who was a private in the army 9 months under Capt William Perkins in Col Swartouts Regiment 3 Months under Capt John Hickok also some time under Capt Comfort Dutton the time not recollected also some time under a Capt Mott or Mauley he resided in Dutchess County State of New York at the time he entered into the service - he first entered the service a short time before the battle of White Plains in which he participated he was also at Harlem Island also at Long Island he was also in the Army at the time they were forced to evacuate New York city and was frequently out for short intervals but being of such an advanced age cannot recollect the times precisely but verily believes that in the whole it amounted to at least twenty two Months she further states that her husband was a pensioner under the act of 1831 and drew at the rate of Twenty Dollars per annum and received his pay at the agency in Pittsburgh. She further declares that she was

Married to the said to the said Thomas Willis on the 14 th day of February 1781 in Dutchess County State of New York by the reverend David Close - that her said husband died on the 6 th day of December 1846 in Plymouth Ashtabula County Ohio she further declares she is now a widow
Attest D. Shellenbarger
her Anna X Willis mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day
and year before written J. A. Giddings Probate Judge
The State of Ohio } Ashtabula County } }
I J. A. Giddings Probate Judge of the County aforesaid hereby certify that the foregoing declaration of Anna Willis was subscribed in my presence by the said Anna Willis, who made solemn oath to the truth of the statements therein set forth before me and that the said statements are entitled to full faith and credit, that the said Anna Willis sustains a good character for truth in the community in which she lives, - that I am also well acquainted with Danield Hubbard and O. H. Fitch whose statements are hereto attached and that they are men whose char- acters for truth are unquestioned and that full faith and credit should be placed in their statements of facts - That Mason King Esq is an acting justice of the peace for said County whose name is attached to said statements in his own handwriting That I have no interest in the above claim - In

Ohio Athens County I O. H. Fitch a resident of Ash- land, Athens County Ohio hereby certify that I was somewhat acquainted with Thomas Willis in his life time and know that he drew a pension as a soldier of the Revolution, that I have been partially acquainted with Anna Willis his widow for a number of years past, that said Thomas in his life time and said Anna at the present time and heretofore, have so far as I know or believe sustained a good character in truth, and that this has been their neighborhood reputation. I further certify that I am entirely disinterested in and  the  matter and further affirm to the best of my knowledge. O. H. Fitch
Sworn to & subscribed before me & I further certify that I am entirely disinterested in the matter,
This 15 th day of November A.D. 1853.
Mason H. King, Justice of the Peace

State of Ohio Ashtabula County ss. I Daniel Hubbard Merriam of Plymouth Ashtabula County and state of Ohio do hereby certify that I was acquainted with Thomas Willis in his life time and verily believe that he served as set forth in the annexed declaration from conversation with him frequently and from the familiarity in which he set forth the facts of his tours. I believe he served as much time as he claimed and I further certify that from a long acquaintance with Anna Willis his widow who makes the annexed declaration that she is of the age that she states and the identical person she represents herself to be. That Thomas in his lifetime and Anna at the present and always have borne a good character for truth and veracity and that this has always been their neighborhood reputation I further certify that I am entirely disinterested in the aforesaid claim and further this affidavit not. Daniel Hubbard
Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 15 th day of November A D 1853 Mason King Justice of the Peace

The State of Ohio } Ashtabula County } }
I J. A. Gladding Probate Judge of the County aforesaid hereby certify that the foregoing declaration of Anna Willis was subscribed in my presence by the said Anna Willis, who made solemn oath to the truth of the statements therein set forth before me and that the said statements are entitled to full faith and credit, that the said Anna Willis sustains a good character for truth in the community in which she lives, - that I am also well acquainted with Samuel Hubbard and O. H. Fitch whose statements are hereto attached and that they are men whose char- acters for truth are unquestioned and that full faith and credit should be placed in their statements of facts - That Mason King Esq is an acting justice of the peace for said County whose name is attached to said statements in his own handwriting That I have no interest in the above claims - In

Witness of which I have hereto set my hand and affixed my official seal on the day & year first aforesaid —
J. C. S. Liddings Probate Judge

✓ 26,824
5 Neo Aug

State of Ohio } Ashtabula County } ss
Be it known that on the 10 th day of September A.D. 1853 before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for said County and State aforesaid personally appeared Anne Willis a resident of Plymouth in said County and made Oath according to law that she is the widow of Thomas Willis the Identical Thomas Willis whose name under act of A.D. 1831 has been placed on the New York Pension Roll at the rate of Twenty dollars per Annum that she is credibly informed that the said pension may and ought to be increased from its commencement and during its continuance that she is directly interested as a claimant in said increase and makes this affidavit to be filed with additional evidence as my Agent may use in prosecuting this claim, countermanding and revoking all powers of Attorney and authority heretofore given. I hereby constitute and appoint Thomas H. Ford of Mansfield, O. my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute the claim of Thomas Willis for any amount of Revolutionary pension or increase of pension that may be due for military service for which the aforesaid pension was granted I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers or documents in relation to said service on file in the departments at Washington City or elsewhere to file additional evidence or arguments and to receive for my benefit the certificate for increase which may be issued in satisfaction of said claim allowing him to appoint one substitute for the purposes herein expressed and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Agent and Attorney shall lawfully do in the premises. Witness my hand and seal The day and year above written.
Witness present Samuel Burnet Isabel Willis
Anna her Willis (Seal) Mark
Sworn to and subscribed and acknowledged before me the day and year above written and I hereby certify that I believe the said Anne Willis to be directly interested in said claim as set forth and to be the identical party therein alleged in whose claim I am no way interested
Samuel Burnet

THE STATE OF OHIO, } Ashtabula County, ss: }
I, Abner Kellogg, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Ashtabula, certify that Samuel Bunnell Esquire, by whom the annexed and foregoing Acknowledgement and Affidavit were taken, was, at the dates thereof, an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the said county, duly qualified, and as such duly authorized to take the same. And farther, that I am acquainted with the Hand-Writing of said Justice, and believe the Signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of said court, at Jefferson, the 14 th day of September A. D. 1853
A. Kellogg , Clerk.
not J.P.

622. Ohio - Pittsburgh.
Susa Willis - widow of Thomas Willis - who was a Private - in the Revolutionary War -
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 - Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day of March, 1844. 6 th of December 1846 -
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of October 1849 - and sent to
B. B. Gaylord Jefferson Ohio -
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A, Vol. 2 - Page 211.

Pittsburgh, Roll act 7 June 1832, Thomas Willis, private p 20 per annum, To what time last paid? P a to 4 th Sept. 1846. J. S. 1843.

Thomas Willis For Pension

State of New York } Livingston County }
On this 29 th day of May A D 1834 Personally Appeared Thomas Willis who being first duly sworn according to Law doth make the following Declaration Supplementary in order to obtain his pension under the act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832. That he was a Soldier in the revolutionary war. And according to the best of his recollection he served at the times and in the manner following viz That about the first of March 1776 he entered the service of the United States as a private Soldier for one year in Captain William Calkins Company in the Town then called Philips Patent in the County of Dutchess that he joined the Continental Army at Kings Bridge near New York. About the first of April he thinks that his Col s name was Swartwout and that General Sullivan or Greene had Command of the Army but does not recollect how long he remained at Kings Bridge That he went with the Army from Kings Bridge to Long Islands and was in the battle of Long Island and returned with the Army after the Battle, to Kings Bridge does not recollect how long he remained at that place that he was selected with others from the Army to man Fort Washington made his escape from Fort Washington and joined the main Army at White Plains and was in the Battle at

at that place after which he marched with his Company to Peeks Kill from thence to Fort Constitution from thence He went into Winter Quarters at West Point and remained there until discharged and that he was out in the Campaign in question in Actual Service or in Garrison One Year and that in the Spring of the Year 1777 he stated his name as a Minute Man for one year in Captain John Herbeck's Company and that at the time Danbury was burned by the British Troops he and his Company was called out upon an Alarm and joined the Continental Troops or Militia near Danbury in the State of Connecticut he thinks the latter part of April and after the British evacuated Danbury a garrison was placed at Troop Point on what was then called East River for the purpose of guarding the Inhabitants and preventing the British Troops landing and that this Defendant volunteered his Service to remain as one of the Garrison and that there was a number of Companies of Militia stationed at the same place from which Scouting Parties were every day selected and ordered out upon different routes he does not recollect who commanded at Troop Point

That the Officers of his Company were Captain Hance, Lieutenant Crane, and first Sergeant Micajah Nichols. Ensign not recalled. That he remained at Brigs Point from April till the first of January following and that he received pay for nine months service for this Campaign And that he was actually in the Service of The United States in the Revolution war for which he claims a pension One Year and Nine Months (1810-1811)
Given & Subscribed the 29 th Day of May A.D. 1834 Before me Hugh Southworth Just peace
State of New York Livingston county } I certify that Alvah Southworth whose signature appears to Jurat of the foregoing affidavit, was at the date of the same a legally authorized Justice of the Peace and for said county. And that I know his name above written is his own proper hand writing and signature Witness my hand and seal of office this 7 th of May A.D. 1834 Chauncy B. Bond Clerk of Livingston county - By S. G. Haver Dep. Clerk.

State of New York } Livingston County } ss
On this the 18 th day of April A.D. 1836 personally appeared before me Alvah Southwick one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County Gershon Jones Now of the Town of Canadage in the County of Ontario but recently from the Town of Busti in the County of Chautauqua who states that he is in the seventy fourth year of his age and that during the revolutionary war he resided in the County of Dutchess in said State State and that he was then intimately acquainted with Thomas Willis and that he has a perfect recollection & knows from personal knowledge that the said Thomas Willis enlisted in the United States Service in the Revolution in 1776 in the month of April for the term of nine months in Captain Wm Calkins Company and as he understood in Col Southwicks Regiment that this deponent distinctly recollects and avers that he cannot be mistaken as he was acquainted with so many facts & circumstances connected with the transaction that he is confident that he cannot be mistaken for instant this deponent further saith that after the battle of White Plains Thomas Willis & Reubin Willis who were both in the battle as this deponent understood by their uncle Sedediah Willis with whom the said Thomas Willis resided previous to his enlistment and that the said Sedediah Willis just after the Battle at White Plains went to the Army to learn the fate of the said Thomas Willis & Reubin Willis & that he reported at the time that they were both alive and that this deponent was knowing that the said Thomas Willis was home on a furlough one or two during said term of nine months that the said Thomas Willis resided at the father's house of this deponent at times previous & after the Revolutionary war that the said Thomas Willis married his wife at this deponents father's house and that it was generally understood in the neighborhood that the said Thomas Willis did serve at the time in the Year above stated nine months but cannot say that he served all the time under Capt Calkins as this deponent understands that after the Battle of White Plains that he was transferred into Another Regiment Gershon Jones

State of New York } Livingston County } ss
On the day and year first written in the foregoing deposition the said Gershon Jones was sworn according to Law. Particularly questioned as relates to the facts therein stated and I do hereby certify that the said Jones appears in good health & in full possession of his mental faculties and that I have been personally acquainted with the said Gershon Jones for some time past and believe that the facts therein stated by him are substantially true
Abah Southworth Justiciary
State of New York } ss Livingston County }
I certify that Abah Southworth whose name is above written is a justice of the peace in the said county duly commissioned & sworn, that his commission bears date January 1st 1836 and will expire Dec. 31. 1839 that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe the above signature to be his
With my hand & the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said county April 30. 1836 E. Clarke clerk

State of New York Chautauqua County
On this 29th day of October AD 1833 personally appeared
Gerhard Jones of said county who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he is 71 years of age that during the revolutionary war he re- sided in the town then called Philips Patent in the county of Dutchess in the State aforesaid, and that he was well acquainted with Thomas Willis then a resident of said town of Philips Patent, but now a resident of the town of Sparta in the county of Livingston and State aforesaid, that both were born in the same town, and that this deponent has been acquainted with the said Thomas ever since the revo- lution, - This deponent further says that in April 1776 (as he believes) one Capt. Wm Calhoun raised a company of men and that the said Thomas Willis was in the number, that said company including said Thomas Willis marched to the lines near New York and that the said Thomas Willis served as a sol- dier as this deponent verily believes until the January following, that the deponent verily believes that the said Thomas Willis served at least nine months then

and further that the said Thomas Willis was frequently called out as a soldier and did short terms of duty afterwards, during the revolu- tionary war. - Gershon Jones
Sworn to subscribed this 29 th day of Oct. 1833
Before me Rufus Piver Justice Peace
I certify that Gershon Jones who subscribed to the above deposition is a credible witness - Rufus Piver Justice Peace
State of New York } County of Chautauqua } ss James B. Lowry clerk of the County of Chautauqua do hereby certify that Rufus Piver Esquire before whom the within Affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County. And further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Rufus Piver and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 30 th day of October A.D. 1833. -
James B. Lowry clerk By J. C. Young Deputy clerk

Springwater Nov 15 th 1833
Sir The case of Thomas Willis as you informed me was suspended for further proof he has been able to obtain the Testimony of Gerhaim Jones here inclosed being all the witness of his services that he has any knowledge of that is living you will therefore have to make your decision from the statements before you in his case
Yours Respectfully
E. G. Brown
J. J. Edwards Esq
in your favor to me in relation to the above case you say Thomas Wells It should be Thomas Willis I mention this so that the Certificate may be correct

J. T. Bingley
Nov. 19. 1846.
Thomas Miller
John Bough Jr.
Rev.
25824
Thomas Miller

Pension Office, Nov. 19. 1846.
Sir.
In answer to your inquiries relative to the right to bounty land by Thomas Willis and John Hough, revolutionary soldiers of Va. and Robt. Vaughan of N.C. I have to inform you that an examination has been made of the records of the Pa & N.C. continental Lines, on file in this office, but neither of the above named individuals can be found thereon, among those entitled to bounty lands from the U. S.
In regard to Thomas Bracy, who you state was a soldier in the Conn a - Mass, I have to inform you, that the records in this office furnish no information in relation to him.
The laws providing bounty lands for the soldiers of the Rev n . apply to those only who enlisted in the Continent l . Lines of the Army for the term of "during the War", and continued to the end thereof in 1783.
J. S. Bringley.
Peter Hughes y s

Hall of Rep
July 3. 1846
Sir
Enclosed are the papers of Thos Miller a constituent of mine. requesting your early attention to them. Very respectfully M c Grath
L t Edwards Esq

Mch! & Farmer's Bank Albany Pension Agency January 26. 1837.
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions, Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 20 th inst. I have to state that Thomas Willis, a Pensioner under the act of June 7. 1832, at $20 per annum, has not received any payment at this Agency, but his pension appears to be due from the 4 th of March 1831 -
I am, Sir,
Very Respectfully
Your obedt. Servt.
Thos. W. Elliott
Presd & Pen. Agt.

Washington Jan'y 19 th 1857
Sir
I send herewith an application of a pension to be transferred from New York to Ohio - I ask for Mr. your early consideration -
Very Respectfully yours G. Whittier -
I L Edward Ez born on Pensions -

Jefferson O. Aug. 1. 1849.
J. S. Edwards Esq
Sir
I herewith send you Anna Willis declaration to obtain a pension. If her papers are approved she would like to have payments at Pittsburgh.
If any thing further is necessary please inform me.
Respectfully Yours Benj. B. Gaylord
J. S. Edwards Esq Washington D.C.

Springwater May 2 nd 1836
O. S. Edmuns Esq
Dr Sir
Affidavits in the Claim of Thomas Willis Enclosed you will find the Some time since that it would be necessary for him to make another statement of his service presuming the other to be in some instances incorrect. The old man is now over eighty, has had a fall broke down almost blind and is unable now to give but a confused statement of his services. I have seen Mr Jones whose affidavit he relies on personally and he says he cannot be mistaken as all the transactions he well recollects
I have made inquiry relative to the service in the revolutionary war & find that whenever the Officers could they entitled for nine months & a year at all events they held on to the soldiers as long as possible. I am aware that it was difficult to raise men in those days but there were some men who did serve nine months in succession in the Militia. In order to strengthen the statement of Mr Willis & Mr Jones I send you affidavits made by them some eighteen years ago. Mr Willis always told me the same story in relation to his service and that under the law of 1818 he applied for a pension & then had obtained two other witnesses to prove his service but that they were now dead
I should not have troubled you again with this application only upon the urgent solicitation of his friends they think perhaps you would grant him a pension on the nine months service which they would be satisfied with
Yours Respectfully O. S. Edmuns

Springvale June 7 th 1834 J S Edwards Esq Dear Sir
Enclosed you will find a Supplemental Deposition in relation to the revolutionary Services of Thomas Willis you will confer a particular favor on Mr Willis by giving his case an early attention as he is a Poor Old blind man please communicate the result to me when acted upon
Yours Very Respectfully, A B Almy
P.S. Mr Willis says he was out at one or two Short Tours in addition to the period stated in his declaration but has omitted them in his second declaration and will be satisfied with a pension for the one year and nine months A B Almy

Springwater June 13 th 1833
Dear Sir I herewith enclose Return you the Claims to a pension of
Thomas Willis Henry Cole Reuben Gilbert & David Phip
Corrected agreeable to the regulations of the War Department in Relation to Pensions so far as have been Able to Discover
Respectfully
Yours O. G. Mored
J. L. Edwards Esq

Mansfield Sept 19 th 1853
Hon L. P. Noble
Commission of Pension
Sir
I enclose Please find Power of Attorney and Application of Anna Willis. She asks that the amount of Pension allowed her be increased. She has been in the habit of showing of facts I do not know what her rights are and inasmuch as she forwarded the Power of Attorney to me - I forewarn you that her rights may be looked after if any she has Very Respectfully Your obed Servant Thomas N. Ford

New York Revol =
Thomas Will d
Suspended
see letter to
S. G. Grover
30 Sept r 1833.
letter to same 29. April 1834
" " " 24 June 34
" " " 28 July '34
" " same May 31. 36
Act 7. June 1832

Ms 24 - July 24
FREE
J. S. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
Oct 18 " 32
Thomas Willis -

Sir
Springwater July 11 th 1834
Your favor of the 24 th ult came duly to hand in relation to the application of Thos Willis for a pension. Mr Willis is 78 Years of Age and it is with much difficulty that he can correctly bring to mind the scenes of the revolutionary war in which he participated there seems to be but little doubt but that he did actually serve in the revolution war nearly as he states although he seems to have but a confused recollection of some events. I called on him again to give me a correct statement of his service as he was able to that we might through your advice to arrive at a decision in his case in as much as it will be out of his power to furnish any more proof. I wish you would give his case as favorable a view as possible under the circumstances. He states that he served in the revolutionary war according to the best of his recollection as follows viz
First one Years Service in Capt W m Ealkins Company he thinks in 1776. Stationed at New York Long Island White Plains and discharged at West Point he thinks Col Gwartout was his Col. Second he was called out as a minute man at the time Danbury was burned, after he arrived at Danbury Capt John Heacock & ten of his Company (of which Mr Willis states that he was one of the number) volunteered to enter the nine months service and that he served nine months he cannot recollect his Col's name he also states that he was out with Col Suddleton in Capt Confer Suddleton's Company about six weeks protecting the property of the inhabitants against the depredations of the Tories and Corn boys

You will perceive by Mr Jones afdt that Mr Willis has proved Nine Months Service of the Years Service he States that agreeable to the Act of Congress of 1818 he applied for a Pension and made proof of Service by three individuals two of Whom are Since Dead He applied first before Judge Phelps of Ontario Co And next before Charles H Bryan Esq of Genesee he States that he thinks the Aspts in question were retained at the War Department with his original application as he was apprised that his Claim Could not be received On account of his Services being decided to have been rendered in the West as I am Sorry to trouble you with this long preamble but Object is to give you as much information in relation to his Case as I am able to collect from him And Request you to devise some plan whereby he may at least Obtain part of a Pension as am I am well persuaded that he has Served in the Revolutionary War Over one Year having been acquainted with him for more than Twenty Years I have heard him relate his Service frequently it is not at all surprising that he should Make Contradictory Statements in relation to his Services taking into Consideration his extreme age & infirmities He questioned him in relation to Col Swartwout he States that According to the Best of his recollection Col Swartwout had Command of the Regiment to which he was attached at the time he was at Kings bridge And on Long island but does not recollect whether he Continued in that Regiment through the year

Springwater June 19 th 1836
Sir
Your favor of the 31 st ult came duly to hand. In relation to Thomas Willis ' Pension and in reply would remark that Mr. Willis is now on the confines of time being over eighty years of age very feeble and being totally unable to renew his application his friends therefore have come to the conclusion to rest his claim and accept such an amount of Pension as the testimony already presented will warrant you in granting. In a former application under the pension Act of 1818 he then presented affidavits of then a few witnesses perhaps the affidavits in question are in Yr Office if so they can be referred to the persons who made the affidavits are all now dead except Gershon Jones whose affidavit you have
Yours Very Respectfully
J. V. Edwards
A. Brown

May
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6526
Anna Willis Wid. Thos Willis Port Rev. Har
Act: Feb. 2 nd 48
Index:—Vol. 16 , Page 339
[Arrangement of 1870.]