Mentor joins in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding by honoring the Revolutionary War veterans who settled – or were interred – in the city of Mentor.
Mentor City Council has declared May 16, 2026, as “Ebenezer Wilson Day” in the city of Mentor.
Ebenezer Wilson was born in Swansea, Massachusetts Bay Colony, on May 16, 1745, to David Willson, 31, and Sarah Eddy, 31. He married Anna Austin on March 29, 1770, with whom he had six children.
Wilson enlisted on December 8, 1776, to serve in an alarm in Rhode Island, in Capt. Robert Crossman’s company, Col. George Williams’ regiment.
He lived in Pittstown, NY in 1800 and in Troy, NY, for about 10 years. He came to Mentor, Ohio in 1812, after buying a large tract of land.
Legend has it that his son, Samuel, who was stationed in Troy, NY, during the War of 1812 is the “Uncle Sam” of popular parlance.
Wilson died on July 22, 1829, in Willoughby. He is interred at the Mentor Municipal Cemetery 2-11-1.
We thank Ebenezer Wilson for his service to our country as well as contributing to the foundation of our community.