Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2690, for Calvin Preston, Connecticut
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SERVICE   Conn.
Preston, Calvin
Rachel
NUMBER  W. 2690
B.L. Wt. 26884-160-55
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To Utica 8703 Utica- 
New York frn
Calvin Preston 
Oneida Co in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded Captain Bolton of the regt commanded Col Canfield in the Ct ma [militia] line for 24 mo 
Inscribed on the Roll of New York the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Apl 1833 and sent to B.P. Johnson Rome 
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833   $160.00 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 40.00 
$200.00  
{Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832} 
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, 
Book  E.  Vol. 4 Page 28 
Augt 2 1833 transf’d [transferred] to Utica, sent notices same dat - see transfer book
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10.991
Calvin Preston
Oneida Co. New York
Private
1780 at New London as Substitute for John Preston 3 months
1781 Cap Wells Regt at Horse Neck 9 mos
1782 Col. Canfield’s Regt 1 Year 
Whole 2 years
B. P. Johnson
Agent Rome N.Y.
Admitted
24 mo Private
Pleas Payable Utica N.Y.
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Declaration, in order to obtain Act of Congress passed June 7 1832.
STATE OF NEW YORK 
Oneida County, } ss 
On this 10th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open court of the Court of Common Pleas of said Co.  now sitting, Calvin Preston, a resident of said count and state, aged sixty seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law, 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, passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated:  
That he was born in April 1765 at Ashford, Conn.  - has a record of his age in family bible - resided in Ashford when he entered service - and was at Salem N.Y., Norway, N. Y. Then and Now Deerfield Oneida Co. N.Y.   That in June 1780 he entered the any as a Substitute for his father John Preston who had been drafted for 3 mos. but has forgotten officers names,  went to  N. London, and there served whole of 3 mos.   Enlisted at Stamford in Spring 1781 under Capt Bolton, Col. Wells Regt for Nine Mos, marched to Hartford, and then Horse Neck,  remained stationed there and in the neighborhood until after winter he was discharged, having served whole nine mos,  rec’d no written discharge.   Enlisted at Ashford in spring of 1782 for one year in company (capts name forgot) in Col. Canfields Regt.,  Adjutant of Regt McDowell, Marched again to Horse Neck and stationed there and in the neighborhood during  the whole time and  served the whole year and was discharged spring 1783,  no written discharge rec’d.   Knows of no one that can prove his service,   refers to the annexed affidavit as to reputation. 
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 any state. 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.  
Calvin Preston
Joseph B Read Dept Clerk 
We Willliam Goodell Clergyman and Lewis Reed farmer residing in  Deerfield hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Deacon Calvin Preston who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be about Sixty Seven 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. & that he is a man of truth & veracity.
Wm. Goodell
Lewis Reed
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid 
Geo. Brown Clerk 
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 William Goodell who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in Deerfield and is a clergyman and that Lewis Reed who has also signed the same, is a resident in Deerfield is a farmer and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
By the Court C. Hayden first Judge 
 I George Brown Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Oneida Co. do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Calvin Preston for a pension. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 10th day of Sept 1832 
Geo. Brown Clerk
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885 
New York 
Rachel Preston 
[widow] of Calvin Preston Conn [who] served in the Revolutionary [War]  as a private 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of Eighty Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 29th day of Nov. 1849.  
Certificate of Pension issued the 19th day of December 1853 and sent to John Billings Trenton Oneida Co NY 
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under July 29, 1848, Page 81 Vol. A 
Reg 3 m. 55 109069
Died Feb 3, 1858
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No 1007 
Rachel Preston 
Widow of Calvin, 
NY 
Act 29 July 1848 
Married before 1800 
Husband dec’d  29 Nov 1849 
Admd [admitted]  2 yrs pri $80 per annum, coming [commencing]  29 Nov. 1849, 
Albany 
John Billings Trenton, Oneida Co NY
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State of New York Oneida County }  
Clerks Office of the Recorders Court of the City of Utica ss.   I Moisen M. Jones Clerk of said Court do hereby certify that the Recorders Court of the City of Utica is a Court of Record in said City and that Aaron Hackley before whom the annexed depositions or declarations on oath of Rachel Preston, Daniel McKay, Walter R Griswold were taken was at the time of taking the same, and is at this time the Recorder (or presiding Judge ) of the City of Utica and of said Court and duly authorized to take such depositions and declarations on oath according to the laws of this State - and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Recorder and verily believe that the signatures of said Recorder to said depositions and declarations on oath and the several certificate following the same are genuine - In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 3d day of December A.D. 1851 
M. M. Jones Clerk
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[677]
FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.
Sophia Preston was married December the 30 1810
Clarry Preston was married Sept 19th 1816
Silas Preston was married Apr thd 1819
Susan Preston was Married Sept 14th AD 1820
Philip Preston was married Feb 15th 1823
Cyrena Preson was married Sept 19th 1826
MARRIAGES.
Calvin Preston Jr. Married Sept 17 1827
Sabrina Preston Married Sept 23 1833
John R. Preston was Married to Cornelia E. Dibble Oct 19 1841
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[678]
FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS   B.
Calvin Preston was born April the 11th 1765
Rachel Preston was born July the 23rd 1766
Sophia Preston was born May the 13th 1791
Silas Preston was born May the 16th 1795
Clarry Preston was born April the 14th 1795
Philip Preston was born March the 10th 1797
Calvin Preston Junr was Feby the 2nd 1799
BIRTHS.
Susan Preston was born December the 19th 1801
Polly Preston was born August the 9th 1803
Sabrina and Lorena Preston were born November the 12th 1804
John R. Preston was born Feby the 18th 1809
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State of New York 
Oneida County ss 
On the 3 day December 1857 personally appeared before me, Aaron Hackley, Recorder of the City of Utica, Rachel Preston a resident of the town of Deerfield, in the County of Oneida, aged Eighty five years, who being 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 29, 1848, That she is the widow of Calvin Preston, who was a private in the Revolutionary army and a pensioner of the United States, Evidence of which is already of record in the War Department, and to which this deponent begs leave to refer as Evidence in this case, and also to a copy of his Original certificate of Pension affixed to a declaration made by this deponent and forwarded to the pension department, on or about the 27th day of last September which declaration,  she is recently informed by that department, was not made before the proper Officer & therefore not allowed. She further declares that she was lawfully married to the said Calvin Preston on or about the 20th day of May, in the year 1790.  That her husband the aforesaid Calvin Preston died at Deerfield aforesaid on the 29th day of November 1849 - that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the second of January 1800 viz, at the time above stated - She further swears that she is now a widow, and that she has never before made any application for a pension, except as above mentioned.  She further swears that her said marriage took place in the town of Ashford in the State of Connecticut & that the Marriage ceremony was performed by Samuel Thompson, a justice of the peace, and that in the relation of husband & wife they ever lived, from the day of their marriage, until the death of her said husband, as aforesaid, she further swears that she is the lawful mother, by the said Preston of Ten children, reference being had to the Bible record of their several births, hereunto annexed & marked B. And she further swears that the Bible record of her said marriage, if any was ever made, is now no where to be found-- that she has diligently sought to obtain
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evidence thereof, from the before named justice of the peace who performed said marriage ceremony, and who as she is informed and verity believes to be true, died many years ago leaving no record that can be found amongst his papers, establishing the fact her said Marriage.  That she now resides in the town of Deerfield, in the County of Oneida & State of New York and has resided there for the space of forty years last past and that previous thereto the resided in the town of Norway, Herkimer County, New York.   
Rachel Preston
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me Aaron Hackley Recorder of the City of Utica 
John Billings, Witness 
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Widow Rachel Preston above named, who signed the foregoing declaration & to the truth of her statement as therein set forth, I am fully satisfied & that in consequence of bodily infirmity she is wholly unable to attend Court. 
Aaron Hackley 
Recorder of the City of Utica 
State of New York 
Oneida County ss   
On this 3 day of December 1851 personally appeared before me, Aaron Hackley, Recorder of the City of Utica, Daniel McKay, a resident of the town of Deerfield in the County & State of New York, aged Seventy five years, who being by sworn according to law, declares & says that he has been personally acquainted with Widow Rachel Preston, above named, for the space forty years last past - that her character has ever been
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Correct - irreproachable and that of a devout Christian, that the statement above made & by her subscribed, he verily believes to be true & correct in every particular.  That he was intimately acquainted with Calvin Preston, who was a private in the Revolutionary army and a pensioner of the United States, and that he died at Deerfield aforesaid on the 29th day of November 1849, by whom this deponent lived a near neighbour for forty years last past and at the time of his death that the said Calvin Preston was an associate deacon, with this deponent for thirty years up to and immediately preceeding his death in the Presbyterian Church in said town of Deerfield and in the adjoining town of Russia, that he this deponent, was intimate in the family of said Preston and has often heard both him and her speak of their relationship of Husband and wife, and this deponent further testifies, that they did live and cohabit together, in that friendly relation, for forty years immediately previous to, and up to the time of the death of said Preston.   
Daniel McKay
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me 
Aaron Hackley Recorder of the City of Utica 
John Billings, witness 
State of New York 
Oneida County ss. 
On this 3 day of December 1851. personally appeared before me, Aaron Hackley, Recorder of the City of Utica, Doctor Walter R. Griswold, late a resident of the town of Deerfield County of Oneida and State of New York, who being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say, that he was the family Physician, in the family of the late Deacon Calvin Preston
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and that he attended him, as such, in his last sickness and that he died at Deerfield aforesaid, on the 29th day of November 1849, and this deponent further says that during his intimate acquaintance, as Physician and neighbour, in the aforesaid family, their relation of husband and wife, was often spoken of, by the said Calvin Preston deceased, as well as by the foregoing deponent Rachel Preston his widow and that to his knowledge they did live and cohabit together, in all the affectionate relations, as such. 
Walter B. Griswold MD
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me 
Aaron Hackley 
Recorder of the City of Utica 
John Billings, witness 
I certify that the foregoing deponents Deacon Daniel McKay and Doctor Walter R. Griswold are both known to me, as men of high standing & of irreproachable characters, and that the fullest reliance may be placed at their several statements. 
the words "in the truth of "were interlined before being signed 
Aaron Hackley Recorder of the City of Utica
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State of New York 
Oneida County ss 
On this 3d day of December 1857 personally appeared before me, Aaron Hackley, Recorder of the City of Utica, Rachel Preston widow of Calvin Preston deceased, late a pensioner of the United States, who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath declare and say, that the leaf this day taken from her Family Bible, hereunto annexed & marked B. contains a true and faithful record of the names and births of her Ten children, by her late husband, the said Calvin Preston deceased, and that the said Bible, in which the aforesaid Record was made has ever been in her possession, from the time said Record was so made, up to the present time, and that the names and births of her said children, were entered and recorded on this said leaf by, and in the hand writing of Eli Brocket at the request of the said Calvin Preston deceased and of this deponent, more than thirty years ago, and that the same has ever remained unaltered.   
Rachel Preston
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above written, before me  
Aaron Hackley 
Recorder of the City of Utica 
John Billings witness 
I certify, that being personally acquainted with the above deponent, Rachel Preston. I am fully satisfied of the truth of her statement, as above set forth. And that the leaf taken from her Family Bible containing the names and births of her ten children was cut therefrom by me and hereunto appended & marked B  
Aaron Hackley 
Recorder of the City of Utica
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Cir: H. D. Safford  Decr 20 / 55
Letter to J. Billins Feb 26 / 56
Vol P. Page 142
109069 }  Act Mar 3/ 55
May 1st /55
Rachel Preston widow of Calvin Preston (Pens)
No 26884 issued May 21 / 56
Revolutionary War Pensioner
Widow has been pensioned 
N.Y. July 48 – 885
Ad: 160 acres May 21 /56 
Boynton
Henry D. Safford
Newport N.Y.
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109.069
Application of Rachel Preston for Land Bounty Act 1855 
Henry D Safford
Agent Newport
Herkimer County NY
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State of New York 
County of Oneida }  SS 
On this 24th day of April AD 1855 personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Rachel Preston aged Eighty Eight years a resident of the town of Deerfield in the County and State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Calvin Preston who was a private in the Revolutionary and who as such private was entitled to and did draw a pension of Eighty dollars per annum as will appear from the records and papers on file in the pension office.  She further states that she was married to the said Calvin Preston some time in the month of May or June in the year 1790 and that her name before her said Marriage was Rachel Rice and that her said husband died at the town of Deerfield in the County of Oneida State of New York  on the 29th day of November 1849 and that she is now a widow and she further states that she is now in receipt of a pension of Eighty dollars per annum as the widow of the aforesaid Calvin Preston a certificate of which the following is a copy to wit   
Department of the Interior Widows Pensions 
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 29 1848 Rachel Preston widow of Calvin who was a private in the revolutionary war is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty dollars and - cents per annum commencing on the 29th day November 
Over
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1849 and continuing for life unless she should again marry in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such Marriage.   
Given at the Department of the Interior this nineteenth day of December one thousand Eight hundred and fifty one 
Alex H H Stuart 
Secretary of the Interior
Examined and countersigned 
J E Heath 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act July 29th 1848 Page 81 Vol A
She further declares that her said husband never received Bounty Land from the United States for Military services rendered the United States or either of the States and that she has never applied for Bounty land under any other act of Congress.   
And she states that the proof of her said marriage and of the services and death of her said husband will be found on file in the Department of the Interior Pension office at Washington to which she asks that reference may be made to establish this her claim for Bounty Land as she is unable at this time to State particularly the date of her marriage or any facts relative to his services.   
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under
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the bounty land to which or the act approved March 3d 1855.    
Rachel  Preston x her mark 
We Daniel McKay and Nathan Patchin residents of the town of Deerfield in the State of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Rachel Preston (who made her mark) in our presence and that from the appearance and statements of the applicant we believe that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Daniel McKay 
Nathan Patchin 
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person the represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim,  the words on the 29th day of November 1849 and Calvin Preston was interlined before signing, and I further certify that Rachel Preston cannot write her name from the infirmities of old age but she made her mark in my presence.   
Archibald Blue Justice of the Peace
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the bounty land to which or the act approved March 3d 1855.    
Rachel  Preston x her mark 
We Daniel McKay and Nathan Patchin residents of the town of Deerfield in the State of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Rachel Preston (who made her mark) in our presence and that from the appearance and statements of the applicant we believe that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Daniel McKay 
Nathan Patchin 
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person the represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim,  the words on the 29th day of November 1849 and Calvin Preston was interlined before signing, and I further certify that Rachel Preston cannot write her name from the infirmities of old age but she made her mark in my presence.   
Archibald Blue Justice of the Peace
State of New York
ONEIDA COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE } SS 
I DO HEREBY CERTIFY That Archibald Blue Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the foregoing affidavit and there on written, was, on the 24 day of April 1855 a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, and sworn and duly authorized. And further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said Jurat &c is genuine.   
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the said County, and subscribed my name this 26 day of April 1855
 Richard Hulbert Clerk
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1st Brief No 10991 
Calvin Priston 
admitted 
24 mo. Private. 
17 
detail required 
13 Sept 1832
7 Dec 1832
P 139
B.P. Johnson 
Rome  NY
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No 10991
BRIEF in the case of  Calvin Preston of the County 
of Oneida  in the State of  New York
(Act 7th June, 1832.) 
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?   In open court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 
3. How old is he?   - 
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
Period.   In 1780   Duration of Service.   3 Months   Rank.  Substitute  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.  – 
Period.  Spring 1781    Duration of Service.  9 Months    Rank.  private  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.  Capt Bolton, Col. Wells
Period.  Spring 1782    Duration of Service.  1 year  Rank.  Private  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Col. Canfield
5. In what battles was he engaged? 
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?   Ashford
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?    By traditionary Evidence
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?   They appear in due form.
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
James [unreadable]
Examining Clerk
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Rev. & 1812 Wars Section, AW 
April 19, 1926.
Mrs. H. A. Presler, 
1214 6" St. S. 
Fargo, N. Dak. 
Madam: 
I have to advise you, that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 2690, it appears that Calvin Preston was born April 11, 1765, at Ashford, Conn., and while living there he substituted in June 1780, and served for his father John Preston, for three months on guard duty at New London, Connecticut, officers not stated. 
He enlisted in the spring of 1781 and served nine months in Captain Bolton's Company, Colonel Wells; Conn. Regiment. He also enlisted in the spring of 1782 and served one year in Colonel Canfield's Conn. Regiment. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 10, 1832, while living in Deerfield, Oneida County, New York, where he died November 29, 1849. 
He married at Ashford, Connecticut, May 20, 1790, Rachel Rice, who was born July 23, 1766. She was allowed pension on her application executed September 22, 1851 while a resident of Deerfield, New York. 
[unreadable]
Feb 3, 1858
[unreadable]
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They had the following children: 
Sophia born May 13, 1791, married December 30, 1810.
Silas born May 16, 1793, married April 30, 1819.
Clarry born April 14, 1795, married September 19, 1816.
Philip born march 10, 1797, married February 13, 1833.
Calvin born February 2, 1799, married September 17, 1827.
Susan born December 19, 1801, married September 14, 1820.
Polly born August 9, 1803, 
Sabrina born November 12, 1804, married September 23, 1833.
Syrena or Cyrena born November 12, 1804, married September 19, 1826.
John R. born February 18, 1809, married October 19, 1841 (Cornelia E. Dibble).
The names of the wives and husbands of all children, except that of John R. are not on record.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner
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No 1007
Rachel Preston
Widow of Calvin
N. York
Let J. Billings Nov 14 / 51
July 29, 1848.
[stamp] NEWPORT N.Y. APR 27
FREE
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
109069
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26,884
160 acres
NY
Rachel Preston
Widow Calvin
Act July 48, 865
B
Boynton
[stamp] TRENTON NY Feb 19
[postage stamp] U.S. POSTAGE THREE CENTS
J. Minot Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 27

[stamp] U.S.P.B. OLD WAR & NAVY FILES JUL 22 1896
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE JUL 20 1896
AW
Page 28

C.W. Preston & Co. 
Druggists 
2125-2127 MARKET, COR 22D ST. 
Galveston, Texas. 
July 6th 1896
SIR:--  
CALVIN PRESTON WAS AN REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIER, AND AS SUCH RECEIVED A PENSION DURING HIS LIFE. AFTER HIS DEATH HIS WIDOW RECEIVED SAID PENSION DURING HER LIFE.
CALVIN PRESTON DIED NOV. 29 - 1849. 
RACHEL PRESTON DIED IN JANUARY 1858. 
THEIR RESIDENCE WAS AT NORTH GAGE, ONEIDA CO. NEW YORK. AT WHICH PLACE, THINK THEY BOTH DIED. 
I HAVE THE HONOR TO ASK THAT YOU FURNISH ME A TRANSCRIPT FROM THE RECORDS OF YOUR OFFICE UPON THIS SUBJECT AS THE DATA IS RECEIVED AS THE DATA IS NEEDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE FORMATION OF ONE OF THE PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES.  
VERY RESPECTFULLY
YOUR OBEDIENT SERVANT 
C. W.  Preston 
TO THE HON: COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS. 
WASHINGTON.
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[stamp] RECEIVED MAR 8 1933 MAIL SUB DIV VETS ADM PENSION #3
Page 30

OLIVE HANCOCK JONES 
511 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET 
ROME, N. Y. 
Mar. 3, 1933. 
Hon. E.W. Morgan 
Director of Pensions 
Washington, D.C 
Dear Sir 
Can you give me any a records or data as found in your files on the following patriots? 
Calvin Preston born Ashford  Conn- He was allowed a pension about 1832 
Joseph Griffin b. 1763 - 1850.  
served in So. Car. Line Born in Culpepper Co. Va. died in S. Car
Page 31

OLIVE HANCOCK JONES 
511 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET 
Rome N.Y.
Wm. Jr. d. [unreadable]
William Hancock and son John Hancock of New Jersey  
Thanking you for any courtesy you may extend, I am  
Respectfully 
(Mrs.) Olive Hancock Jones
Page 32

July 28 ‘ 96 said pened to CW Preston Galveston, Texas 
1914 Mch 26 Hist to Charles H. Preston, V.L.M. 
1926 Apr. 19 Hist to Mrs. H. A. Presler AW 
1933 Mar 22 - Hist to Mrs. Olive Hancock Jones  
Revy WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 2690 
Rachel Preston 
Widow Calvin Preston Pri Rev. War  
Act: July 29, 1848 
Index: - Vol. M, Page 139.
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 33

Brief in the case of Rachel Preston, widow of Calvin 
Oneida County and State of New York 
act 29 July 1848 
Claim, (“original” ) 
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
Husband was a pensioner, 
Record proof of marriage 
(If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? 
Name and residence of Agent. 
John Billings  Trenton N. Y.  
S. Cole Examining Clerk.
Page 34

J. E. Heath Esqr
commissioner of Pensions
Department of the Interior
Washington
D. C
Page 35

Trenton Post Office 
Oneida County N. York Sept 27, 157 
J. E. Heath Esqr 
Commissioner of Pensions &c 
Sir   
At the solicitation of Mrs Rachel Preston, Widow of Calvin Preston, deceased, who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States, I beg leave to lay before you, her claim & evidence for a pension, founded on the services of her said husband.  
And she begs me to add, that her age & condition in life is such, that an early consideration of her application is very much desired.  
very Respectfully Your Obt Svt 
John Billings
Page 36

Trenton, Oneida Co. N. York Nov 6. 1851 
J. E. Heath Esqr Commissr of Pensions 
Sir 
On the 27th of September last, I forwarded to you, on the request of Mrs Rachel Preston, her application for a Pension, founded on the services of her Husband, Calvin Preston, deceased, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States - to this application I do, in her behalf, respectfully ask your attention at your earliest convenience. 
Very Respectfully your Obedient sert 
John Billings
Page 37

Trenton Post Office, Oneida County N. York. Decr 5. 1857 
J. E. Heath Esq Commissioner of Pensions &c 
Sir 
I beg leave herewith, to return for your further consideration, the Declaration &c of Widow Rachel Preston, for a pension, under the service of her late husband, Calvin Preston, deceased, Said Declaration, now sent having been amended in conformity to the instructions contained in your favor of the 14th inst, and I do but follow the instructions given me by Mrs Preston, by respectfully requesting an early consideration of her claim.  
Very Respectfully your obt sert 
John Billings
Page 38

Comptrollers Office
Hartford Feb. 4th 1856 
Dear Sir,
Your letter of Jany 28th with $2. enclosed was duly rec’d.  
I have had a careful search made through our records, and am sorry to have to say, that I cannot find any evidence of the service of Calvin Preston on our documents.  We are perhaps aware that our pay rolls for militia service are many of them Missing, and it often happens that record evidence cannot be found here when it is well known that service was performed.   I am sorry that I cannot send you a certificate.   
I am truly yours 
Geo. Robinson Dep. Compt
Page 39

Trenton Post Office Oneida Co. N.Y. Feby 19 56 
J. Minot Esqr 
Commissioner &c 
Sir 
Application having been made, agreeable to your suggestion, to the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut, for evidence of service, in the case of Calvin Preston, deceased, who was a Revolutionary soldier & Pensioner.  I beg leave to hand you herewith, the Comptrollers reply, by which it appears that no record evidence is to be found in that office, to enable the widow of said Calvin, who is now living, to obtain bounty land, may I be permitted to inquire, if the evidence of service, now in the Pension Office, which enabled the said Calvin, deceased, to obtain a full pension of 80 dolls per year, be not sufficient, with the testimony of the said widow & such other collateral testimony as can at this late period, be adduced, to procure for her, a warrant for Bounty Land, as there is not now known to be living an individual who can testify to the actual service of said Calvin, deceased.  The pension certificate, which has been extended to Rachel Preston, widow of said Calvin
Page 40

is now in my hands & bears date Nov 29 1849 under the act of July 29 1848 - No 885.
Respectfully your Obt Sert 
J. Billings
Page 41

March 22, 1933  
Joseph Griffin, S. 21247 
Calvin Preston, W.  2590 
BA-J/MLB
Mrs. Olive Hancock Jones 
511 North Washington Street 
Rome, New York 
Dear Madam: 
Reference is made to your letter of March 3, in which you request the records of Joseph Griffin and Calvin Preston, soldiers of the Revolutionary War. 
You are furnished herewith both records as requested, the data of which were obtained from the papers on file in their claims for pension, based upon military service in the War of the Revolution. 
Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator
Page 42

March 22, 1833  
Joseph Griffin, S. 21247 
Calvin Preston, W. 2690 
BA-J/MLB 
Mrs. Olive Hancock Jones 
511 North Washington Street
Rome, New York 
Dear Madam: 
Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War records of Joseph Griffin and Calvin Preston, which are furnished you as follows: 
JOSEPH GRIFFIN, S. 21247 
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 21247, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Joseph Griffin. 
He was born August 9, 1753, in Virginia; the exact locality of birth and names of his parents are not shown.  
While residing in Laurens District, South Carolina, he volunteered in November, 1780, served as a private in Captain William Harris' company, Colonels Joseph Hayes' and Levi Casey's South Carolina regiment, was in the battles of Blackstock, Long Cane, Hammond's Store, Williamson's Plantation, Cowpens, Guilford Court House, Bush River, Siege of Ninety Six, William's Fort on Little River and Eutaw, and was discharged in January, 1782. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed March 4, 1834, at which time he was a resident of Anderson District, South Carolina.  At that time he had been drawing a pension from the State of South Carolina, for some years. 
He died April 3, 1850 near Martin's Depot, Laurens R. R., South Carolina.   
Joseph Griffin married, date not given, Nancy Black, in Anderson County, South Carolina.
Page 43

Children of Joseph Griffin were referred to, but the only name given was that of a daughter, Frances Susan Griffin, born September 28, 1835, in Anderson County, South Carolina; in 1856 was living in Laurens District, South Carolina; in 1881 she was the wife of  - Monroe (given name not stated ) and a resident of Martin's Depot, Laurens R. R. County, South Carolina. 
There are no further family data in the claim. 
CALVIN PRESTON, W. 2690   
The data contained herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 2690, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Calvin Preston. 
He was born April 11, 1765, in Ashford, Connecticut. 
While a resident of Ashford, Connecticut, he substituted in June, 1780, for his father, John Preston, and served three months on guard duty at New London, Connecticut, officers not stated. He enlisted in the spring of 1781 and served nine months in Captain Bottom's company, Colonel Wells' Connecticut regiment. He enlisted in the spring of 1782 and served one year in Colonel Canfield's Connecticut regiment.  
After the Revolutionary war he resided in Salem, New York, Norway, New York, and then Deerfield, Oneida County, New York. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 10, 1832, while a resident of Deerfield, New York. In 1833 he gave his address as Deerfield, Oneida County, New York, with post office at North Gage in that county. 
He died November 29, 1849, in Deerfield, New York. At the time of his death he was a deacon in the Presbyterian Church at Deerfield and the adjoining town of Russia. 
Calvin Preston married May 20, 1790, at Ashford, Connecticut, Rachel Rice, who was born July 23, 1766. 
- 2 -
Page 44

The soldier’s widow, Rachel, was allowed pension on her application executed September 22, 2851, at which time she was living in Deerfield, New York, where she had lived for forty years, and where she was still living in 1855. Prior to her residence in Deerfield, she had lived at Norway, Herkimer County, New York. She died February 3, 1858, on A.B. [agency book].
The following children of Calvin Preston and his wife, Rachel, appear in the claim:
 Sophia born May 13, 1791, married December 30, 1810.
Silas born May 16, 1793, married April 30, 1819.
Clarry born April 14, 1795, married September 19, 1816.
Philip born march 10, 1797, married February 13, 1833.
Calvin born February 2, 1799, married September 17, 1827.
Susan born December 19, 1801, married September 14, 1820.
Polly born August 9, 1803, 
Sabrina born November 12, 1804, married September 23, 1833.
Syrena or Cyrena born November 12, 1804, married September 19, 1826.
John R. born February 18, 1809, married October 19, 1841 (Cornelia E. Dibble).
The names of the wives and husbands of all children, except that of John R. are not on record.
Very truly yours  A. D. HILLER 
Assistant to Administrator
- 3 -
Page 45

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION 3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Washington D. C. , 19 –
W. F. 2690
In reply to your request of – received – for a statement of the military history of  Calvin Preston    
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    * June 1870   LENGTH OF SERVICE  3 mos.  RANK.  Pvt   OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.   on Guard Duty at New London officers not remembered   STATE.   Conn.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT   spring 1781   LENGTH OF SERVICE  9 Mos.  RANK.   OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Bolton, Colonel Wells   STATE. 
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT Spring 1782    LENGTH OF SERVICE  1 year  RANK.  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Col. Canfield   STATE.  
* substituted for his father John Preston
Battles engaged in,
Residence of soldier at enlistment,  Ashford, Conn.
Date of application for pension,   Sept 10, 1832. His cl. was al [his claim was allowed]
Residence at date of application,  Deerfield, Oneida Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application,  b. Apr. 11, 1765 at Ashford Conn. d. Nov 29 1849 at Deerfield N.Y.
Remarks:  He mar [married] May 20, 1790 at Ashford, Conn. Rachel Rice b. July 23, 1766.  She was al. pens on an application executed Sept 22 1851 while a resident of Deerfield N.Y. See supplement herewith for data as to children.
Respectfully
Commissioner
Page 46

March 26, 1914
Mr. Charles H. Preston
1754 M. Street N.W. 
Washington D. C. 
Sir 
In addition to the military history of Calvin Preston W. File 2,690 Rev. War. you are furnished the following data as to his children.
Sophia born May 13, 1791, married December 30, 1810.
Silas born May 16, 1793, married April 30, 1819.
Clarry born April 14, 1795, married September 19, 1816.
Philip born march 10, 1797, married February 13, 1833.
Calvin born February 2, 1799, married September 17, 1827.
Susan born December 19, 1801, married September 14, 1820.
Polly born August 9, 1803, 
Sabrina born November 12, 1804, married September 23, 1833.
Syrena or Cyrena born November 12, 1804, married September 19, 1826.
John R. born February 18, 1809, married October 19, 1841 (Cornelia E. Dibble).
The names of the wives and husbands of all children, except that of John R. are not on record.
Very respectfully, 
G M Saltzgaber 
Commissioner
Names of other wives & husbands of children not on record
Page 47

Fargo, N. Dak. 
March 2, 1926.
Bureau of Pensions,
U. S. Department of the Interior, 
Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen: 
I beg to inquire whether or not one William Goodell ever applied for a pension for service rendered in the Revolutionary War.  He was born in July 1756-7, and married Phoebe Newton at Marlborough, Mass., Nov. 29, 1787. They lived at Templeton, Mass., and had ten children among whom was Nathan, born Apr. 18, 1797, from whom we are descended. We think the William Goodell who enlisted at Marlborough, Mass. in 1775, 1776, 1777, 1779 and 1781 is the same William Goodell as our ancestor as the age corresponds. The soldier was 23 years old when he enlisted in 1781, March 21. Our William Goodell died July 4, 1843, place of death not known. 
I would like also to inquire concerning one Calvin Preston, born April 11, 1765, and who married Rachel born July 25, 1766. They had nine children among whom was Susan Preston who married Nathan Goodell, son of Wm. Goodell above mentioned. They likely lived in Massachusetts also. Calvin Preston was of military age during the Revolutionary war. He did not die until Nov. 29, 1849, according to the family record. Therefore, if he served, he likely applied for a pension. W. 2690
I am a member of the D.A.R. and am anxious to get these lines established and of record if possible, knowing another generation or two and the connection would be entirely lost. 
Thanking you for what information you can send me, I am, Very truly yours, 
Mrs. H. A. Presler 
1214 - 6th St. South, 
Fargo, North Dakota. 
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE  MAR 6 1926
Page 48

[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE  D MAR 18 1914
Page 49

Hathome, Mass, Mar. 15 1914 
Department of Interior 
Bureau of Pensions 
Washington D.C. 
Gentlemen: 
I wish to get the particulars in regard to the Rev. Pension received by Noah Preston of Oneida Co. N.Y. and Calvin Preston of the same Co. N.Y.   Both were pensioned under act or of June 7 1832.   
Yours very truly 
Charles H. Preston
Page 50

State of New York 
Oneida County ss  On this 28th day of February 1833 personally appeared Calvin Preston within named who being by me duly sworn deposes and says that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows viz 
That in June 1780 he entered the army as a substitute for John Preston his father who had been  drafted for three months.  This deponent marched to New London and there served the full term of Three Months  but he cannot recollect the name of the officers.  We were employed as a guard to prevent the British from coming in to the place. 
In the spring of 1781 he enlisted at Ashford in Capt Bottoms Company, Lt Knowlton in Colonel Wells Regiment of State troops, and marched immediately to Hartford Conn and from there we marched across the County to Horse Neck and were there engaged in guarding the post at Horseneck, and served occasionally around in parties for scouting and continued in that service until the winter set in, when he this deponent was discharged from service having served the full term of nine months for which he enlisted.  
In the Spring of 1782 this deponent enlisted for one year in a company attached to Col Canfield
Page 51

Regiment, of Connecticut troops. The adjutant of the Regiment was named McDowell.  This deponent cannot recollect the names of the company officers.   The Regiment Marched directly to Horse Neck and were then employed as a guard to that post, and in scouting of the enemy in the neighborhood, and continued in the service until the Spring of 1783 when he was discharged at Horse Neck having served the full term of one year for which he enlisted.   
This deponent refers to Aaron Reed Esqr, Joseph Howe, Wolcott Reach, and others whom he might name of Deerfield, Oneida Co.  who can certify as to the character and reputation of this deponent.   
Calvin Preston  
Personally appeared before the Subscriber the above named Calvin Preston, who is a man of credibility truth and veracity and made oath to the foregoing affidavit Feby 28th 1833 
Alva Whedon Justice of the Peace
Page 52

Clerks Office 
Oneida County ss  I George Brown Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Alva Whedon above named is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County,  That I am well acquainted with his hand writing and believe the above signature to be his proper hand writing.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this first day of March 1833
George Brown Clerk 
Jos. B. Read Deputy Clerk
Page 53

North Gage June 25 
Free 
Mr. Edwards,  Secretary of Treasury of United States 
City of Washington.
Page 54

J.L. Edwards, Secy at war 
Sir 
My Pension of $80.00 a year is made payable in the city of N. York.  It is my wish to receive it hereafter at the United States Bank, City of Utica,  that being only twelve miles from my place of residence.   Please write me an answer soon directed to 
Deerfield 
North Gage Post Office 
Oneida Co. N. York. 
and oblige yours 
Calvin Preston 
Deerfield Onieda Co June 22. 1833
Page 55

Payments to be made at New York, by Prest [president] U.S. Br Bank, agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of New York 
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E. Vol. 4 Page 28 by W.L. Williams  Clerk 
No. 8703
Copy of Calvin Preston’s Pension Certificate 
A
Last part and that previous there to she resided in the town of Norway in the County of Herkimer and State of New York
Sworn and subscribed this 22 day   Rachel Preston
Page 56

State of New York 
Oneida County ss: 
On the 22 day of September 1851 personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Oneida, duly authorized by law to administer Oaths, Rachel Preston, a resident of the town of Deerfield in the County of Oneida and State of New York, aged Eighty five years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed July 29 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. 
That she is the widow of Calvin Preston, who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States, evidence of which is already of Record in the war department, and to which this deponent begs leave to refer as Evidence in this case, and also to a copy of his original certificate of pension hereto annexed and marked A.  that he died in said town of Deerfield on the 29th day of November 1849, and to whom this deponent was married, on or about the 20th of May 1790, in the town of Ashford in the State of Connecticut, by Samuel Thompson a justice of the peace, in which relation of Husband and wife, they ever lived, from the day of her marriage, until the death of her said husband, as above stated.  That she is the lawful mother, by the said Calvin Preston, of Ten children - that the Bible record of her said marriage, if any was ever made, is now no where to be found.  That she has sought diligently to obtain evidence of her said marriage, from the above named Justice of the Peace, who performed said marriage ceremony, who, as she has recently been informed and verily believes to be true, died many years since, leaving no record that can be found amongst his papers, establishing the fact of her said Marriage.  She further declares that she has not intermarried, but is still the widow of the above named Calvin Preston. That she now resides in the town of Deerfield, County of Oneida and State of New York and has resided there for the space of forty years last past and that previous thereto she resided in the town of Norway in the County of Herkimer and State of New York.  
Rachel Preston
Sworn and subscribed this 22 day of September 1851. Before me Daniel Warner Justice of the peace 
John Billings, Witness 
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Widow Rachel Preston above named and who signed the foregoing instrument
Page 57

to be true, died many years since, leaving no record that can be found amongst his papers, establishing the fact of her said marriage she further declares that she has not intermarried, but is still the widow of the above named Calvin Preston. That she now resides in the town of Deerfield, County of Oneida and State of New York and has resided there for the space of Forty years last part and that previous there to she resided in the town of Norway in the County of Herkimer and State of New York.   
Rachel Preston
Sworn and subscribed this 22 day of of September 1851. Before me Daniel Warner Justice of the Peace 
John Billings, Witness 
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Widow Rachel Preston, above named, and who signed the foregoing instrument and to the truth of her statement, as above set forth, I am fully satisfied.  
Daniel Warner Justice of the Peace 
State of New York 
Oneida County ss: On the 22 day of September 1857 personally appeared before the subscriber, a justice of the peace in and for the County of Oneida, duly authorized by law to administer Oaths Deacon Davis McKay a resident of the town of Deerfield, in the County of Oneida and State of New York aged Seventy five years, who being first duly sworn according to law, declare as follows, that he has been personally acquainted with Widow Rachel Preston, above named, for the space of Forty years last past.  That her character has ever been correct, irreproachable and that of a devout Christian and that the statement above made, and by her subscribed he verily believes to be true and correct in every particular that he was well, and very intimately acquainted with Deacon Calvin Preston, who was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States, and who died at Deerfield aforesaid on the 29th day of November 1849 by whom this deponant
Page 58

State of New York 
Oneida County ss 
On the 22 day of September 1857 personally appeared before the Subscriber, a justice of the peace in and for the County of Oneida, duly authorized by law to administer Oaths, Deacon Daniel McKay a resident of the town of Deerfield in the County of Oneida and State of New York Aged Seventy five years, who being first duly sworn according to law, declares as follows, that he has been personally acquainted with Widow Rachel Preston, above named, for the space of forty years last past.  That her character has ever been correct,  irreproachable and that of a devout Christian, and that the statement above made, and by her subscribed he verily believes to be true and correct in every particular.  That he was well, and very intimately acquainted with Deacon Calvin Preston, who was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States, and who died at Deerfield aforesaid on the 29th day of November 1849,  by whom this deponent 
Payments to be at New York, by Prest [President] U. S. Br. Bank agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of New York
Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E. Vol 4. Page 28 by W. L. Williams Clerk.
No. 8703
Copy of Calvin Preston’s Pension Certificate
Page 59

lived a near neighbour for forty years previous to, and at the time of his death,  that the said Calvin Preston was an associate Deacon with this deponent for thirty years up to, and immediately preceeding his death, in the Presbyterian Church in said town of Deerfield and in the adjoining town of Russia.  That he this deponent was intimate in the family of said Preston, and has often heard him and her speak of, and declare their relationship of husband and wife, and that he this deponent knows and testifies that they did live and cohabit together as such, for forty years previous to and up to the time of the death of said Preston.  
Daniel McKay
 Sworn and subscribed this 22d day of September 1851 before me Daniel Warner Justice of the peace 
John Billings, Witness 
State of New York 
Oneida County ss: On the 22d day of September 1851 personally appeared before the Subscriber, a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Oneida, authorized by Law to administer Oaths Doctor Walter R. Griswold, late a resident of the town of Deerfield, in the County of Oneida and State of New York, who being first duly sworn according to Law, says that he was the family Physician in the family of the late Deacon Calvin Preston, who was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States and who died at Deerfield aforesaid on the 29th day of November 1849.   And the said deponent further says, that during his intimate acquaintance in the aforesaid family, the relation of husband and wife was often spoken of by the said Calvin Preston Deceased, as well as by the foregoing deponent Rachel Preston, and that to his knowledge they did live and cohabit together as such and that the characters and standing of Widow Rachel Preston and Daniel McKay the foregoing deponents, are such as to justify, where ever known an unqualified belief in the correctness of their several statements. 
Walter R. Griswold
Sworn and subscribed this 22d day of September 1851 [unreadable]
Page 60

of by the said Calvin Preston Deceased, as well as by the foregoing deponent Rachel Preston, and that to his knowledge they did live and cohabit together as such  and that the characters and standing of Widow Rachel Preston and Daniel McKay the foregoing deponents, are such as to justify, where ever known an unqualified belief in the correctness of their several statements.  
Walter R. Griswold
Sworn and subscribed this 22d day September 1851 before me Samuel Warner a justice of the peace 
John Billings Witness  
I certify that the above deponents, Deacon Daniel McKay and Doctor Walter R. Griswold, are both personally known to me as men of high standing and of irreproachable characters and to the truth of their several statements the fullest reliance may be placed.   
Samuel Warner Justice of the Peace 
State of New York, 
CLERK'S OFFICE, ONEIDA COUNTY, } ss 
I, ALEXANDER RAE, Clerk of the said County, DO CERTIFY, That Daniel Warner whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the peace for said County, dwelling in said County, and sworn and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Justice and verily believe that the signature to the Certificate of said proof or acknowledgment, is genuine. 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County, this day of September 1851 
Alexander Rae Clerk. 
J. Billings
War Department
No. 1007
Rachel Preston
Widow of Calvin 
A 
[unreadable] July 29 1849
Page 61

J Billings 
Justice 
New York
War Department
Revolutionary Claim
No. 1007
Rachel Preston
Widow of Calvin
A
New York
July 29 1848
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Calvin Preston of the State of New York who was a Private in the War of the Revolution is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and o cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year, 
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 25th day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty three 
Lew Cass 
Secretary of War.
Examined and countersigned } J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions,