Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4,056, for Robert Preston, Virginia
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VA 
W.4056 
Preston, Robert
Nancy
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5504
Virginia
Robert Preston
private

Virginia live 1777 7 yrs
in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Rollo of Virginia at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 27 of October 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 of Jan 1819 and deliv to the pensioner.  
Arrears to 4th of March 1819
33.33
33.33
Revolutionary Claim,
Act 18th March, 1818
Fairfax

Continued
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Robert Preston
Declarations
Admitted
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On the 27th day of October 1818, before me one of the judges of the General Court for the said district, personally appeared Robert Preston aged 69 years, resident in Fairfax County in the said district, 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 he, the said Robt Preston enlisted in Fairfax County in the state of Virginia in the company commanded by Captain Geo Johnson of the 2 Virginia Regt in the year 1776: that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States until the end of the war, when he was discharged from prison in [Anlyua] when he had been detained as prisoner of war, having been captured in 1782, that he was in the battles of Monmouth, siege of Charleston, siege of York and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services.
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid.
Wm. A. G. Dade
I, W. A G Dade Judge, &c. as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Robert Preston did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine month, on the continental establishment; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.  I also certify that the claimant is in reduced circumstances
Sworn by my hand and seal this 27 Oct. 1818
signed Wm. A. G Dade
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The Commonwealth of Virginia to wit.
I William Mop clerk of the Superior Court of  Law for the County of Fairfax in the Commonwealth aforesaid do hereby certify tha the honourable William A. G. Dade before whom the annexed declaration and affidavit appear to have been made and who has certified and [  ] the same was at the time of the making the said declaration and affidavit and certifying the same and now is one of the Judges of the General Court of this Commonwealth and Judge of the Superior Court of Law in the third Judicial circuit and that full daith and credit are and ought to be given to all his acts as such as will in Courts of Justice as else where.  In Testimony where of I have herewith set my hand and there being no seal as yet provided for my said office as Clerk of the County Court of Fairfax I have caused the seal of the said County Court to be hereunto affixed.  Done at Fairfax Court house in the Commonwealth aforesaid this 27th day of October 1818 and in the 43 year of the commonwealth.
Wm Mop
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Robert Preston

5.504

March 1819
Cm
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Virginia to wit     County Court of Fairfax
On this 22nd day of June 1820 personally appeared in open court being a court record for the said county of Fairfax Robert Preston aged seventy.  Two years resident in the said county who being first sworn according to law doth on this oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows vis: "He was enrolled at Belle Haven (now called Alexandria) the 9th day of September 1775 in the Company Commanded by George Johnston of the 2nd Virginia Regiment under the command of Col Woodford, Virginia line and was in the Battle of the great Bridge (so called/near Norfolk then enlisted in same company and regiment and under the same commander and again was discharged at Williamsburgh in October 1776 when the same regiment under the command of Col Alexander Sportswood.  Marched to the northward and before his time was out was [draughet] in Genl Geo Washington's life guard during which time he was in the Battles of Monmouth and Brandywine and the siege of York against Lord Cornwallis and the siege of Charleston and in the month 17[ ] was paroled home all which will more fully appear by his declaration of record in the department of War numbered 5504 and I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with interest thereby to diminish it so as to bring myself within the provisions of [ ] act of congress entitled "an act to promise for certain  [  ] in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war" paped on the 18 March 1818 and that I have not [ ] any person in trust for me any property or securities contract or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.  I also declare that I was not [ ] to any have that since I quitted the army have generally followed the occupation of a farmer and which from they averaged afe and bodily indisposition am scarcely able to pursue, that I am entirely blind in one eye and can scarcely see out of the other, that I have several women on my
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Body occasioned by the help of others that I am not able to support myself neither can any of my family contribute to my support only five persons in my family.  That my wife is 59 years of age in bad health and very same having one daughter with me who is 30 years of age.  I have recd a certificate of pension date the   day of   18.
X his mark
Robert Preston
Sworn to and declared in open court the day and year above mentioned
Wm Moss
A schedule of the property goods and affects of the above named Robert Preston by him subscribed and determined in open court.
1 horse..........................................$25.
1 old plough and gear.............. 2.
4 old fish barrels 4 each...........  .67
2 old [ ] ..........................................   .50
3old hoes [ ].................................  .75
1 iron wedge.................................  .50
1 [ ] and 3 old chisels................  .75
1 small sow and two pigs ......  4.
4 old split bottom chairs [ ] each.... 1.
1 pott and hooks ......................... 1.
                                           ___________
                                           $36.17
                                          _____________
X his mark
Robert Preston
Subscribed and sworn to in open court this 22nd day of June 1820
Wm Mop Eq
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The Commonwealth of Virginia to wit
I William Moss Clerk of Fairfax County born in the Commonweath aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration schedule and affidavits are true copies from the record of Proceedings on files of the said court; And I do further certify that it was the opinion of the said court at the time the declaration and schedule aforesaid was made, subscribed and sworn to that the said Robert Preston was possessed of no other property except bedding and clothing than what is contained in the said schedule; and that the value of the said property is fairly estimated and does not exceed thirty six dollars & seventeen cents.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this 27th day of July 1820 and in the 45th year of the Commonwealth
 William Moss
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11585
Maryland
Nancy Preston, decd widow do Robert who died on the (blank) of (blank) in the state of Maryland who was a private in the (blank) commanded by Captain (blank) of the (blank) commanded by (blank) in the Revolution for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Baltimore at the rate of 80 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of November 1833 and sent to Evans & Faut
Arrears to the 4th of present
Semiannual allowance ending
Revolutionary Claim
Act July 7, 1838
H R Neigasman, Clerk
Book D. Vol. 1 page 257
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Orphan's Court
For the City of Baltimore
In the State of Maryland
Be it hereby certified that on this 4th of May 1852 personally appeared in open court Catharine Preston a resident of this city, aged 61 years, formerly a resident of Fairfax County Virginia and subsequently a resident of Washington County Maryland, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make following declaration, in order to obtain the arrears of Pension due her mother Nancy Preston widow of Robert Preston a soldier of the revolution in the Virginia Continental land and a pensioner of the United States at the rate of 96$ per annum, who died May 2 1827 leaving the said Nancy Preston his widow; who, as such, received the balance of the half years pension due to the date of his death.  That the family record is lost, but she had heard her said mother say that she was married by the Rev Lee Massey of the Protestant Episcopal Church at Powkeek, to the said Robert Preston after publishing in church without license in the year that the marriage records of Parson Massey have been recently examined but the record of this marriage appears to have been omitted by him.  That they lived together as known and acknowledged man and wife in good credit as such during many years, during which time they had four childred, viz Delilah, John, Nancy and Catharine, the eldest of which Delilah would if now living be at least 66 years old, but she died in Virginia about 22 years ago, and John and Nancy died many years ago leaving the above named Catharine Preston their only surviving child; that the said Nancy Preston, widow of said Robert Preston (the revolutionary soldier and pensioner) died at Funkstown in Washington County, Maryland, on July 4, 1845, aged 84 years; she still having remained a widow; and never having made any application for a pension; that she the above named Catharine Preston, daughter and only surviving child of said Robert and Nancy Preston now makes application for the arrears of pension due her
said
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said mother, from 22nd May 1827, the day of her said father's death, till the 4th day of July 1845, the date of the death of her said mother; under the provisions of the Act of Congress passed 7th July 1838, entitled "an Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" and of all oter subsequent acts of congress relative thereto.
X her mark
Catharine Preston
sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year first above written before:
James A Reed
W. B. Nelson
J G Gross
Judges of the Orphans Court of Baltimore City
Maryland, Ss
I hereby certify that James A. Reed, W. B. Nelson, and J G Gross, esquire, who have subscribed their names to the aforegoing certificate were at the time of so doing Judges of the Orphans Court for Baltimore City dul7 elected, commissioned and qualified according to law.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of the said court this fourth day of May in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and fifty two.
Test: N. Hickman, Register of Wills for Baltimore City
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State of Maryland
City of Baltimore   S. S
On this 4th day of May 1852 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the State of Maryland, in and for the City of Baltimore personally appeared William M Preston a resident of said city aged 37 years, who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that he knew personally Robert Preston, dec'd formerly of Fairfax County, Virginia where he died in 1827, having been a soldier of the revolution and a pensioner
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No 695
Nancy Preston dec wid of Robert 
Md
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9.457
Maryland
Nancy Preston decd,
widow of Robert Preston
Va
who was a Private
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843 Ending
July 4" 1845 ~

Certificate of Pension issued the 29" day of Novr./53 and sent to
Evan & Faut
Present

[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 2. Page 254
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Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4,056
Nancy Preston
Wid.
Robt. Preston
Pvt Rev: War
Act: Mch, 3"/43, June 17"/44
Index:-Vol. M, Page 139
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 17

Fairfax County to wit
This day personally appeared before me Jno. C Hunter one of the Justices assigned to keep the peace in said County in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Joseph Smith & Robert Sisson and made oath that Robt. Preston of the County & Commonwealth aforesaid served as a Soldier in the United States army in the Revolutionary War, upwards of two years to their knowledge, and for ought they know during the whole time, but this they do not know of their own knowledge but have understood so -
Moreover Joseph Smith swore that the sd. Preston was taken from the 2nd. Virginia Regiment commanded by Colo. Alexander Spotswood and out of the Company Commanded by Capt. Peyton Harrison as one of the life guard of General George Washington Commander in chief of the American Army in the spring 1777. and that after the expiration of a year & upwards he the sd. Robt. Preston returned to the same Regiment & Company. To which they subscribe their names. - Given under my hand this 18th day of January 1819. 
Jno. C. Hunter
Robt Sisson x his mark
Joseph Smith
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Nancy Preston
Maryland
Act 7 July 1838.
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Revd. F S Evans Nov 7 1853
Please call on me - I am home.
yours Alex Yearley
No. 15. St Paul Street
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Washington, Nov. 19th 1853.

Dear Sir.
We have to request a re-examination of the case of Nancy Preston, widow of Robert, Maryland, Suspd. Act of July 1838. 
From your letter of the 30th Dec 1852, the only objection to the admission of the claim, is the deficiency of proof of Marriage.
We respectfully request, that you will re-peruse our letter of Sep. 3d. 1852, now on file with the papers.
We have again examined the claim, and we think that it should be allowed. Robert Preston, was pensioned under Act 18th March 1818, for service as a war man, and is stated to have received land bounty.
In his Supplemental declaration, under the Act of May 1st, 1820, made in Fairfax County Virginia, on the 22d June 1820, he alleged that his Wife was then 59 years old, and that his family then consisted of five persons, and a daughter aged 30 years, which would make her birth in the year 1790.
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Thirty two years thereafter, the youngest child, in her declaration, solely from memory, state that her Mother died at the age of 84 years, on the 4th July 1845. Here is a little discrepancy, yet how small, as there was no family record to refer to.
Nancy Preston, must have satisfied the accounting Officers of the Government, by proper proof, that she was the widow of Robert, the Pensioner under the Act of 1818, as it is stated, that she received the arrears due at the period of his decease.
Catharine Preston, the declarant, does not pretend to state the date of the Marriage, because there was no family record; but She does state, by whom they were married, by the publication of Comms, and it is a well known fact that the Rev. Lee Massey was the Rector of Mount Vernon Parish, in which is Parrhish Church, the Church, where Geo Washington was shipped, and I think that history will then show that he was the Rector, during the Revy War, and for many years thereafter.
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That Marriage were frequently solemnized by the publication of laws, there cannot be the shadow of doubt, and consequently, no license was issued, and the papers of the Rev. Mr Massey were not examined until his death, when the old homestead was broken up, and many of his papers doubtless, lost and destroyed. It is therefore not surprising that the record of the Marriage was not found.
It is alleged, that there were four children, John, Delilah, Nancy and Catharine and if John were now living (4. May 1852) he would be 66 years old, consequently he was born in the year 1786. Catharine Preston, the declarant, alleges, (May 4th 1852) that she is 61 years old, consequently, she was born in the year 1794 and that she was the youngest of the four Children.
It is Stated that the family record is lost, and this is not strange, in consequence of removal &c, and that she is the only member of the family now alive.
William M. Preston, and Benjamin
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F. Nalls, testify that they knew Robert and Nancy Preston in Fairfax County, Virginia where they were recognized and believed as man and wife; that they had four children, and that Catharine, the declarant was the youngest, and is aged about 61 years.
We received the papers in the case from Alexander Yearly of Baltimore City whom we have known intimately since the year 1826; the most of the papers are in his hand writing, he is now we believe upward of 80 years of age, and a [illegible] man, a man of fairer character, we do not think can be found among the thousands of that great city.
Very respectfully
Evans & Fant.

Hon L. P. Waldo
Commr of Pensions.
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Washington, Sep. 3d, 1852.

Sir
We herewith enclose additional evidence in the case of Catharine Preston only Surviving child of Nancy and Robert Preston, Maryland, Suspd. Act 7th July 1838.
In your letter of the 4th ulto, you require to be informed as to the date of the marriage - We think, from our recollection that this is stated in the papers, and the evidence now transmitted show that Catharine Preston, is the only child who was alive at the period of Nancy Preston's decease.
We are informed that Nancy Preston, as the Widow of Robert Preston drew the amount due said Robert up to the period of his decease, and the vouchers in the Office of the 3d Auditor of the Treasury will show this fact.
We have also been informed that the records of Fairfax County Va furnish no evidence of the marriage, and Dr. Triplett of Fauquier Co. - Who married the only child
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of the Rev Lee Massey, (who was the Pastor of Pohick Parish) has examined such papers of Mr Massey, as were in the possession of his wife, and can find no record of the marriage. - It is well known that in many of the Counties the Marriage records were very imperfectly kept at that early da, & also the Parish registers. - and that many have been lost and destroyed. Frequently, marriages were solemnized by the publication of laws; and our Mr Evans, knows this to have been the case in Some instances in Va, as late as 1824. - In such a case, no license is issued. - We hope that this explanation in connection, with the papers now on file, will be sufficient the authorize the allowance of the claim.
Very respectfully
Evans & Fant

J. E. Heath, Esq
Comm of Pensions.
Page 26

Pension Office
Nov 26 1833

Sir
Robert Preston, Virginia Roll, Acts 1818 & 1819, at $56. per annum, Please state to what time paid
Very Respectfully
S. Cole
for Com of Pen

F Bush,
3d Auditor

Robert Preston, Act 1818, $8.00 p. month.
Died 2d. Feby 1827, Paid to his death.
Saml. S. Rind
Actg. Auditor.
Page 27

Washington, May 11th 1852.

Sir.
We herewith enclose the application of Catharine Preston, only surviving child of Robert and Nancy Preston, for a pension under the Act of July 7th 1838. The service is established, that Robert Preston was a Revy. Penr. on the Virginia roll (Fairfax County) and as to the marriage there is no record in existence either public or private.
Very respectfully
Evans & Fant.

J. E. Heath Esq.
Com of Pensions.
Page 28

Brief in the case of Nancy Preston decd. widow of Robert
County and State of Maryland
acts July 7 1828 &c

Claim, ("original")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under Acts 1818 & 1820 at $96. per annum, (Service shown in his papers)
For proof of marriage, His own statements made in 1820, that he had a child then 30 years old, - when he could have had no earthly interest in making a false statement, - Robert M Preston & Benjamin F Nalls for identity

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Thornton Triplett
Examining Clerk.

Name and residence of Agent
Messers Evans & Fant
Present
Page 29

Nancy Preston decd.
Widow of Robert
Md.
admd. July 7 1838 &c
$80 per annum from 4 March 1836 to 4 July 1845, when she died, except 2 years, - Pay to Catharine Preston only child

Cert to
Messers Evans & Fant
Present
Page 30

In 1820, Robt Preston said he had a child then 30 years old,
Nancy Preston dd. July 4 1845 -
Catharine Preston only child - 
Robt Preston dd. 1827
Wm M. Preston & Benj F Nalls, Identity
Page 31

Catharine Preston
only surviving child
of Nancy & Robert
Preston - Maryland
Suspd. Act 7. July 1838.

Additional evidence
filed 3d Sep 1852.

Evans & Fant
Washington City.
Page 32

State of Maryland

Baltimore County Orphans Court S.S.
It is hereby certified that on this first day of September in the year of Our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty two, satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court. that Nancy Preston, widow of Robert Preston a revolutionary Pensioner of the United States of the Virginia Line, died at Funks Town Washington County Maryland, on the fourth day of July eighteen hundred and forty five leaving only one child named Catharine Preston who survives her and is now a resident of the City of Baltimore. 
In Testimony whereof the undersigned Justices of the Orphans Court for Baltimore County have hereunto set their hands on the day and year first herein above Written
Joshua H. Hynes
Isaac Taylor Jr
Wm Kirkwood

Maryland S.S. I, James L. Ridgely, Register of Wills for P=Baltimore County in the State of Maryland - do certify. that Joshua H. Hynes Isaac Taylor Jr and William Kirkwood Esquires who have subscribed the aforegoing Certificate was at the time of so doing the Justices of the Orphans Court for Baltimore County duly commissioned and qualified according to Law
In Testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of my Office this first day of September 1852.
Test Jas. L. Ridgely Reg.
Page 33

State of Maryland
City of Baltimore ⎬ SS
On this 7th day of May 1852 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the State of Maryland in and for the City of Baltimore personally appeared Benjamin F. Nalls a resident of this city aged 40 years, who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that in the year 1824 and 1825 he was a resident of Fairfax County Virginia when and where he was personally acquainted with Robert Preston and Nancy Preston his wife: That they lived together as man and wife known and acknowledged as such in respectable society having several children, the youngest of whom, Catharine Preston is now a resident of this city aged about 61 years; That the said Robert Preston was known as having been a soldier of the revolution and a Pensioner of the United States and died many years ago, leaving said Nancy Preston his widow who as this deponent has been credibly informed died in Funkstown Washington County Maryland the 4th day of July 1845, not having married again since the death of her said Husband and leaving the above named Catharine Preston her only surviving Child who is about applying for the arrears of Pension due her on account of the Revolutionary services of her said Husband Robert Preston and for which she did not herself apply. In which application he, this deponent is not interested
[signed] Benj. F. Nalls
Sworn to and subscribed  before me: And I do hereby certify that the above named deponent is a person of good character and entitled to credit
[signed] Geo Gale

[second piece of paper attached:]
STATE OF MARYLAND
Baltimore City, Sct.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that Edwd R Childs and Geo Gale Esquires before whom the annexed depositions made and who has thereto subscribed their names was at the time of so doing two Justices of the Peace of the State of Maryland, in and for the City of Baltimore, duly commissioned and sworn.
In Testimony Whereof I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of the Superior Court of Baltimore City, this Eight day of May A. D. 1852
[signed] Edward Dowling
Clerk of the Superior Court of Baltimore City.
Page 34

Catharine Preston
only child of
Robert & Nancy
Porter
Act 7th July 1838.
Evans & Haut
Washington
City
Page 35

James E Heath, Esq
Com of Pensions
Washington
Baltimore May 8th 1852
Sir,
Herewith I send you my Application for the arrears of Pension due my Mother Nancy Preston decd the widow of Robert Preston who was a soldier of the revolution, in the continental service of the United States, in the Virginia line and a revolutionary Pensioner at the rate of 96$ per annum, which he rec'd until a short period prior to his death in 1827; My Mother, his widow the said Nancy Preston having received the same from the period of his last half yearly payment to the period of his death; She also received after his death, through the agency of James Sangster Esq of Fairfax County Virginia, certain land bounty due him. Respectfully referring you the accompanying proofs and the records in your office
I am,
Your ob't Servant
Catharine Preston [marked with an X] her mark

Witness
Christian Keener