Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2667, for William Preston, New Hampshire

Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Continental
N.H.

Preston, William
..................Mary

NUMBER
W. 2667
B.L.Wt. 5079-160-55

CONTENTS

Page 2

3222.
New Hampshire
===========================
William Preston,  [double checkmarks]
Sergeant.
New Hampshire line 3 years '77
in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War  & Continental
===========================
Inscribed on the Roll of New Hampshire,
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 21st of April, 1818.
===========================
Certificate of Pension issued the 1st of Oct'r. 1818 and sent to Ezra Bartlett, Esq
Grafton,  C'y  N.H.
===========================
Arrears to 4th of Sep'r 1818 7 mo's.
14/3.....................................................................35.73
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4th Mar 1819....48.00
.........................................................................=======
...........................................................................$83.73
.........................................................................=======
(Revolutionary claim,   )
(Act 18th March, 1818.)

Continued

[checkmark]  File March 19
Rumney, Grafton Co.

Page 3

William Preston

Admitted
by the Discharge of
Major Norris--

Admitt'd.

Page 4

State of New Hampshire
["District of" stricken out]  Grafton, SS.

On this 21st day of April 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas ["Circuit Court of the United States" stricken out] for the said County ["district" stricken out] personally appears William Preston aged 63 years, resident in Rumney in the said County ["district" stricken out] 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 William Preston enlisted in February 1777 in the state of New Hampshire in the company commanded by Captain Benjamin Stone of the New Hampshire line; that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States until the 21st day of Jany 1780, when he was discharged from service in Danbury state of Connecticut that he was in the battles of                     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.
Ezra Bartlett

I, Ezra Bartlett Judge, &c. as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said William Preston did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy; 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.
Haverhill  April 21st, 1818.---
Ezra Bartlett

[illegible seal affixed in lower left corner of page]

Page 5

William Preston
3222

March 1819

Con

Page 6

State of New Hampshire
Grafton  fs.

At the Court of Common Pleas being a court of Record by law established holden at Plymouth within & for said county of Grafton on the second tuesday of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty---

Present The Honb'e 
(Roger Vose Esq'r Chief Justice
(Ezra Bartlett     )
(Daniel Blaisdell)  Esq'rs  Justices

Personally appeared in open Court William Preston aged sixty six years resident in Rumney in said county of Grafton who being duly sworn according to law doth on his Oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows viz a Sergeant in Capt Benj'a Starrs Company & Colo Alex'r Scammels regiment in the New Hampshire line   That his Original declaration is dated the 21st April 1818   That he has received a pension and his pension certificate is numbered 8,222---

And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day 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 intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congrefs entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war pafsed on the 18th day of March 1818.   And that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts 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 further declare I am by occupation a farmer my constitution is feeble, am not able to labour much & ought not to labour any.  My wife's name is Mary she is fifty one years old & is much out of health.  I have one son only.  he lives with me named Adams is aged

Page 7

nineteen years & so feeble he can do but very little labor is much afflicted with deafnefs.  I have only one daughter her name is Hannah aged nine years.  I must suffer without afsistance from my country or the town where I live & do earnestly desire my pension may be continued to me
William Preston--

Rumney   Sept 11, 1820   A schedule of all my estate that I now own  real estate  none

Personal estate one horse sixteen years Old one Cow, three years Old  one Hag  one chain  one set Old plow irons one axe  one hoe (household furniture)  five Old dining chairs  five Old kitching chairs  one Old desk  one ketching table  one 8 qt Pot  one 8 qt kettle  one Old Sleigh & harnefs
Wm. Preston---

I the subscriber One of the selectmen of the Town of Rumney have appraised the property in the above schedule at sixty dollars & seventy eight cents  And no more & know of no other property of the said Preston
Sept  11th, 1820
Edward Webber  ) one of the selectmen of Rumney--

Grafton fs.  Sept. 14, 1820
Sworn to before
Geo Woodward   Just Peace

Sworn to and declared before the Justices of said court on this sixteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty
Geo Woodward   Clerk

Page 8

State of New Hampshire
Grafton  fs.

I George Woodward Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said county do hereby certify that the foregoing Oath and schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the record of said court

I further certify that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property contained in said schedule is sixty dollars seventy eight cents--

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court on this sixteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty--
Geo. Woodward   Clerk

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]

Page 9

[left side of page]

2,377
New York     A
==========================
Mary Preston,
widow of William Preston
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Sergeant
NH Line
==========================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
120 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 3d February, 1853.
==========================
Certificate of Pension issued the
10th day of October 1853
and sent to
Honb'e Preston King
Ogdensburgh
N.Y.
==========================
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 85   Vol. A.

[right side of page]

Let to Hon Preston King
Nov. 18. 1853

" " " " B.H. Vary  Feby: 6" / 55.

H. Webster.  Jany: 12 / 59

she died Oct. 26--1857
(A.B.)

Page 10

State of New York    )
St Lawrence County )  fs:

On this twenty fourth day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty three personally appeared before the Supreme Court of the fourth district of the State of New York sitting at Canton in the County and State aforesaid Mary Preston a resident of Ogdeusburgh in the County and State aforesaid aged eighty-four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congrefs pafsed on the 3d of February 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war.  that she is the widow of William Preston who was a private or a sargeant in the sevice of the United States in the war of the Revolution that he served under General Arnold in the expedition to Quebec and that he served

Page 11

under General Stark in Vermont but the company or Regiment in which he served this deponent cannot now state  that her husband the said William Preston was a Revolutionary Pensioner and this deponent as his widow drew the pension that accrued to him from September 4, 1841 to January 17, 1842 the time of his death.  that deponent cannot state the time when the said William Preston entered the service or when he left the service but her information and belief is that he served over five years--for the proof of his service this deponent refers to the proofs on file in the Pension Office--He resided at Rumney in New Hampshire with his parents when he entered the service--he died at Rumney aforesaid January 17th 1842--this deponent was lawfully joined in Marriage with the said William Preston a soldier and as this deponent

Page 12

believes a sargeant in the service of the United States in the war of the Revolution--this deponent is now a widow that her said husband was a Revolutionary pensioner that he got his pension about as soon as any revolutionary pensions were granted that he drew his pension in New Hampshire and this deponent believes through Benjamin Merrill an agent residing at Haverhill in New Hampshire--this deponent further declares that she was married to the said William Preston January 21st 1808  that her said Husband died January 17th 1842--that she was not married to him prior to the second of January 1800--but at the time above stated

She further declares that she is now a widow and has remained a widow since the death of her said Husband William Preston--
Mary Preston

Daniel Cady a Justice of the Supreme Court

Page 13

State of New York      )
St. Lawrence County  )    fs
Clerks office               )

I George S. Winslow Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts of Said County which are Courts of record do hereby certify that it satisfactorily appeared to Hon ["an" stricken out] Daniel Cady a Justice of the Supreme Court on examination of Mary Preston on oath in open Court that the Said Mary Preston is the widow of William Preston a Revolutionary officer and that he obtained a pension in his lifetime and that he died January 17 1842

in Testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said County & Courts this 22 day of June A.D. 1853
George S. Winslow  Clerk

[written vertically on page]

Mr Winslow subscribed
the ordinary certificate
& sent it on
So Mr Perkins says--

Page 14

[left side of page]

NY
Feby 53--No 2377

Vol P.  page 138.

[right side of page]

36,353   Act Mar 3 / 53  Apl. 3 / 55
______________________________________________
Mary Preston--wid of
William Preston, Serg't.
______________________________________________
Revolutionary War.
___________________________
Pensioner under act of
Feb. 3d 1853.

Page 85.  Vol A.
______________________________________________
Sergeant  N. Hampshire.
Cont--Line
______________________________________________
Boynton

Adm'd  160 ac's Aug 22 / 55
Dodge

5079 ifs Aug 25 / 55
________________________________________________
Morris & Vary
Ogdenburgh
N. York

Page 15

State of New York
County of St Lawrence   fs

On this 26th day of March one thousand eight hundred & fifty five personally appeared before me a magistrate in & for the county & state aforesaid Mary Preston aged 86 years a resident of Ogdensburgh in the State of New York who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of William Preston deceased who was a Sergeant in the Revolutionary war.

That her husband died at Rumley New Hampshire and that she is still his widow.  She further states that she has obtained and now draws a pension for the services of her said husband to the proof to obtain which she refers for proof of her husbands services and her marriage &c

That her certificate bears date the tenth day of October 1853, and is recorded in the Pension office on the roll of Pensioners under Act February 3d 1853 Page 85.  Vol A.

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty to which she may be entitled under the act

Page 16

of March 3d 1855.  She also declares she has never received nor applied for Any bounty land under this nor any other act of Congrefs, and she hereby appoints Mrfs Morris & Vary her attorneys to prosecute said claim
Mary Preston
["Mary her mark Preston" stricken out here]

Sworn & Subscribed before me the day & year above written & I certify that I believe the Claimant to be the identical person she represents herself to be & that I am disinterested--
Cyrus W. Baldwin
Justice of the Peace
["Mary Preston" stricken out]

State of New York
St Lawrence County  fs

On this 26 day of March 1835 personally appeared before me a magistrate in & for the County & State aforesaid Hazen Webster and Hannah H. Webster residents of Ogdensburgh in said County who being duly sworn according to law declare that they are well acquainted with Mrs Mary Preston and saw her ["make her mark" stricken out] sign her name to

Page 17

the foregoing declaration and that they know her to be the identical person therein represented & that she is now a widow and they swear they are disinterested
Hazen Webster
Hannah H. Webster

Sworn to & subscribed before me the day & year above written & I certify that the said Hazen Webster and Hannah H Webster are credible & respectable citizens
Cyrus W Baldwin
Justice of the Peace

STATE OF NEW YORK   )
St Lawrence County     ) ss.

I GEORGE W. WINSLOW, Clerk of said County

Page 18

P H.  Little

Page 19

I Percis H Little of age depose and state that I am a sister if Mary Preston formerly of Rumney in the State of New Hampshire but now of Ogdensburg in the state of New York - That she is the widow f William Preston late of said Rumney Who was a Revolutionary pensioner  that her maiden name was Mary Herbert  That I was present at her marriage with William Preston aforesaid that their marriage was performed by Rev Asa McFarland on the 21st day of January AD 1808  that I live in Concord County of Merrimack in the State of New Hampshire.
Percis H Little

Merrimack  June 7th 853 personally appeared Percis H Little and subscribed and made oath the above statements are true.

Before me - Moody Kent, Jus Peace

Page 20

Certificate of Nathaniel Bouton

Page 21

I Nathaniel Bouton of lawful age, Minister and Pastor of the first church in the Corcord, New Hampshire, hereby certify that the following records is contained in the Records of said  Church as made by my predecessor in Office, Rev Asa McFarland, DD to wit:

1808
January 21. William Preston of Rumney and Mary Herbert of Concord, were married."

Nathaniel Boulton

Concord, June 6, 1853.

Page 22

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
Mrs. Edward R. Campbell
Liberty St.,
Montpelier, Vermont
Madam;

February 3, 1827
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 2667 it appears that William
Preston while a resident of Rumney, Grafton County, New 
Hampshire, enlisted May 1, 1775, served as private in Captain
Joshua Abbott's Company, Colonel John Stark's New
Hampshire Regiment, was in the battle of Bunker Hill, served
until in September 1775 and then enlisted in Captain Henry
Dearborn's Company in Colonel Benedict Arnold's Detachment,
was in the battle of Quebec where he was taken prisoner and
held until exchanged in September 1775.
He enlisted in January 1777, served as Sergeant in Captain
Benjamin Stone's Company, Colonel Alexander Seargent,
New Hampshire Regiment, was captured by Indians in June 1777,
made his escape in September 1777, returned to his company,
was in the battle of Monmouth and Newtown and was discharged
January 21, 1780.
He was allowed pension on his application executed

Page 23

April 21, 1818 while a resident of Rumney, New Hampshire
aged sixty-three years. He died January 18, or 18, 1812
in said Rumney
Soldier married January 21, 1808 in the First Church
of Concord, New Hampshire, Mary Herbert of said Concord. She
was allowed pension on her application executed June 24,
1853 while a resident of Ogdensburg, Saint Lawrence County,
New York aged eighty-four years. She died October 28, 1857.
In 1820 their son Adams was aged nineteen years, and
daughter Hannah aged nine years. At the time of widow's
application for pension she was living with her son-in-law,
Hazen Webster. In 1858 he was living in Elgin, Illinois.
The above history is that of the only William Preston
of Rumney, New Hampshire, and it is not stated that he ever
lived in Vermont.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.

Page 24

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855

Received April 3, 1855

Wm. Preston
Rev. War.

Warrant No 5079-160-55


Morris C. Vary
Ogamburgh
N. Y.

Page 25

[handwritten letter]
Elgin Ill. Dec. 23rd 1858

Your honour,
Dear Sir, suffer a few words, whereas Mary Preston of Elgin has been a Pensioner a power of attorney was given to one Mr. Coombs of your Citty to Receive some back pension. That Power of attorney has expired, since that Mrs. Preston has deceased, and I am administrator of her Estate. I desire that  no money due her heirs from Government, Shall be paid over to any agent without my order as Administrator of her Estate, as appropriation has bin made to meet back dues will you pleas instruct me what is necessary to obtain said back pay - 
Respectfully yours 
/s/Hazen Webster

Page 26

Hazen Webster
Elgin, Illinois Administrator

Page 27

36353
_______
4

Postmarked:
Ogdensborgh
NY
May 31

FREE

Addressed to:
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
D. C.

chg. 80.

Page 28

Pension Office
Oct 6/53

Sir
Please report time of last payment to or death of written named pensioner
Respectfully &c

H. Burt Esqr
3 and Present

S Cole
for Comm'r

William Preston, Act 1818. $8.00 p. month
Died 18th January 1842, Paid to his death.

F. Burt
Auditor

Page 29

Aug 5, 1853
No. 3, 028
Appl. of Mary
Preston, widow of
William Preston
St. Lawrence Co.,
N. York.
Act 3d Feby. 1853

Rev.
Allowed $120 per annum
Com.  Feb 3, 1853
Preston King
Ogdensburgh,
N. York.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
PENSION OFFICE, OFFICIAL BUSINES
Commissio

Page 30

[2 addressed cards]
[postmark: OGDENSBURGH NY. FEB 2] FREE
Com'r Pensions
Washington D.C.
[margin notes: NH ad 53 Mary Preston wid William Boynton Recd Feby 5 1853 Free]

[postmark: TROY N.Y. FEB 27] [postage stamp: THREE CENTS]
To The Pension Agent
Washington D.C.
[margin notes: Mary Preston wid of William N.Y. ad. 1853]

Page 31

Jany 12

Page 32

Interior Office.
January 12" 1859.

Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 23d, (illegible) your are informed that there is no back pay owe Mrs. Mary Preston, or her heirs.

There is a resolution before Congress carrying back to 4" March 1848, pension allowed under the 2d Section of the Act of Feb 3d 1853, but it has not received favorable action in the Senate.


Hazen Webster, Esqr.
Elgin,
Illinois.

Page 33

[addressed envelope]
[postmark: OGDENBURGH NY. NOV 14] FREE 
Hon. S. P. Waldo 
Com. of Pensions
Washington D.C. 
[margin notes: Mary Preston widow Wm. 2377]
No. 38,672
William Preston, decd
N York
Act 7 June 1832

Page 34

Left side:

Rev War

WIDOW, &c.

File No. 2667
Mary Preston
Widow
William Preston
Sgt. Rev War

Act:  Feb 3d 1853

Index: -- Vol. M.,   Page 139

[ Arrangement of 1870. ]

Right Side:

1906.  Arp. 24.  Hist. to Chas. H. Preston aw
1912 Feby 17  Histo. to Mrs. F. T Jackman  V.L. M.
1921, Feb 1 - Hist. to Wallace P. Benelisha - Ew
1927 Feb 3- Histo. to Mrs. Edward R. Campbell. Her letter inclusive of Ebenezer Cook S.21703 - MMNF

Page 35

Concord, N. H. Feb 9. 1912

Pension Bureau
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:

Can you tell me anything concerning Wm. Preston's  W.2667 family.

This Wm. Preston served in the Revolution and lived at Rumney N. H. or thereabouts. 

I wish particularly to know if he had a daughter named Elizabeth who was born Feb. 22.  She married John Dolloff of New Hampton 1760.

Page 36

thanking you for any help you can give me I am
Yours Truly
(Signed) Beulah G. Jackman

Mrs. F. T. Jackman
83 Centre St.
Concord, N. H.

Stamped:
PENSION
D
U.  S.
FEB 
13
1912
OFFICE.

Page 37

Rowayton, Conn.
Dec. 29, 1920

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

Will you kindly send me a copy of the application for a pension for William Preston of Rumney, New Hampshire, who served during the Revolutionary War as a private?  According to information on hand, Private William Preston served in Capt. Henry Dearborn's Company of Col. B. Arnold's Detachment, Quebec Expedition, Sept. 1775.  I believe he also served under Capt. Stone in


Stamped:
PENSION 
DEC 30, 1920
U. S.
OFFICE

Rev.

Page 38

2.
Col. Thomas Stickney's Regiment about April 1777.

The registrar of the Connecticut Sons of the Revolution has directed me to write you in order that I may secure certain necessary information which will enable me to become a member of the Sons of the Revolution.

Will you kindly let me know if there is any charge for such information and greatly oblige.

Respectfully yours,
(Signed) Preston Benelisha.

Page 39

[handwritten letter]
[margin notes: 2. Postage stamps (4¢) rec'd F.W.E. Rev/CSW]
Rowayton, Conn.
Jan. 28, 1921.

Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C. 

Dear Sir:
I wrote your department a month ago asking for a copy of the application of William Preston for pension, who served in the Revolutionary War. William Preston resided in Rumney, New Hampshire and was receiving a pension at the age of eighty-four years on June 1st, 1840. 
Will you kindly inform me whether or not a copy of the

Page 40

[handwritten letter continued]
2. 
application for pension of Willliam Preston can be made for me and let me know if there is any charge attached thereto?
Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain
Very truly yours, 
/s/Wallace Preston Benelisha.
P.S. Stamp enclosed.
[receipt stamp: U.S. PENSION OFFICE A JAN 29 1921]

Page 41

[receipt stamp: U.S. PENSION OFFICE A JAN 29 1921]
[receipt stamp: RECORD DIVISION JAN 29 1921]

Page 42

widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
Wm. Preston W.F. 2667
[column headings: DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.|LENGTH OF SERVICE.|RANK.|OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.(CAPTAIN.|COLONEL.)|STATE.|]
May 1, 1775 to|Sept. 1775|Pvt.|(Joshua Abbot|John Stark)|N.H.|
Sept. 1775| - | " |(Henry Dearborn|Benedict Arnold)|Cont.|
Jan 1777 to|Jan 21, 1780|Sgt.|(Benj. Stone|Alex. Scammel (Scammell)|NH|
[end of columns]
He was taken prisoner at the battle of Quebec and exchanged in Sept. 1776. He was captured by Indians in June 1777 and escaped in Sept. 1777.
Battles engaged in, Bunker Hill, Quebec, Monmouth, Newtown
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Rumney, Grafton Co. N.H.
Date of application for pension, Apr. 21, 1818, His cl was al.
Residence at date of application, Rumney N.H. 
Age at date of application, 63 years. He died Jan. 17 or 18, 1842 at Rumney N.H. 
Remarks: Soldier married Mary Herbert at the 1" church Concord N.H. Jan. 21, 1808* In 1820, they had but one son, Adam aged 19 years and only one daughter Hannah aged 9 years. *She was alld. pen. on her appl. ex. June 24 1853 while 84 years of age & a resident of Ogdenburgh, N.Y. Hazen Webster was his son-in-law.
Very respectfully, 
[blank] Commissioner.
20581b3m11-05

Page 43

5079
160 acres

Page 44

[verso]
William Preston (Continental N.H.)
W.2667
William Preston's Discharge from the armey year 1780
NO
RG 15
TR 730

[recto]
Order for 500 Dollars 
[receipt stamp: THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES]

Page 45

William Preston Sergeant in the third New Hampshire Regiment Formerly an Inhabitant of the Town of Rumney County of Grafton & State of New Hampshire, having Faithfully Served three years in the Service of the United States of America, it being the full Terme of his Inlistment, is Honnourably Discharged; and is Permitted to Return to the State of New Hampshire - 
To Whom it may concern, /s/James Norris Maj'r
Camp Danbury Jan'y 21st 1780 - 
All Issuing commissaries are Divested to Supply the above named William Preston [illegible] with Provisions on his way home
/s/Enoch Poor B. Gen'l

Page 46

33,199
New York, Albany
William Preston dec of [blank] in the State of New York who was a Sergeant in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the Revolution ['line' crossed out] for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 120 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. & Endg 18" January 1842
Certificate of Pension issued the 14" day of Jany 1854 and sent to Hon. B. Perkins House of Reps
Arrears to the 4th of [blank] [blank]
Semi-annual allowance ending [blank] [blank]
{deducting former payts at at $96 under act 1818}
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by H. R. Weightman Clerk,
Book E.2 Vol. 4, Page 56.

Page 47

I Samuel Herbert of Rumney State of New Hampshire of age depose and state that I well knew William Preston of said Rumney, and a neighbor to him from my birth to his death. Said Preston was a Revolutionary pensioner and died January 17th or 18th I am not certain which in the year AD 1842
/s/Samuel Herbert
Merrimack SS
June 7th 1853} Personally appeared Samuel Herbert and Subscribed & made oath to the above Statement 
Before me /s/Moody Kent Just. peace

Page 48

State of New-hampshire.
[court seal affixed] MERRIMACK, SS. 
I, Nehemiah Butler, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County, hereby certify that Moody Kent Esq., before whom the annexed affidavits were made and who has hereunto subscribed his name, was, at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgment of deeds, &c., and that his signature thereunto is genuine. 
IN TESTIMONY  WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name, and affixed the seal of said Court, this Eighth day of June A.D. 1853. 
/s/N. Butler Clerk.

Page 49

[handwritten letter]
Ogdensburgh Aug. 1, 1853

Hon. Loren P. Waldo
Com. of Pensions

Dear Sir
Enclosed I send you application for  Revolutionary widow's pension for Mary Preston - under act of 3d February 1853 - The widow alleges that her husband was a sargeant and she claims pension that grade - 
Respectfully
/s/Preston King

Page 50

No 38,672
Wm. Preston, dec'd
NH
Act 7 June  1832
Ad 2 yrs Sgt
Inc'd to $120 dedg $96 per annum Com'g 4 March 1831 & end'd 18 Jan 1842, payable to his widow, Mary Preston
Albany
Hon B. Perkins
H of R

Page 51

[handwritten letter]
Washington Jan'y 9, 1854

L. P. Waldo com'r &c
May beg that an examination may be made touching the matter refered to in the inclosed letter from Mr. King and that when [illegible]  may be put in possession of the information necessary to a proper answer to King's Letter - 
Respectfully yours
/s/B. Perkins M.C.

Page 52

Hon'l Preston King
answd. Nov. 19, 1853.
William Preston dec'd N.H. line
enquiry Rev
5079

Page 53

[handwritten letter]
Ogdensburgh N.Y. Nov. 14, 1853

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Dear Sir
Mary Preston The widow of William Preston a revolutionary pensioner of New Hampshire to whom whom a pension has recently been granted under the 2d section of the act of Feby. 3d 1853 - supposed that her deceased husband William Preston was entitled to Bounty Land for Revolutionary services and that he never drew it - She supposes that he enlisted for during the war and served to the end of it - Will you inform me whether William Preston aforesaid was entitled to Bounty Land for Revolutionary services and whether if so he has drawn it - 
Respectfully, /s/Preston King

Page 54

I Richard Herbert depose and say that I am a Brother of Mary Preston now of Ogdensburgh in the State of New York but late of Rumney County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire - that she is now the Widow of William Preston who was a Revolutionary pensioner late of said Rumney - that her maiden name was Mary Herbert. that she was married in my presence to said William Preston on the 21st day of January AD 1808 - the ceremony was performed by Asa McFarland - that I live in Concord in the County of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire
/s/Richard Herbert
Merrimack} SS
June 7th 1853} Personally appeared Richard Herbert & subscribed and made oath to the above certificate
Before me /s/Moody Kent} Justice of the peace

Page 55

Brief in the case of Wm Preston dec' 
St Lawrence County and State of New York
act 7 June 1832
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.") [blank]
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
Originally allowed under act 18 March 1818, at $96 per annum - Served 2 yrs as Sergeant adm'd at $120 per annum
(If for increase.) 
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? [blank]
/s/S. Cole
Examining Clerk. 
Hon B. Perkins H of R
Name and residence of Agent

Page 56

Brief in the case of Mrs. Mary Perkins, widow of William, 
St. Lawrence County and State of New York
act of Feb. 3 - 1853. 
Claim, ("original,") or "for increase.") 
Proof exhibited, (if original.)} Husband a pensioner under act of 1818 at $96 per annum
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
Sergeant - New Hampshire line 3 years
Pension paid to his death Jan. 18, 1842
Allowed $120 per annum - 
Basis act June 7, 1832. 
(If for increase.) 
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by credible witnesses
viz: 
Death  "  "  Auditor's report
Identity  "  certificate of court. 
Examining Clerk. 
/s/J. L. Gray
Name and residence of Agent
Hon Preston King, 
Ogdensburg, N. York.

Page 57

[handwritten letter]
Ogdensburgh Jany 31, 1855

L. P. Waldo Esq
Com'r Pensions Washington DC
Dear Sir
On the tenth day of October 1853 a widows pension was granted to Mrs. Mary Preston widow of William Preston who was a sergeant in the revolutionary war, commencing on the 3d day of February A.D. 1853, at the rate of $120 per an.
By the second section of the act of February, widows married subsequent to January 1800 are entitled to pensions in the same manner as those  married before.
Those married before, were entitled to a pension from March 4, 1848 - 
is this the constriction the department has put upon such cases, and if so what proof do you require, and what rules have you adopted to obtaining the arrears in such cases?
Respy yours
/s/B. H. Vary

Page 58

[handwritten letter]
Ogdensburgh Nov. 14, 1853

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Com. of Pensions
Dear Sir
Mary Preston of this village widow of William Preston deceased Revolutionary pensioner of New Hampshire has been granted a pension under the act of Feby 3" 1853, commencing Feb 3d 1853 - Mrs. Preston supposes she should draw a pension from the death of her husband or for some period prior to Feb. 3, 1853 - The Language of the act of Feb 3d 1853 is that widows married subsequent to January 1800

Page 59

[handwritten letter continued]
shall draw a pension in the same manner as those married prior to that date. Will you write me the construction and decision of the department upon this point - and whether Mary Preston is entitled to any thing for  time prior to date of Feb 3d 1853 under the act of that date
Respectfully
/s/Preston King

Page 60

[receipt stamp: O.W. & N. DIV. FILES APR 12 1906]

Page 61

[handwritten letter]
Hathorne Mass Apr. 10, 1906

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C. 
Dear Sir: - 
Please send me the pension record of William Preston - Grafton Co. N.H. - placed on roll 1818 - age 85
Yours very truly
/s/Charles H. Preston
[receipt stamp: U.S. PENSION OFFICE. O APR 11 1906]

Page 62

No 1
[receipt stamp: U.S. PENSION OFFICE. O APR 14 1914]

Page 63

[handwritten letter]
Hathorne, Mass. April 27 1914

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C. 

Dear  Sir:
I would  like to obtain the pension record of Abner Preston, a private, of Hillsboro Co. N.H. who received a pension for service in the Revolutionary War. 
Yours very truly
/s/Charles H. Preston
P.S. Also pension record of William Preston, Sergeant, of Grafton Co., N.H.

Page 64

In the matter of the application of Mary Preston widow of William Preston a deceased Revolutionary soldier & pensioner for a pension - 
State of New York
St. Lawrence County} ss: 
I Hazen Webster of Ogdensburgh in the State of New York being duly sworn do depose and say that I am the son in law of Mary Preston the widow of William Preston deceased the said William Preston her deceased husband was well known to me in his left tie he resided when I knew him from the year 1830 to the year 1842 in the Town of Rumney in the County of Grafton New Hampshire - And in January 1842 the said Wm. Preston died in the said Town of Rumney - deponent knew by common reputation and his own declaration that the said William Preston was a Revolutionary pensioner

Page 65

And he is the identical William Preston of whom the said Mary Preston now an applicant for a widow's pension is the widow Deponent knew the said Mary all the while he knew the said William and they lived together as man & wife - the said Mary Preston now resides with deponent and his wife the daughter of the said Mary and has resided in deponents Family since the death of her said husband in 1842 - 
This deponent then a son-in-law was present at the death of the said William and attended his funeral in Rumney aforesaid in January 1842 - 
/s/Hazen Webster
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 10th day of June 1853}
/s/Cyrus W. Baldwin Justice of the Peace

Page 66

Let this certify that Cyrus W. Baldwin Esq before whom the within affidavit was taken is a justice of the Peace in & for St. Lawrence County New York duly authorized to administer oaths and that his official signature to the jurat is genuine - 
Ogdensburgh July 19, 1853 - 
/s/Preston King Late M.C. 
/s/Bishop Perkins MC
[margin note: Hazen Webster afft]

Page 67

State of New Hampshire
Grafton ss} Haverhill October 31st 1818
This certifies that William Preston personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Grafton aforesaid and made solemn oath that he is the same William Preston to whom the original certificate in his possession was given of which the following is a True copy
/s/David Sloan Justice Peace
War Department
Revolutionary Claim 
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States of 18th of March 1818 William Preston Late a ['private' crossed out] Sergeant in the Army of the Revolution is inscribed on the Pention  List. Roll of the New Hampshire agency at the rate of eight Dollars - ['rate' crossed out] per month to commence on the twenty first day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen. 
Given at the War office of the United States this first day of October one thousand eight hundred and eighteen. 
/s/J. C. Cochran 
Secretary of War
[facsimile seal: L.S.]
State of New Hampshire
Grafton ss} Haverhill October 31st 1818
Know all men by these presents that I William Preston of Rumney in the County of Grafton & State of New Hampshire Esquire do by these present constitute & appoint Benj. Merrill of Haverhill in the County of Grafton aforesaid [illegible] my lawfull attorney to ask in my name and for my use at the New Hampshire agency for the money due me as a Revolutionary pentioner from the twenty first day of April 1818 to the fourth day of September 1848. in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this thirty first day of October 1818 
/s/Wm. Preston
Signed Sealed in Present of 
/s/Amos Burton Junr
/s/David Sloan

Page 68

Haverhill October 31st 1818 Personally appeared the within named William Preston and acknowledged the within written Power of attorney by him signed & sealed to be his free act and Power before /s/David Sloan Justice Peace 
Adams Preston 
adams
Copey the within in the Lue (lieu) of Benj. Morell.
Colton Smart of Rumney  in the Lue (lieu) of Sept the 4th 1818 say march the 4th 1819 
I wish you to Coppy it to Night 
Rumney in the Lue (lieu) of Haverhill

Page 69

This summary account of Wm. Preston's campaigns is transmitted at his particular request & was sworn to with the other declaration in open Court
/s/Geo. Woodward Clerk

Page 70

A list of my Famaly
I am now sixty six years old my Wife fifty one one Son nineteen being out of health one Daughter nine years old - 
I Enlisted in the Revolution War on the first of May 1775 in Capt. Joshua Abbot's Company Colo. John Stark's Reg't which marched immediately to Charlestown Ms and was there at the Bunkerhill Battle and continued there until Sept. then I joined Capt. Henry Dearborn's Company (now Gen'l Dearborn) Benedict Arnold was commander of the detachment we march'd through the Province of Main(e) so on to Quebeck on the 30th day of December (morning) the day General Montgomery was killed. I was taken prisoner where I remain'd until Sept. 1776 and the most part of s'd time in Irons from there I was put  aboard a Ship and Carried to New York where I was Exchang'd. I got discharge and return'd Home the last of October 1776 - in January 1777 I Enlisted in Capt. Benjamin Stone's Company third New Hampshire Regt. commanded by Elexander Scammels (Alexander Scammell) for three years, and marched immediately for Ticonderoga in June following I was taken prisoner by the Indians on the last of Sept. I made my escape and found my company before the taking of Borguine. (Burgoyne)
I was in the Battle of Monmouth in the year 1778 and in 1779 I went with Gen'l Sulivan (Sullivan) up Susquehanna River so on to Jenesee (Genesee) to Destroy the Indian Settlements &c and was at Newton Battle with the Indians in January 1780 I got my discharg as will appear in the War Office I was a Sergeant in the Service of three years
/s/Willm. Preston