Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 40299, for William Preston, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental
Preston, William
840299
New York
Mar of 1812
widow of
CONTENTS

not a pay from the recd last ap d April 1834 was paid etc.
See cu. Tra 25 th March 1835 - I. Lawrence N.Y.
Transf d from N. York to Ohio Pits for 4 th Mar. 1834 - Mar 31 st 1835
of transfer due to the care of the Deaf Mute Commission as applied to the with them to the benefit of the sent to Pitsburg through Oct 1835 Oct 4 th 1838 Hon. R. Whittier
True Ohio  New York to the N.Y. 17592
William Preston, R 4 Niagara co., in the state of N. York, was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel S t Warner, of the New-Hamps. for the term of 2 years, 6 months,
and on the Roll of New-York, at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 20. of April, 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8. of July, 1820 and sent to Stephen Phelps, agent Canandaigua, New-York.
Arrears to 4th of March, 1820. $: 179.96 Semi-ann. all ce ending 4. Sept r 48 "    }  22 mo. \frac{11}{30} } 1820. $: 227.96    4 \frac{4}{31} }   
{ Revolutionary claim, { Act 18th March, 1818. }

William Preston Declaration
The Credibility of Witnesses must be Certified by a Magistrate
The credibility of the Witnesses has been Certified - See Within,

Gideon Frisbee one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in the County of Niagara do hereby certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said William Preston did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preced- ing declaration against the common enemy and knows that the said William is in such reduced circumstances as to need the assistance of his country for support and that he is a Resident citizen of the United States and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the depart- ment of War pursuant to the directions of the above mentioned act of Congress Dated the 20th day of April 1818
G FRISBEE
State of New York Niagara County ss
I John E. Marshall clerk of the county of Niagara, do hereby certify that Gideon Frisbee whose name is subscribed to the above certificate of the within declaration or instrument in writing was on the day and date of the same a Judge of the court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Niagara, and still is a Judge of said county, commissioned and sworn &c. — and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge, and verily believe that the above signature of "G Frisbee" is the proper hand writing of the said Judge.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix the county seal at Buffalo this 6 th day of June A D 1820
M c E Marshall, Clerk by J. Remington Dep

State of New York
Niagara County ss: On this Twentieth day of April in the year A.D. 1818 before me the sub- scribed one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Niagara aforesaid personally appeared William Preston aged Fifty seven years resident in the Town of Cambria in the County of Niagara aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war." That the said William Preston enlisted into the service of the United States in the month of March in the year 1778 at Cambridge in the State of New York in the company commanded by Capt. John Chipman of Col. Seth Warner's Regiment, that he continued to serve in said company until the Eighteenth day of October 1780. when he was stationed at Fort George which was taken by the British troops, that he was then & there wounded in the head by a bayonet, and from thence made his escape with Twenty eight others to Fort Edward. That in the month of June in the year 1780 and while in the service of the United States he received a break by an accident in rowing a boat on Lake George which has been very troublesome ever since. That this deponent served principally while in said company within the State of New York and that Col. Warner's Regiment as near as this deponent can recollect belonged to the New York line. That this deponent 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 possession or power of his said service.
Sworn to subscribed & declared before me the day & year first above written -
his William G. Preston deponent

Communication to be forwarded to Stephen Phelps Garrison.
his Wm H Preston mark

Rec d 31 Aug 1821.
667.
Code of W m Preston
copy
17592
con D. L. E. m
Stephen Phelps Esq. Canandaigua, N. Y.

STATE OF NEW-YORK,
Ontario County, ss.
On this twenty second day of August 1821 personally appeared in open Court, (being a Court of Common Pleas in and for said county, and constituted a Court of Record by proceeding according to the course of the Common Law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, and keeping a record of its proceedings, and recognized as such Court by the laws and judicial decisions of said State,) William Preston aged 75 years, resident in the town of Richmond in said county, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows:—
That he enlisted as a private on the sixteenth day of March 1778, at Bennington, Vermont under Capt. John Chipman, in the Regiment commanded by Col. Seth Warner, of the New York Line, (as he believes) and that he received an honorable discharge from Lieut. Col. Staffords or Safford Regiment, at Bennington on the fifteenth day of November 1780.
and that he made application for a Pension on the twentieth day of April 1818 and that he received a Pension Certificate, No. 2592 And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, 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 Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," passed 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, viz
  one cow 15.00. 1 fall bed 4.00. one pair and 2 reams 2.00. 1 frying pan .50. $21.50   1 Trunk 10.00. 1 shovel 2.00. 1 meat barrel 1.00. 1 sack .25. 1 Hoe .20. 3.45   1 age .50. 4 chairs 1.50. 1 Hoe .31. 1 Churn & 2 pails 1.40. 1 Basket .50. 3.71   5 Tea cups & saucers .25. 4 crocks .50. two broken platters .08. .48   6 plates .25. 1 Jug. Tannet & Saddle .40. 4 quart bowls .28. .93   4 knives & forks, 1 Butcher knife .50. 1 Tea karnista .20. 1 wooden bowl broken .10. .90   1 flat iron .20. 1 old flour cask .12 1/2. 1 chest .50. 1 Looking Glass .20. 1.02 1/2   1 pair Shears .05. 1 broken Tea kettle & Broken Bake Kettle .50. .56   1 candlestick .04. 1 cow Bell 1.00. 5 old Spoons .31. 1.35   34.32 1/2 
And I do further swear and declare that I am by occupation a Farmer and that by age and Infirmities, particularly a bad breech, unable to perform but little or no labor, and that my Family consists of my wife aged fifty six years, out of health, my daughter Betsey aged seventeen years tolerably healthy and am now obliged to depend on the charity of my friends for support. Sworn and declared this 22 nd day of August 1821 before me a Judge of the Court of common pleas - in open Court. Moses Alwater Wm. Preston
A true copy of the foregoing oath (filed 22 nd august 1821) I, Gavin L. Nicholas Clerk of the county of Ontario do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath (or affirmation) and the schedule annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is thirty four dollars and thirty five and a half cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this twenty second day of August 1821.
Gavin L. Nicholas Clerk of the Court for the County of Ontario

Mar 19 No deposit in G March 12 th
Will
Hon. J. G. Edwards Pension Agent Washington City
(Chas. Pitts)
trans for
William Preston

Application For A Transfer
State of Ohio
Trumbull County ss On this 4 th day of March 1835 Before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace for the said County of Trumbull personally appeared William Preston who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain John Chipman in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Seth Warner in the service of the United States that his name was placed on the Pension roll of the State of New York from whence he has lately removed that he now resides in the State of Ohio where he intends to remain and wishes his Pension to be payable in future at Pittsburgh Pennsylvania the following are his reasons for removing from New York having Children in Ohio emigrated to live with them Sworn and subscribed to
Before me the day & Year aforesaid Linus Tracy Justice Peace Wm D. & J. Fox
Also personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace Aaron Bates Jr Who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is personally acquainted with William Preston and knows him to be the person described in the above affidavit
Linus Tracy Justice Peace
I here by certify that Aaron Bates Jr the witness in the above affidavit is a man of Truth and Veracity
Linus Tracy Justice Peace

The State of the Franklin County p
I George Parsons Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do hereby certify that Simon Tracey Esquire whose signature in his own proper hand writing is affixed to the within certificate of acknowledgement was at the time of subscribing the same an acting justice of the peace within and for said county duly commissioned and sworn agreeably to the Laws of said State, and to whose official acts full faith and credit are and ought to be given
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court at Warren this 6 day of March Anno Domini 1835 George Parsons CLK By Symon Potter dep

Napopotamia Trumbull Co Ohio
Rev J G Edwards
Dear
Sir
Should the Transfer of William Preston be granted please direct your communication to me as I have the care of his business
Very Respectfully your Abet Servant L Franz

40299
INVALID.
Rev
File No. 40,299
William Preston Rev Rev Rev
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index:—Vol. 8, Page 402
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Suspect?
Not on any of the Company rolls of Warner Battalion for 78 & 79 -

Jan 28/52
E. M. Wheeler in behalf of Mr. Preston
18 m 95
Attn J. B. Heath
Com 2 Perkins
Washington
Mr W. H. Leland

Col. t Lewis Elliott Esq. May 17th '47
Se, Elliott May 2 o 49 No 11, Hillard May 4/52 L. Elliott July Do 1832 John Harmon Jan 12/59 " " Feb 8/59
4. Sep 1820

ap. 17. 52
Re: to Case of Wm Preston's widow
Hon. James Smith Stumpden Greencastle Ohio
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City DC
Washington

Wm Preston Revolutionary Pension of N. H. Laur of 1818
from Adad Joy Ovid
He wishes to see the papers
not to him him in W. S. of Esq.
ington D. C.
Feb 1852

Wenatchee N.W. Jan 28 1852, Mr Joy
Dear Sir
I have just recd. those Papers from Mrs Preston which she has signed and upon examining them I find that they were signed and acknowledged before D. M. Chapin Justice of the Peace and are neither of them dated. I therefore return them for correction. Please direct me when to send them, as I shall not probably get them for a week or more -
Very Respectfully
Yours &c E. M. Webber

I Thomas Linslie of Lawful age depose and say that a bout four years ago I heard William Tuffs say - who was a Revolutionary War Soldier that he Tuffs was acquainted with William Preston in the years 1776 and 1777 and that said Preston was a Soldier in said Service and said William Tuffs said the last time he seen said Preston in said Service was at the taking of Beryne at Saratoga. and further this deponent saith not.
Thomas Linslie
The State of Ohio Grange County ss Sworn to and subscribed before me This 25 th of Feb. A.D. 1838 Nathl. Moore J.P.

Ogdensburgh May 7. 1835.
Sir,
When I advised you of my fears that Mr Preston had no claim to a pension, I did not furnish you any of the evidence upon which I grounded my suggestion. The enclosed letter was handed to me by a Revolution- ary soldier to be used as I saw fit. He also gave me the enclosed list which shows where Preston probably went to & the services he engaged in. This list is, as I am informed, a the list from the Roll of a Canadian Captain's books during the war. One subsequently a Major of it once commanded this company & the books & papers are with his widow in Prescott. She just across the river from my residence. I am repeatedly informed that these papers are likely to throw light upon other cases, & that the writer of the letter can disclose the names of numerous persons whom she while in  was in  Elizabethton knew besides Preston, some of whom are drawing pensions, it is said. I am not at liberty to let these papers remain with you & therefore you will please return them. A knowl- edge of their contents may lead you to detect frauds. Should any

information calculated to aid in the detection of fraud & come in my way I will forward it to you promptly & cheerfully but I cannot go in search of evidence at my own expense
Yours afft sent R. H. Gillis
J. Edwards

Claim of Rebecca Preston for Pension as widow of Wm Preston a Revolutionary Pensioner
John Harmon agent Ravenna Ohio

Maremma Ohio Decr. 26 th 1858
Commissioner of Pensions - Dear Sir - As agent for one of the heirs of Wm Preston deceased a revolutionary pensioner and whose pension was stopped some little before before his death I wish to enquire whether his arrears of Pension or his widows pension was ever allowed or drawn by his widow or any one purporting to be an agent for his widow Rebecca Preston. At Mr. Lewis Elliot (or Ellet) was employed by the widow to obtain the pension after the death of Wm Preston and it is presumed he may have drawn it and withheld it from her about 14 or 15 years ago as near as we can ascertain as no reason can be assigned why he could not draw it as she is known to have furnished him all the necessary evidence on which to draw it and there could not be a doubt of her being entitled to it. But Ellet reported he could not get it and is now since the death of the widow offering to buy pension claims but says that this cannot be obtained.
We cannot give the exact date, nor the number of the claim but hope you will be able to aid us to find out or to confirm our suspicions or dispel them.
Very Respectfully
Yours &c.
John Harmon

Washington April 1 st 1838-
Sir
I send to You the papers of William Preston. I conclude from the letter of Mr White, that Mr Preston has been on the pension roll, and that he has been stricken from it, and from a remark in his own affidavit, I conclude, You were informed he was fighting with, and not against the enemy.
I wish You would examine the papers, and inform me, on Mr White, whether the objection is removed. Mr White is a very respectable man. I am not acquainted with all the persons, whose affidavits are sent to You.
Very Respectfully Yours E. Whittier
J. L. Edward Egan Born on Pensions. June

Mansfield Geauga County Ohio August 21 st 1849
Hon J. D. Edwards Sir within some five years past I have had the honor of transmitting you some twenty applications for pensions for widows and heirs etc. at the present time I have a case of one widow Preston widow of a Revolutionary soldier and pensioner and want to know whether she will be entitled to a pension under the resolve of Congress of last month. Her claim is as follows her Husband Wm Preston was pensioned under the pension act of 1818 while a resident of the State of New York But some years after came to this county and after a few years he lost his pen- sion on account of his name not being found on Col Warner's Rolls as he set forth in his decla- ration the widow is still living and wants to obtain a pension Can she under these circumstances or not Also a widow Norris has a claim her Husband was a pensioner But the Commissioner has decided against her claim stating that her Husband was a teamster and not a soldier etc. will the above Resolution affect her claim or pension not By answering this letter you can save much trouble and expense Respectfully yours Hon James D. Edwards Com. of Pensions Lewis Elliott

May 1. 1847 Recd of Rebecca Burton. for J. J. Belmont Commission of Pensions Washington City 76
Wm Lloyd Apr 23
X

Hanborn Geauga County Ohio
April 22 nd 1847
Sir
I am Employed By widow Rebecca Preston to obtain a Pension which she thinks is her due as the widow of William Preston and if you will inform me which she would be entitled under the following circumstances or not it will save much trouble and expense - her Husband William Preston was pensioned while living in the State of New York under the act of March 18 th 1818, that some twenty years ago he came to the State of Ohio and drew his Pension a number of years and then was stricken from the pension roll on account of a statement that he was a tory and I wish to be informed whether he ever received his Pension afterwards and when the last payment was made for some ten years ago he went to the State of New York and left his family and never returned and is reported to be dead and the widow is blind and very poor and much in need of her Pension Respectfully yours Lewis Elliott
J S Edwards Commissioner of Pensions

Sept 26
FREE
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Sir Painesville Sept 21 1835
I here with return Nathaniel Coulters application for a Transfer with the Clerks Certificate attached. We some time since forwarded an application for a Transfer for John Davis which we have not heard from - We learnt when we was in Pittsburgh to draw the money for some of the old Soldiers that Mr William Preston soldier a Pensioner under the act of 1831 has been suspended. having not heard anything about it previously to presenting his Voucher he wishes to know for what reason he has been suspended and wishes to know what course to pursue if any to get his small pittance as he is in a ready situation - having to depend entirely upon his pension for subsistence. by giving us some information respecting it you will Much oblige the old Soldier
Respectfully Sir
Yours H
Benjamin Hough
J. D. Davis Esq Commissioner of Pensions

Ogdensburgh NY April 10th 1835.
Sir,
I send you on off. of the Deed But in aid of David Brown's Claim for a pension. It is but within a short time, I understand that Brown has found out the residence of his sister. As himself has not seen her, & if her story is at all in confirmation of his, it ought to have much weight. The off. has been drawn up by the local magistrate, & neither Brown, nor his attorney was present; & on this account I attach more weight to it. From my recollection of his former proof, it is the objections raised, it seems to me that this proof must remove all doubt & induce you to give him his pension.

You have heretofore spoken of the propriety of procuring William Preston's oath in this case. I have, since my return home, been advised, that his mom could not with truth make any oath of his own knowledge in this matter. —that the Rolls of British Copt, in this vicinity, & the recollection of British soldiers, prove that he was a portion of the war at least, on the wrong side. I do not have this from Brown, but from third persons. If you will commission me to enquire into this , I will do so, & report to you as soon as completed. Should I stumble upon any other suspi- cious cases in this vicinity, I shall as a citizen, call your attention to them.

I know nothing of Brown's case further than the evidence proves & what I have heretofore written you.
Yours at E. Sent A. H. Gillit
A. S. Edwards Esq. Dear Sir,

Sworn & Subscribed to Before Me This 3 rd day of November A.D. 1832 C. Noble Esq.
C. Brownell Esq.

I Cushing Brownell of Lufkin also deposed and said, about four years ago I saw Stephen Fuller that he went to the Revada time servs and he told me that he was acquainted with Wm. Preston in the same servs and was in a number of bottles with the said Preston and at one time he the said Fuller acted as if going over the breastwork and taking a great number of Russians the said Fuller has told me at different times that he was well acquainted with the said Preston in the army and with his officers and I have seen the two converse together and I am well satisfied that they were well acquainted with each in the army and I do now that to my certain knowledge that the said Preston has been in Russia and the said Fuller has Fuller is now here the said Preston gave his testimony for the said Fuller and therefore he the said Fuller obtained his Russian enemy for the more this deponent said not Given 3 rd the 14 th 1857 Cushing Brownell

Rec d 5 th April. 1834
Rec d 9 th April. 5 th sent 9 th April. 7 th giving an order to pay.
James L. Edmonds Esq r Commisioner of Pleasuries Washington

Office Park U State, Newark April 3 rd 1834
Sir
Inclose a Paper in the case of William Preston who was transferred from Pittsburg to this Agency by your Letter of the 17 th of August 1833— It appears that he is still residing in the State of Ohio and the Attorney requests the favor of you to allow the payment to be made here.
I am Very Resp t fully Sir Yours &c.
Isaac Lawrence Secy. Acting as Agent for Pensions
Wm L Edwards Esq. Chairman of Pensions

Case of Rebecca Preston widow of W m Preston dec d . a revolutionary Pensioner
John Harmon agent
Ravenna
Ohio

Commissioner of Pensions
Sir - we wish to know what further evidence is necessary or was necessary when Rebecca Preston (widow of William Preston a deceyzed Revolutionary pensioner) applied for a pension to enable her to draw her pension some 12 or 15 years ago. We are informed that Lewis Elliott of Geauga Co. Ohio refused the proof necessary (as was then supposed) to enable her to draw a pension, but the pension it appears was never drawn and probably for want of some one item of proof, for we have no doubt of the legality of her claim. will you be good enough to inform me what more proof is necessary and we will no doubt be able to furnish it to your satisfaction.
It is presumed the proof of their marriage and of his death was furnished. If not it will be furnished.
Very respectfully
yours &c
John Harmon agent Ravenna Ohio
Jan. 20 - 1859

Mr. Purdie Pittsburgh
Dear
Mr. Edwards Esq. (Commissioner of Revenue) Washington City

Off. B. U. S. Pittsburgh
26 May 1835
J S Edward Esq Commissions Sir
Yours of the 27th ult, directing me to suspend payment of the pension of William Preston, was received this morning— But on the 25th ult he received, by his atty, payment here of $96 being up to 4th March— last. Future payments will be suspended ac- cording to your instructions.
I am very respectfully Your Obedient Servt
A Prattenridge Pres & Ben Agt

Wm Boston appu

I William Preston of Clermont County of Ohio State of Ohio of lawful age do hereby certify that I served in the service of the United States in April 1776 and continued in said service until October 1780 I was under Col. Seth Warner I was in the battles of Hubbardston & Bennington in the year 1777 also in the Friday fight at Schuyler's Mills in taking Burgoyne I was in a number of other battles the last was the engagement at Fort George I was wounded by a rifle ball at Fort Plank. I served under Gen Peter B. Porter in Brown's army in 1814. was in the battle of Chippewa the 5th of July 1814 I was in the battle of Bridgewater the same year when I received a wound in each hand I also volunteered as a minuteman in May 1781 in Col. Solomon King's Regt until the June 1783 when peace was declared I also say that after leaving the army in 1780 I returned to Cambridge State of New York and resided with my Mother until Oct 1782 when I was married And I further say that no person has ever seen me fire a gun or in the service of any other nation except America and I would sooner be called a highway robber than a tory I would further say that Capt Martin Beekly testified before Samuel S. Phelps of Canadagua that he was acquainted with me in the service from 1776 to 1780 Peter Boyce testified to the same and upon their affidavits I obtained my pension Wm Preston
Wm D. Wilson

Henry Barron of Burton, County of Geauga, State of Ohio; of lawful age, being first duly sworn by me, as hereafter certified, deposes and says, that Capt Martin Dudley was a resident of Canandaigua township Ontario County State of New York and that he was well acquainted with the said Capt Dudley from the year eighteen hundred and nine until his death being about sixteen years, and that he was a man of strictly moral and temperate habits and for honesty and veracity very exemplary. and furthermore that he has frequently heard the said Martin Dudley speak of being in the army of the revolution, and that he was commissary in said army
Henry Barron
I Matthew D Merriam a justice of the peace in and for the township of Burton, in the county of Geauga State of Ohio do hereby certify that the above named Henry Barron was by me duly sworn to testify the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth and that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed was by me reduced to writing and was taken this ninth day of March - 1838
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 9 th day of March - in the year 1838
Matthew D Merriam J. P.

L. Davis & J Chapman affn

Deposition of Silvester Davis Esqr of the Township of Munson in the County of Geauga & State of Ohio taken on the 7 th Day of March A.D. 1838 who being first Duly Sworn deposeth & saith That in the years Eighteen Hundred & thirteen Fourteen & fifteen I was acquainted with one Capt Dudley believe he wrote his name Martin Dudley of Canandaigua Ontario County New York for the time of the two above mentioned years & that I considered him at that time a man of truth & veracity & sustained a good Moral Character & further this Deponent saith not Sworn to & subscribed before me this 7 th Day of March A.D. 1838 Edwin Fowler J.P. Silvester Davis
Deposition of John Chapman of the Township of Munson in the County of Geauga & State of Ohio taken on the 7 th Day of March A.D. 1838 at the Office of Edwin Fowler a Justice of the Peace for the Township aforesaid who being first Duly Sworn Depose th & saith That I was well acquainted with Capt Dudley believe Christian Name Martin for ten or twelve years or from about the year of our Lord 1806 until his Death & that the said Dudley resided in Canandaigua Ontario County in the State of New York & that the said Dudley was considered a man of truth & veracity & sustained a good Moral Character & further this Deponent saith not Sworn to & subscribed before me this 7 th Day of March A.D. 1838 Edwin Fowler J.P. John Chapman
The State of Ohio } Geauga County ss. } Edw Fowler } Munson March 7 th 1838 I, Edwin Fowler a Justice of the Peace for the Township aforesaid do hereby Certify that the above named Silvester Davis & John Chapman was by me Sworn to testify the truth & the whole truth & that the foregoing Depositions by them subscribed was reduced to writing by me & taken at my office at the time above mentioned Given under my hand & seal this 7 th Day of March A.D. 1838 Edwin Fowler Justice of the Peace

I Ozi Blakeslee of lawful age depose and say that in the summer of 1827 my father Samuel Blakeslee then residing in Livingston County State of New York came and lived with me in Clinton County Ohio during that summer and in the latter part of that season William Preston called to see him having heard that my father was some years in the Revolutionary war said Preston having served in the same contest I had a curiosity and felt an interest in hearing them two fight their battles over again in relating to each other their marches contests and privations during that eventful period they spoke of a number of actions and commanders in and under whom they served but did not seem to have knowledge of being in the same action together until one of them mentioned the taking of Stony Point fort the other quickly replied I was there then commenced a conversation mutually which was very interesting to me to hear they spoke with animation of things on their march of their storming the fort of many incidents very many which occurred before in and after the action and their agreeing and rectifying each other in some particulars in names and circumstances fully convinced me after listening to their conversation and hearing them converse for two or three hours and still not fatigued I was fully convinced then and am now that William Preston was there in the same action with my father Ozi Blakeslee
State of Ohio } I certify that the foregoing deposition was Clinton County } sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th day of March A.D. 1838
Clusler Just Justice of the Peace
Elisha Whittier Esqr
By examining you may find my father's name on the pension list he was the same Col Blakeslee that held a conspicuous command when Buffalo was burnt in 1814 He has since accused Reference to history of the last war Ozi Blakeslee

... in ...
Mr
Isaac O'Neil Inn Prescott

I was born in Dutches county State of New york - my father name was Timothy Hodges when I was a child we moved up to Albany - County to a place called Maloomscoit when I was probably about ten or twelve years old my parents let me go and visit my sister that was married who lived in Cambridge about three miles from my father whilst I was at my sister's it appears that there was a man by the name of Nicholas Mosher Mosher formerly from that Place that I had been acquainted with he was then from Canada a recruiting and kept secreted nigh where my sister lived in the bush and as my Brother in law was a sory he supplied Mosher with provisions - my sister made some provision ready and sent me with a bundle to the bush where they was giving me directions where to go and what to say when I came to the place I found J Mosher William Preston Jonathan Fullman near that I was well acquainted with and I think another stranger - they enticed my budget of provision and I returned back to the house - and in the evening they all came to the house and slept through the deed of the night - and I was informed that Preston Fullman with others went with Nicholas Mosher to Canada I think it must be in the year 1782 sometime after Harvest - Sir I subscribe my self by my then Maiden Name &c &c
Chloe Hodges
Augusta
15 April 1835
To Mr Isaac Plumb Jr Mr Prescott

Thomas Beals Agent Canandaigua

County of Ontario ss
On this Second day of August 1833 before me, the subscriber, a Notary Public for the said County of Ontario personally appeared William Preston, a Revolutionary Pensioner who, in his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain John Chipman in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Seth Hainer in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Ohio from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State of New York where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Geauga County, Ohio to Ontario County in New York, viz, that he has children residing here and wishes to live near them.
Sworn to and subscribed, before me the day and year aforesaid Merritt D. D. Not. Pub.
Wm Preston
State of New York Ontario County ss
On this Second day of August 1833 personally appeared before me Thomas Beal, a Notary Public, Timothy L. Bogue who being duly sworn doth depose and say, that he is well acquainted with William Preston a Revolutionary Pensioner now present, and who has sworn to and subscribed the affidavit above, and that he has known him for more than fifteen years past.
Sworn to and subscribed, before me the day and year aforesaid Merritt D. D. Not. Pub.
Timothy L. Bogue
I certify that the above named Timothy L. Bogue is a credible person Merritt D. D. Not. Pub.

State of New York Ontario County ss.
I, Charles Crane, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Thomas Beals whose name is subscribed to the within certificates is a Notary Public in and for said county and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the said signatures to be his proper act and deed.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office, at my office in Canandaigua, this second day of August A. D. 1833.
Charles Crane

Chardon O. March 21 st 1826
(Pension Office)
Hon ble J. A. Garson Secretary of War Washington City
J. M. Hays Mr. Paton J. A. Garson for P. M. P. M. 30. 30. 30.
From E. P. March 28, 1826. P. M.

Chardon Geauga County Ohio March 20-1826
Hon d Jas Barbour
Sir - Enclosed are the affidavits of W m Preston - Nathan Ganson and Sam l M. Starr which are forwarded for the purpose of effecting transfers of their Pensions to this State -
Be pleased to inform me whether they are correct, and if so - where the pensions will be payable -
Very Respectfully
Elazar Paine

State of Ohio Guanga County ss On this 18 th day of March 1826 before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Guanga personally appeared William Preston, who on his Oath declares that he is the same person who for- merly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain John Chipman in the Regiment commanded by Col. Seth Warner, in the Service of the United States. That his name was placed on the Pension roll of the State of New York from whence he has lately removed. That he now resides in the State of Ohio where he intends to remain and wishes his Pension to be there payable in future. And that his reasons for remaining to the State of Ohio, were the enjoyment of the society of his Children & relatives there settled. Sworn & subscribed this 18 th day of March 1826 Before me
Wm Preston
Helen Canfield Justice of the Peace
I Elazar Paine do solemnly swear that I am well acquainted with the above named Wm Preston & know him to be the same person described in the above affidavit Sworn & subscribed this 18 th day of March 1826 Before me.
Elazar Paine
Elazar Paine
Helen Canfield Justice of the Peace

The State of Ohio } Chardon March 18. 1826 Geauga County ss } I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Ellarn Paine & believe him to be a man of truth & veracity
Hilern Canfield Justice of the Peace
State of Ohio } Geauga County ss } I Edward Paine Junr Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County do hereby certify, that Hilern Canfield on the Eighteenth day of March A D 1826 was an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned & sworn And I also certify, that the three several signatures of the said Hilern Canfield on this affidavit is in his own proper hand writing In witness whereof I have hereunto set my name and have caused the seal of said Court to be affixed this twentieth day of March A D 1826.
Edward Paine Junr. Clerk. Com. Pleas.
Miss Preston

I William Preston of Clandon County of Geauga State of Ohio, of lawful age depose and say that I entered the service of the United States in April 1776.
I was in Col. Seth Warner's Reg. and in Capt. John Chipman's Co. of Infantry. Gen. Schuyler evacuated Ticonderoga and retreated to Still water. Col. Warner's Reg. then marched to Hubberton and was there attacked by the enemy and was repulsed with a loss of nearly 160 officers and soldiers. I Wm. Preston was not in this action, but was marching in front guard Castleton; on this march we came in contact with a British guard and fired on and dispersed them - after which we arrived at Castleton Ft. Warner. From Castleton we marched to Manchester and remained there some time, from thence marched Shaftsbury where we arrived in the edge of the evening.
On the 15 th of Aug. we came in contact with the enemy and was drove. An express from Gen. Starks to Col. Warner arrived in the evening ordering Col. Warner to meet Gen. Starks at Hucklebury Hill at 9 o'clock A.M. without fail which he accordingly did, it being the 16 th Aug. Here we met the enemy Gen. Starks succeeded in taking a 9 Pounder and Col. Warner a 4 Pounder driving the enemy from their position taking 300 prisoners and lodged them in the church in Bennington. In the mean time Gen. Starks pursued the enemy towards Still water which consisted of Tories, Indians and Hessians commanded by Major Skine. In this march he received orders to repair with his force to the Checkerd House and also to meet Gen. Arnold at Saratoga immediately - which he did, news having arrived that Gen. Burgoyne had retreated from Still Water to Saratoga. This was done to form a line to prevent the enemy from passing up North River to Ticonderoga. Here Gen. Gates sent Gen. Arnold to force the British line, but on finding the enemy's artillery so heavy gave back.

On the Friday night the force commanded by Gen. Allen scalped the British breast work his horse on leaping it was shot from under him - but being unhurt, and furnished with another horse by his aid succeeded in driving the enemy and taking 400 prisoners mostly Hessians. I Wm. Preston was in this action and Stephen Fuller by my side.
17 October 1777 Burgoyne surrendered and his men marched to Green Bush - from thence to Boston with guard. I still remaining in Col. Warner's Reg. In 1780 I went to Ft. Storks where Capt. Chipman lay - while the main body of Col. Warner's Reg. lay at Lake George in Ft. George all summer. I remained at Ft. Storks under Capt. Chipman until the latter part Sept. In June this year Lieut. Coon and Asst. Hopkins were killed on Diamonds Island, Lee and Smith were left by the enemy for dead Smith recovered although tomahawked and scalped. The Reg. then crossed Lake George under command of Gov. Clinton of N. York in pursuit of the enemy commanded by Sir John Johnson. Gov. Clinton in this march was met by Col. Allen with 1800 Green Mt. Boys at Crown Pt. The next morning we marched to Bullwaggers Bay where the British lay the night before they being apprised of our approach went on board and sailed for Canada. We therefore were marched back to Crown Pt. and from thence to Ft. George. After this I in company with others of Capt. Chipman's Co. returned to Ft. Storks where we then lay. We remained at (until after the dark day in June.
Some time after this dark day Col. Seth Warner Maj. Hopkins and Coon started from Ft. George on their way to Ft. Storks - having arrived near blind rock a party sprang into the road before them - and tried to stop them. Col. Warner put spurs to his horse and escaped with no other loss than

a ball through the arm and one through the jaw of his horse. Hopkins and Coon were killed on the spot together with Coon's horse.
Col. Warner proceeded on to the Half way Brook perceiving his horse to be weak from the loss of blood changed horses and in changing his saddle from one horse to the other he lost one of his pistols which was found the next day.
5 Wm Poeslon was standing at the big gate when the Col. rode up and entered the ft.
The long roll was immediately beat and a scouting party sent in pursuit of Hopkins and Coon. When they found dead, at the spot of attack, they interred them and after proceeding to ft. George returned again to ft. Starks being headed by Lieu. McIlwain of Capt. Chipman's Co. Nearly the last of Sept. Capt. Chipman and his company left ft. Starks for ft. George. Col. Warner and Lieu. Col. Safford supposing that hostilities had ceased left ft. George in the command of Capt. Chipman. They proceeding to Bennington on a visit.
On the 17 th of October Maj. Carlton made his appearance at ft. George and ambushed, we supposing that there were but few of the enemy, thought to decoy them an attempt being made we were surrounded on a sudden, and commanded to rush through the ranks of the enemy which we did at the bloody pond into the bushes, this I did and then proceeded from this place to the Half way Brook by way of the pine plains. The enemy beat a parley and stopped firing and sent a flag to the ft. and commanded a surrender. Capt. Chipman agreed to surrender on the terms that he should wear his side arms, have his trunk and servant to go to P'keepsie, this was agreed to, and the prisoners sent to Montreal. The enemy blew up the ft. Here I might remark that in the commencement of the engagement Capt. Sill and Lieu. McIlwain were killed. The same night I in company with Allen Benolds reached old ft. Edwards.

about 11 O'clock. On fording the River we were commanded to stop and give the Council Sign we replied we have none, and but 2 as therefore we were permitted to pass. In Ft Edward we found 9 others who broke the ranks at the time I did. The next day We 11 in number the next day went to Ft. Starks where we lay in the guard House and drew our rations, no one taking the command of us. We remained here two or three days and I returned home to Cambridge.
In the Spring of 1814 I volunteered to serve under Capt. Thomas Dewey Company of Silver Greys of about 30 in number in Col. Philibert Smith's Reg. and Gen. Peter B. Porter's Brigade  Brig. volunteers. We marched from Caledonia Springs to Batavia where we joined the Brigade and marched to Buffalo where we drew our arms. From thence we proceeded to Black rock and crossed into Canada and landed at Chipawa, 5 th of July attacked the enemy and after an hour or more we drove them them . From Chipawa we proceeded to Queenston heights where we stayed a week or two, and from thence to Ft. George. From thence to Queenston heights again and on to Lundy's Lane where we fought the enemy 4 hours 18 min, retreated from this place to the falls and on to Ft. Erie where we fought for 36 days after which the ft was blown up. After this I started with 50 or 60 prisoners to 11 mile creek where I delivered them to the British, By order of Gen. Porter sent by Maj. Camp I was put in quarter master Sergeant I remained at Buffalo until a dispute arose between Gen. Isaac Gen. Jacob Brown, then marched to Batavia where I was discharged, and in the morning marched for home at Caledonia Springs.
Wm D. 1814

State of New York Ontario County ss On the first day of March 1820 before me Stephen Phelps a Judge of Ontario Common Pleas personally appeared Martin Dudley to be personally known to be a credible witness and being duly sworn deposed and saith that he is acquainted with William Preston whose Application for a Pension is herewith attached and that Deponent knew the said Preston in the Army of the Revolutionary War in the years 1778, and 1779 and that said Preston was a private at that time in Captain John Chipman's Company Colonel Seth Warner Regt. and that Deponent at the same time served under a Captain's Commission in said Regiment and will recollect that said Preston served for more than one year in the Corps aforesaid and for the last 5 or 6
Martin Dudley
Also at the time aforesaid personally appeared Peter Bayer whom I know to be a credible witness and being duly sworn deposed and saith that he Deponent is personally acquainted with William Preston aforesaid and that he knows him in the Army of the Revolution in the years 1778, and 1779, and 1780 doing duty as a private soldier in Col. Seth Warner Regiment and that to the best of his recollection said Preston belonged to the then year Service and that in the fall of 1780 he saw said Preston in the Town of Cambridge in the State of N. York soon after said Preston left the Service and that he then saw his Discharge which he showed to Deponent a paper which he Preston said was his discharge

which Deponent Virely believes to be true and for the truth thereof
The foregoing affidavits Sworn to & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me
his Peter J. Bayen marks
Stephen Phelps a Judge of the

Wm Preston, Niagara County, N.Y. Stephen Phelps,
20. April, 1818. Canandaigua, N.Y. Col. Seth Warner's reg. N. H. line, March, 1778 rec. 7 July. 1820. to October, 1780. —
Service proved by the testimony, on oath, of two persons, certified to be disinterested and credible witnesses by the judge.
Admitted.
Stephen Phelps, agent, Canandaigua, N.Y. Rec. 17. June, 1820.

Con. June 24 1820
To the Associate principal the Pension Officer
Sir The Objection in this case (viz) the credibility of the witnesses testified by the Magistrate, seem compelled worth as you will see by perusing the affidavits.
which I presume was overlooked.
I am Sir your obedt Servt.
Stephen Phelps