Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 33,519, for Amariah Preston, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Preston, Aariah
S. 33,519
CONTENTS

17.095 Massachusetts
Mariah Preston
of Bedford in the State of Massachusetts who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Cartwright of the Reg t commanded by Colonel H. Jackson in the Massachusetts line, for the term of three years, from September 1777 to September 1780
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 23 rd day of April 1818, and
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 of May 1820 and sent to J. Davis, Boston, Mass.
Continued on the Roll on 8 th day of September 1829 and notification sent to Marshall Preston at Billerica, Mass. Pension commencing on the 29 of August 1829.
Amount due on 4th of March, 1830 }
$49. 83.
{ Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, May 1, 1820. }

Amirall Paston funeral. Jackson Mass. reg t . copy - thru years - 23 Apr 1878
place: certificate as to claimant's circumstances wanted
Admitted
No 2 Aug. G. V. Boston
No 507
Amirall Paston declaration

MASSACHUSETTS DISTRICT, ss.
Boston June 13 A. D. 1818
IT appearing to my satisfaction, that Amaniah Preston subscriber to the annexed declaration, sworn to before me, did serve in the revolutionary war against the common enemy, as stated in said declaration, I now transmit the testimony in the case, with the proceedings had thereon, to the Secretary of the department of war, pursuant to the directions of the act entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war;" the testimony and proceedings in the premises being the declaration aforesaid, with the accompanying documents marked A together with this certificate.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the District Court of the United States for this District to be hereunto affixed.
M c David } Judge of the District Court U. S., Massachusetts District.
MASSACHUSETTS DISTRICT, ss.
10. January  1819. 1820.
I AM satisfied that the above named, Amaniah Preston by reason of his reduced circumstances in life, is in need of assistance from his Country for support.
M c David } District Judge U. S. Massachusetts Dist.
TO THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR.

United States.
Mass. Dist.
Amariah Preston of Bedford, Middlesex County, in S. district, a resident citizen of the United States, maketh oath, that he served as a private soldier in the war of the Revolution in the continental establishment in the third company, (Col. Henry Jackson's Regiment), which company was commanded by Capt. Thomas Cartwright & afterwards by Patrick Phelan, from the tenth day of September 1777 to the tenth day of September 1780. He herewith exhibits his discharge and order for rations. By reason of his reduced circumstances in life he is in need of assistance from his country for support.
Amariah Preston
Massachusetts District } Boston 23. April 1818 }
Sworn to before me
W m Davis Dist. Judge Mass. Dist.

Schedule.
Declaration in order, to be continued on the Pension list under the act of May 1, 1820.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
County of Middlesex: ss
On this ninth day of June A.D. 1829, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of record, within and for the said County of Middlesex, Amariah Preston resident in said County, aged seventy one years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress, of the 18 th March 1818, and the first of May, 1820; that he the said Preston, enlisted for the term of three years on the tenth day of September in the year 1777, in the State of Massachusetts, in the Company commanded by Captain Thomas Cartwright, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Henry Jackson, in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the three years Continental establishment; - That he continued to serve in the said Corps, until September 10 th A.D. 1780, when he was discharged from the service in Haverfield, in the State of New Jersey; that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension, except the present, that his name has been placed on the pension list; that the number of his pension certificate is 17,095, and that he never before exhibited a schedule of his property; because he had been informed, that he must exhibit a schedule of all his property, both real and personal, and that if by such schedule it appeared that he was in possession of real estate of the value of more than two hundred dollars, he could not obtain a pension.
And in pursuance of the act of the 1 st of May 1820 I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18 th 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 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 18 th 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. ~
Schedule.
No real estate of any description. ~
My personal estate, as the same is on oath appraised by the assessors of the town of Bedford, as per their inventory
  hereto annexed amounts to ~ $ 31.80   Levi Wilson's Note April 10. 1829 ~ 38.71   Due from David Reed on account ~ about ~ 6.00   " " Widow Rebecca Vile Do ~ 25.00   " " Edward Hoar Note April 10. 1829 ~ 11.00   " " Amanda Jones account ~ about ~ 13.06   " " Abner B. Lane Note ~ 6.00   Whole amount ~ $ 131.57 
There is due from me to Thomas Farrington of Boston druggist on my note to him, the principal and interest of which amounts at this time to about two hundred dollars. ~
I am by profession a physician, by the practice of which I have heretofore obtained a livelihood, but at this time by reason of my age, and younger practitioners settling in town and this vicinity, my calls to attend the sick are very few. ~ I have one daughter, Lovice M c Preston aged twenty years, who by reason of a fit of sickness when a child, is lame, in her right ankle, and in consequence thereof is unable to earn her living, her claim upon me for support I cannot refuse, so long as I can afford her any assistance. ~ I am unable to keep house, and since I broke up house keeping about the 10 th of April last, my said daughter has been living with her brother. ~ I have since that time been living on the charity of my friends, who have invited me to board in their families a week or fortnight at a time. ~
That since the 18 th of March 1818 the following changes have been made in my property. ~ viz. ~

   Description of property To whom Sold Time of sale Amount sold for     About 6 acres wood land - Seander Hosmer Jan y . 29. 1823. One hundred & eighty dollars   About 8 acres river Meadow &c. ——— } Joel Fitch Jan y . 12. 1825 Thirty four dollars \frac{75}{100}   Three acres Do ——— Eldridge Meriam Jan y . 12. 1825 Twenty four Dollars   About 20 acres land wood cut off ——— } Larkin P. Page Jan y . 12. 1825 One hundred & fifteen dollars & \frac{71}{100} —   1 do Tillage land - Moses Abbot Oct. 10. 1826 Two hundred dollars —   Equity of Redemption on my homestead — } Levi Wilson April 8. 1829 Sold at Auction for two dollars & fifty cents.  
The whole amount of the above sales is three hundred and fifty five dollars and eighty one cents.
On the 27 th . October 1824, I mortgaged my homestead to Jeremiah Fitch of Boston for one thousand dollars, for the purpose of settling the claims that one Stephen Bean and Elias Bean had upon me, in consequence of two several letters of Credit, given by me in favour of my son Amariah Preston Jr. a merchant in Boston, and who had then failed in business, which mortgage was assigned by said Fitch to one David Wilkinson, and by said Wilkinson to one Levi Wilson, as will appear by said Mortgage herewith enclosed. On the 29 th . August 1825 I made a second Mortgage of my said homestead to said Levi Wilson for the sum of five hundred dollars, which sum I appropriated in part to pay the interest, that had accumulated on the first mentioned mortgage and in part, other debts as will herein after appear. — On the ninth day of May 1827 I again mortgaged my homestead to Gervase Francis, for the sum of six hundred and thirty two dollars and eighty one cents to secure the payment of a sum, money loaned by the said Francis to my said son Amariah Jr. for which sum I had become liable to said Francis to pay, by signing a note for the same, as surety for my said son, which amounted at the time the said mortgage was given to the said sum of six hundred and thirty two dollars and eighty one cents. —
On the fourth day of May last, I sold at public Auction, my pew in Bedford Meeting house to Gervase Page for sixty dollars and my

my horse stable at said meeting house to Michael Crosby for twenty dollars both which last mentioned sums, together with the sum of eighteen dollars and some cents more, I paid to one Joseph Brown to indemnify him as my surety, against the claim for a legacy, in the last will and testament of the widow Anna Page, bequeathing to one George How Whitney, who has not yet arrived to the age of twenty one years, the sum of fifty dollars & interest, of which will, I was the Executor. ~
On the 8 th day of April last I sold at public auction all my right in equity to redeem my homestead aforesaid subject to the aforesaid mortgages, to Levi Wilson, for the sum of two dollars and fifty Cents, the mortgages aforesaid at the time of the sale aforesaid amount- ed to nineteen hundred and twenty one dollars and fifty Cents after deducting the discount made by the said Francis, on his mortgage, as mentioned in his deposition here with annexed. ~
On the twenty fourth day of March 1822, I had a building, occupied as a Chaise house and Corn barn, with all its contents entirely consumed by fire, in which building were consumed my Chaise, nearly new, which cost, two hundred and twenty five dollars, my Sulkey which cost two hundred dollars, also two covered sleighs, four plated harnesses and many other valuable articles. ~ The damage which I sustained by said fire I estimated at from seven to eight hundred dollars having no insurance upon the same. ~ I immediately erected another building on the same spot for the same purpose, which cost me between two and three hundred dollars. ~ with the proceeds of the sale of my several lots of land aforesaid, and the sum of five hundred dollars, loaned me by Levi Wilson for which I mortgaged to said Wilson, my homestead as aforesaid, and my other means, I have paid, since the year 1822, to Elijah Stearns Esq. for necessaries out of his store for my family, about four hundred dollars, to William Whiting for my Chaise & Sulkey, burnt as aforesaid, and for a new Chaise about six hundred dollars, and to Christopher Reed, about one hundred and fifty dollars, being a part of three hundred dollars, which he loaned me and which I let my said son Amariah have: to Levi Wilson three years interest on

5 on the mortgage to said Fitch, amounting to one hundred and eighty dollars to said Wilson interest money on the mortgage originally given him about fifty dollars to said Francis on his said mortgage about thirty dollars. —
Amariah Preston,
Sworn to and declared on the 9 th day of June before the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Middlesex. —
Atty, Abr m Biglow clk.
I Abraham Biglow, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Middlesex, do hereby certify, that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said Amariah Preston did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the Common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one engagement, on the Continental establishment. — I also certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records 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 one hundred and thirty one dollars and fifty seven Cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court this ninth day of June 1829
Abr m Biglow

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex, ss.
The Justices of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Middlesex  County Circuit —To the Assessors of the town of Bedford in said county, or to any or either of them,
GREETING.
YOU are hereby authorized, upon the application of Amariah Preston of said Bedford Esq. and at his proper cost and charge, to make out a schedule of all the estate, real and personal, of the said Amariah Preston and also of his income, if any he have, and evidence of debts due to him, (except his necessary clothing and bedding,) and you will cause the inventory, which you may take, to be subscribed by the said Preston which having done, you will verify the same before some magistrate, duly authorized to administer oaths, and deliver the same to the said Preston with a certificate of the oath aforesaid.
Dated the thirteenth day of May A. D. 1829
By order of the Court.
Wm. D. Southwick
Middlesex, ss. Bedford May 21 st 1829
Personally appeared William Webber & Reuben Bacon and made oath that in appraising the estate of the above named Amariah Preston — contained in the schedule thereof, subscribed by him, they have acted faithfully and impartially, according to their best skill and judgment.
Before me, Elijah Stearn Justice of the Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Witnesseth: I Abraham Biglow Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Middlesex do hereby certify that Elijah Stearn is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County & his name set to the above certificate is his own proper signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 9 th day of June 1829.
Abraham Biglow

An Inventory of all the estate whereof Amandah Preston Esq of Bedford in the county of Middlesex is deceased & appraised by us the subscribers upon Oath appointed to that service by the Justices of the Court of Common pleas for said county and on application of said Preston - Virg
Real Estate none of any description
  Personal Estate  one Horse  twenty dollars  $ 20.00    "  one Looking Glass  fifty cents  .50    "  one table  twenty five cents  .25    "  one chair  thirty cents  .30    "  Various Carpenters tools  five dollars  5.00    "  two chests  two dollars & twenty five cents  2.25    "  one Book Case  two dollars  2.00    "  Irons for sleigh  one dollar & fifty cts  1.50       31.80    Amandah Preston,
Bedford May 21 st 1829
  William Webber  {  Assessors of said Town of Bedford    Reuben Baron  

Know all men by these Presents, that I Amariah Preston of Bedford in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Physician, in consideration of the sum of one hundred and eighty dollars to me paid by Leander Hosmer of Bedford, in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, Cordwainer, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said Leander Hosmer, a certain tract or parcel of wood land and meadow lying and being in Bedford aforesaid and bounded as follows, viz, southeasterly on land of Samuel Hartwell and by land of Joseph Hartwell and Benjamin Simonds Junr, easterly by said Joseph Hartwell, and Benjamin Simonds Junr, northwesterly by land of Elijah Stearns Esq. and southwesterly by land now occupied by Daniel Rice containing six acres, one hundred and fifty eight poles, more or less, also a privilege for said Hosmer his heirs and assigns to pass from the road to the said premises in the usual way with all the privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in any way appertaining to the same, or however the same may be bounded or reputed to be bounded. To Have and to Hold the aforegranted premises to the said Leander Hosmer his heirs and assigns, to their use and behoof forever, And I do covenant with the said Leander Hosmer his heirs and assigns, that I am lawfully seised in fee of the aforegranted premises; that they are free of all

incumbrances; that I have good right to sell and convey the same to the said Leander Hosmer. And that I will warrant and defend the same premises to the said Leander Hosmer his heirs and assigns forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons. In witness whereof I the said Amaniah Preston with my wife Ruhamah hereby releasing her right of dower in and unto the premises, have hereunto set our hands and seals this twenty ninth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three - Amaniah Preston I seal. Ruhamah Preston I seal. Signed, sealed & delivered in presence of us, (N.B. the words "and meadow" were interlined before signing) James Lane, John Hosmer - Middlesex ss. Jan y 30 th 1823. Then the abovenamed Amaniah Pres- ton acknowledged the above instrument to be his free act and deed before me, Elijah Stearns Justice of the Peace. Middlesex ss. May 1. 1823 Rec d & Recorded by W m F. Stone Reg r
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss. Cambridge, May 20. 1829. True Copy of the record Book 248 Page 140 - Hest M c K. Stone Reg r for County Middlesex

I know all men by these presents that I Amariah Preston of Bedford in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Physician, in consideration of thirty four dollars and seventy five cents to me paid by Joel Fitch of Bedford in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid Gentleman, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge do hereby give grant sell and convey unto the said Joel Fitch a certain tract or parcel of land situate and lying in said Bedford consisting of River meadow and upland containing about eight acres and one hundred and two rods more or less and bounded as follows viz. beginning at the northeasterly corner at a stake & stones by land of Simeon Stearns and land this day sold to Sarkin P. Page and running southerly by said Pages land to a stake and stones by land of John Fitch, thence westerly by land of said Fitch to a stake and stones by land of Elias B. Lane, thence northerly by land of said Lane, John Fitch, and others to a stake and stone in the meadow at the corner of land of Simeon Stearns, thence easterly by said Stearns land to the bound first mentioned, with all the privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging. To have and to hold the afore granted premises to the said Joel Fitch his heirs and assigns to their use and behoof forever. And I do covenant with the said Joel Fitch his heirs and assigns that I am lawfully seised in fee of the afore granted premises; that they are free of all incumbrances; that I have good right to sell and convey the same to the said Joel Fitch; And that I will warrant and defend the same premises to the said Joel Fitch his heirs and assigns forever against the lawful claims and demands of all persons. In Witness whereof I the said Amariah Preston with my wife Rebecca relinquishing her right of dower have hereunto set our hands and seals this twelfth day of January in the

year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty five, Amariah Preston and seal, Ruhamah Preston and seal - Signed sealed and delivered in presence of us, Stephen Hooker, Lovice M. Preston - Middlesex ss. Bedford January 12. 1825. Then the above named Amariah Preston acknowledged the above instrument to be his free act and deed before me Eleah Stearns Just. of Peace.
Middlesex ss. June 12. 1827. Rec. & Recorded by Wm H Stone Reg d
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss. Cambridge May 20. 1820 The foregoing is a true copy of the record Book 274 Page 5. Wm H Stone Reg d of Deeds for said County

Made and for Cambridge, May 20 1829. True copy of record Book 270 Page 2. West H. Hume. Supt.
Know all Men by these presents that I Amariah Preston of Bedford in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Physician in consideration of twenty four dollars to me paid by Elbridge Merriam of Bedford in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, Yeoman, The receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give grant sell and convey unto the said Elbridge Merriam a certain lot of river meadow land lying in the westerly part of Bedford aforesaid, containing three acres more or less bounded as follows viz. Northerly by land of Joseph Brown westerly by land of Capt. David Reed, southerly by land of Solomon Lane, easterly by land of Ebenezer Davis with all the privileges thereto belonging - To Have and to Hold the aforegranted premises to the said Elbridge Merriam his heirs and assigns to their use and behoof forever, And I do covenant with the said Elbridge Merriam his heirs and assigns that I am lawfully seized in fee of the aforegranted premises; that they are free of all incumbrances that I have right to sell and convey the same to the said Elbridge Merriam, And that I will warrant and defend the same premises to the said Elbridge Merriam his heirs and assigns forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons - In witness whereof I the said Amariah Preston with my wife Ruhannah hereby relinquishing her right of dower have hereunto set our hands and seals this twelfth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty five - Amariah Preston and Seal - Ruhannah Preston and Seal - Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of us. Stephen Hooker. Lovice M. Preston in Middlesex ss. Bedford January 12. 1825 - Then the above named Amariah Preston acknowledged the above instrument to be his free act and deed before me Elijah Stearns Just. of Peace -
Middlesex ss. Dec 23. 1826 Rec. and Recorded by Wm H Stone Reg r 

Know all men by these presents, That I Amariah Preston of Bedford in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Physician in consideration of one hundred and fifteen dollars and thirty one cents to me paid by Larkin P. Page of Bedford in the county and Commonwealth aforesaid Yeoman, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the s d Larkin P. Page a certain tract or parcel of land lying and being in Bedford aforesaid consisting of upland containing about twenty acres and forty rods more or less and bounded as follows, viz, begining at a stake and stones at the Northeasterly corner by land of Abner Stearns - Thence Westerly by s d Stearns land and land of Moses Simonds, and land of Moses Fitch about seventy nine rods to a stake and stones at the corner of Moses Fitches land and Simeon Stearns meadow - Thence Southerly by s d Stearns land and land of Joel Fitch a straight line to a stake and stones by land of John Fitch - Thence Easterly by s d Fitches land to a stake by land of Eliah B. Lane - Thence Northeasterly by s d Lanes land about twenty seven rods to a pine stake at the corner of s d Lanes land - Thence Easterly by s d Lanes land to a stake and stones twelve rods at the corner of Uriah Goodlings land - Thence Easterly by s d Goodlings land twenty two rods to a stake by land of Oliver Pollard - Thence Northerly by s d Pollards land seventeen and half rods to a stake & stones by land of Joshua Page - Thence Northerly by s d Pages land six and three fourths rods to the first mentioned bounds in Also one other lot of river meadow - our land lying in Bedford aforesaid containing four acres more or less bounded Easterly on Oliver Reads upland as the same now stands, Southerly by a ditch by Oliver Reads meadow to the meadow Westerly by Concord river - Northerly by land of John Read with all the privileges thereunto belonging. —

To have and to hold the aforegranted premises to the s d Larkin P. Page his heirs and assigns to their use and behoof forever. And I do covenant with the s d Larkin P. Page his heirs and assigns, That I am lawfully seised in fee of the aforegranted premises; That they are free of all incumbrances; That I have good right to sell and convey the same to the s d Larkin P. Page; And that I will warrant and defend the same premises to the s d Larkin P. Page his heirs and assigns forever against the lawfull claims and demands of all persons.
In witness whereof I the s d Amaniah Preston with my wife Ruhannah hereby quitting her right of dower in the above described premises have hereunto set our hands and seals this twelfth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty five, Amaniah Preston and seal, Ruhannah Preston and seal. Signed sealed and delivered in presence of us, Stephen Hooker, Louise M. Preston. Middlesex S.S. Jan y 12. 1825 Then the above named Amaniah Preston acknowledged the above instrument to be his free act and deed before me Elijah Stearns Just. of Peace. - Middlesex S.S. Jan y 5 th 1826 Rec d and Recorded by W m H. Stone Reg t
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss. May 20. 1829. Here foregoing is a true copy of the record Book 264 Page 185. Albert W. H. Stone Dist. -

Know all men by these presents that I Amariah Preston of Bedford in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Physician, in consideration of the sum of two hundred dollars to me paid by Moses Abbot of Bedford in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid Gent n the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said Moses Abbot aforesaid a certain tract or piece of land lying and being in Bedford aforesaid and bounded as follows (viz), beginning at the southeasterly corner on the great road by land lately in the possession of Asa Porter late of Bedford deceased and running westerly by said land and by land of Capt. Edward Flint to the first crop wall to land of Timothy Page & by my own land, thence northerly by the wall to the next wall by my own land, thence easterly by said wall to the road thence southerly by said road to the bound first named, containing about one acre be the same more or less, with all the privileges and appurtenances thereunto, or in any wise appertaining to the same - To Have and to Hold the afore granted premises to the said Moses Abbot and to his Heirs and assigns, to their use and behoof forever. - And I do covenant with the said Moses Abbot and his Heirs and assigns that I am lawfully seized in fee of the afore granted premises; that they are free of all incumbrances; that I have good right to sell and convey the same to the said Moses Abbot; and that I will warrant and defend the same premises to the said Moses Abbot and to his Heirs and assigns forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons. In Witness whereof I the said Amariah Preston have hereunto set my hand and seal this tenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and

twenty six in Amariah Preston and Seal-Signed, Sealed and delivered in presence of us, Levi Wilson Elijah Stearns in Middlesex Co. October 4 th 1826 Then the above named Amariah Preston acknowledged the the above named instrument to be his free act and deed before me Elijah Stearns Justice of the Peace in Middlesex Co. March 3 1827 Received & Recorded by W m F. Stone Reg d .
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex Co. Cambridge, May 20. 1829. The foregoing is a true copy of the record Book 272 page 377 W m F. Stone Reg d of Deeds

Farm for Sale.
To be sold at Public Auction
on the premises on Wednesday, the 8th day of April next, at one o'clock, P. M. The Farm of the subscriber, pleasantly situated in Bedford, near the Meeting-house, 15 miles from Boston, on the great road, leading from Boston to Concord, N. H. containing about twenty-eight acres, well watered, principally mowing and tillage land; a good orchard with various kinds of fruit.---A large Dwelling-house, convenient for two families; a Barn, Chaise and Corn House, and out buildings, all in good repair; three good wells of water.
Said Farm is under good improvement well fenced with stone walls---is a good stand for a Farm or a handsome seat for a Gentleman.
The sale will be bona fide, and a good title given. Conditions made known at the Sale.
AMARIAH PRESTON.
Bedford, March 17th, 1829.

copy of Deed Amanah Preston to Levi Wilson
Quil Elaine Preston to Wilson

I know all men by these Presents that I Amariah Preston of Bedford in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Esquire, consideration of in two dollars and fifty cents to me paid by Levi Wilson of Billerica in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth aforesaid, Jointer, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, has have remised, released, & forever quitclaimed, and do, for myself & my heirs, by these Presents remise, release and forever quitclaim unto the said Levi Wilson his heirs and assigns, the Farm where I now live, situated in said Bedford, containing twenty eight acres more or less, with the buildings thereon standing, bounded as follows viz. Beginning at the northeast corner, at the road leading from Bedford to Carlisle, and land of Eliab P. Lane, then westerly by said Lane's land till you come to the end of the road, at or near the Swamp, then southerly by said Lane's land till you come to land of Simeon Blodget, then Easterly by said Blodget's land and land of said Eliab & land of Timothy Page till you come to a corner of the road at land of Thomas Hurd & land of Capt Moses Abbott, then Northerly by said Abbott's land, then easterly again by said Abbott's land till you come to the said road, then northerly by said road to the bounds first mentioned. — Also another piece of land containing about one acre more or less, called the Theater piece or the North Garden Lot, bounded Easterly by the road leading from Bedford to x

* Dillerica, Westerly by the road leading from Bedford to Carlisle, and Northerly by land of said Eliab B. Lane, being a three cornered piece.
To have & to hold the above-mentioned premises, with all the privileges & appurtenances, thereunto belonging, to him the said Levi Wilson his heirs & assigns forever, so that neither I the said Amariah Preston, nor my heirs, or any other person or persons claiming from or under me or them, or in the name, right or stead of me or them, shall or will, by any way or means, have, claim, or demand any right or title to the aforesaid premises, or their appurtenances, or to any part or parcel thereof forever.
In witness whereof, I the said Amariah Preston have hereunto set my hand & seal this eighth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty nine. Amariah Preston L.S.
Signed, sealed & delivered in presence of us
Elijah Stearns Simon P. Fletcher
Middlesex Co. April, 1829. Then the above named Amariah Preston acknowledged the above instrument to be his free act & deed, before me - Elijah Stearns, Just of Peace.
Middlesex Co. April 29. 1829. Reg. and Recorded by W. H. HORRE Reg.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex Co. Cambridge, May 30. 1829. The foregoing is a true copy of the record - Book 289 page 416 - Attest W. H. HORRE Reg. of Deeds for said County Middlesex

Know all Men by these Presents,
That I, Amariah Preston of Bedford in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esquire in Consideration of One Thousand Dollars to me paid by Jeremiah Fitch of Boston in the County of Suffolk, Commonwealth aforesaid. Merchant.
the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said Fitch his heirs & assigns forever, the following described real estate situate in said Bedford, containing Twenty acres, more or less, viz the Homestead with the buildings thereon standing, and bounded as follows, Northerly by land of Eliah B. Lane & the heirs of Job Lane, deceased, westerly by land of said Eliah B. Lane & the heirs of said Job Lane, Southerly by land of Simon Blodget, and land of said Eliah B. Lane & land of Capt. Timothy Page and land of William Porter and land now occupied by Asa Porter, to the road Easterly, by the road leading from Bedford to Carlisle, also one other piece, called the north Garden, containing three quarters of an acre more or less, Bounded Easterly by the road leading to Billerica, Northerly by land of Eliah B. Lane, westerly by the road leading to Carlisle.
To Have and to Hold the afore-granted Premises to the said Jeremiah Fitch his Heirs and Assigns, to his & their Use and Behoof forever.
And I for myself & my heirs, executors, and administrators, do covenant with the said Fitch his Heirs and Assigns, That I am lawfully seized in Fee of the afore-granted Premises; That they are free of all Incumbrances; That I have good Right to sell and convey the same to the said Fitch.
And that I for myself & my heirs, executors, and administrators, will warrant and defend the same Premises to the said Fitch his Heirs and Assigns, forever, against the lawful Claims and Demands of all Persons.
PROVIDED NEVERTHELESS, That if the said Amariah Preston his Heirs, Executors, or Administrators, pay to the said Jeremiah Fitch his Heirs, Executors, Administrators or Assigns, the Sum of One Thousand Dollars in one year, with interest annually.
then this Deed, as also a certain note of hand bearing even Date with these Presents, given by the said Preston to the said Fitch to pay the same Sum & interest at the Time aforesaid, shall both be void; otherwise shall remain in full Force.
In Witness whereof, I the said Amariah Preston
have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this Twenty Seventh Day of October in the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and Twenty four.
Signed, sealed, and delivered in Presence of us,
John Dyer Marshall Preston
Amariah Preston
Middlesex ss. October 27 th 18 24 Then the above-named Amariah Preston

To Have and to Hold the afore-granted Premises to the said Jeremiah Fitch
his Heirs and Assigns, to his & their Use and Behoof forever. AND I for my self & my heirs, executors, and administrators, do covenant with the said Fitch  his Heirs and Assigns, That I am lawfully seized in Fee of the afore-granted Premises; That they are free of all Incumbrances; That I have good Right to sell and convey the same to the said Fitch
And that I for my self & my heirs, executors, and administrators, will warrant and defend the same Premises to the said Fitch his Heirs and Assigns, forever, against the lawful Claims and Demands of all Persons.
PROVIDED NEVERTHELESS , That if the said Amariah Preston his Heirs, Executors, or Administrators, pay to the said Jeremiah Fitch his Heirs, Executors, Administrators or Assigns, the Sum of One Thousand Dollars in one year, with interest annually then this Deed, as also a certain note of hand bearing even Date with these Presents, given by the said Preston to the said Fitch to pay the same Sum & interest at the Time aforesaid, shall both be void; otherwise shall remain in full Force.
In Witness whereof , I the said Amariah Preston
have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this Twenty Seventh Day of October in the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and Twenty four.
Signed, sealed, and delivered in Presence of us, John D. Dyer Marshall Preston
Amariah Preston
Middletown ss. October 27 th 18 24 Then the above-named Amariah Preston
acknowledged the above Instrument to be his free Act and Deed— before me, Marshall Preston { Just. of Peace.

Know all men by these presents that I Jeremiah Fitch the within named mortgagee of the within described premises, in consideration of Five Dollars to me paid by David Wilkinson of North Providence in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation, Merchant, and for the further consideration of the request of Amariah Preston the within named mortgagor, the receipt whereof are hereby acknowledged - do hereby grant, assign, release and convey unto the said David Wilkinson, his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, the premises within conveyed to me in mortgage, and all my right, title interest and estate, in and unto the same, and all my right, title and interest in and unto the note within described, which I have indorsed without recourse to me.
To have and to hold the same to the said David Wilkinson, his heirs and assigns to his and their sole use and behoof forever in a full and ample manner as I now hold or am intitled to hold the same, so that no person claiming from by or under me shall have any right, title or claim thereto forever.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty third day of November in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred and twenty four
Jer. Fitch
Signed sealed and delivered in presence of us Francis O. Watts Augustus Peabody
Seafall ss. Boston November 23 1824 Then the above named Jeremiah Fitch personally appeared and acknowledged the above assignment to be his voluntary act and deed. Before me Augustus Peabody Justice of the Peace

I know all Men by these presents that I the David Wilkinson of North Providence in the State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation Merchant, named in the assignment below, in consideration of one thousand fortytwo dollars and twenty five cents to me Paid by Levi Wilson of Boston in the County of Suffolk & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Carpenter the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge - do hereby grant - assign - transfer & convey to the said Levi Wilson the premises within conveyed to Jeremiah Fitch in Mortgage by him assigned to me and all my right title interest estate in unto the same For Ever and to Hold the same to the said Wilson his heirs and assigns to his & their use forever, And I for myself my heirs - executors administrators & assigns do covenant with the said Wilson, his heirs and assigns, that the premises are free of all incumbrances - (The Proviso within contained for the redemption of the same only excepted) done or suffered by me. That I will & my heirs executors administrators & assigns shall warrant & defend the same to the said Wilson his heirs & assigns against all persons claiming or to claim by from or under me.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this thirteenth day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred & twenty five
In the presence of Eph. Brewster
David Wilkinson
Assigned to David Wilkinson Boston to Fitch Dec 18th 1825

copy - Mortgage Deed Amanah Preston To Levi Wilson -

I know all men by these presents that I Amariah Preston of Bedford in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Physician, in considera- tion of the sum of five hundred dollars paid by Levi Wilson of Bedford, aforesaid, in the county and Commonwealth aforesaid, housewright, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said Levi Wilson his heirs and assigns the following described real estate, situate in the town of Bedford, containing twenty five acres more or less viz the homestead with the building thereon standing & Bounded as as follows northerly by land of Elias B. Lane & the heirs of Job Lane deceased, westerly by land of Elias B. Lane and the heirs of the said Job Lane, Southerly by land of Simon Blodgett, Elias B. Lane & land of Capt. Timothy Page & land of Capt. Edward Flint, and land now occupied by Asa Porter, to the road, easterly by the road leading from Bedford to Carlisle, also one other piece called the North Garden containing half an acre more or less, bounded easterly by the road leading to Billerica Northerly by land of Elias B. Lane, westerly by the road leading to Carlisle. To have and to hold the afore- granted premises to the said Levi Wilson his heirs, and assigns, to his or their use and behoof forever. And I do covenant with the said Levi Wilson his heirs and assigns that I am lawfully seised in fee of the afore granted premises, that they are free of all incumbrances, That I have

good right to sell and convey the same to the said Levi Wilson his heirs and assigns & that I will warrant and defend the same premises to the said Levi Wilson his heirs and assigns forever against the lawfull claims and demands of all Persons, Provided nevertheless that if the said Amaniah Preston his heirs, administrators, or Executors pay to the said Levi Wilson his heirs, Executors, or admin- istrators or assigns the sum of five hundred dol- lars within one year with interest annually then this deed, as also a certain note of hand bear- ing even date with these presents, given by said A. Preston, to the said L. Wilson, to pay the same sum and interest at the time aforesaid shall both be void, otherwise shall remain in full force. In witness whereof I the said Amaniah Preston with my wife Ruhannah hereby relinquishing her right of dower, have hereunto set our hands and seals this twenty ninth day of August in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred and twenty five. Amaniah Preston & seal. Ruhannah Preston and seal. Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us, Stephen Hooke, Lovice M. Preston. Middlesex Jp. August 29 th 1825 Then the above named Amaniah Preston. Personally acknowledged the above instrument to be his free act and deed, before me Elijah Stearns Justice of Peace. Middlesex S.S. Sept. 14 th 1825 Rec d and Recorded by W m H. Stone Reg t .
Middlesex Jp. Cambridge May 20. 1829. True copy of the record Book 262 West H. Stone Reg t of Deeds, &c. P. 204 3

Deed Amariah Brewster to Convers Francis
Witnesseth May 12, 1827 Recd. and Recorded in the Registry of Deeds - Book 274 Page 149
Attest W. B. Stone Reg.
Discharged on record April 29, 1829 -
May 12

KNOW all Men by these Presents,
That I Amariah Preston of Bedford in the County of Middlesex
in Consideration of six hundred thirty two dollars & eighty one cents paid by Converse Francis of Dorchester in the County of Norfolk Gentlemen
the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said
Converse Francis a certain parcel situate in said Bedford bounded beginning at the southeasterly corner of land of Moses Abbott thence northerly on the road leading to Corliss to land of Elias B. Lane, thence westerly by land of said Lane to a corner, thence southerly by land of said Lane to a corner by land of Simon Blood, thence easterly by land of said Blood to land of said Lane & land of Timothy Page to a corner by land of said Abbott, thence northerly by land of said Abbott to a corner, thence easterly by land of said Abbott to the bound first mentioned at the road together with the dwelling house & other buildings thereon & contains thirty acres more or less - this is the place where I now live the same being subject to a mortgage to said Preston
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the afore-granted Premises to the said Converse Francis his Heirs and Assigns, to his and their Use and Behoof forever.
AND I do covenant with the said Converse Francis his Heirs and Assigns, That I am lawfully seized in Fee of the afore-granted Premises; That they are free of all Incumbrances; That I have good Right to sell and convey the same to the said Converse Francis - subject to said existing mortgage
AND that I will warrant and defend the same Premises to the said Converse Francis his Heirs and Assigns, forever, against the lawful Claims and Demands of all Persons, except the said mortgage to said Preston -
PROVIDED nevertheless, That if the said Amariah Preston his Heirs, Executors, or Administrators, pay to the said Converse Francis his Heirs, Executors, Administrators or Assigns, the Sum of six hundred thirty two dollars & eighty one cents in one month with interest annually till paid
then this Deed, as also a certain Memorandum bearing even Date with these Presents, given by the said Amariah Preston to the said Converse Francis to pay the same Sum of money at the Time aforesaid, shall both be void; otherwise shall remain in full Force.
In Witness whereof, I the said Amariah Preston
have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this ninth day of May in the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty seven
Day of May - Signed, sealed, and delivered in Presence of us,
Ebenezer Bean T. Preble
} Amariah Preston
Middlesex ss. May 9th 18 27 Then the above-named Amariah Preston
acknowledged the above Instrument to be his free Act and Deed - before me,
Tyler Bigland
{ Just. of Peace.

Know all Men by these presents, That I Amaniah Preston of Bedford in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Physician, for and in consideration of the sum of sixty dollars to me in hand paid by Cyrus Page of Bedford in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, Gentleman, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said Cyrus Page his heirs and assigns, the Pew Number Nineteen on the lower floor adjoining the stairs on the west side of the Pulpit in Bedford Meeting house.
To have and to hold the aforesaid Pew with all the Privileges to Pews in Meeting houses, belonging to him the said Cyrus Page his heirs and assigns, and I do hereby covenant to warrant and defend the said Pew to him the said Cyrus Page his heirs and assigns, during the time said Meeting house shall be in process at the place of Publick worship in said Town, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine. —
Signed, sealed & delivered
in presence of us,
Amaniah Preston. [Seal]
Elijah Stearns
Elijah W. Stearns.
Middlesex ss; May 12 th 1829. Then the above named Amaniah Preston personally acknowledged the above instrument to be his free act and deed.
Before me Elijah Stearns Justice of Peace.
A true copy as of record, in Book 5. Page 67.
Attest William Webber, Clerk of the Town of Bedford.

33 519 INVALID.
Key
Feb 25-1904 Chas H. Preston Nathorne Mass
File No. 33,519
Isaac Preston
Li Rev. Mass
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 381
[Arrangement of 1870.]

23,519
3-068.
(Old No. 3-649.)
Bureau of Pensions.
Amariah Preston
Apr. 23. 1818 - 69 60
Bedford Mass.
Sept. 10. 77
man
Capt Thos Cartwright
Cal Hy Jackson
Dept. 3 yrs
He speaks of his son Amariah Jr.
No Bat

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
House of Representatives.
Committee on Ways and Means.
Heathorne, Mass. Feb. 2 1904 State House, Boston,
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
I wish to get a copy of the pension record as complete as possible of Amarial Preston of Middlesex County Mass., private in the Mass. line. 76 years old. pensioned under act of Mar. 18 1818.
I wish to obtain the service he performed as complete as possible because he had a son of the same name who also served, and it is impossible to determine from the Mass. Archives, what service was performed by the father and what by the son.
Yours very truly Charles H. Preston

17095 R Massachusetts
Amariah Preston,
of Bedford in the state of Mass. who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Jackson of the Mass: line, for the term of Three years,
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 25 th of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th of May 1820 and sent to John Davis Esq. Boston Mass.
Arrears to 4th of Mar. 1820 $ 179-16 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sep. 1820. 48-
22 mo 8/30 4/30 $ 227-16
{ Revolutionary claim, { Act 18th March, 1818. }

Off Three Nations Sept 14 th for Haver R. Dutton
Discharge from the American Army

Gent men Please to give nine days notice to Amariah Preston Soldier of the 16 th Massachus ts Reg t . This day discharg d the American Army, to return him home Camp Stearns Sept r 10 th 1700 To my Friend Comrade J. H. Wilkins Col l Comd t Starks Brigade
This may certify that Amariah Preston Soldier of the 16 th Mass ts Reg t commanded by Col l Henry Jackson, has this day faithfully completed the term of three years which he engag d to serve the United States, and is hereby honorably discharg d the American Army — Given under my hand at Camp Stearns Sept r 10 th 1700 all whom may concern } David Cobb Lt Col l Comd t

A calculation of the amount of property disposed of by Amariah Preston.
$2568.62
71 60

Dr Amariah Purton of Mass:
   To real estate sold as per schedule including equity of redemption of the mortgaged property 355. 81.   To cash received on mortgage from Jeremiah Fitch 27 Oct 1824 1000. 00   To cash received of Levi Wilson on mortgage dated 29 August 1825 500. 00   To cash received of Francis Converse Francis for mortgage dated 9 May 1827. 632. 81.   To amt received for his Pen 60. 00.   " " " for horse stable 20. 00   Total $ 2568. 62  

Billings, Mt 3000 Sept 22
Pension Off. Sept 22 1879
Com. pen: to com: 29 Aug. 1879
Hon Secretary of War City Washington D. C.
From Pension Office

Billings Sept. 1 st 1829
Hon. Secretary of War
Yours of the 25 th Ultimo, was received yesterday, — Enclosed I send you the affidavit of Amariah Preston, returned for the certificate of the proper Officer — it is now, I believe duly attested.
Yours respectfully
Marshal Preston.

Billerica Mass. July 15 th 1829-
Hon Secretary at War.
Dear Sir.
Here with I send you the application of my aged Father, Amariah Preston, of Bedford for a pension, as a private soldier, who served in the Revolutionary war, together with the documentary & other evidence accompanying the same. - I have taken used every exertion to procure the papers, according to the instructions of your Department. - In the first place, sent on to your office for all kinds of blanks, used in these cases. - have endeavored to conform thereto in every title. - The Mr Beans, alluded to in the depositions are not to be found, one being dead & the other's place of residence is unknown to us. - The deposition of Mr Severiah Fitch, we suppose will be satisfactory on that part of the subject. - any communication on the subject I wish, might be addressed to me, also the certificate, when granted -
Yours respectfully
Marshall Preston.

Pens. Office 15 th Aug t 1829.

Billings Aug. 10 th 1829
To the Secretary of War Dear Sir.
Yours of the 23 d of last month, relation of the application of Amariah Preston, for a renewal of his pension, has been received. Agreeably to the suggestion contained in your letter, I herewith enclose some for the evidence to be used in the case, - viz - The deposition of Elias Bean, & the further declarations of the Applicant himself - it was unknown to the appli- -cant, until since I received your letter that the said Bean was in this part of the country - I told the applicant, that in order to make his affidavit relation to that fact complete, it would be necessary for him to be able to swear that he had made diligent search to find the said Bean, & in consequence of that suggestion he went to Weston, where we understood he formerly resided & from them to Boston & found him in Boston, recently returned from New Orleans. - You will see that a part of the applicant's affidavit is erased, in consequence of having

found said Bean. — Immediately on the receipt of your letter I sent directly to New York to a person, who I suppose is acquainted with Amariah Preston his present circumstances, but have received no return. and as said Bean has testified relative to his Preston his insolvency & the applicant himself I have concluded to forward the testimony in its present shape, — As to the fact, stated by said Bean, we had supposed that the deposition of Mr Fitch, would be satisfactory, as he was disinterested, excepting so far, as there was a trust reposed in him, which he was bound by law to discharge with all good fidelity. — I have not obtained the certificate of the Clerk of our Court of Records, to the applicant's affidavit, made before me, — for two reasons. 1 st . The Clerk has already certified that I am an acting magistrate, duly authorized to, & 2 ly . I considered the evidence complete without said affidavit.
You will see the difficulty under which we labour relative to the obtaining the best evidence, which probably exists relative to Preston his insolvency, as he lives some where in the interior of New York I have been in this part of the Country but can

since his failure in 1824 & then clear destitute - I have not seen him since his failure -
I crave your Honor's pardon, for having neglected to sent on the evidence, accompanying the application - so very imperfect & incomplete - It did not occur to me that it would be necessary for the appli- cant to make affidavit of the facts, that S. Bean was dead, & E. Bean, not to be found - it was certainly very careless in me - I have thus endeavored to state only facts & nothing by the way of argument.
I cannot but think, that on a careful examination of all the evidence adduced, it will appear satisfac- tory that the applicant is poor & in need of assistance from his Country.
I am Sir, very respectfully Your Obs & Obedt Servt.
Marshall Preston

I Elias Bean of Boston in the County of Suffolk, of lawful age, do testify & say that Amariah Preston of Bedford in the County of Middlesex & now man was a M d of Massachusetts Physician, gave to myself & my Uncle Stephen Bean, now deceased, a letter of credit, bearing date the fifth day of September in the year of our Lord, Eighteen Hundred & Twenty Three, in favor of his son, Amariah Preston Jr., obligating himself to be holder to us to the amount of six thousand Dollars for any favor or responsibility we might assume in behalf of his said son, that in December, 1823 or the January following the said Amariah Jr., had failed, & at that time, my said Uncle & myself had as- -sumed debts or become responsible, for the said Amariah Jr. exceeding the amount of six thousand Dollars - at that time we commenced suits against the said Amariah

Senior & attached all his  the real estate. That the said Amariah Senior was justly indebted to us the amount aforesaid. That during the pendency of said suit or suits, we assigned this demand with others to David Wilkinson Isaac Ingraham & Oliver Gridley, that I have always understood from the said assignees that they obtained from the said Preston Senior, the sum of one thousand Dollars, to cancel said letter of credit or bond aforesaid, being as they informed me, the most they could obtain of the said Preston Senior.
I free then testify to say that I verily believe that no person could collect a debt of any amount of the said Preston Senior Senior -
Chas Bean
A stylized signature of Chas Bean, featuring a large, ornate initial 'C' and a long, sweeping horizontal line.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Suffolk ss. Boston August 6 1829. The before named Elias Bean personally appeared and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit is true according to his best knowledge & belief by him subscribed.
Before me Augustus Peabody Justice of the Peace
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Suffolk ss.
The Undersigned, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, hereby certifies that Augustus Peabody, of Boston Esquire, is one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Suffolk, that he is duly qualified to administer Oaths, that his signature subscribed to the Certificate above written is his true & proper signature:
Thus certified under the Seal of said Court at Boston in the County of Suf- folk on the Sixth day of August A. D. 1829.
John Stickney, Clerk.

Emariah Preston Massachusetts.
For Continuance
Brief
Agent Marshall Preston Esq Pittsfield Mass:
see letter to Marshall Preston 23 d July 1829.

Application for Continuance
Amariah Preston of Massachusetts: a Private, was suspended under the act of 1 May 1820, and now makes his first application to be continued on the Pension List.
His property is valued at $131.57
Since the 18 March 1818 he has disposed of property and money to the amount of $2568.62
All of which has been applied to the payment of his debts. One of these debts he contracted with the firm of Stephen and Elias Bean, Merchants, Boston, in the following manner
He gave to his son Amariah Preston Junior, a merchant of Boston, two letters of credit; upon the strength of which Preston Junior contracted a debt of $1000 with S. & E. Bean; and being unable to fulfil his engagements with them, by reason of insolvency, his father was compelled to mortgage his homestead farm to Jeremiah Fitch to raise the money. For which he had become bound by the letters of credit aforesaid.
(See Gilect, page 3.)

Fitch from whom the money was borrowed, deposes, that the claim of S. H. Bean, "was so adjusted." — (See his affidavits, file B pages 9, 8, 10,)
The regulations of this Department require, that where debts have been paid with the proceeds of the sale of any property, the evidence of the creditors proving the fact, is required (see paper E note (y.1))
Under this rule it is necessary to have the testimony of Stephen and Elias Bean, the principal creditors; but it appears from the letter of Marshall Preston (see paper marked D.) that it cannot be obtained; one of them being dead, and the other residing in parts unknown. The writer of the letter suggests, that the affidavit of Fitch might supply this hiatus in the testimony; but Fitch it is seen is not altogether a disinterested witness: and the question is, what testimony will be received to supply that, required by the regulations.
It is proper to add that some further testimony is wanting in the case, to prove the

Fact of the insolvency of Preston Junior, and that the claimant is not likely to recover any part of the money advanced for him.
July 31. 1829.

I Amariah Preston of Bedford in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Physician of lawful age, depose & say, in addition to what I have already stated in my declaration contained in an application to the War Department for a renewal of my pension, as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, that Stephen Bean, mentioned in my declaration above referred to, is dead. That Elias Bean, the name referred to, some time, during last year, left this part of the country for New Orleans - that I have not been able to obtain any correct information, of his place of residence or where he may now be found.
Upon this testimony say, that, from the best information I can obtain, I am fully satisfied that Amariah Preston, Junr. my son, who resides in the interior of the State of New York, some where in the vicinity of Utica, is very poor, destitute of property & health miserable. That by his last letter, several months since he informed me, that he now resided in

The family of his Wife's Father, & laboured on the farm, when his health permitted. — That he has visited me but once since his failure & that at a time, when his Mother, then living, was near the close of life. — — That I have not the least expectation of ever receiving from him, any thing or that he will ever be able to pay me one cent, towards what I have been obliged to pay for him as stated in my declaration above alluded to. —
Amariah Preston
Middlesex ss. August. 1 st 1829. — Then personally appeared the above named Amariah Preston & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed.
Before me. Marshall Preston. her. of the Recur

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex ss. I Abraham Prispour Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Middlesex, do certify that Marshall Preston is a Justice of the peace within & for said County, duly appointed & qualified, & his name set to the preceding certificate, is his own proper signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court, this 29 th day of August 1829.
Abraham Prispour

Bitterus MS 3 Aug 19 — 3
Lee
Pension Office 24
Hon Secretary of War
Washington City D. C.

Bellingham Aug. 17, 1829.
Hon Secretary of War. Dear Sir,
Enclosed is the Deposition of George Parker, relative to the insolvency of Amariah Preston Esq; to be used in the case of the application of Amariah Preston Esq; for a renewal of his pension - You will recollect that in my last, I stated that I had sent into the interior of New York State for the deposition enclosed, but had not received it at the time I wrote.
Yours respectfully,
Marshall Preston

We William Webber, and Elijah Stearns, both of Bedford in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age, on oath, testify and say, that we have been personally acquainted with Amariah Preston of said Bedford, for about forty years, that he has allways sustained a fair reputable character, and been an industrious citizen, that he has been unfortunate by reason of much sickness in his family, although his own Physician, yet subjected to great expense for Nursing, &c. and that on the 24 th of March 1822, the said Prestons Chaise and Carriage were consumed by fire, with all their contents, that his loss thereby, in our opinion was from $800. to $1000. Furthermore, we are satisfied, that the said Preston has sold all his property, to pay his creditors, (except what is mentioned in his schedule) and that he has no property of any kind in any person's hands, or keeping, for his use, and that the said Preston has not spent his property by idleness, dissipation, gambling or by any bad or immoral means, whatever, and in our opinion he is not able to keep house, and that he has been living on the charity of his friends, since the tenth of April last, and that he has no children able to afford him any relief: and further say not.
William Webber.
Elijah Stearns
Middlesex, S s , Bedford June 29 th 1829,
Then William Webber, and Elijah Stearns, Personally appeared and made oath that the above certificate by them subscribed, is substantially true according to the best of their knowledge and belief
Before me Reuben Baron { Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex: ss. I Abraham Biglow clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Middlesex, do certify that Ruben Bacon is a Justice of the peace within & for said County duly ap- pointed & qualified, & his name set to the within certificate is his own proper signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 14 th day of July 1829.
Abn Biglow
Stearns' MS. B. 1. 6 v. 2 p. 10

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex: ss. I Abraham Biglow Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Middlesex, do certify that Marshall Preston is a Justice of the peace within & for said County duly appointed & qualified; — and his name subscribed to the certificates on the five annexed papers, is his own proper signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court, this 14 th day of July 1829.
Abraham Biglow

Levi Wilson's . . . Deposition —

(3) I Levi Wilson of Billerica, in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, joined of lawful age on oath testify & say, that on the thirteenth day of July in the year of our Lord, one thousand, Eight hundred & Twenty five I purchased of David Wilkinson of North Providence in the State of Rhode Island, the assignment of a mortgage, made by Amariah Preston of Bedford in said County Esquire, upon his, the said Preston's Homestead in Bedford to one Jeremiah Fitch of Boston, as security for the payment of a note of hand given by said Preston to said Fitch of the same date with the mortgage, which note & mortgage deed, had been transferred by said Fitch to said Wilkinson; that I paid the said Wilkinson as a consideration for said assignment, the amount due upon said note by the terms thereof, amounting, as near as I can recollect, to the sum of one thousand, forty two & 100 Dollars. - said note and mortgage bears date the 27 th day of October A.D. 1824.
On the twenty ninth day of August A.D. 1825, I loaned the said Preston the sum of Five Hundred Dollars, taking his note of hand therefor and as security for the payment thereof the said Preston gave me a subsequent mortgage on his said Homestead on the aforesaid mortgage assigned to me by said Wilkinson the said Preston has paid me at different times, three years interest, according thereto, amounting to one Hundred & Eighty Dollars - On the aforesaid five hundred Dollars note, the said Preston has paid the interest up to August 14 th 1827 and two Hundred Dollars more of the principal, by means of the sale of a part of the premises mortgaged as aforesaid, to one Moses Abbot, to which I consented. - On the 18 th day of April last the principal and interest due upon said notes, was $1421.50. - - -
Sometime in the month of March last, the said Preston not having paid the years interest due me on said notes, severally on the 14 th of August & 27 th of October last, I

43/ was about taking measures to obtain the possession of the said Preston's homestead, under & by virtue of the mortgage deeds of record for the purpose of foreclosure - There was still a subsequent mortgage on said Homestead given by said Preston to one Converse Francis, bearing date May 9 th 1827, as collateral security for the payment of a note of six hundred & thirty two dollars & Eighty one cents on which there had been paid only thirty Dollars of interest - The said Francis often being made acquainted with the said Preston's circumstances, agreed to take five Hundred Dollars in full discharge of his said note and mortgage - It was then agreed between us that the said Preston should advertise his said Homestead at auction, to be sold on Wednesday the eighth day of April 1829 - & it was accordingly advertised - I attended the sale on that day & the said Preston's right in equity to redeem his said Homestead was set up by the auctioneer, stating the incumbrances to be my two mortgages & the five hundred Dollars due said Francis, amounting in the whole to Nineteen hundred & Twenty one Dollars & fifty cents - The same was struck off to me, being the highest bidder therefore, for the sum of Two Dollars & fifty cents -
That the said Preston, has by deed, (although he seemed disappointed with the result of the sale) quitclaimed to me all his right & title to said Homestead - That I have paid said Francis the sum of five Hundred Dollars as agreed upon & given up to the said Preston the aforesaid notes I held against him - That the same was a real, bona fide sale - That the auction was a public one, & many persons attended -
I for the state, on oath, that on the twenty

(5) day of Jan'y. 1825, I acted as Auctioneer for said Preston for the sale of real estate at public auction - One lot was sold to Joel Fitch for the sum of Thirty four Dollars & seventy five cents - One lot to Larkin P. Page for one hundred & fifteen Dollars & thirty one cents - One to Elbridge Merriam for Twenty Dollars that they were the highest bidders for said lots.
I ffer this state on oath, that I have long been well acquainted with the said Preston & his circumstances having formerly resided in the same town with him That I am satisfied he is now destitute of property and the means of supporting himself & family, consisting of himself & daughter of feeble health, without the charitable aid of his friends - That he has been reduced to their extremities, by being in some way obligated to pay a considerable sum of money for his son Amariah Preston Jun, who, some time since was a merchant in Boston & failed in business -
Levi Wilson
Middlesex ss. June 30 th 1829 - Then personally appeared the above named Levi Wilson & made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement by him subscribed
Before me. Marshall Preston Esq. Pease

(6) I Converse Francis of lawful age testify to say, That some time about the year 1821 or 1822 I loaned to Amariah Preston Jr., who was then a merchant in Boston for which sum Amariah Preston, Senior, of Bedford in the County of Middlesex Esq. for the said Amariah, Jr. signed a note as his son's surety, which loan of money on May 9 th 1827 amounted to six hundred & thirty two Dollars & Eighty one cents, - at which time, the said Amariah, Senior, gave me his own note and a mortgage on his real estate in Bedford, for security of the same, which sum so secured by mortgage as aforesaid at this time amounts to the sum of seven hundred & seven Dollars & seventy four cents; - and knowing that the said Amariah Senior, is very much embarrassed, in his pecuniary affairs & unable to pay all his debts, & that there was a previous mortgage upon his estate, to mine, I have therefore accepted the sum of Five Hundred Dollars, by the hand of Levi Wilson in full discharge of the said mortgage, & discharged the same on the record in the Registry of Deeds office, accordingly - I considered this, the best method I could take, to secure my claim, as I doubted whether the estate mortgaged was sufficient security for my claim & the claim secured by the previous mortgage, as to as the said mortgagor was poor, I did not consider my claim in him personally, worth any thing. - The said Amariah, Jr. has failed in business & has never been able to pay me, anything Converse Francis
Middlesex ss. Apr. 29 th 1829 - Then personally appeared the above named Converse Francis & made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed Before me
Marshall Preston

Convers Francis Deposition —
Convers Francis Deposition

(17) I Elijah Stearns of Bedford in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age in oath testify to say, that I have been a trader of english & west india goods in said Bedford, for about twenty four years last past, - That Amariah Preston Esq. of said Bedford, has been a cus- -tomer at my store, for the purchase of his family necessaries, during that time - That since the 30 th of March 1818, I find charged to him in my books, for goods & necessaries about four hundred & Thirteen Dollars & Twenty nine cents, which he has paid me at various times, since the above date - That during that time, he has probably purchased as much more, which he paid down at the time - That in January 1824, at the time of his embarrassment with his son Amariah Preston Junr. he was owing me about two Hundred Dollars, - That I then sued out a writ against the said Amariah Preston Senior & attached all his property with the other creditors - which has since been paid by the said Preston Senior -
That I again attached the said Preston seniors property, about a year since, fearing

8) That I might loon my claim against the said Preston, by reason of his embarrass- ments & insolvency - caused as I supposed by the pressure of his debts upon him & the accumulation of interest money due on mortgages upon his Homestead. —
Elijah Stearns
Middlesex ss. June 29. 1829. Then personally appeared the above named Elijah Stearns & made oath to the truth of the statement by him above subscribed
before me. Marshall Preston pro Reo

(9) I Jeremiah Fitch of Boston in the County of Suffolk Mer chant, testify to say, that on the twenty seventh day of October in the year of Our Lord, Eighteen Hundred & Twenty four, Amariah Preston Esquire of Bedford in the County of Middlesex, made a note of hand, promising to pay me or order One Thousand Dollars and a mortgage of his Homestead in said Bedford, as security for the payment of the same. That the said note & mortgage was given to me by said Preston in trust, for the purpose of being assigned & transferred by me, on condition that two several letters of credit given by the said Amariah, to persons by the name of Stephen Bean & Elias Bean, in favor of his son Amariah Preston Junr. then a Mer chant in Boston should be cancelled & given up —
That the said Amariah Junr. failed in business & was much involved in his pecuniary affairs —
On the failure of the said Amariah Junr. the said Beans, having indorsed for the said Amariah Junr. & having otherwise become responsible for him called upon the said Amariah, Senior for indemnity agreeable to his promises & obligations, contained in the above mentioned letters of credit. — That after

Some considerable legal investigation, the said Beans, having attached the property of the said Amariah Sevin, it was agreed, that all claims which the said Beans had, upon the said Amariah Sevin, should be adjusted & cancelled on the payment of one thousand Dollars. — That the said note & mortgage was given me for that purpose & that the claim of said Beans, upon said Amariah Sevin, by virtue of said letter of credit, was so  adjusted — That I assigned & transferred said mortgage to one David Wilkinson of North Providence in the State of Rhode Island in pursuance of said agree- -ment — That it was at the time, considered the most judicious course the said Amariah Sevin could take to relieve himself from his embarrass- ment, caused by his lais faire —
Jer. Fitch

(11) Middlesex ss. April 30. 1829. Then personally appeared the said Jeremiah Fitch & made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement by him subscribed
Before me
Marshall Preston. Iss. of the Peace

(12) I William Whiting of Concord, in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawfull age, on oath, do testify and say, that in the month of May, 1820, or thereabouts I sold to Amariah Preston of Bedford, in the County of Commonwealth aforesaid, a Chaise & Harness, for two hundred & twenty five dollars, and also in the year 1822, or thereabouts in the month of June, I sold to the aforesaid Preston, a Sulkey, and Harness for two hundred dollars, Which carriages he lost by their being burnt in his carriage house, the Irons of which I received in part pay for one other Chaise that I sold to the aforesaid Preston in the month of June 1824, for one hundred & eighty dollars - Making the sum total of six hundred & five dollars. - All which sums the said Preston has fully paid, but the exact times of the various payments I have no means of ascertaining -
William Whiting
Middlesex ss. June 9 th 1829. Then personally appeared the above named William Whiting, and made oath to the truth of the above statement by him subscribed
Before me
Marshall Preston Sec. of the Peace

State of New York Onondaga County ss
George Barker of the town of Niskayuna in the county of Onondaga and State of New York being duly sworn deposes and says that he is well acquainted with Amariah Preston junior a son of Doctor Amariah Preston of the town of Bedford in the State of Massachusetts. That he has long been acquainted with the said Amariah Preston jun. both while he resided in the State of Massachusetts and in the State of New York. That several years since and while he resided in the City of Boston he failed in business and became insolvent That since that time he has removed to the State of New York and has resided in different places in the State and is now residing in the town of Caton in Madison County about thirty miles from the residence of this Deponent That he is living with his father in law Oliver Lucas in said town and to the knowledge of this Deponent unable to support his family and that his family and himself are supported and maintained by the said Oliver Lucas. That since the residence of the said Amariah Preston jun. in

the State of New York he has been a clerk in the Store of this Deponent and that thereby he this Deponent has a knowledge of his circumstances as to property. And that he verily believes that the said Amariah Foster is at least en- -tirely destitute of all kinds of property and has so remained during his resi- -dence in this State - That in addi- -tion to a large debt now due and owing to his father he now owes sev- -al large debts in this State all which he is unable to pay and dis- -charge. That the said Amariah Foster for some time past in ill health unable to perform any labor or pursue any profession or business as a means of supporting himself or family or for the purpose of accumulating property. and further this Deponent saith not
Taken and sworn this thirteenth day of August 1829
George Parker
Before me
J. H. Athorne (Comr) to perform certain duties of Judge of the Supreme Court

SCHEDULE.
Declaration, in order to be continued on the Pension List, under the Act of May 1st, 1820.
County of _____ ss.
On this _____ day of _____ 182_____, personally appeared in open court, (a) being a court of record (b) for the [district, circuit, county, or corporation, as the case may be,] _____ resident in said county, aged _____ years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress, of the 18th March, 1818, and the 1st of May, 1820; that he the said _____ enlisted (c) for the term of _____ on the _____ day of _____ in the year _____ in the State of _____ in the company (d) commanded by captain _____ in the regiment commanded by colonel _____ in the line of the State of _____ on the continental establishment; that he continued so serve in the said corps (or vessel) until _____ when he was discharged from the service in _____ in the State of _____ that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension, except the present; that his name has been placed on the pension list; that the number of his pension certificate is _____; and that he never before exhibited a schedule of his property, because (e)
And, in pursuance of the act of the 1st May, 1820, I do solemnly swear, (or affirm, as the case may be,) 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 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. (f) That, since the 18th of March, 1818, the following changes have been made in my property. (g)
Sworn to, and declared, on the _____ day of _____ before (h)
I _____ Clerk of _____ do hereby certify, that it appears, to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said _____ did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one engagement, on the continental establishment. I also certify, that the foregoing oath, (or affirmation,) and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records 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 _____ dollars and _____ cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this _____ day of _____ 182____
***** Seal of the Court. *****
Clerk of the Court of the of

(a) Or, in case of disability, by reason of bodily infirmity, in lieu of "in open court," insert the words "before the subscriber, a judge, (or justice, as the case may be,) of the court of," &c.
(b) All are courts of record, within the contemplation of the act of Congress— 1st. Which are expressly made courts of record by the laws of the State which creates them; 2d. Which have been solemnly adjudged, by the tribunals of the several States, to be courts of record; 3d. Which proceed according to the course of common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of their proceedings; 4th. Which have the power of fine and imprisonment.
And courts which proceed according to the course of the civil and canon law, having neither of these attributes, are not courts of record, although they may keep a registry of their proceedings, and possess a seal. The court should, in every instance, state, on the face of the proceedings, that it is a court of record, and state why it is such.
(c) If the claimant was an officer, he must here state what rank he held, and insert the word "entered," in lieu of "enlisted."
(d) If the claimant served in the Navy, he must here insert the name of the ship or vessel in which he sailed, and give the name of the captain or commander.
(e) Here give sufficient reason for not making earlier application for the continuance of the pension.
(f) Here enumerate each article of real or personal estate, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, and subscribe the same. The declarant must also mention his occupation, his ability to pursue it, the number and names of his family residing with him, their ages, and their capacity to contribute to their support, in order that the Department may be enabled to decide whether the applicant is in such indigent circumstances as to be entitled to the pension. It is the opinion of the Attorney General, that the words of the 3d section of the act of the 1st May, 1820, "in such indigent circumstances as to be unable to support himself without the assistance of his country," comprehend those only who are incapable of supporting themselves without the aid of the Government, except by private or public charity.
(g) If any changes have been made, here insert an account of the property in the applicant's possession on the 13th March, 1818, and not now owned by him; of which that disposed of by sale will be in the following columns:
   Description of Property. Names of the Persons to whom disposed of. Time of Sale. Amount of Money or description of Property received in return.          
If the property has been sold under execution, the certificate of the sheriff, or officer making the sale, must be produced, and the manner in which the debt originated, on account of which judgment was obtained, and execution issued, should be shown by the testimony of the plaintiff, who is required to swear as to the time at which the debt was contracted, and to state for what articles, the amount of them, and whether he believes that they were applied to the exclusive use and benefit of the defendant, or person claiming a continuance on the pension roll. In every case where there has been a transfer of real estate, authenticated copies of the deed of conveyance should be exhibited; and where debts have been discharged with the proceeds of the sale of any property, the evidence of the creditors, proving the fact, is required. The creditors should state, under oath, the time at which the debts were contracted, for what articles of property, the time when they were paid, and in what way. The application of all money should be clearly shown, in like manner, by disinterested witnesses. If a claimant has taken the insolvent debtor's oath, the certificate of the officer before whom the oath was taken must be produced. The origin of every note, bond, or other obligation, for the payment of money, the fulfilment of a contract, or the discharge of a debt, either to, or from, the applicant, must be clearly shown, as well as the time and manner of discharging the same. The oaths of disinterested persons are required to show for what the obligations were given, for what amount, and at what time; and similar proof is required as to the discharge or cancelling of the same. Similar evidence is required in every case where property has been sold under a mortgage. The testimony of the mortgagee, as well as that of the mortgager, is required. Each should swear as to the manner in which the mortgage originated, showing the time of contracting the debt, for what consideration, and the amount thereof; and the mortgager must show how the money or property for which he became indebted, was applied. In cases where persons have held landed property, and have never had deeds for the same, the affidavits of public officers, competent to give testimony in such cases, are required. The official character and signature of the magistrate before whom the affidavits may be taken, should be certified, under his seal of office, by the county Clerk, the Mayor of the city, the Secretary of State, or by such other officer as is required by the laws and usages of the State or Territory where the evidence is taken. The officer should certify that the magistrate is a Judge, Justice of the Peace, Alderman, or other officer, as the case may be, duly qualified to administer oaths, and that the signature, purporting to be his, is genuine.
(h) Persons unable to appear in court, by reason of bodily infirmity, and who are permitted, by the act of March 1, 1823, to take the oath before a Judge or Justice of a court of record, will, in addition to the oath in ordinary cases, swear that they are not able to attend personally in court, by reason of disease, or bodily disability, as the case may be. Before the words "I clerk," &c. insert the following: "I _____ a Judge, (or Justice) of the court of _____ holden in the county of _____ where the declarant resides, do hereby certify, that the above named _____ is, from a disease called the _____ with which, I am credibly informed, and believe, he has been afflicted, for the space of _____ unable to attend the court of which I am a Judge, (or Justice,) and I do not think, from present appearances, that he will be able to attend the court above named, at its next session. I have, therefore, in pursuance of the act of Congress of the 1st March, 1823, attended at his place of abode, and administered the foregoing oath. A. B. Judge," &c. Then let the clerk, in lieu of the usual certificate, write these words: "I, _____ clerk of the court of _____ certify that _____ before whom the above affidavit of _____ who is now sick and confined to his house, was made, is Judge as aforesaid. I also certify, that the said schedule and oath have been admitted to the record of said court, and that the same are truly copied therefrom: 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 _____ dollars and _____ cents."
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this _____ day of _____ 182_____
Clerk of the Court for the _____ of," &c.

I Joel Fitch of Bedford, in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawfull age, on oath do testify and say, that, on the 12th, day of Janua- ry 1825, I bought at public Auction a lot of river meadow and up land, wood cut of, containing about eight acres, it being the property of Amariah Preston of Bedford, in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, for the sum of thirty four dollars & \frac{75}{100} — Joel Fitch
Then the above named Joel Fitch personally made oath to the above statement by him subscribed - Before me,
Elijah Stearns } Justice peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex: ss. I Abraham Biglow Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Middlesex, do certify that Elijah Stearns is a Justice of the peace within & upon said County duly appointed & & qualified, & his name set to the above certificate & to several certificates on the right annex- ed papers is his own proper signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 14 th day of July 1829.
Thurs. 18 th March

I Eldridge Merriam of Bedford, in the County of Middlesex, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawfull age am oath testify and say that on the 12th day of January in the year of our Lord 1825, I bought at public Auction, a lot of river meadow land lying in Bedford aforesaid, containing three acres, more or less, for the sum of Twenty four dollars, said land being the property of Amariah Preston of Bedford, in the County & Commonwealth aforesaid—
Clara May Herrmann
Middlesex ss, June 16 th 1829, Then the above named Eldridge Merriam personally made oath to the above statement, by him subscribed. - - -
Before me — Elijah Stearns } justice peace

I Michael Groby of Bedford in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawfull age, on oath, testify and say that on the 14th day of May in the year of our Lord 1829, I bought at publick Auction a Horse Stable on the common near the meeting house in Bedford aforesaid, for the sum of twenty dollars, said Stable being the property of Amariah Preston of Bedford aforesaid — Michael Groby
Middlesex Ss June 15 th 1829, Then the above named Michael Groby personally made oath to the above statement by him subscribed —
Before me
Elijah Stearns } Justice of the Peace

I Leander Hosmer of Bedford, in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age, on oath do testify and say that on the 29th day of January, in the year of our Lord 1823, I bought of Amariah Preston of Bedford in the County & Commonwealth, aforesaid, a lot of Wood land, containing Six acres & 150 rods, for the sum of one hundred & eighty dollars. ——— Leander Hosmer
Middlesex ss, June 19 th 1829. - Then the above named Leander Hamner personally made oath to the above statement by him subscribed. - - - - -
Before me
Before me                      Elijah Stearns                      Justice peace

I Oliver W Lane of Bedford, in the County of Middlesex, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawfull age, on oath do testify and say, that on the eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord 1829, in the capacity of Auctioneer, sold at public auction, all the right in equity, that Amariah Preston of Bedford, in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, had to redeem all or any part of his Mortgaged real estate, to Levi Wilson, for the sum of two dollars & fifty cents, he the said Wilson being the highest bidder there for. Also, on the 4th day of May in the year above written I sold at public Auction in the capacity aforesaid, the aforesaid Prestons Pew in the meeting house, in Bedford aforesaid, to Cyrus Page of Bedford aforesaid, for Sixty dollars. Also, on the same 4th day of May in the capacity aforesaid I sold at public Auction, the aforesaid Prestons horse stable on the common near the aforesaid meeting house, to Michael Crosby, of Bedford aforesaid, for twenty dollars, he being the highest bidder, — Oliver W Lane
Middlesex Ss. June 18 th 1829 Then the above named, Oliver W Lane personally made oath to the above statement, by him subscribed — Before me —
Elijah Stearns } justice } peace

I Moses Abbot of Bedford, in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawfull age, on oath testify and say that on the 14th day of October, in the year of our Lord 1826, I bought of Amariah Preston of Bedford in the County & Commonwealth aforesaid, a lot of tillage land lying in Bedford aforesaid, for the sum of two hundred dollars, said lot containing about one acre, more or less. — Moses Abbott
Middlesex Ss, June 19 th 1829, Then the above named Moses Abbot, personally made oath to the above statement by him subscribed.
Before me —
Elijah Stearns } Justice of the Peace

I Cyrus Page of Bedford, in the County of Middlesex, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawfull age, on oath do testify and say that on the 4th day of May, in the year of our Lord 1829, I bought at publick Auction, a Pew in Bedford meetinghouse, the property of Amariah Preston, of Bedford aforesaid in the County & Commonwealth aforesaid, for the sum of Sixty dollars, —
Cyrus Page
Middlesex ss, June 19th 1829, Then the above named Cyrus Page, personally made oath to the truth of the above statement by him subscribed — — —
Before me, Elijah Stearns Justice of the Peace

I Larkin P Page of Bedford in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawfull age on oath do testify and say that, on the 12th. day of January in the year of our Lord 1825, I bought at publick Auction, a lot of land lying in Bedford aforesaid, containing twenty acres & 40 rods, it being upland, the wood all cut off, for the sum of one hundred & fifteen dollars & \frac{31}{100} Said land being the property of Amariah Preston of Bedford in the County & Commonwealth aforesaid —
Larkin P Page
Middlesex Ss, June 19th 1829, Then the abovenamed Larkin P Page, personally made oath to the above statement by him subscribed —
Before me —
Elijah Stearns Justice of peace

I Christopher Reed of Lexington in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age, on oath testify & say, that in the Month of April in the year of our Lord 1822, I loaned to Amaniah Preston of Bedford in the County aforesaid, Physician the sum of Three hundred Dollars & took his promissory note of hand for the same - that in the year 1824, having understood that the said Amaniah had become embarrassed in his circumstances in consequence of the failure of his son Amaniah Preston Jr, then a merchant in Boston, I sued out a writ & attached the said Amaniah senior's property both real & personal, then under previous attachment, - The said Amaniah Preston senior, after some time, gave me as collateral security for the pay ment of said note, a contract in writing dated the nineteenth day of March 1824, conveying to me all the wood standing and growing on a wood lot he then owned in the westerly part of said Town of Bedford, near Concord River, the proceeds of which when cut & sold, paid all the cost of the suit and about one Hundred & Fifty Dollars of the principal debt & on the fourth day of January 1825, I settled with said Preston senior, & took his note of hand for the remaining one hundred & fifty Dollars, which note he in a few months after paid me in full, the exact time I have no means of ascertaining Christopher Reed
Middlesex ss. June 10 th 1829. Then personally appeared the above named Christopher Reed & made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement by him subscribed
Before me Elijah Stearns, Justice of the peace