Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5581, for Daniel Preston, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Preston, Daniel Esther.
W 5581
B.L.M. 6106-160-55-
CONTENTS

8531.
New York
Daniel Preston
of Otsego Co in the State of New York who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Tilled of the Reg t commanded by Col. Starr in the Ch. m a . time for 11 mos s .
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 3 1/4 Dollars 11 3/4 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Apr l 1833 and sent to Hon W. G. Angel Burlington A. G.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $73.32 Semi-annual allowance ending Sept '33 18.33
$91.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 4, Page 28

853 New York P. Albany Mrs. Preston widow of Daniel Preston Con n who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 36 Dollars 27 August 1849 Cents per annum, to commence on 4th day of March, 1848 27 August 1849 Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th day of Sept r 1848 and sent to
W. S. Babcock Cooperstown N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 81. Vol. A.
Coney 2 nd August 1849

Daniel Preston
M. Mann Atty.
10207
on Bolls - 6 mo. Starrs - Regt
J. P. P. P.

Atty Gen. Phil of a letter from 1832
Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
State of New York / ss Otsego County
On this, 15 th day of October 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Otsego Daniel Preston a resident of the Town & County of Otsego State of New York aged 70. years last May who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. That he entered the service of the United States during the following named officers, & served as his time stated. To wit In the year 1778 he lived in Wyndham County Connecticut & in the month of January about the first or so, he thinks, he enlisted in the Town of Mansfield his place of residence for the term of three months in the Militia of that State in a company commanded by Captain Benjamin Clarke. His first Lieutenants name was Nathaniel Simcox. The second Lieutenants name was Salathiel. His given name he forgets. His Ensigns name was Elijah McCulloch in a Regiment commanded by Col. Johnson whose given name he forgets in General Joseph Spencer's Brigade. He marched to Providence in the State of Rhode Island where he lay during the whole term under Col. Johnson's command. His duty was mostly garrison duty. The British lay during this time on the Island of Rhode Island as he believes about 18 or 20 Miles distant. At the end of that

time he was discharged by a written discharge which he received from Capt Cook who then acted as a Major & commander of the Post. He being under age his father was entitled to the money to whom he gave his discharge upon returning home. His father gave the discharge to Shuback Co not the paymaster upon receiving the money & he has never seen it since. He was discharged some time in the month of April but the day he cannot recollect.
In the month of August & about the middle of the month in the year 1879 he again enlisted at Monroeville for the term of two months in a company commanded by Capt
Whitmore whose Christian name he cannot recollect. His first name was Jacob and the name of the Ensign's name was Ebenezer Madden in a Draft company commanded by Col McLean.
The Draft was assigned & it fell to his company to go to Fort Griswold. He was quartered about half a mile below the Fort at Col Avery's. The fort being full the fort was commanded by the colonel during afternoon shifts at the warehouse of the Fort to Gen. Wood's Troops. He left at this place during his term of enlistment & was discharged in the month of October by a written discharge from Capt Whitmore signed by Col McLean. This discharge was also given up to his father & by him given to the paymaster upon his receiving the money due under it.

On the month of June in the year 1780 he again enlisted into the Continental Service for the term of six months under Capt Shumway a recruiting officer at Montpelier aforementioned He was marched to Nelsons Point opposite Mil Point in the State of New York where attached to a company commanded by Captain Gilden in Col. Starns Regt & in Genl. Huntingtons Brigade He remained there a short time & was then marched to Stony Point crossed the river & was marched to New Jersey They returned to Orange Town & he witnessed the execution of Major Andre. He was so near him that he saw Andre give the execu- tioner a piece of gold before he was hung off They were afterwards marched to Backus Barn - to a place called Musquito Hill & to many other different places in New Jersey He had not been in the Service but about 5 months when he was offered a Sergeants Warrant by his Col but he refused it as he had only a short time to stay. They were marched to Winter Quarters in the Highlands in the month of December & in the month of January following he was discharged by a written discharge or before signed by Col. Starns This discharge was also given to his father to draw his money with in consequence of some Mis- fortunes his father had met with previously he being young & active thought he could support himself

He knew no language & only a few words who gave to a person or an unit except the present & also that his name is not on the pension roll of the army of any state He was born in the town of Ashford in the Co. of Windham in the State of Ct. on the 4 th day of May 1762. He has no record of his age & knows his age only but from the representation of his parents He resided in the State of Connecticut in different places until about forty years since he removed to Pittsfield in Otsego Co. New York about one year from there to Burlington in said County about 10 or 12 years then to Unadilla in said County about two years then back to Burlington about 4 years then to the town of Otsego where he now & has ever since resided He refers to the Hon M c G. Boyle & many others for a good character He has no documentary evidence nor can he produce any other testimony to his service except what is herewith sent his Oath & subscribed in open court David F. Preston the 16 th day of October 1832
Horace Lathrop Clerk
Photo x 11

State of New York Chautauqua County ss. I James H. Lake Clerk of the said County do certify that John Riddle, before whom the within affidavit was sworn, was at the date of the same, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County: and that I am acquainted with his handwriting and do hereby believe his name subscribed to the said affi- davit, to be his proper handwriting and sig- nature.
Witness my hand and seal of office this 28 th day of June A.D. 1832. J. B. Riddle Deputy Clerk
And the said Court hereby declare their opinion after an investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department = That the said Daniel Preston was a Revolutionary Soldier & served therein as he states And the Court further certify that it appears to them that John Potter who has signed the certificate hereto att- ached is a Clergyman residing in the village of Coopers-town & that William G. Cuyler who has also signed the same is a resident of the town of Exeter both in the County of Otsego & a member of Congress from the same that he is a credible person & his statement is entitled to credit J. A. Moon

I certify that I was knowing to the fact that in 1872 of Daniel Preston there was a Manifested Windham Co State of New York now of Olsego town under Capt Johnson and that the General Spencer Brigade and that the Daniel Preston listed again in the ranks of Capt Whitmore in the 11th New York Regiment and that the Daniel Preston listed the third time in the month of June 1870 under Capt Shermway as of the 1st Regiment New York of service under the first enlist ment of six months two months Under the second six under the third and to the best of my belief William Clark subscribed this 27th day of June 1882 before me John Reedelle
I certify that the abovenamed William Clark is a man of truth and veracity and full credit is due to his statement under oath. I make this certificate at this time not knowing it was necessary at the time said Clark was sworn March 29th 1883. John Reedelle Justice

De Groot Judges J. Page
Otsego County ss
Mr William G Angel of Easton and Mr Potter a clergyman of the village of Coopers town
do certify that in our will be acquainted with Daniel Preston who has subscribed a man- to the above declaration that we believe him to be 70 years of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in the opinion more subscribed the day & year above written
Horace Lathrop Clerk.
W G Angel John Potter
I Horace Lathrop Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Otsego hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original pro- ceedings in the matter of the application of the said Daniel Preston before the said Court for a pension — the testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hands and seal of office this 19 th day of October 1872
Horace Lathrop Clerk.

No 874 Woo 40 Ethel Preston widow of Daniel NY
Oct 29 July 1848
Maria before 1800 Husband 27 Augt 1849 Adm 11 mo 1849 for annu. com'g 27 Augt 1849
Albany
A. S. Balcomb Cooperstown NY
Nov 1 50

State of New York
County of Otsego } For on this 18 th day of October personally appeared before me, James Hyde - judge of the County court of said County in and for said County of Otsego and State aforesaid, appeared Katharine Preston, a resident of the town of Otsego in said County and State of New York aged seventy nine years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed Feb. 2 d 1848, that she is the widow of Daniel Preston, who was a Pensioner of the United States under act of 7 th June 1832 at the rate of thirty six dollars and sixty six cents per Annum She further declares that she was married to the said Daniel Preston on the fourth day of December 1790, or 91 - She further says that she was married in the town of Burlington in said County of Otsego by Judge Beck a resident of said town of Burlington, She further says that she has six children now living and that the eldest now alive was fifty years last January - That her husband the aforesaid Daniel Preston died in the town of Otsego in said County on the 27 th day of August 1849, and that she is still a widow Sworn and subscribed on { the day and year above written } before me -
Esther Preston
James Hyde Co Judge of Otsego Co
I hereby certify that the above named Katharine Preston is not capable of attending the sitting of the Court James Hyde Judge
State of New York
Otsego County
Clerks Office }
J. Samuel North Clerk of said County do hereby certify that James Hyde was on the 18 th day of October 1849

The Judge in and for the said County of Allego and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and that his signature to the foregoing affidavit is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed seal at Leofus town the 22 d day of Oct D. 1850 Samuel North Clerk

11.11 July 18 - No 883
45973 act March 8/55 April 6/55 Esther Preston Widow of Daniel Preston
Pensioner Private of 1st Cavalry Can't get line
Adm 100 as Sept 7/55 Dodge
Mark the 61st Boyleton
Vol P - page 138,
J. J. Davenport Richfield Springs Otsego Co N.Y.

Department of the Interior Widows Pensions I certify that in conformity with the act of July 29 th 1848 Rachel Preston widow of Daniel Preston who was a private in the military was inscribed on the Pension list at the rate of thirty six dollars and 87 1/2 cents per annum commencing on the 27 th day of August 1849 and continuing for life unless she should again marry in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage Given at the Department of the Interior this 29 th day of December one thousand eight hundred and fifty nine
J. H. H. Stewart Secretary of the Interior Approved and counter-signed J. H. Heath Commissioner of Pensions

I hereby further certify that Ebenezer Dutton who made the foregoing declaration has in her possession a similar Certificate of which the within is a true copy March 20 1833
Wilson Morgan justice of the Peace

State of New York Albany County ss
In the 13 th day of March 1883 - personally appeared before me a brother of the Board in and for said County and State of America Esther Preston aged 84 years a resident of the town and County of Albany and State of New York who being duly sworn according to Law says that she is the identical Esther Preston to whom a Pension Certificate was issued by the Government of the United States under the act of February March 1833 giving pensions for Revolutionary Services and she further swears that she is now the widow of Daniel Preston deceased for whom services in the Revolutionary War a Pension Certificate was issued and that she has never married since the death of her said husband, * And that she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land Warrant under the act of March 1833 - and she hereby declares that she has not applied for a pension and she believes she is not entitled to Bounty Land except as above stated and she hereby
The foregoing is a true and correct copy of the original now on file in my office.

Appoints Vann S Davenport of Richfield NY to prosecute her claim and receive her allowance when issued Esther X Preston Mark
Second to and subscribed before me this 13 th day of March 1883- and I certify that I have no interest in the above claim and am not concerned in its prosecution & I know the claimant Helen Morgan justice
State of New York } Albany County ss. }
Personally appeared Phoebe Ann Charles Childs, residents of Albany County State of New York persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to full faith and credit who being duly sworn say that they were present and saw Esther Preston sign her name to the foregoing declarations and they further know that they had every reason to believe from the appearance of the applicant and the circumstances

And part of her forcing in her possession a Pension Certificate and from Long ac- Quaintance with the said Esther Reston that she is the identical person she represents herself to be And they further swear that they are disinterested parties know and subscribe before me this 13 th day of March 1883-
Wilson Morgan Justice
Leander Plunk Charles Childs

45-943 John F. ...
State of New York
County of Otsego
I William C Field clerk of the County Court in & for the County & State above named do hereby certify that Nelson Mason whose genuine signature appears above was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace within & for the County & State above named that all his official acts as such an Ex- tablished of free faith & credit: That the above said County Court is a Court of Record having General Jurisdiction. & I certify that I have no interest in the result of the case & am not concerned in its prosecution.
Given under my hand & seal of Office at Cooperstown this 20 th day of March A.D. 1885 Wm C Field Clerk of Otsego Co.

State of New York
County of Otsego } ss Abigail Plumb, wife of Brander Plumb, of the town of Otsego in said county being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that she has resided in said town of Otsego for upwards of forty years last past, and that she is now fifty three years of age = And she further swears, that she is a daughter of Esther Preston, widow of Daniel Preston deceased, and during my knowledge, and acquaintance with my said Father & Mother from childhood up, they the said Daniel & Esther, cohabited together as man & wife, and was reputed to be such man & wife, throughout the neigh- -borhood in which they lived, and in which my Father the said Daniel died - And this deponent further says that she has a sister now living, as she very well believes - older than this deponent, whose age, if living, would now be fifty five years, and also, brothers, whose names are, Alston Leander & Daniel
Subscribed and sworn } Abigail Plumb before me this 13 th day of September 1857.
William P Johnson Justice of the Peace I certify that all erasures here in State of New York } Signed County of Otsego } ss Alston Preston, of the town of Otsego in the county of Otsego being duly sworn deposes and says that he is a son of Daniel Preston deceased, and that he is now forty eight years of age, and that he lived with his Father Daniel and Mother Esther, from infancy until he was twenty two years of age, and during that time, and since

up to the date of the death of his said Father, they cohabited together as man & wife, and during such time, they were reputed in the neighborhood in which they lived to be man & wife - And this deponent further says that there is now no family Record of the marriage of his said Father & Mother, and that he has often heard his Mother say that she was married by "Judge Peck" and that said Judge Peck, or Jedediah Peck , was then a judge of the County Court of said County, and that after the death of his said Father he applied as the administrator for the Pension Money due him at the date of his death and received it - And this deponent further says that he has two Sisters now living, who are older than him and that the eldest is now fifty five years of age And this deponent further says, that the aforesaid Jedediah Peck is dead, and further says not. Subscribed and sworn before Alson Preston me this 13 th day of September { 1857 -
William P Johnson Justice of the peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with Alson Preston and Abigail Blumb, who are reputed to be the children of Daniel & Esther Preston, and that they are reputable persons and entitled to credit.
William P Johnson Justice Peace
State of New-York. OTSEGO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, SAMUEL NORTH, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that William P Johnson Esquire, was, on the 13 th day of Sept r 1857 a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Otsego, duly authorized to act as such, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal of the said County, at Cooperstown, this 15 th day of Sept r 1857
Samuel North CLERK.

State of New York
Otsago County } Nelson Hirdman of the town of Otsago in said County, being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, that on the 19 th day of February 1857 at the town of Burlington in said County and at the residence, formerly occupied by Jedediah Beck commonly called "Judge Beck" in his life time, and is now so occupied, by a daughter of said Beck. He examined a large quantity of books and papers, with a view if possible to ascertain, if said Judge Beck, had kept any record of the marriages of Daniel Preston deceased and that during such search and examination of said books, and papers which purported to be in the hand writing of said Judge, and was so informed by the said daughter of said Beck, that they were the papers and books of her deceased Father, He found a book, in which entries had been made by said Beck, giving the names of all persons married, by the said Judge Beck, and that the following, is a true, and correct copy of one of the names so entered on said book, in words and figures, as follows, _____
"Dec 1 st 1791. Daniel Preston was "married to Esther Cummins"
Subscribed and sworn before me this 15 th day of September 1857.
Hiram Barker Justin
Justin P. L...
I certify that the above named Nelson Andman is a respectable person and entitled to credit.
William Wakarusa Justin Pease

State of New-York. OTSEGO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, SAMUEL NORTH, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Hiram S. Babcock Esquire, was, on the 15 th day of Sept 1857 a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Otsego, duly authorized to act as such, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal of the said County, at Cooperstown, this 15 th day of Sept 1857
Samuel North CLERK.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section EEL
February 12, 1930
Honorable Henry Allen Cooper House of Representatives Washington, D.C.
My dear Mr. Cooper:
In response to your letter of February 7, 1930, enclosing one from Mr. J.T.Hooper, of Janesville, Wisconsin, herewith returned, I have the honor to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.5581, it appears that Daniel Preston, was born May 4, 1762, in Ashford, Windham County, Connecticut.
While residing in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut, he enlisted January 1, 1778, and served three months in Captain Benjamin Clark's Company, Colonel Johnson's Connecticut Regiment.
He enlisted about the middle of August, 1779, and served two months in Captain Whitmore's Company, Colonel McLellan's Connecticut Regiment.
He enlisted in June, 1780, served in Captain Selden's Company, Colonel Storrs' Connecticut Regiment, was present at the execution of Major Andre and was discharged in January, 1781.
After the Revolution he lived in Connecticut until about 1792, when he moved to Butternuts, Otsego County, New York, lived there one year, then moved to Burlington, in same county, where he lived for ten or twelve years, thence to Unadilla, Otsego County, New York, where he lived about two years, returned to Burlington and lived about four years, and then removed to Otsego, Otsego County, New York, of which place he was a resident when he was allowed pension on his Application executed October 16, 1832.
He died August 27, 1849, in Otsego, New York.

I used date given as recorded in Judge's book who married them and not the one given by her - Dec 4, 1790 or 1791
The soldier married December 1, 1791, in Burlington, New York, Esther Cummins.
She was allowed pension on her application executed October 18, 1849, at which time she was aged seventy-nine years and resided in Otsego, New York.
Daniel and Esther Preston had the following children: Olson, aged forty-eight years in 1851, and a resident of Otsego, New York; Abigail D., wife of Leander Plumb, aged fifty-three years in 1851, and residing in Otsego, New York; Edward, Marcia, Daniel, Lavina, Juliann and Leander.
Very truly yours
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.
Enclosures-2
No date of death for widow on AB

Apr 14/98
Chas H Preston Danvers, Mass
1930 - File 12 - Hist. to Hon. Henry Allen Cooper Esq.
Perz WIDOW, &c.
File No. 5581
Esther Preston
Wid
Daniel Preston
Post Rev War
Act: July 29/48
Index: Vol. 16 , Page 139
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No. 45975
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received April 6, 1855
Daniel Preston
Warrant No 6116-110-55
J. S. Davenport Richfield Springs N. Y.

5 6106
S
Storrs
no. 874 Preston Esther widow of Daniel N.Y.
Let to W. J. Babcock June 31. 1851 Same June 21/51 Let Alon Preston Aug 30/57.

HENRY ALLEN COOPER WISCONSIN
Congress of the United States House of Representatives Washington, D. C.
February 7, 1930
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C. Old Records Division
Dear Sir:
Herewith enclosed I send you letter just received from Mr. J.T. Hooper, Supt. Wisconsin School for the Blind, at Janesville, Wisconsin, whose wife is desirous of obtaining information as to her Revolutionary ancestor. If you have any record of a pension having been given to Daniel Preston, and can furnish the information desired by Mrs. Hooper (see note attached to Mr. Hooper's letter) she will be greatly obliged as will also
Very truly yours,
Henry Allen Cooper

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
L. W. B.
#. 5581.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
April 14, 1898.
Sir:-
Replying to your recent communication you are advised that Daniel Preston made an application for pension on October 16, 1832, at which time he was 70 years of age and residing at Otsego, N. Y., and his pension was allowed for eleven months' actual service as a private in the Conn. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Selden and Col. Starr. He enlisted at Windham Co., Conn.
His widow, Esther, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. Charles H. Preston,
Danvers, Mass.

FILED. MAR 22 1898
8531
;

I 35586 was one furnished any other? J.H.P.
P
Danners Mass Mar 17 '98
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C. Dear Sir:-
Yours of March 11 1898 received and I thank you for the information sent. You give the record of Daniel Preston of Lisbon Conn who was 70 years of age in 1818.
I asked for the residence and place of enlistment of Daniel Preston of Otsego Co N.Y. who was 71 years of age in 1831 when his pension com- menced or when he asked for one. He must be a different man for the first Daniel died in 1827 in Lisbon, Conn. Could you not furnish me this in- formation.
Yours truly Chas H. Preston

Brief in the case of Esther Preston, widow of Daniel Preston. Otsego County and State of New York, act 29 July 1848.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase." )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner at $36:41 per annum.
Record proof of marriage
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent.
W. S. Babcock, Cooperstown. N.Y.
S. Cole Examining Clerk.

Coopersstown Sept. 15 th 1857.
Sir
I send you proof of the marriage of Esther Preston whose application for a pension, was filed, under the act of 29 th July 1848, as you informed by letter Jany 31, 1857.
This proof of marriage, made by the same persons as is her inclosed, was made July 20, 1857, and mailed, but it seems from subsequent communications, none had been recd. by the Pension Department.
Will you please examine, and send me a report at your earliest convenience.
Respectfully Yours &c
H. Babcock
Hon J. E. Heath. Comm. &c. Washington. D.C.

Sir,
Your letter of the 31 st Jany last, came to hand with instructions to Mrs Preston, and on the 19 th day of Feby 1857, I procured them affidavits and mailed them to you, on the 20 th . Sufficient proof as I supposed of her marriage, in connexion with her declaration. It seems from this you have not rec d them. My impression now is that I mailed them with some papers, or declarations, for bounty land, in war of 1812, therefor, perhaps, they may have been overlooked.
Will you inform me if found, or not,
I am Respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
A J Babcock
Hon J Edwarts Comr. of Pensions
ms 159

Dear Sir
It is a pleasure to avoid... since the date of my letter to you... the 3rd January last... which... the profits were in... fact... have to get... strong... on the Cape of... since.
Very Respectfully Yours at J. L. Evans. for Amy Pennington
H. S. Babcock Esq Cooperstown N.Y.
over

Oak Hill Iowa of Odeso No May 30th 1857
Dear Sir
Some time in October last My Mother Applied to H S Babcock of Cooperstown to You for the purpose of A Pension My Father in his Life time was a pensioner My Mother's name is Ester I am Requested By her to Right You for the purpose to ascertain from the Proof that You if she can be pensioned if not she desires to know what further Proof will be necessary.
I was Right Mr
Respectfully Yours • Alvin Preston
Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Coopersstown N.Y.
May 6 th 1857
Sir
On the 29 th of Oct. last. I mailed, as agent, to the Commission of Pensions, the application, of Mrs Esther Preston, Widow of Danl. Preston deceased, for a pension - and on the 20 th Feby last, sent again, additional proof in her case, by direction from your department. The application of Mrs Preston, is simply to be placed on the pension roll, she being the widow of Danl. Preston, a pensioner in his life time.
Will you please to inform me, what farther proof is wanted, if any, in her case -
I am Yours
Respectfully A. S. Bukerach
Hon J. E. Heath Commissioner Washington D.C.

April 4 - 1857
Eng: rel: to evi: in Mrs Esther Preston's case.
29 July 48
Triplett
H. S. Babcock Cooperstown
(see within)

Cooperslawn March 31 st 1857
Sir Will you please inform me whether the proof in Mrs Esther Prestons Case is sufficient before you, to grant her a pension
I am Respectfully
Yours &c
H. J. Bakewell
Hon J. E. Hutton Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

March 11 th 57
Enquiry
145. Babcock Cooperstown N.Y.
Esther Preston May 29 th
Mr Babb
The other part of this letter is an

Coopers town March 5 th 1857.
Sir
With this I send you the additional proof. of service in war of 1812, of William Fairchild, for the purpose of obtaining Bounty land under Act of Sept. 28, 1850
Will you please inform me, what disposition. Your department has made, in relation to the pay, of the heirs, of Elizabeth Hand. I sent you back the certificate some days since, = 14 th Feby. last. Also, the decision in relation to Mrs Esther Preston, for a pension
Will you please send me the law (if published) passed by this Congress, in relation to, Widows pensions, of Revolutionary soldiers, &c
Respectfully Yours &c A. J. Babcock
Health Commission
of Pensions, answer Washington D.C.
A. J. Babcock Coopers town N. York
filed
Capt. Tripplett & W. Wilson on Mr Howard's

Jan'y 31. 1887.
Sir,
On the 29th of Oct. last, I mailed to the late Comr of pensions, D. L. Edwards Esq., the application of Mrs Esther Preston, Widow of Danl. Preston, to be placed on the pension Roll, she being the wife of Daniel Preston, who was a Revolutionary pensioner in his life time at a small compensation for services.
Since then I have not heard from the application. Will you please inform me.
I am Respectfully Your Obedt Servt H. J. Babcock
Hon Jas E Heath Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Pension Office J. J. Edwards Comm. of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Free
$36.66 per annum

Cooperstown Atty Genl April 7 1833
J. L. Edwards
In Enclosed is Mr. Preston's Application for a petition Amendment as required by the Dept. in answer to your No 14. & 16. - They are now complete as will appear by Ex ts of the queries -
Respectfully Yo ur affec d Serv t
M. Brown for H. G. Angell

To the Young Men's Town Committee, of
GENTLEMEN,—The Central Corresponding County Committee of Republican Young Men having consulted and advised with the Senior County Committee, recommend to your consideration the following plan of organization:— That you procure some person in each School District, to take down the names of every voter in his district, specifying its number, and their political principles as far as can be ascertained, in the following manner, and in time to report the result of the same to the Central Young Men's Com. as soon as the 25th inst.
Jackson | Coalition | Doubtful
The Committee would also recommend, that wherever a doubtful man is found, some publication now in circulation by the Republican Party containing information upon the great leading political questions which divide the parties of the day, be put into his hands, and also into the hands of every person where it is thought advisable. They would point out the Veto, the Old and Young Men's State Convention Addresses, (and many others to be hereafter circulated,) as suitable for this purpose.
It is believed that by the proposed system of operations, the Republican Party of this County will be better organized,—that we shall be doing more for its general prosperity, by thus bringing about an interchange of political sentiment and feeling among our friends, and by circulating information of a correct nature, than by any other plan that can be adopted. The Young men are called upon, and upon their exertions alone can reliance be placed to effect this object. Much, indeed we might say every thing depends upon their activity.
In 1821, James Kent, who now heads the coalition Electoral ticket, in the State Convention to revise the Constitution of the State of New York, strenuously advocated the principle, proposed by Judge Spencer, that no person should be entitled to a vote unless he was worth in real estate , over and above all his debts, the sum of 250 dollars. If this had passed into a law, we have no doubt that four-fifths of the Young Men of this county would have been deprived of their present electoral privileges. The County of Otsego elected Martin Van Buren, our present candidate for Vice President, to that Convention for the express purpose of opposing this aristocratic doctrine. In that Convention, he stood boldly forth, the uncompromising and fearless champion of the Democracy and the Young Men's rights. And will they desert him in his hour of peril? Will Otsego now prove recreant to her principles and her faith? No. Young Men, we answer for you, no! Come forth then at your country's call, for the better organization of the Republican Party and for the triumph of principles. Already have some towns perfected the work with a zeal worthy of imitation, and it has been attended with the happiest results.
The universal cry is " More Light ." Let our young men be active ,—let them unfurl the banner of Republicanism—its motto be " Jackson and Victory ," and all will yet be well.
M. BROWN, } H. B. SPRAGUE, } EBEN. BLAKELY, } Central Corresponding County Young Men's Committee. S. C. WILSON, } L. S. CHATFIELD, } HIRAM M'CALL, } JOHN MOORE, JR.
Dated October 13, 1832.

Esther Preston widow of Daniel Preston
to be filed with other papers
Esther Preston
now occupied by Miss Polly Peabody. In it remained a large quantity books and papers with the view to ascertain

Coopersstown Feby 20 th 1857.
Sir.
I herewith send you. Additional proof. in the case of Mrs Esther Preston, whose papers for a pension, are now on file in your department and filed under the act of 29 th July 1848.
Respectfully Yours &c Hiram Wakoch
J. E. Heath, Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

State of New York County of Otsego } ss. Abigail D. Plumb, wife of Leander Plumb, of the town of Otsego in the county of Otsego being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that she is a resident of the town of Otsego in the county of Otsego, and has so resided in said town of Otsego for 40 years last past, and that she is now 52 years of age. — And this deponent further says that she is well acquainted with Esther Preston, widow of Daniel Preston deceased, and has so been acquainted with the said Esther & Daniel Preston for the last fifty years, and that during this time and up to the time of said Daniel's decease, the said Daniel and Esther, cohabited together as man & wife and that during said cohabitation, they were reputed to be man & wife, and had, during said cohabitation children born, and now living, whose names are Alson, Edward Maria, Danl, Savina, Julian & Leander Subscribed and sworn before me this 19th day of February, 1851 Hiram Waklock Notary Public
Otsego County, ss. Alson Preston of the town of Otsego in the county of Otsego being duly sworn deposes and says that he is a son of Danl. Preston deceased and that he is forty eight years of age and that he lived with his Father, Danl. & Mother Esther Preston untill he was twenty two years of age and during that time, and since, his Father & Mother cohabited together as man & wife, up to the date of his death, and that during such cohabitation, they were reputed to be man & wife. And this deponent further says that he has often heard his mother say, that she was married by one Judge Peck and that after the death of his Father Danl, he applied as the administrator of

his said Father for the pension due him at the date of his death and received the same. And he further states that he knows of no record in existence of the marriage of his said Father & Mother, either Public or private. And that he has now living two Sisters, who are older than this deponent, and that the oldest is now, fifty five years of age. And this deponent has been informed and believes true that the said Judge Peck is now dead, and further says not. Subscribed and sworn to Alson Preston before me this 19 th day of February 1857 Hiram Wakrook Justice Peace
State of New York County of Otsego } for Nelson Herdman of the town and county of Otsego being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that on the 19 th day of Feb y 1857 at the town of Burlington in said county and at the former residence of Nathaniel Peck, known as "Judge Peck", now occupied by said Judge Peck's daughter, he examined a large quantity of books and papers, with the view to ascertain the date of the marriage of Deut. Preston by said Judge Peck, and that said papers and books purported to be made and filed by the said Judge Peck in his life time, and that during such search & examination as aforesaid, he found a book which had been kept by the said Judge Peck in which entries were made of the names of persons who had been married by the said Judge & that the following is a true and correct copy of an entry so made in said book and copied therefrom by me in words and figures as follows viz, "December 1 st 1791 Daniel Preston was married to Esther Cummings" - and further says not.
Subscribed and sworn before me this 20 th day of February 1857 Hiram Wakrook Justice Peace
Nelson Herdman
I certify that Abigail D Plumb, Alson Preston & Nelson Herdman are reputable persons. -
Hiram Wakrook Justice of the Peace Feb y 20 1857

State of New-York. OTSEGO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, SAMUEL NORTH, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Merrimac H. Babcock Esquire, was, on the 20 day of Feby 18 57 a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Otsego, duly authorized to act as such, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal of the said County, at Cooperstown, this 20 day of Feby 1857
Samuel North CLERK.