Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 41,078, for Benjamin Preston, New Hampshire

SERVICE
NUMBER
N.H.
Preston, Benjamin
S. 41,078
CONTENTS

B
OK 11, 2112
1885 June 16 history to town of Hanover NH
Vermont
Benjamin Preston.
of Orange in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Stone of the regiment commanded by Colonel Scamuel in the N. Hampshire line, for the term of three years from March 1777 to March 1780.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 11 day of January 1819 and
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 of May 1819 and sent to Joseph Root Esq. Hartford Vermont.
Continued on the Roll on 22 day of September 1828 and notification sent to Hon. G. E. Wales at Hartford Vermont. Pension commencing on the 8 of September 1828.
Amount due on 4th of March 1829 }
$ 47 1/4 19.
{ Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, May 1, 1820.
Sept 1819.

3557 Benjamin Preston. Orange County, Pri. Claim for Pension January 4 th 1819 -
Joseph Reed, Judge Thetford, Vt.
Rec d Mar. 30. 1819.
3 years in Col o Scam- -mells' regiment, New-Hampshire line.
-on Rolls Adm c

I Benjamin Preston of Strafford in the County of Orange and State of Vermont do testify and say I worked as a Soldier in the war of the Revolution in the Continental establishment - I enlisted in the month of March in the year 1777. in Capt. Benjamin Storer's Company and Col. Alexander Scammons Regiment Genl. E. P. Brigade for three years in the New Hampshire line - joined the Army at Tyendinaga - was in the Battle of the Gaps of Burgoyne also was in the Monmouth battle also I went under Genl. Sullivan in his expedition to rout the Indians when we underwent extreme hardships was about fifty days, with only half allowance - had the pledge of Genl. Sullivan we should be made up in money at our return but have never received a cent we returned to Danbury in the State of Connecticut terms of enlistment having expired I received an honorable discharge dated in the Month of March 1780 which discharge I have lost - I also state that I am poor and in indigent circumstances and stand in need of assistance from my Country for support. January 4 th - 1819
Benjamin Preston
State of Vermont } On the 4 th day of January 1819 swore to Orange County } personally the above named Benjamin Preston being present made solemn oath that the foregoing statement by him made and subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth and also that he is in reduced circumstances and needs the assistance of his Country for support. taken before me Joseph Reed Judge Orange County Court

State of Vermont Orange County } I hereby Certify that it appears to my Satisfaction that the said Benjamin Preston did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the within declaration against the common enemy for the term of three years at one time on the continental establishment and I now transmit the proceedings had before me to the Secretary for the War Department pursuant to the directions of the act of Congress of March 18th 1818 I am also satisfied that he needs the assistance of his country for support
given under my hand at Thetford the 4 th day of January A.D. 1819 Joseph Reed Judge Orange County Court.
State of Vermont } I hereby certify from a careful examination Orange County } into the circumstances of the within named Benjamin Preston that by reason of his reduced and indigent circumstances the infirmities of old age and his scanty means of subsistence he has need of assistance from his country for support agreeable to the late act of Congress for the relief of Revolutionary officers and soldiers - given under my hand at Thetford in the County of Orange on the 4 th day of January A.D. 1819 Joseph Reed Judge Orange County Court -

State of Vermont } I hereby certify from a carefull examination Orange County } into the circumstances of the within named Benjamin Peston that by reason of his reduced and indigent circumstances the infirmities of old age and his scanty means of subsistence he has need of assistance from his country for support agreeable to the acts of Congress for the relief of Revolutionary Officers and Soldiers - given under my hand at Thetford in the County of Orange on the 4 th day of January A.D. 1819
Joseph Reed Judge Orange County Court -
State of Vermont Orange County Clerk's Office January 22 d 1819 I H E & W o Sauglin Clerk of Orange Orange County Court Do hereby certify that Joseph Reed Esqr.
of Thetford in the County of Orange before whom the foregoing Declaration was taken is a Judge of Orange County Court, acting under the author- ity of the State of Vermont, and that his Name subscribed to the foregoing Certificate is in his own hand writing —
Attest H E & W o Sauglin Clerk

Declaration in Groton to be continued on the Pension list under the act of May 10 th 1820. — 1 State of Vermont } Orange County } On this 20 th day of June 1828, personally appeared in Open Court being a Court of Record, Benjamin Preston Resident in Strafford in said County aged 67 years, who being first duly sworn — according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the acts of Congress of the 18 th of March 1818 & the first of May 1820, that he the said Benjamin Preston Entered for the term of three years, on the 10 th day of March 1777 in the State of New Hampshire in the Town of Haverhill in the Company commanded by Captain Benjamin Stone, in the Regiment commanded by Col. Alexander Scamell third Regiment in the line of the State of New Hampshire, on the continental Establishment, that he continued to serve in the said corps until the 20 th day of March 1780, when he was discharged from the service in Danbury in the State of Connecticut, 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 11.242, and that he never before exhibited a schedule of his property (save an informal one which has been returned him) because his creditors had not taken his property from him, and the income of a farm of which he formerly held a life lease furnished him the greater part of the necessaries of life, the remainder he procured on credit.
And in pursuance of the acts of the first 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" — page an

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 other income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed, to wit: one old chest & drawers, one old 3 1/2 feet fall leaf table, one old kitchen table, one light stand, six old dining chairs, six old kitchen chairs, four table cloths partly worn six towels, one iron tea kettle, one set of common crockery and tea pot, one fine pail iron water kettle, one old iron pail & half pot, with a hole in the side, one old leaky brass fine pail kettle, one antient looking glass, one pair of shovels and tongs, one old water pail, one swill pail two pair of old cast iron endirons, seven old harrow teeth, which I have owned more than thirty years, one old Sible, —
Benjamin Preston,
I have followed the business of a farmer, but by reason of age sickness and infirmity am unable to perform labor, sufficient to procure my support and that of my wife, Elizabeth Preston, aged sixty three years, who from infirmities cramp and rheumatism is unable to render me that able assistance, in keeping soul & body together, and I am dependant on my friends and connections in a great measure for the necessaries of life, —
That since the 18 th of March 1818, the following changes have been made in my property, previous to that time, to wit, on the 6 th day of May 1808 I deeded to my son Benjamin Preston for an undivided third part of all my Real Estate for labor he had done on the farm, previous to that time and to make him contented to work on the farm and live with me, some 8 or 10 years ago the said Benjamin Preston was appointed Deputy Sheriff in Orange County consequently could not devote his time to farming and my son Luther D Preston with my assistance and the assistance of the said Benj a for cultivated the farm and I and my wife were comfortably sup-

Supposed from the income of the farm, and articles I purchased at the stores on credit, my sons not feeling altogether satisfied about the division of the crops raised on the farm, (the said Benj a Jr still owning one und- ivided third part of the farm) my wife and my self (with the advice of others) thought it best for me to quit claim the farm to my said sons and take from them a life lease of the whole of said farm accordingly in the fore part of April 1825. We did so, I had previous to this time at the request of my son Benj a Jr signed a note with him to payable to John Sabine for one hundred dollars, and dated I think in May 1824, which note he sold to J. H. Harris as I am informed and early believe, and a part of said note, to wit, thirty five dollars, and sixty seven cents I have paid as hereafter mentioned.
In the month of January 1825 the said Benj a wishing to raise some money prevailed upon me to sign another note with him payable to Daniel Cobb or order for one hundred and Ten dollars, and seventy four cents on interest, and which note the said Benjamin Jr sold to J. H. Harris after the conveyance of the land as above stated in the month of May 1825, understanding the said note I had previously signed for the benefit of the said Benjamin Jr was paid I signed a note for one hundred dollars on interest and payable to the said Benjamin Peston Jen or order, this was done by me to enable the said Benjamin Jr to obtain by sale of said note the money he then wanted which note was sold by the said Benjamin Jr to David Cnestock the two last mentioned notes have been paid as hereafter men- tioned, the said Benj a Jr evicted the following buildings on the farm, in the years 1819 and 1820 one wood house, shed, cow house, and cider mill, all valued at one hundred and ten dollars, previous to this time the wife of the said Benjamin Jr died and left him a family of four young children to provide for, which together with the unfortunate termination of a lawsuit, has caused his Bankruptcy, — in 1823, 1824 & 25 the said Benjamin Jr furnished me and my wife the greater part if not all our store necessaries, I cannot now recollect with positive certainty all the property in my possession on the 18 th of March 1818, but do verily believe the value of my personal estate in March 1827 was about the same as in March 18 th 1818. Excepting a yoke of steers which I owned in said March & afterwards

sold to J. H. Harris in September 1820 for seventy Dollars which sum the said Harris passed to my credit, on an account he had against me for necessaries I had before that time taken at his store, - I cannot recollect how much I was owing on the 18 th of March 1818, but I do know I was owing large sums, and have received great assistance from my son Benjamin Jr. in paying my debts and procuring necessaries, I refer to Depositions which I intend to annex to this my declaration, for further particulars, my Grand Child  Henry Henry Patten aged about 14 years with my self and wife compose my family, the said Henry is an orphan and is much afflicted with the asthma, and can labor but little, The following additional charges have been made in my property since the 18 March 1818,
   Discription of property Names of persons to whom disposed of Time of Sale Amount of money or discription of property Received in Return     Life lease appraised at $325.00 J. H. Harris - Daniel Constock John Solin and J. H. Harris & Co - November 19 1827 - Note dated Jan'y 3 1825 Note Interest cont. $141.82 Note dated May 26 1825 Note Interest cont. $126.78 Balance of Solin Note - $35.67 Date Nov 18 - 1824 J. H. Harris & Co Note for $25.35 dated 14 1827 Note $10.18 dated May 23 1827   one Cow $12 - Frederick Smith Jr Dec 21 1827 - to $10 57   Two calves $6 50 - Nathl Merrill - $50.00   one horse & lot $90.00 J. H. Harris - Harris & Young & J. H. Harris & Co $31.79 May 26 1827 $4.62 Book amt -   one Cow $15.00 - Daniel & Daw. $19.65 26 May 1827   one Cow $15.00 Martin Barrett $20.47   2. one year old $20.00 Elezer Baldwin Dec 10 1827. $20.00 Book amt - from Dec 1816 to 10 Dec 1827  
I also am owing several other persons debts to the amount of from seventy to one hundred dollars, which I am wholly unable to pay, - without selling my property (household furniture) contained in the schedule by me subscribed and my necessary clothing and bedding - - I also sold a piece of land to J. H. Harris a yoke of steers in 1822 for the sum of thirty dollars to the best of my recollection which sum the said Harris passed to my credit the foregoing contains all the charges that have taken place in my property since the 18 March 1818 as I verily believe. -
Benjamin Patten

State of Vermont Orange County Clerk's Office July 31 st 1828.
I, H. E. G W Laughlin Clerk of Orange County Court do hereby certify that the Court have appraised the foregoing property, at the Sum of Seventy five Dollars, atted H. E. G W Laughlin Clerk —
And I further certify that the foregoing is truly copied from the Record now remain- ing in my Office. —
In Testimony of all which I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of Orange County Court the Day & year above written — H. E. G W Laughlin Clerk

Know all men by these presents that we Benjamin Preston Jr and Luther D Preston of Strafford in the county of Orange & state of Vermont for and in consideration of fifteen hundred Dollars to us in hand paid by Benjamin Preston & Elizabeth Preston wife of the said Benjamin Preston of Strafford in Orange County and state of Vermont the receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge have remised released and by these presents for our selves and our heirs heirs do remise release and quietclaim unto the said Benjamin Preston & Elizabeth Preston for and during their natural lives and the life of the survivor of them but no longer all the right title interest property, estate & demand which we the said Benjamin Preston Jr & Luther D Preston have in & to a certain tract piece or parcel of land lying & being in Strafford described as follows to wit, being the same land conveyed to us by a quit claim deed from said Benja Preston on the fifth day of April 1825 reference being made to said deed for more particular description of the premises —
To have and to hold the said premises with all the privileges and appurtenances unto them the said Benjamin Preston & Elizabeth Preston for and during their natural lives & the life of the survivor of them & no longer so that neither we the said Benja Jr & Luther D Preston other person or persons in our names or behalf shall or will hereafter claim or demand any right or title to the premises aforesaid or any part thereof for and during the term aforesaid and no longer
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands & seals this sixth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty five
Peter Brown
Daniel Coble
Benja Preston Jr
(Seal)
Luther D Preston
(Seal)
State of Vermont } At Strafford Oct 11, 1825 the Benja Orange County } Preston Jr & Luther D Preston personally appeared and acknowledged this instrument by them sealed & subscribed to be their free act & deed
Before me Daniel Coble Asst. judge of Orange County & justice of the Peace in office
Recd. at Strafford Town Clerks office for record Oct 11, 1825 recorded & examined in Book 1826 Page 414 & 15 — By me Stephen Morrill Town Clerk
Strafford Town Clerks office July 30, 1828 I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy of record in my office
Attest Stephen Morrill Town Clerk

Know all men by these presents that I Benjamin Preston of Strafford in the county of Orange and State of Vermont for and in consideration of Fifteen hundred Dollars to me in hand paid by Benjamin Preston Jr. and Luther D. Preston of Strafford in Orange County and State of Vermont the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge have remised released, and by these presents for my self and my heirs do remise release and forever quitclaim unto the said Benjamin Preston Jr. & Luther D. Preston their heirs and assigns forever all the right title interest property estate and demand which I the said Benjamin Preston have in & to a certain tract piece or parcel of land lying & being in said Strafford & described as follows to wit, bounded Northwesterly by land now owned by Sethro Bachelder westerly by land owned by Elisha Doolittle, southerly by land owned by Pliny Day Easterly by land owned by Asa Carpenter being the same land conveyed to me by deed from John Follingsbee on the 15 th day of August 1787 & by deed from Timothy Blake dated August 25 th 1798 & by deed from Sethro Bachelder bearing date December 13 th 1793 reference being made to said deeds for a more particular description of said land premises containing in the whole about one hundred & thirty acres —
To have and to hold the said premises with all the privileges and appurtenances unto them the said Benjamin Preston Jr. & Luther D. Preston their heirs and assigns forever so that neither I the said Benjamin Preston nor any other person or persons in my name or behalf shall or will hereafter claim or demand any right or title to the premises aforesaid or any part thereof but they and every of them shall by these presents be excluded & forever barred —
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand & seal this fifth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty five —
Peter Brown Daniel Cobb
Benja Preston
State of Vermont } At Strafford Oct 11 th 1825 then Benjamin Orange County ss } Preston personally appeared & acknowledged this instrument by him sealed & subscribed to be his free act & deed
Before me Daniel Cobb Ass t Judge of Orange County Court &c
Justice of the Peace ex officio Rec d at Strafford Town Clerks office for record Oct 11. 1825 recorded & examined in Book V o 6 Page 413 & 414 —
By me Stephen Morrill Town Clerk
Strafford Town Clerks office July 30 th 1826 I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy of Record in my office — Attest Stephen Morrill Town Clerk

of the date thereof indorsed to the Plf. for a valuable consideration, of which the Deft had due notice & thereby became liable in law &c. &c. - - - upon which process the officer serving the same on the 21 st day of May W 27 attached a farm in the Town of Strafford aforesaid upon which Benjamin Preston & one Luther D. Preston then lived, containing by estimation one hundred & thirty acres of land - and now at this Term the Court render judgment for the Plf. to recover of the Deft. the sum of one hundred twelve Dollars & fifty cents damage & nine Dollars & sixteen cents cost, from which said judgment the Deft. enters his review to the next term of this Court. and now at the Decr. Term of said Court held at Chelsea in said Orange County on the Third Tuesday of December W 27. this suit is discontinued the same being settled by the parties -
I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true extract from the record & files in my office Chelsea July 26 th W 28.
Orange County Clerks office
H. E. G. W. Laughlin Clerk

State of Vermont } Be it remembered, That at the June Term Orange County } of the County Court held at Chelsea within & for the County of Orange on the third Monday of June A.D. 1827, Benjamin Preston & Benjamin Preston Jr. of Strafford in said Orange County are attached to answer unto David Cobb of Strafford aforesaid, in an action on a note dated January 3 d 1825 given for the sum of one hundred ten Dollars & twentyfour cents payable in the month of July then next after the date of said note with interest, upon which process the officer serving the same on the 21 st day of May 1827 attached a farm in the Town of Strafford aforesaid upon which Benjamin Preston & one Luther D. Preston their heirs, containing by estimation one hundred & thirty acres of land, and now at the time the Court renders judgment for the sum of the Dept. the sum of one hundred twentyseven Dollars & twentyfive cents David Cobb & nine Dollars & sixtynine cents cost, from which said judgment the Dept. intend their review, and now at the December Term of said Court held at Chelsea aforesaid on the third Tuesday of Decr. 1827, this suit is Discon- tinued, the same having been settled by the parties. I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true extract from the record & files in my office Orange County Clerk Office July 26 th 1828.
H. C. H. Laughlin Clerk
State of Vermont } Be it remembered, That at the June Orange County } Term of the County Court held at Chelsea within & for the County of Orange on the third Monday of June 1827, Benjamin Preston of Strafford in said Orange County is attached to answer unto David Cobb of Strafford aforesaid in an action on note dated the 26 th day of May A.D. 1825, given for the sum of one hundred Dollars payable to one Benjamin Preston Jr. or order in one year from the date thereof with interest, which said note the said Benjamin Preston Jr. on the day

of the date thereof indorsed to the Plf. for a valuable consideration, of which the Deft had due notice & thereby became liable in law &c. &c. - - - upon which process the officer serving the same on the 21 st day of May W27 attached a farm in the Town of Strafford aforesaid upon which Benjamin Preston & one Luther D. Preston then lived, containing by estimation one hundred & thirty acres of land - and now at this Term the Court render judgment for the Plf. to recover of the Deft. the sum of one hundred twelve Dollars & fifty cents damage & nine Dollars & sixteen cents cost, from which said judgment the Deft. enters his review to the next term of this Court. and now at the Dec r Term of said Court held at Chelsea in said Oregon County on the third Tuesday of December W27. this suit is discontinued the same being settled by the parties -
I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true extract from the record & files in my office Chelsea July 26 th W28.
Oregon County Clerk's office
H. E. G. W. Laughlin Clerk

Know all men by these presents that We Benjamin Preston & Elizabeth Preston of Strafford in the county of Orange & State of Vermont in consideration of three hundred and fifty Dollars to us paid before the sealing hereof by Jedidiah Harris of Strafford in the county of Orange and state of Vermont the receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge have & by these presents do give grant sell convey & confirm unto the said Jedidiah H. Harris his heirs & assigns during our lives certain tract or parcel of land lying & being in Strafford in the county of Orange & State of Vermont described as follows, viz, being the same land conveyed by the said Benjamin Preston on the 5 th day of April 1845 to Benjamin Preston Jr & Luther D. Preston & leased to us for life by the sd Benjamin Jr & Luther D Preston on the day & year last aforesaid reference being made to sd deeds for a more particular description of sd premises meaning & intending hereby to convey to the sd J. H. Harris & his heirs & assigns all our & each of our title & interest to sd premises.
To have & to hold the said granted premises with all the privileges & appurtenances thereof to him the said Jedidiah H. Harris & to his heirs & assigns during our lives to his own use. And we the said Benjamin & Elizabeth Preston for our heirs executors & administrators do covenant with him the said Jedidiah H. Harris his heirs executors administrators & assigns that we are well seized of sd premises during our lives. That they are free from incumbrance & that we will warrant & defend the the said premises to him the said Jedidiah H. Harris against the lawful claims & demands of all persons during our natural lives.
In testimony whereof we do hereunto set our hands & seals this affixed our seals this 19 th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty seven — Signed sealed & delivered in presence of
Daniel Cobb Colcord D. Kimball
Benj m Preston Elizabeth Preston
(Seal) (Seal)
State of Vermont } At Strafford in sd County on the 19 th Orange County ss } day of November then Benjamin Preston signed & sealed of the foregoing instrument in writing personally appearing & acknowledged the same to be his voluntary act & deed before me Daniel Cobb Ass t Judge of O. C. Court & Justice of the peace ex officio.

State of Vermont } Strafford Nov. 19 th 1827 Then the Orange County } within named Elizabeth Preston wife of the within named Benjamin Preston previous to the acknowledgement of her husband within named, persona- lly appeared separately from her said husband & acknowledged that she executed the within deed by her subscribed without any fear or compulsion of her sd husband & that the same is her free act & deed Before me
Daniel Colbick Judge of Orange County Court
Recd. at Strafford Town Clerks office for record Nov. 19, 1827 recorded & examined in Book N o 7 Pages 72 & 73
Attest Stephen Morrill Town Clerk
Strafford Town Clerks office Jan y 28. 1828
Thereby certify the within & foregoing to be a true copy of record in my office
Attest Stephen Morrill Town Clerk of sd Strafford
Copy of a deed Jed H. Harris from Benj o & Elizabeth Preston

Know all men by these presents that I Benjamin Preston of Strafford in the county of Orange & state of Vermont for and in consideration of the sum of good services performed by my son Benjamin Preston Jr of Strafford in the county & state aforesaid I do by these presents give grant bequeath convey and confirm unto him the said Benjamin Preston Jr his heirs and assigns forever one third part of all the Landed property & likewise one third part of all the buildings now standing on the said premises that I now own in S d Strafford according to the goodness in quantity & quality the said land being a part of the original Right of William Brisco in the third division & likewise a part taken from the south end of the lot N o 10 in the third Division pitched to the right of Joshua Phelps -
To have and to hold the above granted premises with the appurtenances thereunto belonging to him the said Benj m Preston Jr his heirs & assigns forever to his & their own proper use benefit & behoof forever & I the said Benjamin Preston do give the said Benj m Preston Jr free & full possession of S d land & buildings hereby engaging to Warrant & defend S d granted premises against all claims or demands of any person or persons claiming the same by from or under me or the original grantee -
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 6 th day of May in the year of our Lord 1808 - signed sealed & delivered in presents of -
Joseph Norton
Benj m Preston (Seal)
Betsey Preston
State of Vermont } Strafford July 27, 1808 Personally Orange County ss } appeared Benj m Preston signer & skaler to the above instrument & acknowledged the same to be his free act & deed Before me Samuel Bliss Justice Peace Recd March 6 th 1809 & recorded this day in Strafford Book of Records - Samuel Bliss Town Clerk -
Strafford Town Clerks office July 30 th 1828 - I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy of record in my office Attest Stephen Morrill Town Clerk

Know all men by these presents that Benjamin Preston Jr of Strafford in the county of Orange and state of Vermont for and in consideration of Six hundred Dollars to me in hand paid by Benjamin Preston of Strafford in Orange County & state of Vermont the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have remised released and by these presents for my self & my heirs do remise release and forever quit claim unto the said Benjamin Preston his heirs & assigns forever all the right, title, interest, property, estate & interest which I the said Benjamin Preston Jr have in & to a certain tract or parcel of land lying & being in said Strafford described as follows, to wit, being the same conveyed to me by the said Benjamin Preston on or the 6th day of May 1803 reference being made to said deed for a more particular description of the premises being an undivided third part of the farm on which the said Benjamin Preston now lives, excepting & reserving one third part of the dwelling house with the privies & appurtenances thereunto belonging.
To have and to hold the said premises with all the privileges & appurtenances unto him the said Benjamin Preston his heirs & assigns forever so that neither I the said Benjamin Preston Jr nor any other person or persons in my name or behalf shall or will hereafter claim or demand any right or title to the premises aforesaid or any part thereof but they and every of them shall by these presents be excluded and forever barred - In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty five. Peter Ordean                                              Benjamin Preston                      Seal Daniel Cobb
State of Vermont } At Strafford Oct 11, 1825 then Benjamin Preston Jr personally appeared and acknowledged this instrument by seated & subscribed to be his free act & deed before me Daniel Cobb and Judge of Orange County Court & Justice of the Peace as Officer
Rec d at Strafford Town Clerks office for record Oct 11, 1825 recorded & examined in Book No 6 Pages 412 & 413 by Stephen Morrill Town Clerk
Thereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy of Record in my office Attest Stephen Morrill Town Clerk

I Benjamin Preston Jr of Strafford in the County of Orange & State of Vermont of lawful age testify & say That in the month of May 1024 my father Benjamin Preston of said Strafford at my request signed a note for one hundred dollars payable to one Johnabin of said Strafford on interest for the purpose of enabling me to obtain a sum of money, my father has paid part of said note to wit the sum of thirtyfive dollars & sixtyseven cents, as hereinafter mentioned, the remainder I have paid - Also in the forepart of Janf. 1025 at my request & for my benefit my father signed one other note for one hundred ten dollars & twentyfour cents payable to one Daniel Cobb or order on interest, which note soon after it was given I sold to J. H. Harris of said Strafford & received the money. And also in the month of May 1025 being still in great want of money I presented upon my father to execute one other note for one hundred dollars payable to myself or order on interest, which note I immediately after sold to one Daniel Comstock of said Strafford & received the money of him for said note. my father's life lease which he held of a farm in said Strafford was attached on the two last mentioned notes & in the month of Nov. 1027 my father sold his said life lease for the sum of three hundred & twentyfive dollars & paid the two last mentioned notes & cost & the balance due on the first mentioned note & about twenty dollars of the debt he was owing to J. H. Harris & Co my father's personal property has all been disposed of & sold for the payment of his own private debts, my father's life estate in said farm was sold as above stated to J. H. Harris & Daniel Comstock, the Deed I believe was executed to J. H. Harris only - Calculating to live upon the farm I did some eight or ten years since erect on said farm at my own expense a cider mill & cider mill house 32 by 25 feet, a barn house 30 by 16 & a wood house 27 by 17 these buildings as near as I can estimate cost me one hundred & thirtyfive dollars & I did for three or four years previous to 1027 furnish my father & his family with provision & such store necessaries as they stood in need of, to the amount of one hundred & fifty dollars as near as I can estimate. I have also assisted my father in setting & paying his debts - and if I am now owing my father I am wholly unable to pay him or any other creditors of mine
Benjamin Preston Jr.
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 25 th day of July A.D. 1028 — Daniel Cobb } Judge of Orange County Court
I certify that the above named Benjamin Preston Jr is a credible person — Daniel Cobb } Judge of Orange County Court

I Charles Baldwin of Strafford in the County of Orleans & State of Vermont of lawful age testify & say, That I have for many years past attended as physician in the family of Benjamin Preston of said Strafford & in the forepart of last December I settled book accounts with him & he was then owing me for services & had rendered him & his family at his request the sum of twenty Dollars, I received in last December payment for the sum due me two one year old Steers for which I allowed him the sum of twenty Dollars which was a full & fair price for said Steers, the said Preston's family consisted of himself, wife & a young child living with him my charges commenced in Feb'y 28 th 1926 & ended April 25 th 1926 the above services for the said Preston were for his exclusive benefit as I hereby believe - & further the said deponent saith not
Charles Baldwin Subscribed & sworn to before me this 28 th day of July 1920.
Daniel Cobb, Judge of Orleans County Court I certify that the above named Charles Baldwin is a credible person Daniel Cobb Judge of Orleans County Court
I Daniel Comstock of Strafford in the County of Orleans & State of Vermont of lawful age testify & say, That in the month of May 1925 Benjamin Preston Jr. of said Strafford requested me to purchase of him a note dated May 26 th 1925 given for one hundred Dollars on interest signed by Benjamin Preston & made payable to the said Benjamin Preston Jr. in order, in one year from the date thereof, I complied with his request & paid him for said note - In May 1927 said note not having been paid I attached for the purpose of receiving the money due on said note, the life estate which the said Benjamin Preston held in a farm in said Strafford, containing about one hundred & twenty or thirty acres of land - said on the 19 th day of Nov. last, J. H. Harris of said Strafford (having attached the same property I did) & myself purchased of said Preston the interest he held in said farm, for the sum of three hundred & twenty five Dollars which I believe was the full value of said life estate the amount of my demand including cost thereon was one hundred twenty six Dollars & seventy eight cents & the amount of the said J. H. Harris, claim including cost (both suits having been in the County Court one term) was one hundred forty one Dollars & eighty two cents, after discharging our said claims after said the said J. H. Harris took an assignment of the said Preston's life lease & paid him the balance. and further the said deponent saith not
Daniel Comstock
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 29 th day of July 1920
Daniel Cobb, Judge of Orleans County Court I certify that the above named Daniel Comstock is a credible person Daniel Cobb Judge of Orleans County Court

I Alston Barrett of Strafford in the County of Orange & State of Vermont of lawful age testify & say - That in the month of May 1927 I made a settlement with Benjamin Preston of said Strafford he was then owing me the sum of twenty Dollars & fortysix cents for carding wool & fulling & dressing woollen cloth the account I had against him commenced in Dec r 1920 & ended in Dec r 1921
The said Preston was then also owing the firm of Barrett & Dow one other sum of nineteen Dollars & sixtyfive cents for carding wool & fulling & dressing woollen cloth, I am one of the Partners in said firm of Barrett & Dow the account due the firm of Barrett & Dow commenced in June 1922 & ended in the month of October 1926
The above charges were for work furnished by the said Benjamin Preston & for his the sole use & benefit as I verily believe - I have received of the said Benjamin Preston two cows to ensue on said demands for which I allowed him in the month of Dec r last (being the time I rec d said cows) the sum of thirty Dollars which sum I believe was then the fair & full value of said cows. The balance due remains unpaid being ten Dollars & twelve cents which sum the said Preston is unable to pay he owes no prospect to my knowledge & I further testify that I do verily believe the said Preston has honestly & in good faith disposed of his property in paying his debts & further this Deponent saith not
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 25 th Day of July 1928 Dennill Cobb } Judge of Orange County Court. I certify that the above named Alston Barrett is a credible person. Dennill Cobb Judge of Orange County Court
I John Sabin of Strafford in the County of Orange & State of Vermont of lawful age testify & say that in the month of June 1924 Benjamin Preston Jr of said Strafford wished to sell me a note signed by him & his father Benjamin Preston for one hundred Dollars on interest which note I purchased of the said Benjamin Preston Jr & paid him for the same. I have received of Benjamin Preston the sum of thirty five Dollars & sixtyseven cents by the hand of J. H. Harris on said note & further this Deponent saith not John Sabin
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 26 th Day of July 1928 Dennill Cobb } Judge of Orange County Court I certify that the above named John Sabin is a credible person Dennill Cobb } Judge of Orange County Court

We Moses Lamborn & Frederick Smith Jr of Strafford in the County of Orange & State of Vermont of lawful age testify & say, that we well know the farm in S d Strafford on which Benjamin Preston formerly lived, it consists of about one hundred & thirty acres of land, the interest which the said Preston had in said farm being as here during his life & that of his wife is not worth more than the sum of three hundred & twentyfive Dollars we have examined the list of the property contained in said Preston's application for a pension, dated the 20 th day of June 1920 & are of opinion & do verily believe the property therein mentioned has been sold for the payment of his debts at its fair & just price or value, we are rather inclined to believe that the life here & some of the personal property has been sold for a greater sum than many people who are acquainted with the value of property would be willing to give, We are also acquainted with the said Benjamin Preston & his situation in life, he is poor & has no means within our knowledge of supporting himself & wife but by his personal labor, which we believe insufficient to procure him & wife the necessaries of life & we further believe he has honestly & faithfully disposed of his property to pay his debts & further the deponents say not Moses Lamborn F. Smith Jr.
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 26 th day of July 1920 ————— Simil Cobb } Asst. Judge of Orange County Court
I certify that the above named Moses Lamborn & Frederick Smith Jr are credible persons of respectable standing in society & are good judges of the value of property both real & personal
Simil Cobb } Judge of Orange County Court

I Judah H Harris of Strafford in the County of Orange & State of Vermont of lawful age testify & say, That in the month of January 1925 Benjamin Preston Jr of said Strafford came to me with a note payable to one Daniel Cobb or order & bearing date Jan'y 3 rd 1925 given for the sum of one hundred ten dollars & sixty forty four cents on interest & signed by the said Benjamin Preston Jr & Benjamin Preston, & requested me to purchase said note which I did & paid him for the same, said note not having been paid according to its tenor, in May 1927 I attached the life estate of the said Benjamin Preston, which he held in a farm containing about one hundred & thirty acres of land, on the note aforesaid, and on the 19 th day of Nov. 1927 I & one David Comstock purchased of the said Benjamin Preston the interest or life estate he held in the farm aforesaid, for the sum of three hundred & twenty five dollars & we paid him the said Benjamin Preston therefor as follows, the amount of my said demand & cost at the time of the aforesaid purchase was one hundred forty one dollars & eighty two cents, the amount of the said Comstock's debt & cost against the said Preston (for the security of which he attached the same property I did) was one hundred twenty six dollars & twenty eight cents, the said Benjamin Preston was also owing the firm of T. J. Harris & Co in Decr 1927 twenty five dollars & thirty five cents being a sum due said Comstock for clothing & such other articles as are generally sold in a country store the account commenced in Nov. 1923 & ended in Feb'y 1927 the articles which remained unpaid for were principally charged in 1925 & 1926, part of said sum to wit twenty dollars & twenty three cents answers 80 fees in part payment of sd life lease, & I have also paid one John Lubin at the request of the said Benjamin Preston the sum of thirty five dollars & sixty four cents making in the whole the sum of three hundred & twenty five dollars all about said sums I have paid to the said Benjamin Preston for his life lease aforesaid, except the demand due to the said David Comstock - In my opinion the said Benjamin Preston has received a fair price for his life estate in the farm aforesaid - I have also purchased of the said Benjamin Preston one horse & cart etc for the sum of

of Ninety dollars which sum I consider a full & fair price for said property & have paid him as follows (viz) the said Benjamin Preston was owing me in May 1927 on settlement fifty dollars for clothing, goods & other necessaries which he took at my store some eight to ten years ago - & the firm of Harris & Young (I being one of the Partners of said firm as well as of the firm of T. J. Harris & Co) the sum of thirtyone dollars & twentyone cents, it being for clothing & necessaries delivered him from the fall of 1920 to July 1922 & the balance of the demand due the firm of T. J. Harris & Co being four dollars & sixtytwo cents, making in the whole the sum of Ninety dollars (including interest on the notes & book accounts). In 1915 the said Benjamin was owing me over one hundred dollars on book & about fifty dollars in notes, in the fall of 1920 I purchased a yoke of oxen of him for which I gave him seventy dollars & in Dec 1922 I purchased of him a yoke of Steers for which I allowed him thirty dollars, which sum I deducted from the claims I held against him, all the above last mentioned demands against the said Benjamin Preston accrued for goods & articles delivered to him & for his & family's use Benjamin Preston Jr of St. Stephen son of the said Benjamin did for some two or three years furnish his father (the s d Benjamin) with almost all his store necessaries & has erected on the farm formerly owned by the said Benjamin new buildings such as sheds, a riding mill & by so doing has incurred debts to the amount of two or three hundred dollars as I believe - I have been acquainted with the said Benjamin Preston & Benjamin Preston Jr for about twenty years; they have sustained a respectable standing in society & the said Benjamin Jr has been Deputy Sheriff in this County about nine years; he became involved in debt & in May & June 1927 his creditors attached his property & afterwards his body he is now a bankrupt & wholly unable to pay his just debts. in his failure he has been if not caused that of his father, Benjamin Preston who was then under the necessity of selling what property he owned (all of which was of small value except his life

which) to pay the demands he signed for his son & for the payment of his own debts - and I further testify & say that I verily believe the said Benjamin Preston has honestly & in good faith disposed of his property for the payment of his just debts & that he is now owing some debts which I believe he is unable to pay, he is now poor & has no means within my knowledge of supporting himself, - I have examined the sales of his personal property as contained in his disbursement for a pension, I am of opinion & believe his property has been sold at a fair market price for the payment of his debts & I further testify & say that all the foregoing demands against the said Preston, (except the Salton note, & the Court's note & the note I purchased of Benjamin Preston for given to Daniel Cobb as above mentioned) were for articles furnished him for his exclusive use & benefit & that of his family under his immediate care & further that deposit & suit not
D. W. Harris
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 29 th day of July 1920 I certify that the above named D. W. Harris is a credible person Daniel Cobb Judge of Orange County Court
I Frederick Smith Jr of Strafford in the County of Orange & State of Vermont of lawful age testify & say that in the month of May 1927 I settled book accounts with Benjamin Preston of said Strafford, & upon closing said settlement he was owing me the sum of ten dollars & eighteen cents, my claim against him was for such necessaries delivered to him & for his use as are commonly sold in a country store, consisting of shoes the account the account commenced in April 1919 & terminated July 1927 - in the month of Decr 1927 I purchased a cow of him for which I allowed him twelve dollars & which was a fair price for said cow. The sum he was owing me & interest was deducted from the value of said cow, the balance being one dollar & fifty cents I agreed to pay over to Nathl. Morrill at the request of the said Benjamin. The said Benjamin Preston is now poor & has no means to my knowledge of supporting himself & further that deposit & suit not
F. Smith Jr
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 21 st day of July 1920 I certify that the above named F. Smith Jr is a credible person Daniel Cobb Judge of Orange County Court

I Nathaniel Morrill of Strafford in the County of Orange & State of Vermont of lawful age testify & say that in the month of May 1927, Benjamin Preston of said Strafford & myself made a settlement of our book accounts, my charges against the s d Preston commenced Feby 1915 & from that time to Dec r 1920 a balance of six Dollars & twenty four cents was due me from the said Preston & from Dec r 1920 to May 1927 a further balance of four Dollars & ten cents, making in the whole the sum of ten Dollars & thirty four cents - my charges against the said Preston were for Blacksmiths work, & the articles charged were scythes, hoes, shoeing horse, mending forks & bending kettle which said charges as I believe were for the exclusive use & benefit of the said Preston - I have received in part payment of my demand against the said Preston two checks at six Dollars & fifty cents in Dec r last, also one dollar & fifty cents is to be paid me by F. Smith for the said Preston, making in the whole eight Dollars, the balance due me remains unpaid I also have other demands against the said Preston, which are not paid, he is poor & I do not know of any property real or personal owned by the said Preston which I can attach on the demands he is owing me - I have examined the list of the property contained in said Preston's application for a pension made on the 20 th Day of June 1920 & I sincerely believe the property therein contained consisting of a horse & cow, cattle & the life lease which s d Preston held of a farm in Strafford is estimated & sold at a fair market price, & I further believe that the said Preston has disposed of his property, fairly & in good faith for the payment of lawful demands against him & further this demand is not met
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 24 th Day of July 1920 Daniel Cobb } Judge of Orange County Court
I certify that the above named Nath l Morrill is a credible person & well acquainted with the value of real & personal estate in the Town of Strafford Daniel Cobb } Aft Judge of Orange County Court

State of Vermont Orange County Clerk's Office July 31 st D 1828. —
I H E G th Laughlin Clerk of Orange County Court do hereby certify that Daniel Cobb of Strafford in the County of Orange aforesaid before whom the affidavits of Moses Bornborn & Smith Jr Benj a Prusten Jr, Eleazer Balcom, Daniel Cornstock Martin Barrett, John Sabin were taken Isaac H c Harris & Smith Jr & Nathaniel Merrill is a Judge of Orange County Court duly Commissioned & Sworn and Duly Authenticated to administer Oaths and was on the Day of the date thereof and that the sign- ature purporting to be his is genuine. —
In Testimony of all which I have hereunto set my hand & the Seal of the said County Court hereunto = to affix the day & year above written
H. E. G th Laughlin Clerk

Hist to Watson's
41.078
May 11-1906 Chas. H. Preston
INVALID.
Pay
File No. 41.078
Benjamin Preston Old No. 100
Act: 13 th March 18 th
Index: Vol. 8 , Page 302
[Arrangement of 1870.]

41 678
3-068.
(Old No. 3-649.)
Bureau of Pensions.
Benj' Preston
Jany 4, 1819 - 58
Strafford VT
encl 27
—
SH
Capt Benj' Stone
Col Alex Scamnel
Pvt 3 Yrs
Bat Saratoga, Monmouth Sullivan's Expedition against Indians.

11-242 R
Vermont
Benjamin Preston
of _____ in the state of Vermont who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Scamnell of the New Hampshire line, for the term of 3 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 4 th of Jan y 1819
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th of May 1819 and sent to Joseph Reuel Esq r Shelburne Vermont
Arrears to 4 th of Mar: 1819 - 2 mo \frac{1}{34} = 16.25 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep 1819 48.00
$ 64.25
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
In letter to Genl. Grafton Esq r 28 March 1828 " " to Clement August 16 1828

farmer In June 1828 age 51 stated by self Benjamin Preston in Jan'y 1819 of Strafford Vt for 3 yrs at Rumney Enlisted in Dec 1777 with Capt Benj t Storer Co in Col Scammon's 2d Regt joined the army at Ticonderoga & was in the battle preceding the Surrender of Genl o Burgoyne - at Monmouth & in Genl o Sullivan's Campaign against the Indians (1779) After which for abt 50 days were on small excursions & dismissed at Danbury In Dec y June 1828 age of wife Elizabeth (Boyes) - had son Benjamin in Strafford

Mount
vision office
city of Washington
D.C.

Stratford Feb. 14 th 1820
Hon. J. L. Edwards Sir,
Enclosed are the declaration of Benjamin Preston for a pension & sundry affidavits of the most respectable persons in this town - In the failure of Benjamin Preston Jr. not only were the old gentlemen involved, but many others, particularly Peter Brown & Iren Powell who were committed to jail & released from their imprisonment after paying part of the demand - The Hon. D. Dorr, a Bank Member of Congress will corroborate what is here written if necessary.
I am respectfully your Obl. Servt.
Dent Cobb

Heathorne Mass. Apr 28 1904
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir: -
Please send me the pension record of Benjamin Preston of Orange Co. Vermont - private in N.H. Line - pensioned under act of Mar. 18 1818 - age 73.
Yours truly Charles H. Preston

We Jediah H. Harris, Lyman Benson & Nathan Young Selectmen of the Town of Strafford in the County of Orange & State of Vermont of lawful age testify & say, That we have been acquainted for more than fifteen years with Benjamin Preston & his son Benjamin Preston Jr. of Strafford aforesaid & their situation in life & from their reputation for honesty & fair dealing as well as from our personal knowledge of their late misfortunes, we do know & verily believe to our full & entire satisfaction, that the transfer of the said Benjamin Preston's property to his son Benjamin Preston Jr. was in all respects bona fide . Strafford Sept 3 rd 1820
J. H. Harris Lyman Benson Nathan Young } Selectmen of Strafford
Subscribed & sworn to this third day of September A.D. 1820 before me
Daniel Cobb } W th Judge of Orange County Court
Hartford Sept. 8. 1828 - I certify that I am acquainted with the Selectmen who have made the above affidavit, with the exception of Mr. Benson - the others I know to be men who would not assert that which they did not verily believe - and have no hesitation to of Mr. Benson in saying that I believe the same of Mr. Benson, from his official standing in the Town -
George E. Wales

State of Vermont Orange County Clerks Office September 13 th 1828. I H. E. G th Laughlen Clerk of Orange County Court hereby certify that Daniel Cobb before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken is a Judge of Orange County Court, and duly Authorized to administer Oaths, and that the Signature purporting to be his is Genuine,
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court the day & year above written —
H. E. G th Laughlen