Researchers with interests in the Preston family of Baltimore and Harford County MD have encountered a problem in that three Preston brothers all named sons Barnard within a few years of each other: 1) Barnard Preston, son of Daniel and Anne (Grafton) Preston, born 28 October 1753 ggg 2) Barnard Preston, son of Barnard and Sarah (Ruff) Preston, born 29 April 1754 ggg 3) Barnard Preston, son of James and Clemency (Taylor) Bond, born 2 August 1756 ggg Sorting them out has been difficult. It seems reasonably clear that Barnard son of James was the fellow who married Sarah Bond. There has been disagreement about the remaining two. Some have argued that Barnard Preston who married Mary Forwood and removed to Washington County PA was the son of Daniel and Anne (Grafton) Preston, some of Barnard and Sarah (Ruff) Preston. Some have argued that Barnard and Sarah (Ruff) Preston's son was the fellow who removed to Mason County KY. It's worth noting that Barnard Preston who married Mary Forewood alone of these three men named children Daniel and Anne. I have set out below the evidence that clearly identifies each of these three as I have found it, chiefly in Peden's "Early Harford Countians". I'd be awfully grateful to anyone who can supplement the information clearly identifying each of these men. Many thanks for your help, and best wishes to you. Scott Swanson Department of History Butler University 4600 Sunset Avenue Indianapolis, Indiana 46208-3485 sswanson@butler.edu 0) Barnard 1774 Barnard; Bush River Lower Hundred; [1774 tax list Harford County MD] 1776 Barnard; born 1753-1754; Bush River Lower Hundred; married Elizabeth, born 1758-1759; daughter Sarah, born 1772-1773; [1776 census Harford County MD] 1783 Barnard Preston; landower Bush River Lower Hundred; tract Preston's Conquest; 5 white inhabitants; [1783 tax list Harford County MD] 1) Barnard son of Daniel 1789 Barnard son of Daniel witnessed the will of his uncle Barnard Preston 2 January 1789 and proved it 31 October 1794 [1797] in Harford County MD 1790 Barnard son of Daniel; conveyeance to John Love; 1790; [Harford County MD Index to Land Records] 2) Barnard son of Barnard 1774 Barnard son of Barnard; taxable in household of father Barnard Preston; Spesutia Upper Hundred; [1774 tax list Harford County MD] 1774 Barnard Jr; fined as non-associator [Harford County MD Non-Associators and Non-Enrollers] 1776 Barnard Jr; Spesutia Upper Hundred; [1776 tax list Harford County MD] 1778 Barnard Jr; over 18; Spesutia Upper Hundred; [1778 tax list Harford County MD] 3) Barnard son of James 1774 Barnard of Clemency; taxable in household of mother Clemency Preston; Spesutia Upper Hundred; [1774 tax list Harford County MD] 1775 Barnard of James; fined as non-associator; 1775 [Harford County MD Non-Associators and Non-Enrollers] 1776 Barnard of James; taxable in household of James Cook; Spesutia Upper Hundred; [1776 tax list Harford County MD] 1778 Barnard son of James; over 18; Spesutia Upper Hundred; [1778 tax list Harford County MD] 1783 Barnard son of James; landowner Spesutia Upper Hundred; tracts: part of Vineyard, part of Andrew's Addition, part of Young's Neighbor and different tracts unknown; 6 white inhabitants; [1783 tax list Harford County MD] 1784 Barnard Preston; certificates of susrvey for part of Preston's Chance, part of Andrew's Addition, part of Dennis' Choice Improved, and part of James' Choice; 26 October 1784 [Harford County MD List of Surveys] 1785 Barnard of James; treated by Dr Archer; 27 November 1785 [Gleanings from Medical ledgers of Dr John Archer] 1785 Barnard Preston; certificate of survey for James' Neglect; 14 September 1785 [Harford County MD List of Surveys] 1787 Barnard Preston; certificate of survey for Wood's Orchard; 28 September 1787 [Harford County MD List of Surveys] 1789 Barnard of James; conveyance from James Thompson Sr; 1798 [Harford County MD Index to Land Records] 1790? Barnard; 1790 census; household of ten; 9 slaves