<P> Stephen Pleasonton ( 1776 ? -- January 31 , 1855 ) was the first `` Fifth Auditor '' of the U.S. Treasury Department ; he is historically significant for his part in saving priceless early government documents from possible destruction , but is chiefly remembered today for his singularly bureaucratic work in overseeing the Treasury Department 's Lighthouse Establishment during most of its existence . He was also the father of Union Civil War Generals Alfred Pleasonton and Augustus Pleasonton . </P>
<P> Stephen Pleasonton ( 1776 ? -- January 31 , 1855 ) was the first `` Fifth Auditor '' of the U.S. Treasury Department ; he is historically significant for his part in saving priceless early government documents from possible destruction , but is chiefly remembered today for his singularly bureaucratic work in overseeing the Treasury Department 's Lighthouse Establishment during most of its existence . He was also the father of Union Civil War Generals Alfred Pleasonton and Augustus Pleasonton . </P>
who saved the declaration of independence from invading soldiers
who saved the declaration of independence from invading soldiers
Stephen Pleasonton
Stephen Pleasonton