My Genealogy Hound

MILTON PRESTON, a prosperous general agriculturist and breeder of thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle, is a leading resident of Pipestone Township, Berrien County, Mich., and has made his home upon section 34 since his birth, April 22, 1853, in a log house upon the old homestead. His father, Norman C. Preston, born in 1811, was a native of Portage County, Ohio, and was a son of Amasa Preston, born in Connecticut. The paternal grandfather, a man of spirit and courage, served bravely in the War of 1812. The immediate ancestors of the grandfather emigrated from Scotland to America, and seven of the Preston family participated in the struggles and triumphs of the Revolutionary War. The mother of our subject, Sallie (Cook) Preston, was a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Asa Cook. The parents were married in the Buckeye State, and remained there until 1848, when they journeyed to Michigan and settled upon the farm, then all wild land, and heavily timbered. The father located upon one hundred and sixty acres, built a log house, and entered with energy into clearing the land. He gave his entire attention to farming, and before his death had brought up to a fine state of cultivation sixty fertile acres. The parents were both long-time members of the Christian Church, and with conscientious effort assisted in religious work. In 1862 the father passed to his rest, beloved by all who knew him, and respected as a true and upright citizen. The venerable mother still survives, and makes her home in Pipestone Township. The home of the parents was blessed by the birth of six children, three of whom are now living. Zoetta is the wife of Henry R. Pegg, and resides in Watervliet; she is the mother of three children. Our subject, Milton, is the only son surviving. Artelissa J. is the wife of F. R. McKean, and is living in Newaygo County, Mich.; she has two children. The mother, after the death of her husband, married again, wedding Washington P. Wells, by whom she had two children. Asa W. lives on the home farm; Elsie married Jefferson Porter, and makes her home in Eau Claire, Mich. Our subject, attaining to manhood upon the old homestead, attended the well-known Ferry school-house. At twenty-one years of age he began life for himself, still continuing upon the broad acres of the home of his childhood. Upon October 29, 1879, he married Miss Alice I. Trowbridge, a native of Pipestone Township, and born in 1857. Mrs. Preston is the daughter of Harry and Lydia E. (Lewis) Trowbridge, both natives of Ohio, but early settlers upon the wild land of Pipestone Township.

Mr. Trowbridge died in 1862; his wife is still living. Of the four children born unto them, three are yet surviving: George E., of Manistee County; Mrs. Preston; and Harry, residing in Benton Harbor. Unto our subject and his accomplished wife have been born six sons and daughters, but one of whom is deceased. The brothers and sisters are Norman T., Mabel L., Maud V., Harry M. and Mildred A. Mr. Preston owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, of which one hundred and fifteen acres are under a high state of cultivation. He devotes himself to the various branches of agriculture, and has been especially successful in handling stock. He has attractively remodeled the family residence, built substantial barns and sheds, and has one of the finest pieces of farming property in his part of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Preston are members of the Christian Church at Eau Claire, and Mr. Preston, now an Elder, has also held the official positions of Deacon and Trustee. Our subject aided in the organization of the Sunday-school, and was for some time the efficient Superintendent. He still teaches, and his wife has been a teacher in the school. Fraternally, Mr. Preston was a member of the Grange, and is serving his ninth year as Assessor of District 1. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has held with able fidelity the offices of Treasurer of the township four years, and was Supervisor during 1889 and 1890. He also served most acceptably as Drainage Commissioner two years. Efficiently discharging the various duties of home and public life, our subject has secured the confidence of a large circle of acquaintance, and is esteemed a man of excellent business qualifications and extended experience.