My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH R. PRESTON, a well-known agriculturist residing on township 4, range 7, is one of the native sons of Randolph County and a representative of one of its honored pioneer families. In 1839 there came to Randolph County Robert H. Preston, with his wife and children. They located on a farm adjacent to Baldwin, purchasing land of Jack Boyd, an early settler of the community. The journey westward was made with a one-horse wagon. While in the east, Mr. Preston worked in woolen mills, being a weaver by trade. He brought with him to the west $600, which he invested in land, and at once engaged in farming. Although he was unfamiliar with this pursuit, he met with most excellent success in his undertakings. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Fleming, was a native of New Jersey. Their family numbered three sons and a daughter: Sarah H., widow of John A. Spaeth, who resides with her family in Wilson County, Kan.; Joseph R., of this sketch; and Albert L. and Alfred L. (twins). The latter now resides near Baldwin, but the former died, leaving one son, who now makes his home in Baldwin. The father of this family was very successful and acquired a handsome competence. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and gave liberally of his means for the erection of the house of worship in Baldwin. He was always ready to support any worthy enterprise, and the poor and needy found in him a friend.

Joseph R. Preston was born on the old homestead farm in 1841, and his boyhood and youth were spent amidst play and work. He early became familiar with all the duties of farm life, and in the common schools of the neighborhood he acquired a good English education. At the age of twenty years he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret, daughter of William Cox, one of the early settlers of Randolph County. They began their domestic life upon the old homestead, and Mr. Preston erected the house which is still their home, and in which many happy years have been passed. Seven children were born to them, of whom four are living, namely: William R., who married Sarah F. Carter and is engaged in merchandising in Baldwin; Absalom R., M. May and John C., who are still under the parental roof. Elizabeth E. died at the age of sixteen years, and the others died in early childhood.

The home farm of Mr. Preston comprises two hundred and eighty acres, and in connection with this he operates one hundred acres about a mile west. His landed possessions aggregate seven hundred acres, the greater part of which he has cleared and developed himself. For several years he devoted his time and energies chiefly to general farming, but for some years past he has been quite extensively engaged in stock dealing. His business career has been a prosperous one, owing to his diligence and well directed efforts, and he is recognized as one of the practical and progressive farmers of the community. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, but has always refused public office. He contributes liberally to worthy enterprises calculated to advance the general welfare, and performs many acts of kindness and charity, but all are done in a quiet and unostentatious manner.