1. Margaret1 Preston (John2, Archibald3), daughter of John Preston and Elizabeth Patton, was born in Ireland ca 1728. Margaret died 1802 in Kentucky, at 74 years of age. Her body was interred in Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, KY.
She married John Brown in Augusta Co., VA, ca 1754. John was born in Ireland circa 1728. John was the son of James Brown and Jennet Stevenson. John died 1803 in Frankfort, KY, at 75 years of age. His body was interred in Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, KY. At 27 years of age John became the father of Elizabeth Brown December 4, 1755. At 29 years of age John became the father of James Brown September 12, 1757. At 29 years of age John became the father of John Brown in near Staunton, VA, September 12, 1757. At 31 years of age John became the father of William Brown November 22, 1759. At 32 years of age John became the father of William Brown November 22, 1760. At 35 years of age John became the father of Mary Brown Augusta Co., VA, July 14, 1763. At 38 years of age John became the father of James Brown in near Staunton, VA, September 11, 1766. At 40 years of age John became the father of Samuel Brown in Rockbridge Co., VA, January 30, 1769. At 43 years of age John became the father of David Brown July 8, 1771. At 44 years of age John became the father of Eben Brown April 27, 1773. At 46 years of age John became the father of Preston W. Brown in Rockbridge Co., VA, January 15, 1775. John Brown graduated from Princeton College in 1749. He was a Presbyterian mininster and served the New Providence Church in Rockbridge Co., VA for 44 years. In 1796 he retired and moved to Woodford County, Kentucky where he resided at an estate known as "Sumner's Forest" on the Shannon Run Pike. His biography from The Prestons of Smithfield and Greenfield in Virginia by John Frederick Dorman (The Filson Club, 1982) follows: John Bown was a graduate of Princeton College in 1749.[1] He was licensed by New Castle Presbytery and sent to the Valley of Virginia, where in 1753[2] he was called to Providence and Timber Ridge churches in Augusta County. He was ordained at Fagg's Manor, Chester Co., Pa., 11 Oct. 1753 and was one of the six ministers of the Presbytery of Hanover when it was formed in 1755.[3] On 25 Aug. 1756 he was one of the four appointed by Hanover Presbytery to transact business when the Presbytery could not meet.[4] He established a grammar school near his residence one-fourth mile north of the village of Fairfield in Augusta County. In 1774 the Presbytery of Hanover adopted this school and appointed William Graham teacher under Brown. In 1777 the school was transferred to Timber Ridge and later it was moved to Lexington. He was a trustee of this school, then known as Augusta Academy, from 1776 until 1782. From it developed Washington and Lee University.[5] About 1763 a difference took place between Brown and some of the leading men of the Timber Ridge congregation.[6] As a result, he resigned the ministerial charge of Timber Ridge in Oct. 1767 and thereafter confined his labors to New Providence Church.[7] Many of the Timber Ridge members retained such an affection for him, however, that they attended almost steadily the New Providence meetings and communions.[8] He was the moderator of the first stated meeting of Lexington Presbytery, held at Timber Ridge 26 Sept. 1786, and was again moderator of the meeting at New Providence Church 20 Oct. 1788.[9] In 1796, weighed down by the infirmities of age, he resigned as pastor of New Providence Church.[10] Shortly thereafter he moved to Kentucky and resided at "Sumners Forest" in Woodford County.[11] Footnotes: 1 Princeton University, Catologus (Princeton, 1857), p. 17. His diploma is preserved in the University library. 2 Alfred Nevin, ed., Encyclopaedia of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (Philadelphia, 1864), p. 106; William Henry Foote, Sketches of Virginia, v. 2 (Philadelphia, 1856), p. 94; Washington and Lee University, Historical Papers, no. 2 (Baltimore, 1890), p. 11; National Genealogical Society Quarterly, v. 59, pp. 24-26. 3 Contributions to the History of the Synod of Virginia (Washington, 1890), p. 34. 4 Foote, op. cit., p. 57. 5 Nevin, op. cit., p. 943; Washington and Lee University, The Alumni Directory (Lexington, 1926), p. 27. 6 Foote, op. cit., p. 59. 7 Ibid., p. 97. The records of Hanover Presbytery for 11 Oct. 1767 state: "Mr. Brown laid before Presbytery the extent of his charge, and the difficulties of performing the duties of his functions, and also declared to the Presbytery that he verily believes that his usefulness is at an end in Timber Ridge Congregation; and as he apprehends it would be for the good of said congregation that the pastoral relation he sustains to them should be dissolved (the people of Timber Ridge in the mean time petitioning against his dismission, and sending commissioners to oppose it), the Presbytery . . . leave it to himself to continue with them. or confine himself to Providence, at his own discretion." 8 Foote op. cit., p. 60. 9 Howard McKnight Wilson, The Lexington Presbytery Heritage (n.p., 1971), p. 417. 10 Ibid., p. 99; Nevin, op. cit., p. 943. 11William E. Railey, History of Woodford County (Frankfort, Ky., 1938), p. 78; Woodford Co., Ky., tax book, 1798, cited in The Filson Club History Quarterly, v. 19, p. 22.
At 27 years of age Margaret became the mother of Elizabeth Brown December 4, 1755. At 29 years of age Margaret became the mother of James Brown September 12, 1757. At 29 years of age Margaret became the mother of John Brown in near Staunton, VA, September 12, 1757. At 31 years of age Margaret became the mother of William Brown November 22, 1759. At 32 years of age Margaret became the mother of William Brown November 22, 1760. At 35 years of age Margaret became the mother of Mary Brown Augusta Co., VA, July 14, 1763. At 38 years of age Margaret became the mother of James Brown in near Staunton, VA, September 11, 1766. At 40 years of age Margaret became the mother of Samuel Brown in Rockbridge Co., VA, January 30, 1769. At 43 years of age Margaret became the mother of David Brown July 8, 1771. At 44 years of age Margaret became the mother of Eben Brown April 27, 1773. At 46 years of age Margaret became the mother of Preston W. Brown in Rockbridge Co., VA, January 15, 1775.
Margaret Preston and John Brown had the following children:
2
i.
Elizabeth Brown was born December 4, 1755. Elizabeth died 1829 at 73 years of age. She
married Rev. Thomas Brown Craighead. Rev. was born Augusta Co., VA 1753. Rev. was the son of Alexander Craighead
and Agnes. Rev. died September 11, 1824 in Davidson Co., TN, at 71 years of age. Rev.'s occupation: Minister.
Rev. became the father of John Brown Craighead in Virginia, ca 1782. At 30 years of age Rev. became the father of
William Brown Craighead in Haysboro, TN, 1783. At 34 years of age Rev. became the father of Jane Craighead in
Nashville, TN, 1787. At 37 years of age Rev. became the father of David Craighead in near Nashville, TN, 1790.
At 39 years of age Rev. became the father of Alexander Craighead in Nashville, TN, 1792. At 42 years of age Rev.
became the father of James Brown Craighead in Haysboro, TN, 1795. At 45 years of age Rev. became the father of
Thomas Brown Craighead in Haysboro, TN, 1798.
Elizabeth became the mother of John Brown Craighead in Virginia, ca 1782. At 27 years of age Elizabeth became the mother of William Brown Craighead in Haysboro, TN, 1783. At 31 years of age Elizabeth became the mother of Jane Craighead in Nashville, TN, 1787. At 34 years of age Elizabeth became the mother of David Craighead in near Nashville, TN, 1790. At 36 years of age Elizabeth became the mother of Alexander Craighead in Nashville, TN, 1792. At 39 years of age Elizabeth became the mother of James Brown Craighead in Haysboro, TN, 1795. At 42 years of age Elizabeth became the mother of Thomas Brown Craighead in Haysboro, TN, 1798.
3
ii.
James Brown was born September 12, 1757. James Brown died in infancy.
4
iii.
John Brown was born in near Staunton, VA September 12, 1757. John died August 29, 1837 in Frankfort,
KY, at 79 years of age. His body was interred in Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, KY. He
married Margaretta Mason February 21, 1799. Margaretta was the daughter of John Mason and Catharine Van Wyck.
Margaretta became the mother of Mason Brown in Philadelphia, PA, November 10, 1799. Margaretta became the mother
of Orlando Brown in Frankfort, KY, September 26, 1801. Margaretta became the mother of Alfred Brown February 23,
1803. Margaretta became the mother of Alfred Brown May 9, 1804. Margaretta became the mother of Euphemia Helm
Brown May 24, 1807.
At 42 years of age John became the father of Mason Brown in Philadelphia, PA, November 10, 1799. At 44 years of age John became the father of Orlando Brown in Frankfort, KY, September 26, 1801. At 45 years of age John became the father of Alfred Brown February 23, 1803. At 46 years of age John became the father of Alfred Brown May 9, 1804. At 49 years of age John became the father of Euphemia Helm Brown May 24, 1807. John Brown graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1780 and read law with Thomas Jefferson. He was the first U.S. Senator from Kentucky and served until 1805. At his death in 1837 he was the last surviving member of the Continental Congress. His biography from the Biographical Directory of the American Congress follows: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BROWN, John, 1757-1837
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Years of Service: 1792-1795; 1795-1805 Party: Anti-Administration; Republican
BROWN, John, (brother of James Brown and grandfather of Benjamin Gratz Brown, cousin of John Breckinridge, James Breckinridge, and Francis Preston), a Delegate and a Representative from Virginia and a Senator from Kentucky; born in Staunton, Va., September 12, 1757; attended Washington College (now Washington and Lee University), Lexington, Va., and Princeton College; enlisted in the Revolutionary Army and served until the close of the war; completed his studies at William and Mary College, Williamsburg, Va.; taught school for several years; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1782 and commenced practice in Frankfort, Ky.; member, Virginia senate from the district of Kentucky 1784-1788; Delegate from the Kentucky district of Virginia to the Continental Congress in 1787 and 1788; elected from Virginia to the First and Second Congresses and served from March 4, 1789, to June 1, 1792, when that portion of Virginia which is now Kentucky was admitted as a State into the Union; elected on June 18, 1792, to the United States Senate from Kentucky for the term ending March 3, 1793; reelected on December 11, 1792, and again in 1799 and served from June 18, 1792, to March 3, 1805; served as President pro tempore of the Senate during the Eighth Congress; resumed the practice of law; died in Frankfort, Ky., August 29, 1837; interment in Frankfort Cemetery.
Bibliography
American National Biography; DAB; Sprague, Stuart S. ‘Senator John Brown of Kentucky, 1757-1837: A Political Biography.’ Ph.D. dissertation, New York University, 1972; Warren, Elizabeth. ‘John Brown and His Influence on Kentucky Politics: 1784-1805.’ Ph.D. dissertation, Northwestern University, 1937.
5
iv.
William Brown was born November 22, 1759. William Brown died in infancy.
6
v.
William Brown was born November 22, 1760. William died 1783 at 22 years of age.
7
vi.
Mary Brown was born Augusta Co., VA July 14, 1763. Mary died January 28, 1836 South Frankfort, KY,
at 72 years of age. Her body was interred in Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, KY. She married
Alexander Humphreys, M.D. in Rockbridge Co., VA, April 8, 1788. Alexander was born in County Armagh, Ireland
1757. Alexander was the son of John Humphreys and Margaret Carlisle. Alexander died May 23, 1802 in near Staunton,
VA, at 44 years of age. His body was interred in Staunton, VA. Alexander's occupation: Physician. At 32 years
of age Alexander became the father of John Brown Humphreys in near Staunton, VA, 1789. At 33 years of age
Alexander became the father of Margaret Humphreys in near Staunton, VA, 1790. At 37 years of age Alexander became
the father of James B. Humphreys in near Staunton, VA, 1794. At 37 years of age Alexander became the father of
Samuel P. Humphreys in Staunton, VA, 1794. At 39 years of age Alexander became the father of David Carlisle
Humphreys in Staunton, VA, October 15, 1796. At 42 years of age Alexander became the father of Elizabeth L. Humphreys in
near Staunton, VA, January 1800. At 44 years of age Alexander became the father of Alexander Humphreys in near Staunton,
VA, 1801.
At 25 years of age Mary became the mother of John Brown Humphreys in near Staunton, VA, 1789. At 26 years of age Mary became the mother of Margaret Humphreys in near Staunton, VA, 1790. At 30 years of age Mary became the mother of James B. Humphreys in near Staunton, VA, 1794. At 30 years of age Mary became the mother of Samuel P. Humphreys in Staunton, VA, 1794. At 33 years of age Mary became the mother of David Carlisle Humphreys in Staunton, VA, October 15, 1796. At 36 years of age Mary became the mother of Elizabeth L. Humphreys in near Staunton, VA, January 1800. At 37 years of age Mary became the mother of Alexander Humphreys in near Staunton, VA, 1801. Mary Brown Humphreys moved to Frankfort, KY in 1802 after the death of her husband.
8
vii.
James Brown was born in near Staunton, VA September 11, 1766. James died April 7, 1835 in Philadelphia,
PA, at 68 years of age. He married Anne Hart. Anne was the daughter of Thomas Hart and
Susanna Gray. Anne died October 20, 1830.
James's occupation: Attorney. James Brown was the first Secretary of State of Kentucky and served as Professor of Law at Transylvania University, Lexington, KY. He served several terms as U.S. Senator from Louisiana and was Minister to France from 1823 to 1829. His biography from the Biographical Directory of the American Congress follows: BROWN, James, 1766-1835
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Years of Service: 1813-1817; 1819-1823; 1823-1823 Party: Republican; Republican; Adams-Clay Republican
BROWN, James, (brother of John Brown of Virginia and Kentucky [1757-1837], cousin of John Breckinridge, James Breckinridge, and Francis Preston), a Senator from Louisiana; born near Staunton, Va., September 11, 1766; attended Washington College (now Washington and Lee University), Lexington, Va., and William and Mary College, Williamsburg, Va.; studied law; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Frankfort, Ky.; commanded a company of sharpshooters in an expedition against the Indians in 1789; secretary to the Governor 1792; soon after the cession of the Territory of Louisiana moved to New Orleans and was appointed as secretary of the Territory in 1804; subsequently became United States district attorney for the Territory; elected to the United States Senate on December 1, 1812, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John N. Destrehan, and served from February 5, 1813, to March 3, 1817; unsuccessful candidate for reelection; again elected to the United States Senate in 1819 and served from March 4, 1819, until December 10, 1823, when he resigned; chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations (Sixteenth Congress); appointed United States Minister to France 1823-1829; returned to the United States and settled in Philadelphia, Pa., where he died on April 7, 1835.
Bibliography
American National Biography; DAB; Padgett, James A., ed. ‘Letters of James Brown to Henry Clay, 1804-1835.’ Louisiana Historical Quarterly 24 (1941): 921-1177.
9
viii.
Samuel Brown was born in Rockbridge Co., VA January 30, 1769. Samuel died January 12, 1830 in Madison Co.,
AL, at 60 years of age. He married Catherine Percy September 27, 1808. Catherine was born in
Wilkinson Co., MS. Catherine was the daughter of Charles Percy and Susannah Collins. Catherine became the mother
of Susan Catherine Brown ca 1810.
Samuel became the father of Susan Catherine Brown ca 1810. The biography of Samuel Brown from The Kentucky Encyclopedia follows: BROWN, SAMUEL. Samuel Brown, physician, was born on January 30, 1769, in Augusta (now Rockbridge) County, Virginia, the eighth of eleven children of the Rev. John and Margaret (Preston) Brown. He earned a B.A. degree in 1789 at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He studied medicine under his brother-in-law, Dr. Alexander Humphreys; as a private pupil of Dr. Benjamin Rush at the medical school in Philadelphia for approximately two years; at Scotland's Edinburgh University for two years; and at the University of Aberdeen, graduating with an M.D. degree in 1794. He first practiced medicine at Bladensburg, Maryland, then moved to Lexington, Kentucky, in 1797 to join his family. In 1799 Brown was named professor of surgery, anatomy, and chemistry and pharmacy at the newly established medical school at Lexington's Transylvania University. In 1806 he moved to New Orleans. On September 27, 1808, Brown married Catherine Percy and settled on a plantation near Natchez, Mississippi. They had three children: Susan Catherine, James, and Catherine. After his wife's death in 1813, he moved to a plantation near Huntsville, Alabama. In 1819 Brown became professor of theory and practice of medicine at Transylvania. Brown, one of the foremost medical professionals of his time, had a wide range of interests and associates. He corresponded with Thomas Jefferson and partly through the influence of Jefferson, was elected a member of the American Philosophical Society. He is credited with being the first Kentucky physician to write a medical paper published in the New York Medical Repository, the only medical journal published in the United States at that time. Brown was an early supporter and user of the cowpox virus for smallpox inoculation, and he vaccinated people in Lexington as early as 1802. He is credited with inventing an improved method of distilling spirits that used steam; with first suggesting the method for clarifying ginseng for the Chinese market; with playing a major role in establishing lithography in America (ca. 1819); and with helping to introduce lithotrity into the United States from France (1824). In an attempt to establish harmony and a code of ethics among doctors, Brown founded the Kappa Lambda Society of Hippocrates in Lexington around 1819. After leaving Transylvania in 1825, Brown retired to his Alabama plantation. He died in Alabama on January 12, 1830. See Bayless E. Hardin, "Dr. Samuel Brown, 1769-1830: His Family and Descendants," FCHQ 26 (Jan. 1952): 3-27. JAMES J. HOLMBERG
10
ix.
David Brown was born July 8, 1771. David Brown died in infancy.
11
x.
Eben Brown was born April 27, 1773. Eben Brown died young.
12
xi.
Preston W. Brown was born in Rockbridge Co., VA January 15, 1775. Preston died September 22, 1826 in
Jefferson Co., KY, at 51 years of age. His body was interred in Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, KY. He married Elizabeth Watts October 13, 1802. Elizabeth became the mother of Louisa V. Brown
December 3, 1803. Elizabeth became the mother of Henrietta Maria Brown 1805. Elizabeth became the mother of Mary
Watts Brown in Woodford Co., KY, 1808. Elizabeth became the mother of Elizabeth Watts Brown in "Sumners Forest",
Woodford Co., KY, July 3, 1811. Elizabeth became the mother of John Preston Watts Brown November 29, 1815.
Preston's occupation: Physician. At 28 years of age Preston became the father of Louisa V. Brown December 3, 1803. At 30 years of age Preston became the father of Henrietta Maria Brown 1805. At 33 years of age Preston became the father of Mary Watts Brown in Woodford Co., KY, 1808. At 36 years of age Preston became the father of Elizabeth Watts Brown in "Sumners Forest", Woodford Co., KY, July 3, 1811. At 40 years of age Preston became the father of John Preston Watts Brown November 29, 1815.
13. John2 Preston (Archibald3) was born in Ireland. John died circa 1748 in Augusta Co., VA. His body was interred in Tinkling Spring Church, Augusta Co., VA.
He married Elizabeth Patton in Ireland. Elizabeth was born in Burncrannack, Ireland December 25, 1700. Elizabeth was the daughter of Henry Patton and Sarah Lynn. Elizabeth died December 25, 1776 in "Greenfield", Botetourt Co., VA, at 76 years of age. Elizabeth became the mother of Ann Preston in Ireland. At 27 years of age Elizabeth became the mother of Letitia Preston 1728. Elizabeth became the mother of Margaret Preston in Ireland, ca 1728. At 29 years of age Elizabeth became the mother of William Preston in Newtown-Limavady, Donegal, Ireland, December 25, 1729. At 39 years of age Elizabeth became the mother of Mary Preston 1740. At 41 years of age Elizabeth became the mother of James Preston in unknown, October 18, 1742.
John became the father of Ann Preston in Ireland. John became the father of Letitia Preston 1728. John became the father of Margaret Preston in Ireland, ca 1728. John became the father of William Preston in Newtown-Limavady, Donegal, Ireland, December 25, 1729. John became the father of Mary Preston 1740. John became the father of James Preston in unknown, October 18, 1742. John Preston came to Virginia in 1738.
John Preston and Elizabeth Patton had the following children:
14
i.
Ann1 Preston was born in Ireland. Ann died 1813. She married Francis Smith August 1761. Francis was the son of Stephen Smith and Phebe Hawkins.
Francis died 1817 in "Woodburn", Woodford Co., KY. Francis became the father of Elizabeth Smith in unknown,
October 16, 1762. Francis became the father of John Smith 1765. Francis became the father of Susanna Smith in
Ma, 1775. Francis became the father of Jane Smith in Ma, 1777. Francis became the father of Agatha
Smith in Ma, 1780.
Ann became the mother of Elizabeth Smith in unknown, October 16, 1762. Ann became the mother of John Smith 1765. Ann became the mother of Susanna Smith in Ma, 1775. Ann became the mother of Jane Smith in Ma, 1777. Ann became the mother of Agatha Smith in Ma, 1780.
+
1
ii.
Margaret Preston was born ca 1728.
15
iii.
Letitia Preston was born 1728. Letitia died March 1797 in Fayette Co., KY, at 68 years of age. Her
body was interred in Lexington Cemetery. She married Robert Breckinridge July 1758. Robert was the
son of Alexander Breckinridge and Jane Preston. Robert died 1773 in Ma. Robert became the father of
William Breckinridge in unknown, May 2, 1759. Robert became the father of John Breckinridge in near Staunton,
VA, December 2, 1760. Robert became the father of James Breckinridge in Ma, March 7, 1763. Robert became
the father of Elizabeth Breckinridge in unknown, circa 1766. Robert became the father of Preston Breckinridge in
unknown, March 17, 1770.
At 30 years of age Letitia became the mother of William Breckinridge in unknown, May 2, 1759. At 32 years of age Letitia became the mother of John Breckinridge in near Staunton, VA, December 2, 1760. At 34 years of age Letitia became the mother of James Breckinridge in Ma, March 7, 1763. Letitia became the mother of Elizabeth Breckinridge in unknown, circa 1766. At 41 years of age Letitia became the mother of Preston Breckinridge in unknown, March 17, 1770.
16
iv.
William Preston was born in Newtown-Limavady, Donegal, Ireland December 25, 1729. William died June 28,
1783 in Botetourt Co., VA, at 53 years of age. He married Susanna Smith in VA, January 17,
1761. Susanna was born in Hanover County, VA January 23, 1740. Susanna was the daughter of Francis Smith and
Elizabeth Waddy. Susanna died June 19, 1823 in "Smithfield", Montgomery Co., VA, at 83 years of age. At 22 years of age
Susanna became the mother of Elizabeth Preston in Augusta Co., VA, May 31, 1762. At 24 years of age Susanna became
the mother of John Preston in "Greenfield", Botetourt Co., VA, May 2, 1764. At 25 years of age Susanna became the mother
of Francis Preston in "Greenfield", Botetourt Co., VA, August 2, 1765. At 27 years of age Susanna became the mother of
Sarah Preston in "Greenfield", Botetourt Co., VA, May 3, 1767. At 29 years of age Susanna became the mother of
Anne Preston in "Greenfield", Botetourt Co., VA, February 12, 1769. At 30 years of age Susanna became the mother of
William Preston in "Greenfield", Botetourt Co., VA, September 5, 1770. At 32 years of age Susanna became the mother of
Susanna Preston in "Greenfield", Botetourt Co., VA, October 7, 1772. At 34 years of age Susanna became the mother of
James Patton Preston in "Smithfield", Montgomery Co., VA, June 21, 1774. At 36 years of age Susanna became the mother of
Mary Preston in "Smithfield", Montgomery Co., VA, September 29, 1776. At 39 years of age Susanna became the mother of
Letitia Preston in "Smithfield", Montgomery Co., VA, September 29, 1779. At 41 years of age Susanna became the mother of
Thomas Lewis Preston in "Smithfield", Montgomery Co., VA, August 19, 1781. At 44 years of age Susanna became the mother
of Margaret Brown Preston in "Smithfield", Montgomery Co., VA, February 23, 1784.
At 32 years of age William became the father of Elizabeth Preston in Augusta Co., VA, May 31, 1762. At 34 years of age William became the father of John Preston in "Greenfield", Botetourt Co., VA, May 2, 1764. At 35 years of age William became the father of Francis Preston in "Greenfield", Botetourt Co., VA, August 2, 1765. At 37 years of age William became the father of Sarah Preston in "Greenfield", Botetourt Co., VA, May 3, 1767. At 39 years of age William became the father of Anne Preston in "Greenfield", Botetourt Co., VA, February 12, 1769. At 40 years of age William became the father of William Preston in "Greenfield", Botetourt Co., VA, September 5, 1770. At 42 years of age William became the father of Susanna Preston in "Greenfield", Botetourt Co., VA, October 7, 1772. At 44 years of age William became the father of James Patton Preston in "Smithfield", Montgomery Co., VA, June 21, 1774. At 46 years of age William became the father of Mary Preston in "Smithfield", Montgomery Co., VA, September 29, 1776. At 49 years of age William became the father of Letitia Preston in "Smithfield", Montgomery Co., VA, September 29, 1779. At 51 years of age William became the father of Thomas Lewis Preston in "Smithfield", Montgomery Co., VA, August 19, 1781. At 54 years of age William became the father of Margaret Brown Preston in "Smithfield", Montgomery Co., VA, February 23, 1784. William Preston was County Lieutenant, Sheriff, and Surveyor of Fincastle County, VA 1772-1776 during which time most of the best land in Kentucky in the central Bluegrass and around the Falls of the Ohio was surveyed and granted to various individuals for services in the French and Indian War. Fincastle County came into existence in 1772 and went out of existence in 1776 when it was divided into Washington, Montgomery and Kentucky Counties. William Preston never lived in Kentucky. His biographical sketch from The Prestons of Smithfield and Greenfield in Virginia by John Frederick Dorman (Filson Club, 1982) follows: William Preston, eldest son of John and Elizabeth (Patton) Preston, was born 25 Dec. 1729, Newtown-Limavady, Donegal, Ireland, and died 28 June 1783, Botetourt Co., Va. He married 17 Jan. 1761, Susanna Smith, daughter of Francis and Elizabeth (Waddy) Smith who was born 23 Jan. 1740, Hanover Co., Va. and died 19 June 1823, "Smithfield," Montgomery Co., Va. William Preston received a rudimentary education during the early years of his mother's widowhood but was later placed by his uncle, Col. James Patton, with the Rev. John Craig, pastor of Tinkling Spring Church. Because of his advanced age, a classical education was not attempted, but he was instructed in history, mathematics, and penmanship. When Col. Patton was sent in 1752 to Log Town, sixteen miles below Pittsburgh, to make a treaty with the northwestern Indians, William went along as his uncle's private secretary. In 1750 he became clerk of the Vestry of Augusta Parish, and he continued to hold that office until 22 Nov. 1766. During the first years of this service he brought together the papers which had been loosely preserved and throughout the years prepared a detailed account of the proceedings of the Vestry. On 22 March 1749/50 he purchased from William Beverley a tract of 334 acres in Beverley Manor and another of 365 acres on Lewis Creek above the Court House, and on 16-17 Nov. 1752 he acquired an additional 277 acres on the Second Fork of Morney Branch from James and Agnes Brown. He qualified as deputy surveyor of Augusta County on 20 Nov. 1752 and made use of his opportunities for locating good land on the frontier by entering numerous tracts and making further purchases. He became a justice of the Augusta County Court on 21 March 1755. Later that year, on 14 July 1755, he was commissioned Captain of a company of rangers in Augusta County. This company was in service as early as August 1755. He served with Col. James Patton until he was killed, then for a time under the immediate command of the Governor and finally under Maj. Andrew Lewis of the Virginia Regiment. In the late winter of 1755-56 the company marched on an expedition against the Shawnee Indians, setting out from Fort George on 9 Feb. 1756 and from Fort Frederick on the nineteenth. They proceeded to Sandy Creek, one of the tributaries of the Clinch River, but were unsuccessful in locating either the enemy or sufficient food to support the troops. As a result of the privations there was a virtual mutiny among the troops, and Preston and the other commanders were eventually forced to return home. He was one of the candidates for Burgess from Augusta County at the election held 17 Dec. 1755 but was not successful. In June 1756, after his company had been discharged on 24 June, there was another incursion of Indians among the settlements. Preston gathered together some of the men who had served under him, left ten at the fort, and marched with the others to join the militia. Previous to this he had built Fort William in one of the mountain passes, and this location served to protect the settlers in a large neighborhood. In early Oct. 1756 he accompanied George Washington from Augusta Court House to Col. John Buchanan's at Luney's Ferry on the James River during Washington's survey of the frontier and reported on the difficulty of raising men for military service. In Nov. 1756 William Preston was ordered to take charge of drafted militia, march to Millar's Fort to relieve the company there, and, if he had a sufficiently large body of men, to garrison Wilson's Fort in the Bull Pasture as well. In the summer and fall of 1757 he was again in command of a company on the Bull Pasture at Fort Prince George, his commission being dated 8 June 1757, and he continued in this service until November when he was ordered to engage as many as possible from his company of militia to serve as rangers on the frontier until the following August and was directed to keep out scouting parties regularly and to purchase supplies for the troops. He was again stationed at Fort George between September and November 1758. He qualified as major of the Augusta County militia on 17 Nov. 1758 and although holding this rank was on 11 Dec. 1758 commissioned captain of a company of rangers in Augusta County. The company was stationed at Fort Young in Jan. 1759. His service continued until 4 May 1759. He was commissioned lieutenant colonel of Augusta County on 14 June 1759 and qualified before the Court on 17 Aug. 1759. On 21 Nov. 1759 he became sheriff, coroner, and escheator of Augusta County. On 11-12 Feb. 1759 he purchased from Stephen Rentfro 191 acres on Buffalo Creek which became the nucleus of his plantation, "Greenfield," in what is now Botetourt County. It was in reality a block house or fort surrounded by a stockade. About 1762 he moved his family to this location. In 1765 the plantation where Col. William Preston lived contained 1590 acres 35 and at the time of his death "Greenfield" plantation comprised 2175 acres. In Nov. 1761 he was named as one of the trustees in the Act incorporating the town of Staunton. He became colonel and commander of the militia of Augusta County on 16 Aug. years later he was elected one of the two Burgesses from Augusta County and attended the session of the Assembly which began in Nov. 1766, being placed on the Committee of Public Claims. He did not attend the sessions of 1767 and 1768. On the formation of Botetourt County he was on 22 Dec. 1769 commissioned colonel of its militia and one of the coroners of the county. When the county court was organized on 13 Feb. 1770 he produced his commissions as surveyor, coroner, and escheator and two days later took the oaths as colonel. From 1769 to 1771 he was elected to represent Botetourt County in the House of Burgesses but he did not attend any of the sessions in those years. When Fincastle County was formed in 1772 he was named first in the commission of the peace and was recommended by the Council as County Lieutenant. He was commissioned sheriff of Fincastle County on 1 Dec. 1772. On 24 May 1773 he purchased tracts of 315 and 220 acres at Draper's Meadows from Edmund Winston and there established a plantation which he called "Smithfield. His wife and children moved there in March 1774 and in August he began to fortify the house in anticipation of further difficulties with the Indians. He did not participate in the expedition to Point Pleasant in Oct. 1774 on account of the illness of his wife, who was not expected to survive, but he was much involved with the preparations for that expedition. On 20 Jan. 1775, pursuant to resolves of the Continental Congress, the freeholders of Fincastle County met to organize a Committee of Safety. Col. William Preston was among those named to serve. He was commissioned Lieutenant and Commander in Chief of the militia of Fincastle County on 7 Oct. 1775 and on 8 Nov. 1775 when the Committee of Safety was reorganized, he was chosen as chairman. He continued to serve in that capacity until the committee was no longer required to function. When Montgomery County was formed he continued to hold the office of County Lieutenant, his commission being dated 21 Dec. 1776. He was commissioned justice of the new county the same day. During the whole of the Revolutionary War he was actively engaged in planning the military affairs on the Virginia frontier. With Col. William Christian and Maj. Evan Shelby he was on 18 Jan. 1777 named a commissioner to make a treaty with the Cherokee Indians. He was present when a treaty was concluded at the Long Island of Holston in July 1777. After the murder of Cornstalk at Fort Randolph late that year, Preston and other frontier leaders were fearful of further Indian troubles. Preston attempted to alleviate the situation through an address to the Shawnees which Governor Patrick Henry on 5 May 1778 described as "very proper " but the situation was such that on 12 May the Council ordered Preston to keep a sergeant and twelve men at his house at Draper's Meadows since if he were to move his family most of the back country inhabitants would also quit their settlements. During the spring and early summer of 1779 Preston was concerned with the possibility of a Tory insurrection in the frontier area. In June he called upon his neighbors to meet at his house to discuss the matter, requesting that they come unarmed and assuring them of their safety. He had been censured for not taking measures against those who refused to acknowledge their allegiance to the State. He was commissioned surveyor of Montgomery County on 11 March 1780. In the latter part of 1780 Preston assisted in planning the campaign which led to the defeat of the Tories at King's Mountain but sickness in his family prevented his participating in that contest. On 13 Oct. 1780 Gen. Gates ordered him to prepare a place at Fort Chiswell for the reception of prisoners from King's Mountain but the exposed situation of that place and the ill prepared conditions for confinement later persuaded Gates to place them in Botetourt County instead. Early in 1781 when the prospect of British control in western North Carolina and the invasion of Virginia loomed, Preston called out troops to march to the south without waiting for orders from the Governor. On 13 April 1781 he wrote Thomas Jefferson explaining that on 8 February he "called a number of the Officers together, to consult on a plan for raising a body of men on the Frontiers, for the defence of the country against the Common Enemy; . . . I believed it my duty to order out all the militia I could raise, without waiting any other call than that of the danger to which the country stood exposed. In this I was seconded by every Officer present, and in order to encourage old and young to go, who were fit to bear arms, I not only proposed to go myself, but sent for my son, just turned of sixteen, from a school in another country. I went to the Lead mines, where the militia was to rendezvous, and continued there and in the neighborhood until the 18th., when I marched with about 350 riflemen, mostly on horse-back; with whom I proceeded by long marches, until I joined Genl. Pickens, by Gen. Green's order, at no great distance from Hillsborough, and within three miles of Tarleton's Legion, who had repassed Haw River. The disaffected, and some others whom I had drawn out, deserted. With the remainder we did hard duty, under Genl. Pickens, twelve or fourteen days, on the Enemy's lines, greatly straitened for provisions. Part of the men were in one action, and the whole in the second; in both overpowered by numbers, and in the last broken and dispersed with the loss of their blankets. After which no arguments that could be made use of by myself, or the other officers, could induce the remaining few to continue another week; the time Genl. Green requested. After staying a few days at the Moravian Town, to have the wounded taken care of, Colo. Crocket and myself came home, accompanied by only two or three young men." Jefferson subsequently wrote him in commendation of his course of action: "I am obliged to you for the Narrative of your Proceedings to the Southward. It was certainly not only justifiable but laudable and even indispensably necessary that you should have proceeded as you did to oppose the public Enemy without orders from Government which it would have been fatal to have awaited." On 2 March 1781 Col. Preston's troops joined Greene's army at Guilford in North Carolina. His company with others was left to cover the rear of Pickens' wing and was attacked by British cavalry at Whitsell's Mill on 6 March 1781. In this engagement his horse took fright, dashed through the mill pond and threw its rider. Had not Col. Joseph Cloyd leaped from his horse and helped Preston to mount again, he would probably have been a casualty of the battle. Preston's troops also served at the battle of Guilford Court House on 15 March 1781. Gen. Greene appointed him on 26 Feb. 1781 as one of the commissioners to treat with the Cherokee Indians and on 24 March 1781 the Virginia Council also named him, Col. William Christian, and Maj. Joseph Martin to join with commissioners from North Carolina to make a treaty with the Cherokees, but on 17 April 1781 the Council advised the Governor to withdraw Virginia's appointment since the three were already appointed by Gen. Greene. On 20 July 1781, however, the Council appointed Preston with four others to serve as commissioners for the Western Country to settle the disbursements of public monies and other matters and to meet at the Falls of the Ohio. Preston's health had declined steadily following his return from North Carolina, and he had the premonition of apoplectic seizures a number of times during the two years following. As a result, he resigned as commissioner, and Granville Smith was appointed in his place. On 26 April 1782 Col. Preston wrote to Governor Benjamin Harrison concerning recent Indian atrocities in Montgomery County. The Governor replied on 4 May that the defense of the frontier inhabitants would be left to Preston's prudence, but on 10 June the Commissioner of War ordered a meeting of the field officers of Montgomery and Washington counties with Col. Preston in command. The officers encountered many difficulties in getting the men who were drafted during this year to report for duty. William Preston's death occurred while attending a muster of the Montgomery County militia in company with Gen. Evan Shelby and his son John Preston. The day was warm and after several hours on the reviewing field, near Michael Price's house about three miles from "Smithfield," he complained to his son of a severe pain in his head and desired to lie down on a bed at Price's. Shortly afterward he attempted to mount his horse to return home but fell back into his son's arms and was again laid on a bed at Price's house. He lost the power of speech but made motions to be bled. His wife was sent for and was recognized by him but shortly after this his breathing became labored and about midnight he died. His daughter Mrs. Floyd gave this description of him: "Col. Preston was above the ordinary height of man--five feet eleven inches. He was large, inclined to corpulency; was ruddy, had fair hair and hazel eyes. His manners were easy and graceful. He had a well-cultivated intellect and a fine taste for poetry. I remember reading several beautiful productions of his, addressed to my mother, in praise of her domestic virtues." His correspondence gives evidence of an acquaintance with the literature of this time and he acquired a library which was evidently well used. Consistent with the times and frontier conditions, the family acquired many of the amenities of life. His widow made her home at the Horseshoe Plantation until 1791. She later resided at "Smithfield.'' When she became too advanced in years to manage her affairs the Negroes belonging to the estate of Col. William Preston were on 11 Oct. 1816 divided among the heirs. There is a book published about the life of William Preston: William Preston & the Allegheny Patriot by Patricia G. Johnson (Walpa Publishing, 1976).
17
v.
Mary Preston was born 1740. Mary died 1814 in Fayette Co., KY, at 74 years of age. She married John Howard October 1764. John was born February 22, 1733/4. John was the son of
Allen Howard and Elizabeth. John died November 7, 1834 in Fayette Co., KY, at 100 years of age. His body
was interred. At 31 years of age John became the father of Elizabeth Howard in unknown, January 5, 1766. John
became the father of Mary Howard circa 1768. John became the father of Sarah Howard in unknown, circa 1770.
John became the father of Benjamin Howard in unknown, circa 1772. John became the father of Margaret Preston
Howard circa 1779.
At 25 years of age Mary became the mother of Elizabeth Howard in unknown, January 5, 1766. Mary became the mother of Mary Howard circa 1768. Mary became the mother of Sarah Howard in unknown, circa 1770. Mary became the mother of Benjamin Howard in unknown, circa 1772. Mary became the mother of Margaret Preston Howard circa 1779.
18
vi.
James Preston was born in unknown October 18, 1742.
19. Elizabeth2 Patton (Henry3) was born in Burncrannack, Ireland December 25, 1700. Elizabeth died December 25, 1776 in "Greenfield", Botetourt Co., VA, at 76 years of age.
She married John Preston in Ireland. John was born in Ireland. John was the son of Archibald Preston. John died circa 1748 in Augusta Co., VA. His body was interred in Tinkling Spring Church, Augusta Co., VA. John became the father of Ann Preston in Ireland. John became the father of Letitia Preston 1728. John became the father of Margaret Preston in Ireland, ca 1728. John became the father of William Preston in Newtown-Limavady, Donegal, Ireland, December 25, 1729. John became the father of Mary Preston 1740. John became the father of James Preston in unknown, October 18, 1742. (See John Preston for the children resulting from this marriage.)
Elizabeth became the mother of Ann Preston in Ireland. At 27 years of age Elizabeth became the mother of Letitia Preston 1728. Elizabeth became the mother of Margaret Preston in Ireland, ca 1728. At 29 years of age Elizabeth became the mother of William Preston in Newtown-Limavady, Donegal, Ireland, December 25, 1729. At 39 years of age Elizabeth became the mother of Mary Preston 1740. At 41 years of age Elizabeth became the mother of James Preston in unknown, October 18, 1742.
20. Archibald3 Preston birth date unknown.
Archibald became the father of John Preston in Ireland.
Archibald Preston had the following children:
+
13
i.
John2 Preston.
21
ii.
Mary Preston. She married Phillip Barger.
22. Henry3 Patton was born near Dundee, Scotland.
He married Sarah Lynn ca 1675. Sarah was the daughter of David Lynn. Sarah became the mother of John Patton Newtown-Limavady, Ireland, ca 1689. Sarah became the mother of James Patton in Newtown-Limavady, Donegal, Ireland, 1692. Sarah became the mother of Elizabeth Patton in Burncrannack, Ireland, December 25, 1700.
Henry became the father of John Patton Newtown-Limavady, Ireland, ca 1689. Henry became the father of James Patton in Newtown-Limavady, Donegal, Ireland, 1692. Henry became the father of Elizabeth Patton in Burncrannack, Ireland, December 25, 1700. Besides the children listed, it is believed Henry Patton had three more daughters and eight more sons: William, Matthew, Thomas, Robert, Henry, David, Benjamin, and Hugh.
Henry Patton and Sarah Lynn had the following children:
25
iii.
John Patton was born Newtown-Limavady, Ireland ca 1689. John died 1757 at 68 years of age. He married
twice. He married Miss Rogers. He married Agnes March 23, 1754. John
Patton had 9 children.
26
iv.
James Patton was born in Newtown-Limavady, Donegal, Ireland 1692. James died 1755 in "Draper's Meadows",
Virginia, at 63 years of age. He married Mary Osborn. James Patton had two children. He was killed
by Indians.
+
19
v.
Elizabeth Patton was born December 25, 1700.
27. Sarah3 Lynn (David4) birth date unknown.
She married Henry Patton ca 1675. Henry was born near Dundee, Scotland. Henry became the father of John Patton Newtown-Limavady, Ireland, ca 1689. Henry became the father of James Patton in Newtown-Limavady, Donegal, Ireland, 1692. Henry became the father of Elizabeth Patton in Burncrannack, Ireland, December 25, 1700. (See Henry Patton for the children resulting from this marriage.)
Sarah became the mother of John Patton Newtown-Limavady, Ireland, ca 1689. Sarah became the mother of James Patton in Newtown-Limavady, Donegal, Ireland, 1692. Sarah became the mother of Elizabeth Patton in Burncrannack, Ireland, December 25, 1700.
28. David4 Lynn birth date unknown.
David Lynn had the following child:
+
27
i.
Sarah3 Lynn.
Send email to preparer: wmlabach1@insightbb.com
Return to Table of Contents