W.H. Preston Collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: KHC-50

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains several photographs related to W.H. Preston's life, including photographs of Dodge City, his house, and his chickens that he raised and entered into competition. There are a number of ribbons and scorecards from his activities as a poultry breeder. There are also several documents related to his time as a probate judge in Dodge City, including a notary stamp that he used as a notary public. There are also several journals from his life in Iowa.

Dates

Creation: 1835 - 1926

Biographical / Historical

William Hobbs Preston was born on August 15, 1838 in Worcestershire, England. In 1853, he emigrated with his family to the United States, landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The family later moved to Davenport, Iowa, and Preston became a naturalized citizen. Preston served the Union in the Civil War, and attained the rank of sergeant in Company C of the 20th Iowa Volunteers. On November 9, 1865 Preston married Parmelia Annette Brunson, with whom he had four children: William Charles, George, Parmelia Elizabeth, and Ella. While in Davenport, Preston worked as a letter carrier, carpenter, and grocer.

Eventually facing health issues, W.H. Preston traveled to the southwest seeking a warmer, drier climate. Preston filed a homestead claim on land in northeastern Ford County, Kansas, near the town of Offerle in adjoining Edwards County, where he brought his family in the Spring of 1878. In Wheatland Township, Kansas, William and Parmelia Preston helped organize the local school district.

In 1896 Preston moved to Dodge City, where he became a participant in the local judiciary system. He served as a notary public, justice of the peace, and probate judge for a total of 20 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and was involved in the Ford County Poultry Association and the Grand Army of the Republic, a veteran’s organization. He was a member and served as Commander of the Lewis Post of the GAR in Dodge City. The Sons of Veterans camp is named Preston Camp No. 3 in his honor. He died on 4/23/1918 in Dodge City, Kansas.