Collection is open to research.
The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials. Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], John Preston Papers, Ms1994-034 Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The John Preston Papers were obtained by Special Collections in three separate accessions: 1994, 1995 and 2003.
The John Preston Papers were proecessed, arranged and described in 2001; revisions were made to the finding aid in June 2003.
John Preston, eldest son of William and Susanna (Smith) Preston, was born in 1764 at "Greenfield" in Botetourt County, Virginia. He periodically served in the Virginia militia throughout his lifetime. Preston was elected a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing Botetourt County in 1783, as well as Montgomery County in 1791 and again in 1803-1804. He served as a member of the Virginia Senate from 1792- 1799.
In 1792, Preston was named as a trustee in the act that established Christiansburg, Virginia in 1792, and served as a clerk of its first Board of Trustees. In 1798 he served as a trustee in the act that established Blacksburg, Virginia. In 1795, Preston became a Lieutenant Colonel, commanding the Third Regiment of Artillery. In 1799, he was elected Brigadier General, and given command of the brigade for Wythe, Montgomery, and Monroe Counties.
Later in 1810, Preston was appointed by the Virginia General Assembly to be the Treasurer of Virginia, serving until 1819. An audit of the treasurer's books found that Preston's accounts were in arrears, and a judgement was issued against Preston for 87 thousand dollars. To meet the obligation, Preston transferred a number of properties to trustees, who were to oversee their sale and the payment of funds into the treasury.
Preston married Mary Radford in 1798, and after her death in 1810, married Eliza Ann Carrington Mayo in 1811. He had seven children with his first wife and one with his second. When not on active military duty, Preston resided at "Smithfield" with his mother until his marriage, after which he lived at "Horseshoe". He died at Greenfield in 1827.
This collection contains documents regarding John Preston's business affairs, including promissory notes, loan agreements, and personal correspondence. Many of the documents appear to be draft versions which were at one point bound together, perhaps in Preston's own letter-book
This collection is arranged chronologically.
The guide to the John Preston Papers by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).
Promissory note from Preston to James Parberry, in the amount of 250 pounds.
Letter from Thomas L. Preston asking for money to continue his education at Washington Academy.
Receipt for money paid to estate of James Patton by Peter Bassinger (on behalf of Adam Miller).
Letter from John Preston to agent for the Austin-Paine lead mine concerning the transport of lead from Lynchburg to Fort Chiswell, Virginia.
Promissory note from Preston to Walter Crockett, in the amount of 334 dollars.
Letter from [John Preston?] in Montgomery County, Virginia, to unidentified person concerning a lawsuit against him.
Promissory note from John Preston to James Breckenridge, in the amount of $1379.50 with interest.
Agreement between Charles Taylor and John Preston concerning the terms of the loan of a enslaved man named Nathan.
Letter from [John Preston?] in Richmond, Virginia, to unidentified person about placing his son, John B. Preston, in school.
Employment contract between Preston and Horseshoe Bottom plantation overseer, Cornelius Brown.
Letter from [John Preston?] to John Tayloe concerning the cut and sale of cordwood.
Virginia treasurer reports prepared by Preston concerning loans to the commonwealth. [2 items]
Statement of account with Robert Vaughan.
Agreement for a trade partnership between Preston and Randolph Ross.
Letter from Preston in Richmond, Virginia, to Peter Daniel concerning Lysander Smith's qualifications for the position of ensign in the public guards.
Letter from Preston in Richmond, Virginia, to Price and Morgan in Philadelphia, instructing them to pay William P. Smith and Co. $1000.00.
Letter from Preston in Richmond, Virginia, to unidentified person regarding the economic conditions of the day.
Letter of resignation from Virginia Treasurer John Preston to William Crump.
Letter from [Preston?] at Greenfield to unidentified person concerning the forthcoming sale of "Little Creek".
Letter from John B. Baldwin of Staunton concerning a fight between John Lewis Peyton and Fayette B. Jones. Includes a written statement by Peyton and Jones.
Letter from J.B. McBride at the Union Theological Seminary [Richmond, Virginia?] to William Radford of Amsterdam (Botetourt County), Virginia.