Preston Family (Charles Peale Didier Collection) Papers Preston Family (Charles Peale Didier Collection) Papers, 1747-1897 Ms.1985.020

Preston Family (Charles Peale Didier Collection) Papers, 1747-1897 Ms.1985.020

Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech

Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu

Special Collections and University Archives Staff

Repository

Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech

Identification

Ms.1985.020

Title

Preston Family (Charles Peale Didier Collection) Papers 1747-1897

Quantity

1.5 Cubic Feet, 3 boxes, 1 folder

Creator

Preston, William, 1729-1783

Creator

Patton, James, 1692-1755 (Preston family, Montgomery County, Va.)

Creator

Preston, John, 1764-1827

Language

The materials in the collection are in English.

Abstract

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

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.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to research.

Existence and Location of Copies

Some of this collection has been digitized and is available online.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Preston Family (Charles Peale Didier Collection) Papers, Ms1985-020, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Preston Family (Charles Peale Didier Collection) Papers were donated to Special Collections in 1985. Additional materials were donated in March and April 1990. Later additions are denoted by folder numbers containing the letter "a."

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Preston Family (Charles Peale Didier Collection) Papers commenced and was completed in 1985. Additional materials were processed, arranged, and described in 1990. Some addition description and arrangement was completed in November 2014.

Administrative History

Founded in 1889, the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (APVA) has twenty branches which own and maintain historic properties. In November 1958 the APVA authorized the organization of the Montgomery County branch for the specific purpose of acquiring and restoring Smithfield Plantation, the historic home near Blacksburg in Montgomery County, Virginia, built by William Preston in 1773. In 1959 Mrs. Janie Preston Brockenbrough Lamb, a descendant of Preston, donated Smithfield and 4.5 acres of land to the APVA. Restoration of the building was begun in 1962 when the APVA's Montgomery County Branch raised the funds for renovation and contracted with architects and contractors. Since its foundation, and in more recent years, the organization has had some changes, including the dissolution of branches and the combination of the Montgomery County Branch with the Smithfield Preston Foundation. In 2009, the name was changed to Preservation Virgina.

Scope and Content

The Didier Collection of Preston Family Papers includes papers of James Patton, Patton's grandson William Preston, and Preston's eldest son, John Preston, all of Montgomery County, Virginia. The Preston family was important in the surveying, settlement, military affairs, and government of Southwest Virginia in the 18th and 19th centuries. Their papers consist of business and legal documents, surveys, and correspondence. Much of the collection relates to John Preston (1764-1827), treasurer of the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1810 to 1819. For further information on the Preston family, see John F. Dorman, The Prestons of Smithfield and Greenfield in Virginia (1982).

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in series by individual or family name. Within each series, materials are arranged chronologically with undated materials at the end.

Materials relating to James Patton are in Box 1, Folders 1-4. Those relating to William Preston (1729-83) are in Box 1, Folders 5-13. John Preston materials are in Box 2, Folders 1-39, and materials relating to members of his family in Box 2, Folders 40-41. Box 3 contains miscellaneous and unidentified papers. Wherever possible, materials are arranged chronologically.

Related Material

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Blacksburg (Va.)
Local/Regional History and Appalachian South
Montgomery County (Va.)
Preston family (Montgomery County, Va.)
Preston, Susanna Smith, 1740-1823
Women -- History

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Preston Family (Charles Peale Didier Collection) Papers by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).

Significant Persons Associated With the Collection

Patton, James, 1692-1755 (Preston family, Montgomery County, Va.)
Preston, John, 1764-1827
Preston, Susanna Smith, 1740-1823
Preston, William, 1729-1783

Significant Places Associated With the Collection

Blacksburg (Va.)

Container List

James Patton Papers

1747-1770

box-folder 1 folder: 1
Survey of a property [belonging to Robert Norris?] for Col. James Patton and Company
March 2, 1747
box-folder 1 folder: 2
Promissory note of William Pepper to James Patton; Augusta County
February 18, 1753
box-folder 1 folder: 2
Promissory note of John M. Colley to James Patton et al.
[August 24?] 1753
box-folder 1 folder: 3
Land indenture between James Patton and William Leppard for 75 acres in Augusta County
box-folder 1 folder: 3
Land indenture between James Patton and John Cal-breath for 61 acres in Augusta County
box-folder 1 folder: 3
Land indenture of James Patton for 193 acres in Augusta County; Augusta County
November 3, 17??
box-folder 1 folder: 4
Judgments on James Patton's estate; Signed John Madison; Augusta County
November 1770

Papers Relating to William Preston (1729-1783) and Family

1755-1806

box-folder 1 folder: 5
Received of Wm. Carravan, whiskey for the use of a company of patrollers; Signed Wm. Preston
July 23, 1755
box-folder 1 folder: 5
Bill for goods bought by Wm. Preston; Signed Felix Gilbert
October 20, 1758
box-folder 1 folder: 6
List of quit rents of the Middle District of Augusta. Shows accounts insolvent and paid, 1759-1760; Also includes arrears received by William Preston, 1755, 1756, 1757, and 1758; new patents, 1759; and new patents, 1760
box-folder 1 folder: 7
Bond of John McNully and Andrew Greer to Wm. Preston, Sheriff of Augusta; Augusta County
January 31, 1760
box-folder 1 folder: 7
Received of Wm. Preston, payment for itemized goods; Signed David Cloyd
May 1760
box-folder 1 folder: 7
Land indenture between Tobias Smith and Wm. Preston for 330 acres in Augusta County "included in the Greenfield Tract;" Augusta County
May 12, 1760
box-folder 1 folder: 8
Promissory note for a sum to be paid to Messrs. Cranford and Simpson; Signed Wm. Preston
December 17, 1761
box-folder 1 folder: 8
Robt. Breckinridge to William Preston, a bill to be paid to James Lockart
May 25, 1762
box-folder 1 folder: 9
Promissory note for a sum to be paid to Robert McClenachan by Wm. Preston and Robert Breckinridge; Signed by Preston and Breckinridge; Augusta County
June 26, 1763
box-folder 1 folder: 9
Andrew Boyd [to William Preston?], requesting the transport of goods which arrived for Boyd from Scot-land; Fort Lewis
June 17, 1766
box-folder 1 folder: 9
Account of William Preston with Arch[ibald?] Buchanan containing itemized list of household goods
October 30, 1766
box-folder 1 folder: 10
Gabriel Jones to [William Preston?], reply to a letter; Concerns land sale accounts
November 30, 1767
box-folder 1 folder: 10
John Todd to John Brown in Augusta, concerning a runaway wench Todd now wants to sell to Col. [William] Preston
July 5, 1768
box-folder 1 folder: 10
Received of Alexander Ingram a payment by Wm. Lush; Witnessed and signed by Wm. Preston
April 9, 1770
box-folder 1 folder: 10
Bill to Joseph McMurtry on behalf of Thos. Eakins for survey of 120 acres land; Signed by McMurtry and Wm. Preston
September 24, 1770
box-folder 1 folder: 11
Promissory note for a sum to be paid to David Cloyd by William Preston and W. John Armstrong; Signed by Preston and Armstrong. Botetourt County
February 11, 1772
box-folder 1 folder: 11
Christiana Davies and Benjamin Coxley to Col. William Preston in Botetourt County; Refers to Andrew Lewis being appointed to executor of William Davies' estate; Philadelphia
July 17, 1772
box-folder 1 folder: 11a
Letter from G. Washington to William Preston (typescript transcript copy)
February 24, 1774
box-folder 1 folder: 12
Survey for Lazarus Benton of 116 acres in Fincastle County; Signed Robert Preston and Wm. Preston
December 12, 1774
box-folder 1 folder: 12
Received of William Preston a debt paid as executor of the estate of Col. John Buchanan; Signed James Crockett
August 1, 1774
box-folder 1 folder: 12
Account of William Madison with Jeremiah Pate, the balance to be paid to Wm. Preston as executor of James Patton. Signed Jeremiah Pate
October 25, 1781
box-folder 1 folder: 12
William Preston to Henry Coleman, referring to ten dollars sent for "old Mr. Stapleton" and Preston's efforts to acquire a plough horse
March 1, 1783
box-folder 3 folder: 4
Promissory note, James P. Preston to Christian Martin
October 26, 1798
box-folder 1 folder: 13
Susanna Preston to Mr. Champ, requesting hemp, wheat, and corn
September 5, 1790
box-folder 1 folder: 13
Received from E. Madison, two plots of land surveyed by William Preston; Signed Jeremiah Patrick
July 22, 1792
box-folder 3 folder: 4
Note regarding hemp belonging to Capt. James Preston; Signed Robert Graham. Manchester
December 23, 1800
box-folder 1 folder: 13
Accounts for taxes paid by Nathaniel Hart for William Preston (deceased); Signed by Hart
1802-1806

John Preston (1764-1827) Papers

1780-1830, n.d.

box-folder 2 folder: 1
Account for claims in Montgomery County to be paid by John Preston in surveyors' fees
March 20, 1780
box-folder 2 folder: 1
Memorandum of a land contract between John Smith and John Preston
April 11, 1784
box-folder 2 folder: 1
Joseph Cloyd to Capt. John Preston; Concerns a loan
September 3, 1784
box-folder 2 folder: 2
Request "to Mr. Preston" for registration of 129 acres of land for John Lawrence; Signed Richard Whitt
February 1786
box-folder 2 folder: 2
Record of land warrants recorded by Mary Smith for Henry Smith, received from John Preston by the hand of Robt. Preston; Russell County
November 16, 1786
box-folder 2 folder: 2
James Beacon to John Preston in Montgomery County; Fragment; Williamsburg
March 16, 1787
box-folder 2 folder: 3
Col. Harvie to John Preston in Montgomery County; Requests information on a tract of land on the Kentucky River surveyed in William Preston's time
August 12, 1788
box-folder 2 folder: 3
Surveys of 8 pieces of property (on one sheet) in Montgomery County for various persons; Each signed J. Preston
1780s
box-folder 2 folder: 4
Christley Pickle [to Capt. John Preston?]; Note withdrawing a land entry claim
April 23, 1790
box-folder 2 folder: 4
Deposition regarding land dealings of John and Francis Preston; Kanhawa County
May 14, 1790
box-folder 2 folder: 4
Alexander Breckenridge to John Preston at Smithfield, Montgomery County; Concerns a request for a loan; Beargrass
June 12, 1790
box-folder 2 folder: 4
Reuben Slaughter to John Preston in Montgomery County; Requests information on entries and rights of settlement for various properties; Greenbrier
September 9, 1790
box-folder 2 folder: 5
Certification that Wilson Ivy, a soldier in John Preston's company, is owed back pay; Signed J. Preston
September 27, 1792
box-folder 2 folder: 5
William Preston to "Dear Brother," Captain John Preston, in Richmond; Refers to Gen. Wayne's march from Pittsburg, William's planned trip to Richmond; Prince Edward Courthouse
October 18, 1792
box-folder 2 folder: 6
Francis Preston to "Dear Brother," John Preston, in Montgomery County; Concerns land warrants and their proper registration; Saltworks
August 1, 1795
box-folder 2 folder: 6
Received of John Preston, taxes paid on James Patton's land in Montgomery County; Signed David Cloyd
November 2, 1795
box-folder 2 folder: 6
J. McDowell to Col. John Preston in Richmond; Concerns a land survey by Preston; Mr. Miller has conditionally sold Preston's survey to Mr. Wolcott; Rockbridge
November 11, 1796
box-folder 2 folder: 7
Wm. Preston to "Dear Brother," Col. John Preston, in Montgomery County; Refers to orders requiring William to march his troops to Staunton, his planned trip to Rockbridge; Fincastle
September 25, 1797
box-folder 2 folder: 7
John Breckenridge to Col. John Preston in Montgomery County; Concerns the collection of a debt owed to Breckenridge by a third party
October 23, 1798
box-folder 2 folder: 7
Wm. Radford to [his son-in-law] Gen. John Preston in Montgomery County; Refers to Radford's planned trip to Kentucky, the Napoleonic Wars in Europe; Richmond
June 6, 1799
box-folder 2 folder: 7
Gordon Cloyd to Gen. John Preston at Smithfield; Concerns land surveys at Horseshoe; Springfield
August 3, 1799
box-folder 2 folder: 8
Nathaniel Hart to Gen. John Preston in Montgomery County; Concerns a delay in Mr. Radford's law suit; Franklin
March 5, 1800
box-folder 2 folder: 8
Francis Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston, in Montgomery County; Inquires about arrangements made regarding the Loyal Company's holdings after George Taylor's death
April 25, 1801
box-folder 2 folder: 8
Thos. L. Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston, at Horshoe Bottom, Montgomery County; Refers to Thomas's journey to [William and Mary] College; Richmond
December 8, 1801
box-folder 2 folder: 9
Wm. Radford to [his son-in-law] Gen. John Preston at Horseshoe Bottom, in Montgomery County; Concerns family matters
April 12, 1802
box-folder 2 folder: 9
Henry L. Shore [to John Preston?]; Refers to Col. Vandewall executing a deed; the recovery of Martha and Carleton Radford; Richmond
July 27, 1802
box-folder 2 folder: 10
Charles Taylor to Gen. Preston at Horseshoe; Concerns the prospective marriage of Taylor's son to Preston's daughter
September 3, 1803
box-folder 2 folder: 10
Eliza Madison to "My Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston, in Montgomery County; Concerns her two horses being stolen and her efforts to recover them; farm matters; Dumfries
November 9, 1803
box-folder 2 folder: 10
Francis Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston, in Richmond; Refers to Negroes going to Horseshoe and the possibility of hiring additional ones in Richmond; Talks of Kentucky's advantages and disadvantages, and a planned trip to the springs
December 28, 1803
box-folder 2 folder: 11
Wm. Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston, at Horseshoe; Refers to breeding one of William's mares, plans for traveling to Smithfield
June 1, 1804
box-folder 2 folder: 11
William Munford to Gen. John Preston at Horseshoe Bottom, Montgomery County; Refers to Napoleon Bonaparte's victories; family matters; land in Ohio; Richland
June 12, 1804
box-folder 2 folder: 12
James McDowell to [his brother-in-law] Gen. John Preston in Montgomery County; Concerns land purchases from Mr. Brown, McDowell's travel plans to Ohio; Rockbridge
February 17, 1805
box-folder 2 folder: 12
Bowker Preston to Gen. John Preston in Montgomery County; Concerns brandy purchased from Preston by John Hook; Montgomery Court House
June 4, 1805
box-folder 2 folder: 12
Wm. Radford to [his brother-in-law] Gen. John Preston; Concerns Radford's course of study at Washington Academy and planned attendance at William and Mary; Washington Academy
August 1, 1805
box-folder 2 folder: 13
Thomas Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston, at Horseshoe, Montgomery County; Concerns goods that Thomas was to purchase for his mother in Lexington and Richmond; Lexington
December 8, 1805
box-folder 2 folder: 13
John Radford to [his brother-in-law] Gen. John at Horshoe Bottom, Montgomery County; Concerns land dealings in Chesmont County [Kentucky?]; Washington Township, Chesmont County
September 25, 1805
box-folder 2 folder: 13
John Smith to Col. John Preston in Montgomery City; Requests Smith's wife's part of the estate of her late grandfather; Fayette County, Kentucky
December 21, 1805
box-folder 2 folder: 14
John Lewis to Gen. John Preston at Horseshoe; Introduces Mr. Piersh[?], a Russian botanist on a botanical expedition
August 4, 1806
box-folder 2 folder: 14
List of taxable property owned by John Preston in Botetourt County; Signed by William Walker
March 10, 1807
box-folder 2 folder: 14
Thomas Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston, in Montgomery County; Concerns John Preston's support for Thomas's schooling at Washington Academy, includes a request for additional funds; Washington Academy
April 11, 1807
box-folder 2 folder: 15
John Preston to Lt. Col. Henry Bowyer; Contains division orders, second regiment of Virginia Cavalry
July 30, 1807
box-folder 2 folder: 15
Samuel Coleman to Maj. Gen. John Preston; Order concerning state's quota of militia; Adjutant General's Office, Richmond
August 18, 1807
box-folder 2 folder: 15
George Pury to Gen. John Preston in Montgomery City; Concerns Pury's receipt of a subpoena from Preston and a business deal between Pury and Major Shiffy; Wythe County
October 14, 1807
box-folder 2 folder: 15
Francis Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston, in Montgomery County; Refers to Mr. King hiring Gen. Preston's Negroes; a trip to Smithfield; recent elections; Abingdon
February 26, 1808.
box-folder 2 folder: 16
John Radford to [his brother-in-law Gen. John Preston at Horseshoe Bottom, Montgomery County; Concerns his move to Ohio and acquisition of land there; Refers to bringing an enslaved woman with him and paying his mother $300 for her; Frankfort
July 14, 1808
box-folder 2 folder: 16
Nathaniel Hart to Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Refers to a debt to be paid in horses; Spring Hill [Kentucky]
August 18, 1809
box-folder 2 folder: 16
Gen. John Preston to John Champ at Horseshoe Bottom' Includes instructions for Champ as overseer at Horseshoe Bottom; Richmond
January 9, 1810
box-folder 2 folder: 17
Godfrey Brooks to "Master," Gen. John Preston, in Richmond; Reports on affairs at Greenfield; Greenfield
April 20, 1810
box-folder 2 folder: 17
James Breckenridge to [his cousin] Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Refers to Col. [Nicholas?] visiting the springs in the summer; includes a list of accounts as a postscript; Fincastle
May 19, 1810
box-folder 2 folder: 17
Carlton Radford to [his brother-in-law] Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Asks for money for college expenses; Washington Academy
May 27, 1810
box-folder 2 folder: 18
Promissory note for a sum to be paid for an enslaved individual; Signed Charles Taylor and J. Preston
June 9, 1810
box-folder 2 folder: 18
Francis Preston to [his brother] Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Encloses a power of attorney from William Trigg, executor of William King; concerns various law suits against Trigg and King; Abington
November 10, 1810
box-folder 2 folder: 18
Carlton T. Radford to [his brother-in-law] Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Reports on problems with the hemp harvest at Horseshoe; Abingdon
November 27, 1810
box-folder 2 folder: 18
William Temple to Gen. J. Preston; Requests the return of a promissory note for the sum of $250
December 28, 1810
box-folder 2 folder: 19
Francis Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston; Tells of a trip to Horseshoe to check on John Preston's farm; Mr. Champ's difficulties with the enslaved; hiring a new person to help Champ; Wythe Courthouse
Janaury 17, 1811
box-folder 2 folder: 19
Moses Jackson to Gen. J. Preston; Requests that Preston intercede on his behalf with the authorities, gaining his freedom from jail; Richmond
April 2, 1811
box-folder 2 folder: 19
Susan McDowell to [her uncle], Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Congratulates him on his marriage to Mrs. Mayo; refers to Susan's visit to Staunton; Cherry Grove
May 14, 1811
box-folder 2 folder: 20
Gen. John Preston to "My dear Son," William R. Preston in Rockbridge; Requests that William return home, taking leave of his aunt, uncle, and cousins on the best of terms to begin attending Mr. Crutchfield's school in Bath County; Richmond
May 16, 1811
box-folder 2 folder: 20
Thomas Preston to "Dear Sir" [W. Preston Smith?] at the Treasury Office in Richmond; Concerns a note due at the bank, Lexington; On the same sheet: J. Preston to "Dear Preston" [W. Preston Smith]; Concerns a coming trip to Hot Springs because of rheumatic pain
July 17, 1811
box-folder 2 folder: 20
Mathias Lane to Gen. J. Preston in Richmond; Concerns squatters burning timber and selling the ashes on Preston's land in Kentucky; requests a power of attorney to remove the squatters; Glasgow, Kentucky
August 5, 1811
box-folder 2 folder: 20
James Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Concerns the purchase of a piece of property, for which he requests payment; Smithfield
October 27, 1811
box-folder 2 folder: 20a
"Extract from H. Crutchfield's Books, requested by General Preston, in Order to know precisely the Expense of his three sons for one year;" Costs of John Preston's sons to go to school; lists tuition, board, lodging, shoes, clothing, etc.,
1811-1812
box-folder 2 folder: 21
Promissory note to Robert Gamble; Signed J. Preston
January 14, 1812
oversize folder: 1
William R. Preston to "Dear Father," Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Concerns studies at Mr. Crutchfield's school; requests $5.00; Bath County
January 16, 1812
box-folder 2 folder: 21
Thomas Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Concerns a piece of property for sale; military promotions; Lexington
February 16, 1812
box-folder 2 folder: 22
Bill (and receipt) to John and Joseph Boyce.; Treasury Office, Richmond
June 20, 1812
box-folder 2 folder: 22
Cornelius Brown to Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Reports on affairs at Horseshoe Bottom; Horseshoe Bottom
July 11, 1812
box-folder 2 folder: 22
Gr. Smith to Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Fragment
July 15, 1812
box-folder 2 folder: 23
Elizabeth Ann Cabell Preston to [her husband], Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Concerns family and farming matters
September 22, 1812
box-folder 2 folder: 23
William Preston and John Preston to "Dear Father," Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Lysander Smith to "Dear Cousin," Gen. John Preston [3 letters on 1 sheet]; Relate happenings at Mr. Crutchfield's school; Bath County
October 1, 1812
box-folder 2 folder: 23
Gen. John Preston to [his son] Whitley Preston at Horsehoe bottom, Montgomery County; Concerns Whitley's staying with his father during the winter; Richmond
November 9, 1812
box-folder 2 folder: 23
Gen. John Preston to [his son] Whitley Preston at Horseshoe Bottom, Montgomery County; Concerns farming affairs at Horseshoe Bottom; requests that Whitley come to Richmond to see the General Assembly; Richmond
December 4, 1812
box-folder 2 folder: 24
Bill to General Preston for coal; Signed John Potts
December 1812
box-folder 2 folder: 24
Received of Minor Carey, a load of coal; Signed J. Preston; Richmond
December 15, 1812
box-folder 2 folder: 25
Draft of a letter [from John Preston?] to an unspecified party; Concerns problems with a requested loan of public funds; Richmond
March 26, 1813
box-folder 2 folder: 25
John Brockenbough [president, Bank of Virginia] to John Preston and Samuel Shepard; Concerns a loan for the Commonwealth of Virginia
June 4, 1813
box-folder 2 folder: 25
Promissory note to James McDowell [Moffatt?]; Signed J. Preston and James McDowell
September 21, 1813
oversize folder: 1
Memorandum of property at the Lower Horseshoe Bottom; Includes enslaved individuals, livestock, farm implements
November 30, 1813
box-folder 2 folder: 25
Memorandum of property at the Upper Horseshoe Bottom; Includes enslaved individuals, livestock, farm implements
November 30, 1813
box-folder 2 folder: 26
Whitley Preston to "Dear Father," Gen. John Preston, in Richmond; Refers to collecting a debt for his father from Mr. Edmundson, driving hogs and other farming affairs; Greenfield
January 3, 1814
box-folder 2 folder: 26
William Radford to [his brother-in-law] Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Introduces Samuel Harrison, a merchant whose business has brought him to Richmond. Lynchburg
June 1, 1814
box-folder 2 folder: 26
Account of Gen. John Preston with D. Madison
June 1814
box-folder 2 folder: 27
Thomas Arthur to Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Concerns property Arthur wishes to buy from Preston
November 26, 1814
box-folder 2 folder: 27
Eliza Preston to "My Dear Papa," Gen. John Preston, in Richmond; Reports on Eliza's daily activities; Montgomery County
December 11, 1814
box-folder 2 folder: 28
John B. Preston to "Dear Father," Gen. John Preston, in Richmond. Reports on school; requests clothes. Hanover County,
Febraury 26, 1815.
box-folder 2 folder: 28
Francis Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston, at Horseshoe, Montgomery County; Refers to procuring salt kettles; plaster production; the difficulty of getting white labor; Abingdon
August 30, 1815
box-folder 2 folder: 28
Bill to [John Preston?] for harness and coal; Signed Harmon Sifford
September 1, 1815
box-folder 2 folder: 29
Isaac Preston to "My Dear Uncle," Gen. John. Preston; Refers to problems with the title to a piece of property in New Market; a dinner ball given to honor Gen. Jackson; Isaac's planned move to New Orleans; Abingdon
October 26, 1815
box-folder 2 folder: 29
Francis Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston; Concerns a loan Gen. Preston was to secure from the Bank of Virginia for Francis Preston; crops and holdings in Kentucky
October 26, 1815
box-folder 2 folder: 30
Whitley Preston to [his father], Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Concerns a tract of land in Cabell County which Whitley suggests be resurveyed; Cabell County
January 8, 1816
box-folder 2 folder: 30
Received of John Preston, a sum for tuition for his daughter; Signed J. A. Oswald; Richmond
January 1816
box-folder 2 folder: 30
Francis Preston to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston, in Richmond; Concerns elections in Botetourt and Montgomery Counties; Fincastle
April 10, 1816
box-folder 2 folder: 31
Received of John Preston, $1000 for 50 bank shares; Signed B. Peyton [?]
December 11, 1816
box-folder 2 folder: 31
Dr. J. Augustus Smith to John Preston in Richmond; Informs Preston of the poor conduct of his son at college; William and Mary College
December 25, 1816
box-folder 2 folder: 31
John Preston to Dr. Augustus Smith [at the College of William and Mary]; Reply to Smith's letter of 25 December; Draft; Richmond
December 27, 1816
box-folder 2 folder: 32
David French to Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Reports on French's arrival at Barboursville and his efforts to engage a surveyor; land deals in Ohio; Barboursville
February 8, 1817
box-folder 2 folder: 32
Randolph Ross to Gen. John Preston; Refers to Whitley Preston's visit to Havana; business matters; a trip to Philadelphia and Washington; Lexington
March 7, 1817
box-folder 2 folder: 32
Promissory note of Joshua Brotherhood to Gen. John Preston for 6000 acres of land warrants; Signed Gordon Cloyd
October 30, 1817
box-folder 2 folder: 32a
Bill of goods bought from Wilson & Drew by Mr. John Preston; Items purchased between December 1814-July 1816; Account settled
August 1817
box-folder 2 folder: 33
G. Peyton to [John Preston?]; Concerns rumors of land speculation involving the Treasurer of Virginia, Preston; Christiansburg
November 7, 1817
box-folder 2 folder: 33
Account of cattle taken to the range and/or bought, 1817. Signed Tilgh. H. West; Horseshoe
December 10, 1817
box-folder 2 folder: 33
James McDowell to [his brother-in-law], Gen. John Preston; Letter of introduction for Hiram Jennings, a prospective overseer for Preston's plantation; Cherry Grove
December 28, 1817
box-folder 2 folder: 33
"Articles given to the Negroes at the Horseshoe;" Lists articles of clothing given to enslaved individuals
December 1817
box-folder 2 folder: 34
Account of Gen. Preston with Charles [Purcell?]
February 25, 1818
box-folder 2 folder: 34
Received of Mr. Preston, payment for pantaloons; Signed John Curry
April 18, 1818
box-folder 2 folder: 34
Received of Gen. Preston, payment for one great coat; Signed P. Shipard; Richmond
November 16, 1818
box-folder 2 folder: 35
William Radford to [his brother-in-law], Gen. John Preston; Informs Preston that Radford will become president of the Farmers Bank in Lynchburg; requests that his name be withdrawn as a candidate for director of the Bank of Virginia; Lynchburg
December 20, 1818
box-folder 2 folder: 35
William Norwell to John Brockenbrough in Richmond; Concerns choice of directors for the Bank of Virginia; Lynchburg
December 24, 1818
box-folder 2 folder: 35
Mary P. Lewis to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston; Requests legal advice on the acquisition of a piece of property; Sweet Springs
February 17, 1819
box-folder 2 folder: 35
Received of John Preston, payment for bank stock; Signed Carter B. Page. Richmond
June 19, 1819
box-folder 2 folder: 36
Promissory note of James G. Swann to John Preston
January 20, 1820
box-folder 2 folder: 36
Sarah P. Preston to "Dear Father," Gen. John Preston; Concerns school and vacation activities, family affairs; Cherry Grove
May 8, 1820
box-folder 2 folder: 36
John Hammet to Gen. John Preston at Greenfield; Reports on affairs at Horseshoe Bottom; Horseshoe Bottom
June 4, 1820
box-folder 2 folder: 36
George Munford to John B. Preston at Little Creek, Goochland County; Concerns the death of "Grandmama," who died at "Uncle William's" (William Radford);l Richmond
August 18, 1820
box-folder 2 folder: 37
Gordon Cloyd to Gen. John Preston in Richmond; Inquiries about whether Horseshoe is still for sale; Springfield
January 22, 1821
box-folder 2 folder: 37
Notification that John Preston and James P. Preston, as defendants in a court case, need to appear in court; Copy signed J. Robertson, Attorney General
June 20, 1821
box-folder 2 folder: 37
Nathaniel Hart to Gen. John Preston near Fincastle, Botetourt County; Concerns property of Preston's which has apparently been taken up by someone else; Spring Hill, [Kentucky]
June 20, 1821
box-folder 2 folder: 37
Gen. Gordon Cloyd to Gen. John Preston; Concerns sale of steers and oxen; pasture land; Springfield
September 22, 1821
box-folder 2 folder: 38
Lists of directors for the Virginia Bank. [Ballots?]; Four sheets; one dated
January 23, 1823
box-folder 2 folder: 38
Nathaniel Hart to Gen. John Preston in Fincastle; Concerns a court settlement in favor of Preston which will probably be paid with a tract of land; Spring Hill, [Kentucky]
April 23, 1824
box-folder 2 folder: 38
Broadside advertising land previously belonging Gen. John Preston in Giles, Cabell, and Kanawha counties for sale
October 30, 1824
box-folder 2 folder: 39
Transcriptions of several legal documents (on one sheet), including custody papers and power of attorney made out to John Preston by Peter McConnell Barren County, Kentucky
November 29, 1830
box-folder 2 folder: 39
E[lizabeth] Madison to "Dear Brother," Gen. John Preston; Requests intercession of John on a business matter and three bushels of hemp seed
box-folder 2 folder: 39
Joseph Fagg to Gen. John Preston at Greenfield, Botetourt County; Concerns employment as an overseer
box-folder 2 folder: 39
Memorandum dealing with land entries in Kentucky for John Preston and Francis Preston
box-folder 2 folder: 39
Draft of a description of an unidentified woman; Signed J. Preston on verso

Papers Relating to the John Preston Family

1811-1833, n.d.

box-folder 2 folder: 40
Whitley Preston, Grammar exercise
October 5, 1811
box-folder 2 folder: 40
Jacob [Rudisk?] to William Preston; Refers to hiring Mat again
December 25, 1822
box-folder 2 folder: 40
Thomas W. Ligon to William M. Radford in Liberty, Virginia; Discusses college life at Yale, New Haven, Connecticut
February 18, 1832
box-folder 2 folder: 41
George Clark to William Radford in Lynchburg; Concerns land affairs in Kentucky, Lexington
June 8, 1833
box-folder 2 folder: 41
Elizabeth M. Preston to "My dear Brother," William W. R. Preston, at Falling Spring Valley, Bath County; Concerns family matters; Elizabeth and her sister Susanna will be attending school in Richmond

Papers from Other Families

1756-1897, n.d.

oversize folder: 1
Land grant to Tobias Smith, 330 acres in Augusta County; Signed Robert Dinwiddie
March 10, 1756
box-folder 3 folder: 1
Account of Col. John Buchanan [with William McClenahan?]; Signed by McClenahan
November 20, 1766
box-folder 3 folder: 1
Accounts of Col. Breckinridge, 1767-1973; Lists accounts with various persons
oversize folder: 1
Land grant to Joseph Jenkins, 58 acres in Augusta County; Signed [Lord] Botetourt
May 12, 1770
box-folder 3 folder: 1
Certificate attesting the right of Thomas Page to hold 400 acres of property in Montgomery County; Signed Jos. Cabell, N. Cabell, Gabl. Penn
September 10, 1782
box-folder 3 folder: 2
Received of James Boyle, payment for a survey; Signed James Desor
March 18, 1789
box-folder 3 folder: 2
Note concerning land holdings of John Breckenridge to be surveyed; Signed David Robinson and John Love,
April 30, 178[9?]
box-folder 3 folder: 3
Agreement for harvesting a wheat crop by William Burr; Signed Chris Champ
July 8, 1791
box-folder 3 folder: 3
Received of William Thompson, rations for the Wythe Rangers; Signed James [McGaruth?]
1791
box-folder 3 folder: 4
Received from Messrs. McMurdo and Fisher, a sum resulting from a lawsuit against John Mayo by William Mayo; Signed Ben Sheppard
March 10, 1802.
box-folder 3 folder: 5
Broadside, "Sketch of the Actions fought at San Pascal in Upper California between the Americans and Mexicans, Dec. 6th & 7th, 1846"
box-folder 3 folder: 5
Octavia [Radford?] to her sister-in-law, "Dear Sister Susan" [Susanna Smith Preston Radford]; Refers to Octavia's new-born son and other family members; Near Lynchburg,
June 21, 1852
box-folder 3 folder: 5
John A. Shearer to William B. Radford and Henry Bowyer, in Amsterdam, Botetourt County; Requests information on J. M. Humphreys, a prospective principal of Shearer's boys academy; Spout[?] Spring, Appomattox County
June 1, 1857
box-folder 3 folder: 6
A. G. Preston to [his wife] "My Dear Alice;" Speaks of his illness; Buchanan
March 9, 1897
box-folder 3 folder: 6
Account of Col. John Buchanan
box-folder 3 folder: 6
List of repairs to be made to the Polygon, room by room; "Chris Tompkins" on back
box-folder 3 folder: 7
Accounts [for warrants?] totaling $19,240.00
box-folder 3 folder: 7
Draft of a letter from [?] to [?], referring to seeing Mr. [R.?] Preston in Williamsburg; land dealings; "Gran Smith" on top of first page
box-folder 3 folder: 7
Draft of a letter from [?] to "My Dear Agatha," writes of Mrs. Preston, who is dying