Preston, William, 1729-1783

Revolutionary War officer.

From the description of Letters [manuscript], 1776. (University of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 647860488

Capt. William Preston (1729-1783), the son of John Preston (1699-1747), was born in Londonderry, Ireland, and settled with his family in Augusta County, Va., in 1737. He was a surveyor, landowner, member of the House of Burgesses, and captain during the French and Indian War. In 1756, he was a member of the abortive Sandy Creek Expedition against the Shawnee Indians. Preston also served as a colonel with the Virginia militia during the American Revolution until he was wounded in 1781.

From the description of Account book, 1758-1759. (American Antiquarian Society). WorldCat record id: 191259640

Surveyor and justice of the peace of Botetourt County, Va.

From the description of Papers of William and John Preston, 1740-1960; (bulk 1783-1817). (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 20071643

William Preston (ca. 1729-1783) held various county offices and militia offices. His sons were John Preston (1764-1827), who was a member of the Virginia General Assembly and treasurer of Virginia, and Francis Preston (1765-1836). Francis Preston was born in Botetourt County, graduated from the College of William and Mary and practiced law in Montgomery and Washington counties. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates and State Senate and served in Congress 1793-1797. His son was William Campbell Preston (1794-1860) who attended Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) and South Carolina College (now University of South Carolina). He also studied law in Scotland and practiced in Virginia and later in South Carolina. He served in the South Carolina House of Representatives and in the United States Senate. William Campbell Preston was president of South Carolina College.

From the guide to the Preston Family Papers, 1755-1836, 1786-1815., (Special Collections, College of William and Mary)