Preston Family Papers Gray Collection, 1754-1899
Held by The Filson Historical Society
Creator: Preston Family
Title: Papers Gray Collection, 1754-1899
Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these papers, contact the Collections Department.
Size of Collection: 0.66 cubic feet
Location Number: Mss. A P937k
Scope and Content Note
Collection covers the political, military, financial, legal, and domestic affairs of a leading Va. and Ky. family which had extensive land holdings in southwestern Va. and Ky. Much of the collection pertains to land, 1754-1835. Correspondence and accounts with agents regarding litigation, debts, disputes, sales, taxes, and surveys; the Loyal Land Co. of Va.; family plantations mentioned in letters; and autobiographical sketch of Thomas L. Preston; and Francis Preston’s memoranda book discussing family genealogy and Preston family estate settlements, especially disputed land.
Most of the collection deals with Francis Preston (1765-1835). His correspondence; business and legal matters, his role as agent for the Loyal Land Co.; documents regarding the War of 1812 signed by him; a 1797 political circular written by him; and a biographical sketch of him by his son, Thomas.
Colonel William Preston (1729-1783) also figures prominently in the collection. His correspondence primarily concerns the American Revolution and land, and matters regarding the settlement of his estate are included.
In addition to the Francis and William Preston, other correspondents include Nathaniel Hart, John Preston, William C. Preston, Isaac Shelby, Francis Walker, William C. Bullitt, Robert Wickliffe, Horace Greeley, and Edward Dorsey Hobbs.
Legal and business papers, 1776-1838, of the Preston family and Arthur Campbell, regarding taxes, estates, a legislative act, court fees, a guardianship, household and farming materials, and services provided are also included. In addition, there are accounts of a Preston/Campbell family salt business at “Salt Works” Washington County, Va., 1785-1836; and considerable genealogical material regarding the Preston, Campbell, Buchanan, and allied families.
Folder List
Box 1
fl. 1 Correspondence, Preston and allied families, 1780-1840.
fl. 2 Business and travel journal, 1825.
fl. 3 Memoranda book: genealogy, and business and legal affairs, 1761-1899.
fl. 4 Military papers, 1777-1865.
fl. 5 Legal papers, 1790-1835.
fl. 6 Arthur Campbell legal and business papers, 1776-1792.
fl. 7 Land papers, 1754-1827.
fl. 8 Loyal Company of Virginia land papers, 1789-1833.
fl. 9 Papers of Edward Dorsey Hobbs, real estate agent for Francis Preston.
Box 2
fl. 10 Business and financial papers, Preston and Campbell families, 1781-1838.
fl. 11 Papers of Preston/Campbell family salt business, “Salt Works,” Washington County, Va., 1785-1830.
fl. 12 Papers of Preston/Campbell family salt business, “Salt Works,” Washington County, Va., 1831.
fl. 13 Papers of Preston/Campbell family salt business, “Salt Works,” Washington County, Va., 1832-1836 and n.d.
fl. 14 Printed political circular, 1797.
fl. 15 Genealogical and biographical material, Preston and allied families, n.d.
