James P. Preston

By drbillsmith

  • James Birth

    James P. Preston was born in Defiance, Williams Co, OH

  • James' Father, William, drowns in river

    I have not been able to confirm any details of this tragedy; or the date, just in 1937...

  • James' mother remarries

    Asenath Butler Preston marries Asa Rugges Thomas

  • Ellen Born

    Ellen born in Bryan, Williams Co, OH

  • James leaves for Gold Fields

    James leaves the Omaha/Council Bluffs area on a wagon train for Sacramento, CA.

  • James arrives in Sacramento

    James arrives by wagon train in California gold field area, arriving first in Sacramento

  • James moves from California to Idaho, then to Montana

    In 1862, James sold his interests in California Gold Mines and moved on to Idaho gold fields. He leaves his money with a partner and goes to Montana Gold Fields. The partner abscounds with the money, and James is left in Montana to start over.

  • James First Married

    James married first Ellen Rebecca Miller in Bryan, Williams Co, OH

  • First son, Ernest, born

    Son, Ernest Guy, born in Deer Lodge, MT

  • Second son, Harry L., born

    Son, Harry L., born in Deer Lodge, MT

  • Third son, John M., born

  • Daughter, Ellen Rebecca, born

    Daughter, Ellen Rebecca, born in Deer Lodge, MT; named for her mother.

  • James files abandonment

    James files papers that Ellen has been gone a year; not returning.

  • James marries a second time

    James married Nora C. Gallagher in Deer Lodge, MT

  • A daughter is born to James and Nora

    Estella is born to James and Nora in Deer Lodge, MT

  • James and daughter appear in 1900 US Census

    James, listed as Widow (often means Divorced) is listed in Deer Lodge with his daughter, Estella.

  • James Death

    James died in the Deer Lodge, MT, area on the last day of 1906, according to family records. I have bee unable to confirm, personally.