J F PRESTON, M D

One of the successful and prominent physicians of Atchison county is Dr. Preston, of Effingham, who is engaged in the practice of medicine at this place since 1880. He was born in Platte county, Missouri, January 20, 1849, and is a son of Morgan Preston, who was of Scotch-Irish lineage. The father was educated in the university at Louisville. The characteristics of his parentage were shown in the happy blending of the versatility of the wit and genius in the land of the shamrock and the shrewd economy and forethought of that of the thistle. He married Miss Nancy Evans, daughter of Colonel John Evans, a loyal soldier in the war of 1812, and a resident of New Orleans. Nine children, five sons and four daughters, were born of this union. The father died in Leavenworth county, Kansas, at the age of eighty-four years. He gave his political support to the Republican party, and both he and his wife were members of the Christian church. Mrs. Preston was called to her final rest at the age of sixty-nine years.

Doctor Preston, whose name begins this review, was educated in Platte City, Missouri, and at the age of eighteen years began teaching. Later he took up the study of medicine, under the direction of Dr. A. J. Chase, of Leavenworth, a well-known physician of that place. In 1873, having gained a broad and accurate knowledge of the medical science, Dr. Preston began practice in Leavenworth, Kansas, where he remained until his removal to Effingham, in 1880.

In 1875 was celebrated the Doctor's marriage to Miss Elizabeth C. Sutton, daughter of Henry Clay Sutton, who died in California in 1893, at the age of seventy-three years, while Mrs. Sutton died at the age of twenty-six years. Seven children have been born to the Doctor and his wife, but one daughter died in infancy. The living are: Eva May, Luella, Lucien F., Otis, Tiffany and W. Scott.

Doctor Preston exercises the right of franchise in support of men and measures of the Republican party and takes a deep interest in its success, yet has never sought political preferment for himself. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, with which he became identified on joining the lodge in Muscotah. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also of the Modern Woodmen of America, and is a consistent member and faithful worker in the Christian church. Of fine physique, well developed mind and genial manner, he has the friendship of many with whom he has come in contact and the respect of all. The success which has attended his efforts is but a natural sequence, for his position has become assured as an able physician. He is a man of sterling integrity, and one devoted to his profession and to the interests and welfare of those to whom he ministers.