Pioneer Sketches
The Adventures of James P. Preston

[7], p. 398
James P. Preston
One of the Pioneers of Deer Lodge, Mont.
This page includes sketches I have compiled from my family history research for
my own use. I am posting them on the Internet in the interest of sharing this
information with interested parties. If you appear to be directly related, based
on the information in the the sketches, or have comments to share with me about
these sketches, I would be happy to hear from you. I do not do research for others,
nor am I particularly interested in speculative relationships or unrelated surname
discussions. There are many other worthy sites for these activities. I hope you
enjoy reading some of these interesting stories.
Return to Preston Return
to Pioneer Sketches
The following sketches are based on a variety of sources
uncovered during the past twenty-six months. The key initial piece of
information that made all the rest possible was receipt of "a small
biography on him in History of Montana"
that I recieved from Montana Historical Society Library during the
first week of January, 1996 (this "small biography" is provided, word
for word, in The Story, below). The rest
of these sketches are arranged on a timeline. Each, where possible,
begins with a short quote from the "small biography" followed by
additional documented information from other sources and appropriate
comments, up to date. Comments,
updates and documented corrections welcomed.
Bill Smith, compiler, March
1998.
Index of Stories
Beginning
"JAMES P. PRESTON, Deer Lodge valley, is a native of Ohio, born
February 22, 1835, at Fort Defiance and is a son of Captain William
Preston, an officer of 1812, being the youngest of a family of ten
children." From The Story.
His father was William Preston, known as "the first
permanent white settler" of Defiance, OH, the town built near the site of old
Fort Defiance, Defiance Co, OH. However, William Preston moved from Defiance,
in 1828, about 25 miles northwest, to St. Joseph Township, Williams Co, where
the family was living at his death in 1837, when James was little more than
two years old.
It is believed that William Preston ran a trading post in Defiance from about
1816 until they moved away from Defiance in 1828. Recorded anecdotal history
in Defiance County has "the William Preston family" (it is yet to be determined
if this was a first or second "family") living in one of the remaining buildings
of the old Fort Defiance in about 1818-1819. We have yet to confirm any military
service for our William Preston from normal National Archive sources. William
Preston married Asenath Butler (daughter of John
Butler, Richland Township, Defiance Co) in 1820. From that time until James
was born in 1835, we know of only four other children: Alice L., Charles William,
Henry Clay, George Washington (the last two were twins). There is strong evidence
that a William C. Preston, born 1798 in Vermont, who spent his later years in
St. Joseph Township, was also a half-brother of James and his sister and brothers.
The families and descendants of each of these siblings is well
documented.
William Preston was elected (in 1824, re-elected 1826) the first
Sheriff, in Defiance, of Williams Co (the Defiance County townships
were a part of Williams County from 1824 until 1845). Several stories
about "the Old Sheriff" (as he is referred to regularly by members of
other branches of his family) are included in the histories written
about both Defiance and Williams Counties.
To summarize, James would have lived his first two years with his
natural parents, William and Asenath Preston, on the farm (which is
now part of the town of Edgerton, OH) before his father, William
Preston, died. At that time, in the home, besides his mother,
Asenath, were: Charles William (he went by William most of his life,
it appears), age 11; Alice, age 10; Henry and George (twins), age 5.
In 1840, three years after the father died, the federal census lists
Asenath Preston as head of household. In the household is an adult
male who appears to be Asa R. Thomas, whom Asenath does marry and
spends a long life. Also in the census is a baby boy, presumably
Elihu, son of Asa and Asenath. In addition, there are James, 5, Henry
and George, 8, Alice, 13, and (Charles) William, age 14.
California Rockin'
"When he was seventeen years old he left his parents, went to
California and immediately engaged in mining in Nevada county, and
later in Yuba county. He owned an eighth interest in the Blue Gravel
Mining Company and worked in this mine for five years. He sold his
interests and in 1862 went to Florence, Idaho..." From The
Story.
In 1852, when James was 17, he says "he left his parents" and went to
California. The "parents" he left were his mother and step-father,
Asa Thomas, of course, not his natural parents. James' brother,
George, had left about four years earlier, in 1848, when he was about
16. Henry had been "farmed out" to neighboring farms from time to
time, but, did stay close to his mother over the years. Alice married
Lucius Van Wormer 28 FEb 1847, at age 20. William married Isabelle on
18 Feb 1853. Both raised large families. In 1855, Asa and Asenath
moved to Jones Co, Iowa, and lived there into the 1880s. Both twins,
George and Henry, also moved to Iowa in subsequent years and lived
into the 1900s in Jones Co. Alice and her family lived in Michigan
for a time, lived in Jones Co at the time of the 1870 census, but
moved on, elsewhere in Iowa (she died in 1920). Descendants of these
families in Jones Co, IA, were not aware of James P., nor were we
(descentants of James) aware of them, until I contacted them during
1996-1997!
In the San Antonio, TX, public library (a wonderful new facility), in
the Spring of 1996, I found a book of California
Wagon Train Lists. There were only two listings for either J. or
James Preston. On page 140, extracted from a local newpaper:
Following California emigrants arrived in Kanesville, Iowa during the
period of May 13-20, 1852 and were prepared to depart for the West:
J. Preston, listed with about 60 other men. Later, from pages
162-164: Placerville, CA (Sept 1852). On September 14, 1852, the
Sacramento Union published a list of overland emigrants who had
arrived in Placerville during the first week of September, 1852.
Among a few hundred names mentioned is J. Preston. [2]
Of course, I have no way of actually knowing if this is our James P.
Preston, but, it does fit his story, the timing is right, and there
are no other references to choose from, to this date.
Two references to the Blue Gravel Mining Company have been located,
to date. In an 1879 History of Yuba County
California, page 136: "The Blue Gravel mine near Smarsville is
said to be the richest in the State. The yield from March, 1864, to
August, 1866, was $599,948." Both references are for several years
after James said he sold out and left (which seems to be a pattern of
his life. The second reference is a Report of James O'Brien's Mining
Property, dated 1868. It is essentially a sales prospectus listing
details of several properties, including a major interest in the Blue
Gravel Mining Company. From early in the report: "These works involve
great expense and consume years of labor, but the brilliant success
obtained by the Blue Gravel Company, now without doubt the most noted
placer mining company in this State, has encouraged all the owners of
large claims upon this channel, and several tunnels are being pushed
forward with vigor, in the greatest confidence that the final result
will abundantly repay the proprietors for their outlay of time and
money.
"It was in March, 1864, that the Blue Gravel Mining Company completed
a tunnel 1,400 feet in length, on which they had engaged nine years,
and succeeded in reaching the upper portion of the lower stratum of
this auriferous deposit. It is this stratum which is properly known
as the "Blue Gravel," owing to its distinctive color, that was found
so wonderfully productive at Timbuctoo and Sand Hill, as well as at
the other localities above mentioned, and that has also principally
furnished the enormous amount of gold produced by the Blue Gravel
Company during and since 1864." Financial figures support the numbers
mentioned above.
This would suggest that James had an early involvement in this
successful mine but sold out at a good profit and moved on (not
participating in later, greater success).
Montana by way of
Idaho
"He sold his interests and in 1862 went to Florence, Idaho, and
mined until he lost over $20,000. He purchased a claim and opened it,
but it failed to pay, as labor was worth $20 per day and board $15
per day, picks, $45 each, shovels, $45 each, and gum boots, $45 per
pair. The claim required eight feet of stipping by hand and all
supplies were brought in eighteen miles on snowshoes. The claim was
rich, but would not pay such a tremendous outlay. After this loss he
went to Boise basin $500 in debt, located a claim, and the ensuing
year paid his debt of $500 and cleared $20,000. In 1863 he ran a
bed-rock cut from Granite creek; flumed the lumber, costing $8,000
per thousand; used 100 inches of water at $100 per inch, and bought
out his partner except a 1-6 interest. The mine did not yield as much
as was expected.
"At this time the mining excitement in Montana was at its height, and
in October, 1865, Mr. Preston went to that territory. After visiting
various parts he was not pleased with the country, and made
preparations to return to Idaho. In the meantime his partner had sold
their claim in Idaho, having been given the power of attorney to sell
the claim - by Mr. Preston - if he decided to remain in Montana. The
claim was sold for $8,000 and partner and money both disappeared. Mr.
Preston again suffering a loss of about $12,000. In 1866 he mined on
Elk Creek, but was unsuccessful." From The
Story.
Gold was discovered at Bannack in Beaverhead Valley (Montana) in
1862. In 1863, Gold was discovered at Virginia City in Ader Gulch
{just east of what would be Deer Lodge, Montana}. Gold was discovered
at Last Chance Gulch near Helena in 1864. May 26, 1864, the Territory
of Montana was formed from the Territory of Idaho. 2 Feb 1865 the
following counties were established: Beaverhead, Chouteau, Custer,
Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, Madison, and
Missoula. [5]
Deer Lodge, altitude 4,530 feet, population 3,510, is bisected by
Clark Fork of the Columbia (written in 1939). On the east side of
town, which has broad streets, are many sturdy square houses popular
in the West during the 1870's and 1880's. Castles built with the
wealth of mines and ranches and log cabin homes survive almost side
by side. In 1862, when the first important gold strikes in this area
attracted attention, a shack town sprang up here, called variously,
Cottonwood, Spanish Forks, and La Barge. Deer Lodge was the name
officially adopted in 1864. An important stop on the Mullan Wagon
Road, it was listed by Captain Mullan in his Miner's and Traveler's
Guide. It was one of the few places along the route where immigrants
could obtain fresh beef and vegetables, and the services of a
blacksmith. Prospectors coming up from the south called it the "good
little town on the road to Bear" because it was a pleasant place to
break the journey on the trail to Bearmouth, a mining camp 50 miles
farther down the Clark Fork. [6]
From the collections in the Montana Historical Society Archives SC
675, I also received, in the first week of January, 1996, a photocopy
of a handwritten letter, signed by Jas. P. Preston. Their description
is as follows: James Preston (b. 1835) was a Deer Lodge, Montana
Territory, livery stable operator. Collection consists of a letter
(June 4, 1867) discussing his personal affairs.
"Deer Lodge City, June 4th , 1867
Mr. Stubbs Dear Sir
I sent that Power of Attorney that you asked me for, on the 16th of
February, and have not, as yet, heard from it, and as you said that
you intended to Start up the River on the first Boat, therefore if
you did I think that you must be at Helena at the present time.
Thinking so I take the liberty of writing to ask you did you Get that
Power of Attorney before you Started & if so did you make Sale of
the Land, and if you did how much did you receive for it. Also did
you fetch me that Piece of Dry Goods, that I asked you for. I should
be glad tohear from you soon. I am farming this summer that is I have
a few acres of Vegitables I think the Grasshoppers will clean out
about all that I have although it is hard to tell yet it is most too
soon for them to do much damage. There is nothing of any importance
doing on this side of the mountains. The mine at Bute City is turning
out to be Very Good, also Gold Creek & Flint are boath very good
camps. Flint Creek is thought to be the best camp in the Territory.
The mine is principally Quartz there is now one mill being Built it
is to be a 24 Stamp mill So I am told if you should happen over this
way Please Give me a call. You can find out in town where I am
Located. as I have no news I think the Best thing I can do is to dry
up. So wishing you in Good Health ecc. I will bid you a very Good
Night. Yours as Ever, Jas. P. Preston"
Ranch, Mine or
Livery
"He had located his present ranch near Deer Lodge in 1865, and
thither he turned his footsteps, resolved to abandon the ups and
downs of a miner's life. In the summer of 1867 he was employed as
superintendent of constuction of the Rock creek ditch, thirteen miles
long, capacity 1,500 inches of water. It was seven feet wide on top,
five feet on the bottom and three feet deep. This ditch has proved a
good paying investment.
"Mr. Preston, in company with John Coffey, had started a livery
stable in Deer Lodge City, and during 1868 gave his personal
attention to the business. In 1869 he left his partner to attend to
affairs and went to Pioneer, purchased a mining claim, which he
worked about one month; owning half of the claim. He left his partner
in charge of the claim and again took the superintendency of the Rock
creek ditch. He sold his Pioneer claim in the fall, clearing some
money on it, and bought a claim and ditch in company with Colonel
Thornton. In 1870 he lost all he had in mining interests and returned
to his livery business in Deer Lodge City."
James was obviously struggling with decisions as to where his
interests really were. This is the period of his life when he was 30
to 35 years of age. He had both earned and lost a good deal of money
several times. He obviously had considerable technical skills, but
lacked some people and some investment skills, it would appear.
The earliest land transaction documentation of interest in Montana
Territory has so far been found to have begun in 1869. "In the United
States of America, Territory of Montana, Second Judicial District:
James P. Preston being duly sworn, upon oath states: that he is a
resident of Deer Lodge County Montana Territory: that on the 18th day
of March 1869 he filed with the Register of the U.S. Land Office at
Helena M.T. his D.S. No. 454 claiming as a Pre-emption the E2 of NE4
of Section 8 and S2 of NW4 of Section 9 inT7N of R9W; that he desires
to change his pre-emption filing to a Homestead entry and to
substitute for the NE4 of NE4 of Sec 8, the SW4 of NE4 of said
Section, to avoid conflict with Bryan Irvine who has included the NE4
of NE4 of Section 8 aforesaid in his pre-emption filing No. 535, and
who he now verily believes has the best right to the same; that he
has made bona fide improvements and settlement upon the tract now
claimed as a Homestead, has made it his home for the last three
years, and has not been absent from it more than two months at any
one time; that he is prevented from personal attendance at the
District Land Office to make entry by reason of distance - the same
being at least 47 miles. James P. Preston"
This land consisted of four forty acres parcels aligned from east to
west, about a mile and a half south of the town of Deer Lodge, with
the Jack Fork River running through the center of the eastern most
forty and on the west edge of Deer Lodge. Later, James bought another
40 directly to the west to have 200 acres streching over a mile and a
quarter.
Homestead Application No. 222 (was filed at) Land Office at Helena
Montana Ter. April 12, 1870: I, James P. Preston of Deer Lodge County
Montana Ter. do hereby apply to enter, under the provisions of the
act of Congress approved May 20, 1862, entitled "An act to secure
homesteads to actual settlers on the public domain," the S2 of NE4 of
Section Eight (8) and the S2 of NW4 of Section Nine (9) in Township
Seven (7) North of Range Nine (9) West containing one hundred and
sixty (160) Acres. (signed) James P. Preston
Land Office at Helena M.T. April 12th 1870. I, L. B. Lyman Register
of the Land Office, do hereby certify that the above application is
for Surveyed Lands of the class which the applicant is legally
entitled to enter under the Homestead act of May 20, 1862, and that
there is no prior, valid, adverse right to the same. (signed) L. B.
Lyman, Register.
This is apparently the official document of Homestead eligiblity. The
copy James held was apparently destroyed in the fire at the Livery,
as there is a court record where James has to certify that he held
application No. 222.
Application No. 129, Office of Probate Judge (page 203), Deer Lodge,
M.T., Sept 25, 1869, shows: "We, John Coffy and Jas. P. Preston of
Deer Lodge County Montana Territory do hereby apply to enter Lots No.
twelve (12) and thirteen (13). Each lot being 190.5 (?) feet front in
Block No. Eleven (11) in the Town of Deer Lodge. (signed) Coffey and
Preston.
John Coffey being duly sworn says that he above described Lots were
first claimed and possessed by the Deer Lodge Town Compnay (AD1864?)
and that the said Lots are now occupied and possessed by them, the
said applicants. The applicant further says that hehas now on the
said premises improvements to the value of one thousand dollars
consisting of one building used as a Livery stable."
On the 14th day of June, 1870, the federal census of Deer Lodge
(town), shows four men living at Dwelling 37:
1. Preston, James P., age=35, Male, White, Occupation=Miner, Value of
Real Estate=10,000.00, Value of Personal Estate=2,000.00, born
Ohio.
2. Coffey, John, age=34, Male, White, Occupation=Stable keeper, Value
of Real Estate=3,000.00, Value of Personal Estate=2,000.00, born
Ohio.
3. Preston, Nathaniel, age=24, Male, White, Occupation=Miner, born
England.
4. Beesley, William O., age=24, Male, White, Occupation=Freighter,
Personal Estate=600.00, born Indiana.
(the diversity of occupation and birthplaces of the residents of Deer
Lodge in this census is a story unto itself - to be told at a later
date!)
I have found no indication of any family relationship between James
P. and Nathaniel Preston, but, of course, that is not say there is
not one. James' ancestory is still a matter of "much research yet to
do."
Some Preston activities have been located in the local newspaper, the
New Northwest, in Deer Lodge:
1. 25 Feb 1870: J. P. Preston of the Deer Lodge Valley visits in Deer
Lodge.
2. 22 Jul 1870: Coffee & Preston's livery stable is finished, and
is now one of the best appointed horse hotels on the West Side.
One thing James is missing, as 1870 goes by, is a family that will be
needed to complete his claim on the Homestead.
The Family
"In the fall of 1870 he returned to the states and on March 21,
1871, married Miss Ellen M., daughter of Jacob and Rebecca Miller, of
Williams Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Preston have four children: Ernest
G., born February 20, 1872; Henry L., born July 14, 1873; Jake
Miller, born October 15, 1874; Ellen Rebecca, born April 1, 1880.
Our subject returned to Montana and continued in the livery business
during the summer, and in the fall of 1871 moved to his present
ranch. His livery business burned in 1872
and he closed up the business and invested in cattle. He owns 200
acres of land, of which he cultivates about seventy acres, and mows
nearly all of the balance, cutting almost eighty tons of hay per
annum. He has about thirty head of horses, all well bred, mostly of
Mambrino and Morgan stock, besides about fifty head of cattle. The
record of this man's life has been one of toil and hard ship, whose
conquests are not the result of favorable circumstances but of
untiring energy and industry." From The
Story.
James P. Preston was my great-grandfather, of course.
I am certainly glad that he "returned to the states" and married Miss Ellen.
Otherwise, I wouldn't exist. Miss Ellen was born 15 Sep 1850, the youngest of
nine children of John and Rebecca Miller
(notice James has the name of his father-in-law wrong, apparently). She would
have been 20 years old when she married, James would have been 36. John Miller
was a prosporus farmer.
This whole episode is missing many details, such as, why did he go
back to Ohio, where did he stay, did he contact any of his family,
how did he meet Ellen, etc. There is no family tradition information
in our line, of course, because of events subsequent to the 1885
story. Ellen and her family lived their later lives as if James never
existed, for the most part. That is the "impression" I grew up with:
"He existed, but we don't care to know anything else about him." And
they didn't.
One possible explanation for James returning to Ohio may relate to the final
settlement of his natural father's estate about that time (research ongoing).
The Probate record appears to be incomplete, but, the documents I have obtained
provided the leads necessary to locate the sister and brothers. In particular,
there are two documents, dated in May and in August 1868, nearly thirty years
after the death of Willam Preston, where there is a dispute still going on over
the final settlement of the estate, over the final sale of the farm land, it
appears. Charles Kent is representing the heirs as attorney and heirs are listed
as "...William Preston, Henry C. Preston, Geo. W. Preston,
James P. Preston, William Preston & Alice Preston..." as to who should
be appointed as Administrator at the time. This would indicate there was contact
among the siblings in 1868. Brother (Charles) William was still living in Bridgewater
Township, in the north tier of townships in Williams County. All other (known)
family members were in Iowa by that time. A search of land records in Ohio may
help. That is on the "to do" list!
Some Preston family activities have been located in the local
newspaper, the New Northwest, in Deer Lodge:
1. 24 Feb 1872: Born, PRESTON - To the wife of James Preston, Deer
Lodge, Feb. 20, a son.
2. 19 Jul 1873: Born, PRESTON - To the wife of James Preston, Deer
Lodge, July 14, 1873, a son.
June 22, 1876: General George A. Custer was sent up the Rosebud
River. He passed over the divide of the Little Big Horn. He met
between 8,000 and 10,000 Indians and all the men were killed.
[5]
Several interesting papers are part of the Patent Land file for the
Homestead for James P. Preston. One is the Affidavit Prequired of
Homestead Claimants, Acts of May 20, 1862, and June 21, 1866. I,
James P. Preston, having made a Homestead entry of the S2 of the NE4
of Sec no 8 and the S2 of the NW4 section No. 9 in township No. 7
North, of range No. 9 West, subject to entry at Helena Montana
Territory, under the first section of the Homestead Act of 1862 &
1864, do now apply to perfect my claim thereto by virtue of the first
proviso to the second section of said act; and for that purpose do
solemnly swear that I am the head of a family and a native born
citizen of the United State; that I have made actual settlement upon
and have cultivated said land, having resided thereon since the 12th
day of April, 1870, to the present time; that no part of said land
has been alienated, but that I am the sole bona fide owner as an
actual settler; and that I will bear true allegiance to the
Government of the United States. (signed) James P. Preston. Certified
27 Mar 1877.
Another document is: Final Proof required under Homestead Act May 20,
1862. We, Granville Stuart, John C. Kirley do solemnly swear that we
have known James P. Preston for 7 years last past; that he is the
head of a family consisting of a wife and 3 children and is a citizen
of the United States; that he is an inhabitnat of the S2 of NE4 of
sec no 8 and the S2 of the NW4 of section No. 9 in Township No. 7
North of Range No. 9 West and that no other person resided upon the
said land entitled to the right of Homestead or Pre-emption. That the
said James P. Preston entered upon and made settlement on said land
on the 12th day of April, 1870, and has built a house thereon and has
lived in the said house and made it his exclusive home from the ( )
day of April, 1870, to the present time, and that he has, since said
settlement, plowed, fenced, and cultivated about 30 acres of said
land, and has made the following improvements thereon, to wit: has
built a stable, corral, stock sheds, Root-House, Milk House, and most
of the tract is under fence which form improvements have cost about
$2,500.00 (signed) Granville Stuart, John C. Kerley. Certified 27
March 1877.
James P. Preston received his land patent as Homestead Certificate
No. 194, based on Application No. 222, dated 20 Nov 1877, signed in
the name of Rutherford B. Hayes, President of the United States.
The 160 acre Homestead is recorded in the Land Records, Deer Lodge
County Courthouse, Bk5/p224, dated 16 Jan 1880: Grantor - U.S.;
Grantee - Jas. Preston.
Fifth day of June, 1880, federal census, Deer Lodge Valley, County of
Deer Lodge, State of Montana: 12, 8:
J. P. Preston, white, male, age 45, Farmer, Ohio, Ohio, VA(??)
Ellen Preston, white, female, white, female, 29, wife, housekeeper,
OH, PA, OH
Earnest, white, male, 8, son, at school, MT, OH, PA?
Harry, white, male, 6, son, at school, MT, OH, PA?
John, white, male, 4, son, MT, OH, PA?
Rebecca, white, female, 2/12, Mar, daughter, MT, OH, PA?
In the Land Records, Deer Lodge County Courthouse, Bk4/p48, dated 18
Nov 1880: Grantor - Probate Judge; Grantee - Ella M. Preston; L15
& 16, Blk 55. (For $28, per court record.)
A newspaper account dated 9 Mar 1883 says: "Roller skating rinks
enjoyed great popularity for several years. A small one built by
Preston and Woodard was immediately and immensely popular.
[7] I know not at this time is this was James P. Preston, but
it seems likely that it was. Reference [7] also contained a
picture of James P. Preston, p. 398, as one of the "Pioneers of Deer
Lodge, Montana."
From School District # 1, City of Deer Lodge, records:
1. 1878: Name of Parent or Guardian - J. P. Preston: Preston, Ernest,
age 7, male; Harry S., age 6, male; John W., age 4, male.
2. 1882: Name of Parents or Guardian - J. P. Preston: Preston,
Ernest, age 11, male; Henry, age 9, male; John, age 7, male; Baby,
inf. (listed under "male under 4" but that is an error, of
course).
3. 1883: Names of Parents or Guardians - J. P. Preston: Preston,
Ernest, age 12, male; Henry, age 10, male; John, age 9; Ella, age 4,
female.
4. 1884: Name of Parent or Guardian - J. P. Preston: Preston, Ernest,
age 12, male; Henry, age 11, male; John, age 10, male; Ella, age 5,
female.
5. 1885: Names of Parent or Guardian - James Preston: Ernest, age 13,
male; Henry, age 12, male; John, age 11, male; Ella, age 6,
female.
The Fire
From Saturday morning, Feb. 24, 1872, NewNorthWest, Deer Lodge,
Montana Territory.
A Disastrous Conflagration.
An Entire Business Row of Deer Lodge in Ashes.
Sixteen Buildings Burned
LOSS, $68,325.
[From the New North-West Extra, Feb. 18.]
Almost simultaneously, at a little before 3 o'clock this morning, Mr.
Wm. Rowe, night watchman, and Mr. Robert Wiles discovered flames
issuing from the rear portion of the roof of Coffee & Preston's
large livery stable, standing at the corner of Main and Second
streets, and at once gave the alarm, Mr. Rowe rousing Main Street in
a few minutes. When discovered it had gained but little headway, but
almost a gale prevailing from a point or two east of south it was
fanned to fury in a few minutes, and the eager flames swept from the
immense stable front and rear around the adjoining store of Parchen,
Paynter & Co. gathering its rich store of combustibles to its
assistance, and presaging almost inevitable destruction to the two
principal business blocks of Deer Lodge. In a few minutes hundreds of
men were at the scene, and to save the most valuable goods from the
stores in the certainly doomed block, was accepted as a first duty,
and, like Trojans, scores of willing men applied themselves to the
task, in some instances standing by their dangerous task until the
flames enveloped them, and skins were parched in the on sweeping
furnace.
But on sped the fire, Mrs. Wright's, Sharp & Napton's, and D. B.
Halderman's buildings ignited in quick succession, and the ferocious
flames lashed by the quartering gale reaching eagerly on and across
swept almost over the 100 feet wide Main Street, a spray of fire
sweeping up against Valiton's, Thompson's, the Scott House, Emerson's
and the Occidental, and fairly raining fire upon the scores of
earnest workers who battled and beat it as manfully as ever men met
and vanquished the fire fiend. So fierce was the heat that thoroughly
saturated blankets on these buildings repeatedly ignited, and the
face of them is browned - almost blackened - and the paint is crisped
and peeled. In some places the pitch from the pine exuded under the
heat and fried like a spider. Fortunately not a blaze started on that
side, for the sheet of flame would have flashed along the entire
block almost instantly and no man could have withstood it.
While this was going on, Bein's Brewery, Robinson & Thornton's,
Grant's large City Hall and adjoining Restaurant, the Harris
Building, Welch Building (Wolf's Barber Shop), and the Welch &
Willey Building (Kleinshmidts), caught in quick succession, and at
4:30 o'clock the entire block was in blaze - a grand, glowing mass of
flame and coal, an alter on which was sacrificed this Sabbath morning
the hard earnings of many and the all of more than one good, honest,
industrious man.
While the Grant Building was burning hottest there occurred one of
the heroic incidents of the fire, seen by hundreds, and its success
was rewarded with a round cheer of grateful appreciation. The roof of
the "old Decker Building," an eye sore and standing iniquity of the
town, was fired in three places by wafted brands. In anticipation of
this, ropes had been put to it, the corner posts and tenons cut, and
all in readiness to pull it down if need be, as it commanded, and its
burning made inevitable, the destruction of Dance & Murphy's
Planing Mill and the yard containing over a million feet of piled
lumber. When it caught it was found impossible with the force of men
available to pull it down. At this juncture, John Murphy, Chas.
Murphy, and "Bob" Bouier, ascended inside, and Bouier mounting on the
shoulders of the others jumped through a burning hole in the steep
roof to the outside with a pail of water, sprang up it, ran along the
high comb like a Blondin, and extinguished a burning spot
inaccessible from the inside. The other places were easily reached,
and no other places igniting, in that portion of the town, the
valuable machinery and lumber requisite to rebuild the burnt district
was saved. Bob Bouier is a hero.
Meantime the fire was slacking. It had burned the entire block; its
expansion had been prevented, walls and chimneys were crumbled to
their bases. The apprehension was over - the actual could be
realized. So far as we are enabled to learn today, the following will
approximate closely to the actual losses:
Buildings Burned.
Coffee & Preston - livery stable and adjoining store building, $
6,000
Wm. Copinus - clothing [Coffey's building], 2,000
Parchen, Paynter & Co. - house and drug stock,
$5,000; burnt in cash $500, 5,500
[Fireproof with $10,000 stock saved, will open
tomorrow adjoining Gas & Klein]
Cohen - groceries, [Mrs. Wright's building] 3,000
Mrs. A. Wright [owned Cohen building] 1,500
Joseph Rosenthal - clothing and dry-goods,
house and merchandise 8,000
[The fire-proof burned; no goods of any consequence in
it.]
Wm. Coleman - grocer - stock, from $500 to 600
Sharp & Napton - law office and Coleman building, 1,500
C. Elias - clothing - stock $2,500 to 3,000
[Largest part of stock in fire-proof]
D.B. Halderman [owned Elias building,] 3,000
M. Bien - brewery - building, saloon, and brewery, 6,000
[malt house save, value $1,000]
E.T. Heuson - tobacco and cigars, 800
[fire-proof safe, and nearly all stock saved.]
R. W. Donnell owned Heuson building, 2,500
Thornton & Robinson - law office and building, 800
H. Lansing - shoe shop, 100
Jon. Grant - City Hall and restaurant building, 8,000
Billiard table, etc., 1,000
Deer Lodge Club, 100
John Anderson, (col.) - restaurant, 250
Harris Bros. - shoemakers - building and stock, $1,500 to 2,000
[Saved nearly all the stock.]
Dr. O. B. Whitford - instruments and furniture, 1,000
D.J. Welch - [Wolff building,] 1,500
Estate of B. Wolff - barber shop, 800
R.C. Hancock - butcher fixtures, etc., 500
Kleinschmidt Bros. - grocers - m'd'se $1,500;
personal property $200, 1,700
Commission goods, 800
[saved fire-proof and $40,000 worth of goods.]
Welch & Willey - Klienschmidt building, 1,800
Total.......................................................
$63,530
DAMAGES TO BUILDINGS, MOVING, ETC.
N. Thompson & Co........................................... $
200
H.G. Valiton 500
R. Boisvert 75
Chas. Blum 500
Gilbert & Meyer 50
Aspling & Son 250
Dance & Stuart, on Buildings 500
Emerson & Co., 500
Richardson Bros 200
Scott House, 1,000
Total.......................................................
$4,775
Grand Total............................................ $68,325
The following diagram will give a fair idea of the locality of the
fire:
{Coffee & Preston Livery Stable listed as "Coffee & CO."}

And thus, at last has the valuation of fire fallen upon us. An entire
block is in ashes. We do not believe that any time after fifty men
reached the scene, a fire engine could have saved any building that
was burned, but in a less vigorous breeze, with engine, hooks, and
ladders, some might have been saved, but they could not have been
with the appliances at hand this morning. The saving of the Scott
House block was not miraculous, but it was an astounding result of
energy, endurance and determination. Men never worked better, and
although some were indifferent, some paralyzed, and some were
poltroons who stood back with the Chinamen and absolutely refused to
assist, nearly every one came forward nobly when shown where he could
be of service. We join with the Independent in giving the colored men
of Deer Lodge due mention. Every one of them worked manfully, and
fought the fire like salamanders. The Chinese, with one exception,
positively refused to render any assistance. We acknowledge gratitude
to the employees of the New North-West, to others who assisted us,
and to the many, including our Independent friends, who proffered
service when the situation was perilous. However, the wind happened
to hold firm in one direction, and that with the night thaw - the
first of the year - which flooded the streets and made water
plentiful, saved a large portion of the town. It is an unhappy fact
that not one of the force pumps in the vicinity of the burning block
was in working condition. The cool wind, too, favored the west side
of Main street. Nearly all the glass on that side is broken, and also
the large glass in Donnell, Clark & Larabie's Bank, the intense
heat splitting the panes in innumerable fragments across 80 feet and
100 feet streets.
THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE
is unknown; but the general belief is that the fire was started by an
incendiary. There had been no fire in Coffey's stable, and no one,
that Coffey knew of, occupying it since Feb 1st.
We think Deer Lodge would be a pretty warm ant-room to Hades for the
wretch who fired it, if he were known.
INCIDENTS, ETC.
Coffey had just removed his last buggy from the stable yesterday, and
it only contained two tons of hay.
Hank Valiton cut his sixty horses loose, and got nearly all them out
of the stable and across the river without trouble, where they and
the other horses of the neighborhood behaved frantically till
morning, but were prevented from recrossing the bridge.
We noticed Mr. Stevens, painter and glazier, at work at Chas. Blum's
by noon today.
So rapid did the fire sweep over some buildings that not even the
money was saved from the tills.
Thornton & Robinson will rebuild at once, and doubtless many
others purpose (sic) doing the same.
We have noted but briefly and hastily, for the information of other
localities, this disaster to our fair village. Before midsummer we
believe the entire block will be rebuilt with better structures. But
it is bad enough; Thank God it is no worse.
Deer Lodge, Sunday, Feb. 18, 6 p.m.
* * * * *
Monday, P. M.
Kleinschmidt Bros. opened today in Louis & Coleman's building,
adjoining Gans & Klein's.
The losses to the Scott House and Emmerson & Gerber's, omitted in
first account, are inserted today.
Mr. Henry M. Parchen informs us that $5,000 will cover their entire
loss, inclusive of cash.
R.C. Hancock, butcher, opened yesterday adjoining the Metropolitan
Billiard Hall.
Cohen, grocer, has re-opened adjoining Sweeney & Frazier's.
Higgens & Murphy and Dance, Stuart & Co., will erect two
large fire-proof stores next to Osborn & Dennee's, as soon as
material can be used.
Emmerson & Gerber are repairing their hall in first-class style
before re-opening.
The Burnt District was thronged with workers today, clearing off
rubbish, collecting "rich dirt," and removing goods from
firs-proofs.
Phil. E. Evans authorizes us to say he will furnish all his customers
who were burned out, with milk without cost for two months from
date.
Parchen, Paynter & Co. reopened adjoining Gaus & Klein
today.
Dr. O. B. Whitford announces his office at C. N. Bowie's drug store
until further notice.
Thornton & Robinson contracted with John Murphy this afternoon to
erect them a law office 13 x 30, on the site of the burned building.
It will be commenced tomorrow morning.
Jos. Rosenthal has reopened Dry Goods Store adjoining Aspling &
Son.
* * * * *
FIRE ENGINE
On Wednesday and Thursday Mr. Wm. H. Richardson and Dr. Mitchell
interviewed Deer Lodgers on the Fire Engine question to the following
effect:
We, the undersigned, agree to pay the amount set opposite our
respective names, for the purpose of purchasing a Fire Engine,
complete:
Strang & Richardson $100 C.N. Bowie $100
Chas. P.H. Bielenberg 100 H.G. Valiton 100
Sam. Scott 100 Murphy, Higgins & Co. 100
Murphy & Co. 100 Dance & Stuart 100
F.B.Miller 100 Donnell, Clark & Larabie 100
Emerson & Gerber 100 Con Kohrs & Bro 100
Jas. Talbot & Co 100 S.A. Willey & Co 100
Kerley, Smith & Co 50 Osborn & Dennee 50
J.V. Suprenant & Co 50 D.S. Kenyon 50
Mitchell & Holmes 50 Rev R. DeRyckere 50
Peter Valiton 50 Chas. Blum 50
Jas. H. Mills 50 R. Boisvert 50
Ah Kane Co 30 A. Heath 25
J. M. Steward 25 R.T. Kennon 25
R. Plummer 25 Wm. Wilson 25
Chas. Warren 10 Jas. E. Owings 10
O.B. O'Bannon 10 Wes. W. Jones 10
V.A. Smith 10 Henry DeWitt 20
D.Gamer 10 Wm. Hyde 10
Thos. F. Frasier 10 Cash 10
C.Elias 10 G. Bogk 10
Gem Kee 20 Jas. O. Grady 10
L. J. Sharp 10 R.C. Hancock 10
O.B. Whitford 10 B. Levy 15
J.C. Thornton 25 Louis McMurtry 10
Jno. Glass 5 A. Elliott 50
M. Goodman 5 Jno. Maxwell 5
Gans & Kllen 50
The total amount to date is $2410. It is designed to buy a Button
& Blake Engine, 40-man power, throwing a 2-inch stream, with 600
feet of 4-inch hose, hose-carriage, etc., the net cost of which, at
the manufactory, is $2,040. Arrangements are being made to have it
brought through direct. It will cost, probably, as much more to
supply the requisite cisterns, engine house, etc. That done, and an
efficient company organized, the town will be comparatively safe.
Deer Lodge has done tip-top in this matter, and there is plenty of
property yet subject to danger, although "a horse was stolen" before
"the door is locked."
* * * * * * * * * *
Megan Thompson, of Deer Lodge, in a letter of August 20, 1996 stated:
Within two weeks after the fire, the town had raised the necessary
funds for a new fire truck and established the first volunteer fire
department here which continues today. Most of the buildings were
immediately replaced by the owners with brick and granite "fireproof"
buildings, many of which are still in use.

The Story
(As documented in other sketches thoughout this web page, some of
the following is true and some is not. I assume James provided all,
or the bulk of, this information during an interview during 1884 or
early in 1885. He probably believed it all to be true, at the time.
The story is provided here, as written in the History
of Montana.)
JAMES P. PRESTON, Deer Lodge valley, is a native of Ohio, born
February 22, 1835, at Fort Defiance and is a son of Captain William
Preston, an officer of 1812, being the youngest of a family of ten
children.
When he was seventeen years old he left his parents, went to
California and immediately engaged in mining in Nevada county, and
later in Yuba county. He owned an eighth interest in the Blue Gravel
Mining Company and worked in this mine for five years. He sold his
interests and in 1862 went to Florence, Idaho, and mined until he
lost over $20,000. He purchased a claim and opened it, but it failed
to pay, as labor was worth $20 per day and board $15 per day, picks,
$45 each, shovels, $45 each, and gum boots, $45 per pair. The claim
required eight feet of stipping by hand and all supplies were brought
in eighteen miles on snowshoes. The claim was rich, but would not pay
such a tremendous outlay. After this loss he went to Boise basin $500
in debt, located a claim, and the ensuing year paid his debt of $500
and cleared $20,000. In 1863 he ran a bed-rock cut from Granite
creek; flumed the lumber, costing $8,000 per thousand; used 100
inches of water at $100 per inch, and bought out his partner except a
1-6 interest. The mine did not yield as much as was expected.
At this time the mining excitement in Montana was at its height, and
in October, 1865, Mr. Preston went to that territory. After visiting
various parts he was not pleased with the country, and made
preparations to return to Idaho. In the meantime his partner had sold
their claim in Idaho, having been given the power of attorney to sell
the claim - by Mr. Preston - if he decided to remain in Montana. The
claim was sold for $8,000 and partner and money both disappeared. Mr.
Preston again suffering a loss of about $12,000. In 1866 he mined on
Elk Creek, but was unsuccessful.
He had located his present ranch near Deer Lodge in 1865, and thither
he turned his footsteps, resolved in abandon the ups and downs of a
miner's life. In the summer of 1867 he was employed as superintendent
of constuction of the Rock creek ditch, thirteen miles long, capacity
1,500 inches of water. It was seven feet wide on top, five feet on
the bottom and three feet deep. This ditch has proved a good paying
investment.
Mr. Preston, in company with John Coffey, had started a livery stable
in Deer Lodge City, and during 1868 gave his personal attention to
the business. In 1869 he left his partner to attend to affairs and
went to Pioneer, purchased a mining claim, which he worked about one
month; owning half of the claim. He left his partner in charge of the
claim and again took the superintendency of the Rock creek ditch. He
sold his Pioneer claim in the fall, clearing some money on it, and
bought a claim and ditch in company with Colonel Thornton. In 1870 he
lost all he had in mining interests and returned to his livery
business in Deer Lodge City.
In the fall of 1870 he returned to the states and on March 21, 1871,
married Miss Ellen M., daughter of Jacob and Rebecca Miller, of
Williams Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Preston have four children: Ernest
G., born February 20, 1872; Henry L., born July 14, 1873; Jake
Miller, born October 15, 1874; Ellen Rebecca, born April 1, 1880.
Our subject returned to Montana and continued in the livery business
during the summer, and in the fall of 1871 moved to his present
ranch. His livery business burned in 1872 and he closed up the
business and invested in cattle. He owns 200 acres of land, of which
he cultivates about seventy acres, and mows nearly all of the
balance, cutting almost eighty tons of hay per annum. He has about
thirty head of horses, all well bred, mostly of Mambrino and Morgan
stock, besides about fifty head of cattle. The record of this man's
life has been one of toil and hard ship, whose conquests are not the
result of favorable circumstances but of untiring energy and
industry.
[paragraph breaks added here] p. 10897, Deer Lodge County
section [1]
The Split
Comments by my aunt, Lvene Thomas, in a personal note dated 17 Sep 1995, in
response to my request for more information on James P. Preston: "We don't have
much material on James P. Preston. He was born Feb 22, 1835 married our Grandmother
Ellen Rebecca Miller at Bryan, Ohio, Williams County on March 21, 1871. After
they were married, they moved to Deer Lodge, Montana where the four children
were born. Grandma Preston had to have an operation when our Mom what (was)
just a baby. She left and went to Ohio. When she was well she did not go back
to her husband. Her father bought her a house in Coon Rapids. Where she lived.
She had her children brought to Coon Rapids where she raised them. We never
have been able to find anything on James Preston." After some personal notes,
she added: "Great Grandpa John Miller of Bryan, Ohio, bought her four grandchildren
farms around Coon Rapids. They were to pay a little money to their mother each
year." Later, in another letter, dated Nov 11, 1995, she added: "I don't know
anything about Grandpa Preston. I had a friend of mine in Bryan, Ohio, look
for information on him. She could find none."
From records of District Court, 2nd Judicial District: James P.
Preston, Plaintiff, vs. Ellen M. Preston, Defendant. Complaint. Filed
March 2nd, 1888.
The plaintiff complains of the defendant and says that he plaintiff
has resided in the Territory of Montana for the period of twenty one
years last past and now resides in said Territory and the County of
Deer Lodge.
That said plaintiff and defendant were married on the 21st day of
March 1871, at Bryan Williams County, State of Ohio.
That said defendant has willfully absented herself from the plaintiff
without any reasonable cause for the space of one year last past.
That the issue of said marriage are the following named children towit: Ernest
G., Harry L., John M. and Ellen R. the custody of which the plaintiff is
willing that the defendant may have.
Wherefore the plaintiff asks judgement that the bonds of matrimony
existing be forever dissolved and that he be divorced from said
defendant. W.H. Trippet, Atty of Plaintiff.
In the Land Records, Deer Lodge County Courthouse, Bk9/p543, dated 5
Jun 1889: Grantor - Ella M. Preston; Grantee - Peter Lansing; L15
& 16 Blk 55.
The Second Time
Around
Application for Marriage License. Territory of Montana, County of
Deer Lodge.
James P. Preston being duly sworn, deposes and says: That, upon his
best knowledge, information and belief, he is 52 years of age, having
been born on the 22 day of February A. D. 1835 at Defiance Ohio that
his father's full christian and surname is William Preston that his
mother's full christian and maiden name was Asenath Butler that he
now resides at Deer Lodge in the County of Deer Lodge and Territory
of Montana; that he is white in color; that the full christian and
maiden name of the lady he is about to marry is N.E. Gallager that
the full christian and surname of her father is Willam Gallager that
the full christian and maiden name of her mother was Margaret
Gallaher that said N.E. Gallager is 29 years of age, having been born
on the --- day of --- A.D. 1859, at St. Louis Missouri that she now
resides at Deer Lodge that she is in color a white woman; that
affiant is not of kin to the said N. E. Gallager nearer than second
cousin; and that there is no legal impediment known to affiant to his
marriage with the said N. E. Gallaher. That both of said parties have
been previously married, but since said marriages they have since
been divorced. (signed) Jas. P. Preston. Subscribed and sworn to
before me, this 8th day of December A.D. 1888. Orrin Evenson, Probate
Judge.
Marriage License. Territory of Montana, County of Deer Lodge.
These Presents Are to authorize any Judge of a Court of Record, any
Justice of the Peace within the said County, elected or appointed by
the Governor of Montana therefor; any regularly ordained Minister,
who is in good standing in the religious denomination to which he
belongs, or any Religious Society, according to the usages of said
Society, to solemnize, within said County, the marriage of James P.
Preston a white man, aged 52 years, born at Defiance in the State of
Ohio and now residing at Deer Lodge in the County of Deer Lodge
Territory of Montana and son of William Preston and Asenath Bulter
with N.E. Gallager a white woman, aged 29 years, born at St. Louis in
the State of Missouri and now a resident at Deer Lodge in the County
of Deer Lodge and Territory of Montana, and daughter of William
Gallager and Margaret Gallager. Said parties being of sufficient age
to be capable of contracting marriage, and there being no legal
imipediment thereto.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal
of the said Probate Court, this 8th day of December A.D. 1888. Orrin
Emerson (sp??), Probate Judge.
I have been unable to find out anything else about Nora E., to date
(8 Mar 1998).
Certificate. Territory of Montana, County of Deer Lodge.
I Hereby Certify, That I believe that the facts stated in the
foregoing License are true, and that, upon due inquiry, there appears
to be no legal impediment to the marriage of said Jas. P. Preston and
N.E. Gallager; that said parties were joined in marriage by me on the
9th day of December A.D. 1988 at the house of J.P. Preston, Deer
Lodge,in the said County and Territory; that John F. Vaughn a
resident of Deer Lodge of the County of Deer Lodge and Mrs. J. F.
Vaughn a resident of Deer Lodge of the County of Deer Lodge were
present as witnesses of said marriage ceremony; that said James P.
Preston and Nora E. Gallagher solemnly declared, in my presence, and
the presence of said named witnesses, that they took each olter as
husband and wife.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, this Ninth day of
December A.D. 1888.
(signed) J. M. Haskett, Justice of the Peace; Jas. P. Preston; Mrs.
Nora E. Gallagher; John F. Vaugh, Mrs. J. F. Vaughn, Witnesses. Filed
with the court, 10 Dec 1888.
In the Land Records, Deer Lodge County Courthouse, Bk5/p224, dated 27
Feb 1889: Grantor - Jas. Preston; Grantee - Peter Valiton; S2NW Sec 9
& S2NE & SE NW SEc 8 T7 R9 (the 200 acre ranch!)
Bargain and Sale Deed, same date, has James P. Preston and Nora E.
Preston, his wife, selling the described 200 acres to Peter
Valiton.
The 1900 census of Cottonwood Township (a geographic name given to a
location, for the census - used before Deer Lodge name was officially
adopted) shows James as a widower with a daughter, Estella, born Dec
1889. {Have been unable to find anything further on her - 8 Mar 1998
- efforts continue....}
Silver State published Deer Lodge, MT, issue of 19 June 1895
[8]:
Megan Thompson <[email protected]>
To:
ESU.ESU.SMITHWIL
Subject:
Preston-new information
Attachments:
Message (Save As: Binary, Size=2231
bytes)
Mime.822 (Save As: Binary, Size=4806
bytes)
Message:
Dear Bill,
I was doing some unrelated research and happened
to run across the
following article.....it may shed some light on
James P. Preston and the
fact that you learned he was buried as a
pauper...
Extracted from the Silver State published Deer
Lodge, MT. issue of 19
June 1895, p 2, col 3 bottom.
Mrs Nora E. PRESTON on Friday in Butte commenced
an action for divorce
against her husband, James P. PRESTON, to whom
she was married at Deer
Lodge on December 9, 1889. She says she has been
a resident of Montana
for 13 years. The charges made against the
defendant are extreme
cruelty, habitual drunkenness and non-support.
On February 10, 1891, he
came home drunk and kicked her and attempted to
beat her. He also
called her indecent names. On November 8, 1891,
he drew a gun on her
and her two children and threatened to kill
them. For more than one
year prior to that time he came home drunk every
day and by reason of
his continued cruelty and drunkenness she could
no longer live with him
and left him.
From the 5 April 1899 issue of Silver State, published in Deer Lodge,
Montana:
Brevities: Mrs. Ernest
Preston and little daughter are again residents
of Deer Lodge, having moved down from Emery last week. Ernest is still employed
in the Emery mine. {Note: Emery is about ten miles east south east of Deer Lodge.}
1900 Census-Index:
James P. Preston, vol 4, e.d. 19, sheet 8, line 44, Montana
W, Feb 1835, 65, Ohio
Deer Lodge, Cottonwood Twp.
Deer Lodge, D street, n.r. house #
Preston, Estella, D, Dec 1889, 10, Mont.
The End
Aunt Lvene
Thomas' Smith family history, paritally based on the Miller
Ancestoral Chart information, says that James P. Preston died
December 30, 1906, at age 71 yrs., 10 mo., 9 da., buried at Deer
Lodge, Montana.
Mari Preston Berry, a cousin in Arizona, told me a member of her
family attempted to locate the grave of James and were told it is
unmarked, probably a pauper's grave.
I asked Megan Thompson, a researcher in Deer Lodge, to check this out
for me. (I had already determined that Montana official death records
only started on 1 Jan 1907 - 2 days after James' presumed death!) Her
reply:
"I went to the mortuary and double-checked that 30 Dec 1906 death
date and there is no Preston listed. There are no other records
available. It seems the city cemetery was under the jurisdiction of
an indiviual. He kept his own records which I understand were very
complete. When the fellow left about 1935, he offered to sell his
cemetery records to the city for $1500 and when they refused to buy
them, he put them in a pile and burned them. A retired mortician
friend who was young and just joined in the business with his
father-in-law at that time, is the one who told me this. He actually
saw the records being burned but arrived on the scene too late to
save them. I can hardly bear to think of the loss!"
[1] History of Montana
1739-1885, 1885, Chicago: Warner, Beers & Company
[2] California Wagon Train Lists by
Louis J. Rasmussen, Volume 1, April 5, 1849 to October 20, 1852 (A
volume of the Ship, Rail and Wagon Train Series). San Francisco
Historic Records, 1204 Nimitz Drive, Colma, CA 9405-3621.
[3] History of Yuba County
California, Thompson & West, Oakland, CA 1879.
[4] Report of James O'Brien's Mining
Property situated in Smartsville, Yuba Co, CA, Report of William
Ashburner, M.E. San Francisco: Edward Bosqui & Co., Printers, No.
517 Clay Street, 1868.
[5] Chronology and Documentary Handbook of the State of
Montana, 1978, Oceana Publications, Inc.: Dobbs, Ferry, New York.
[6] Montana, A State Guide Book, The Viking Press: New York
MCMXXXIX
[7] Powell County: Where it all began, Powell County Museum
and Arts Foundation, Historic Action Committee, Dorene Courchene,
Editor, Deer Lodge, MT, 1989. (I found this one in the library in the
city of Orlando, Florida!)
[8] Silver State published Deer Lodge,
MT, issue of 19 June 1895, p 2, col 3 bottom (provided by Megan
Thompson via email)

This page created 4 Mar 1998. Last updated 26 Oct 2002, by William
L. (Bill) Smith.
Megan Thompson summation:
Here is a timeline....
21 Mar 1871 - James P Preston & Ellen M. ? are
married in Bryan,
Williams Co., Ohio.
Their children are Ernest G., Harry L., John M.,
and Ellen R.
02 Mar 1888 - James P Preston files for divorce
from Ellen who has
been gone one year and resides in Iowa.
09 Dec 1888 - James P Preston & N. E. Gallager
apply for marriage
license - license states that both parties have
been married and
divorced.
09 Dec 1888 - James P Preston & N. E. Gallager
are married.
19 Jun 1895 - Nora is divorcing James P Preston and
article (see
above) indicates she left him as early as 1891.