Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 47

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : Munsell
Number of Pages: 1360

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It is said that a man's true popularity begins at home with his neighbors, where he is best known. Taking this for a criterion, Andrews Preston's popularity was of a true and substantial type. The equitable traits of his character were indicated by the frequency with which he was chosen the arbitrator in all neighborhood disputes, and selected as the village counsellor and conveyancer, drawing with remark- able accuracy and skill all papers usually drawn by lawyers.

He was united in marriage to Eliza Ann, daughter of Judge Ferris, the senior member of the firm. There were born to this marriage eleven children, of whom William Irvine is the third. There are living at the time of this writ- ing only Mr. Preston and one sister, Mabel A,, now a resi- dent of Buffalo, N. Y. An elder brother, George H. Preston, became a wealthy and honored merchant of Buffalo, and died in that city June 22, 1881.

The first fifteen years of Mr. Preston's life were spent in the village school at Cato. He was an adventurous, daring and generous youth, and early became a leader of the boys in the village. This often led him into many difficulties ; he was dubbed by the villagers "General Put," after the intrepid General Putnam, a sobriquet which he retained long after reaching his majority. Many anecdotes are related of his narrow escapes from the careless use of small cannon; of

many instances when his face and hands were severely burned with powder; of his falling into a cauldron of lye. which took the skin from his entire body. On one occasion young Preston, as the champion of the village boys, in a contest with the country boys, was soundly thrashed by the leader of the latter.

At the age of fifteen he was sent to a high school at Victory, N. Y., of which school Rev. J. C. Vandercook was principal. After remaining there one year he entered Red Creek Academy, where he completed his education.

In 1843 Mr. Preston's father removed to Red Creek and established himself as a merchant. Although young Preston was but sixteen years of age he successfully took charge of the business for his father, accompanied him to New York when he went to purchase goods, and was there introduced to many prominent wholesale merchants with whom his father dealt, and whose friendship and confidence he always retained. At a later period he became a business partner with his father, and it is pleasant to relate that the inercan- tile standing of Andrews Preston under the name of "A Preston & Son," was never marred by a dishonorable act or a failure to pay their debts. What the latter did he did with his might, determined on a successful issue. His habits were methodical and he attended carefully to every detail of business. But his mind is of that scope that whatever he undertakes must have magnitude.

In 1847 he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Red Creek. His devotion to his religious duties were marked and exemplary, and he was soon called upon to take charge of the Sunday-School as its Superintendent, and the manner in which he discharged the duties of this position highly dis- tinguished him and led to the most pleasing results. He seemed peculiarly qualified to blend instruction with delight. Mr. Preston attained his majority Sept. 3, 1849, and in the following spring was elected by the Democratic party Clerk of the town of Wolcott, and the following year he accepted the position of Postmaster. He was elected Supervisor of the town, and at the end of his term he refused to accept any further political honors.

In 1851 Mr. Preston disposed of his business in Red Creek and moved to Auburn, where he entered the Hardware busi- ness in the firm of Ferris & Preston.

On October 21, 1851, he was united in marriage to Laura L., daughter of the Rev. Ruben Reynolds, a distinguished Methodist minister then stationed at Cleveland, Oswego County, N. Y.

At Auburn he united with the North Street Methodist Episcopal Church, taking an active interest in all its affairs. was appointed class leader, and elected a trustee. He was a great favorite in the Sunday School, was elected its Superin- tendent, discharging its duties until he removed from the city in 1853. Being very fond of music he used his influence to advance the musical interests of the Church. At this time instruments of music were almost unknown in Metho- dist churches. Through Mr. Preston's influence a melodeon was purchased and placed in the church. The morning it was first used old father Cherry came early to Church, taking his seat near the pulpit. As the singing began he caught the sound of the melodeon and indignant at the innovation, he marched down the aisle, exclaiming in a loud voice, strik- ing the floor with his heavy cane, "I cannot and will not stand the growling of that bull-dog."

Mr. Preston had many friends in the church who were ready to aid in its good work; among these was a dear friend, Wm. J. Moses, whose liberality and Christian devo- tion gave him the reputation of "always giving more than he ought." When Mr. Preston severed his relation with this church he was the recipient of many testimonials of respect from his brethren and sisters in it, and from the Sunday School, many of which are still carefully treasured by him, especially a beautiful Bible.

After remaining in the hardware business some time, he transferred his interest to his partner, and returned to Red Creek, where he again successfully entered into the mercan- tile business. The integrity and rare business qualities of Mr. Preston attracted the attention of F. T. Carrington, Esq., an extensive and wealthy grain dealer of Oswego, N. Y., who in 1854 invited him to become his partner, which invi-

830ª

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

tation was accepted, and the firm of Carrington & Preston was organized. It did an extensive commission business at Oswego, and between the grain ports of Lakes Erie, Michigan and Ontario, and the City of New York.

At Oswego Mr. Preston connected himself with the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and was soon made a trustee a steward, class-leader, and Sunday-School Superintendent. The Society was in debt and for a long time was subjected to a severe struggle for existence. Among other difficulties to which the church was subjected was the intrusion of the slavery question amongst its members. But through the for- tunate appeal of Mr. Preston that the brethren remain loyal to the Church-that it was thoroughly anti-slavery; that the attempt to establish an independent society, which was pro- posed by some, would be attended with great evil and result in the entire destruction of the society-the evil was averted ; all divisions and disputations vanished, and the church moved on under the blessings of God to great prosperity, and now ranks as one of the strongest churches in the confer- ence. A chapel was erected in the southern portion of the city which the friends of Mr. Preston desired to name the "Preston Chapel," but, as he would not consent to this, it was finally cafled the Fifth Street Chapel.

Mr. Preston's busmess career at Oswego must form a very pleasing period in his life : it brought him many friends among the merchants, and among all business circles he was honored and respected. As an evidence of this he was elected President of the Board of Trade, and while devoting himself to Ins business, keeping the affairs of the firm in honorable prosperity, he was enabled to give proper attention to all the duties devolving upon him as a public-spirited and enterprising citizen.

When the Southern Rebellion broke out he stood foremost among those, who, with voice, money and inthience, pro- posed to sustain the Government in its efforts to crush it ont. He visited every part of the county of Oswego, making patriotic appeals to the people from the rostrum, in urging young men to volunteer in the service of the old flag. His stirring speeches produced a deep and successful impression wherever he went, and many recruits to the army were secured through his inthence. Many thrilling ineidents might be related which attended Mr. Preston's advocacy of the cause of the Union, but space will not permit us. When the Draft took place Mr. Preston himself was summoned as a soldier; but, after a medical examination, his physical con- dition was found to be such as to unfit him for the duties of the field. When the 110th Regiment of New York Volun- teers was ready to march for Washington, Mr. Preston was delegated, by the Board of Trade and the citizens of Oswego, to present its commander, Col. De Witt C. Littlejohn, a sword and a caparisoned horse. His presentation speech was impressively eloquent, and was listened to by a vast audience with emotions difficult to describe. It was one of those effusions which aroused feelings of patriotism in the hearts of all, and stirred the soldier to deeds of valor. We cannot refram from inserting the speech entire, as an existing speci- men of the eloquence and patriotic ardor of its author. Mr. Preston spoke as follows :

"COL. LITTLEJOHN : The Board of Trade of this city, of which you are an honored member, have prepared a testi- monial for presentation to you, as a slight token of their appreciation of your services, in behalf of our varied in- terest. You, sir, came among us and made this city your home in 1839, having just entered upon your majority. Entering into the active pursuits of trade and commerce, your honest independence and unflinching firmness brought you before the people, and in 1843 you were called to a posi- tion of importance and trust in the municipal government, and subsequently elected to the highest of municipal honors, which position you have been called again and again to fill.

" In 1853 you represented this district in the Legislature, and, that eventful session, the unjustness of the enactment mak- ing appropriations for the Erie and not for the Oswego Canal was exposed, and you snatched from the rude hand of usur- pation the violated system of internal improvements; and the amenchinent to the Constitution, appropriating $10,000,000 for the completion of the Erie, was not allowed to be pro- sented to the people for ratification until the Oswego Canal was also therein provided for.

" This great principle of carrying on the public works of the State, each canal to be equitably provided for, and in such ratio that all should be completed at the same time, was not

established until after great struggle and unflinching firm- ness on your part; and that principle so faithfully and so snecessfully urged by you upon the State at that time has been the basis of all subsequent legislation, and to you, sir, do we feel we are indebted for the inauguration of that system which has given us to-day the enlarged Oswego Canal with seven feet of water, the rich benefits of which we are now enjoying, and which we trust will be handed down a precious inheritance to future generations.

" Since which distinguished services you have again and again represented us in the Legislature; and in brief, for seven years, during the progress of the work of enlargement of the State canals, and during the hard-fought battles with the Western portions of the State, in which it was sought to engraft the specious doctrines of discrimination on the policy of the State, you ably and faithfully advanced and protected onr interests.

" You have been largely identified with the trade and com- merce of Oswego, and while you were pursuing its peaceful avocations, extending and enlarging trade and its facilities, you rarely contemplated that these canals-these great thor- oughfares of the country, were also the nation's fortifica- tions-since, if not the deposits of military resources, they enable us to bring to rapid action the military resources of the country. They are better than any fortifications, because they serve the double purposes of peace and war. They dis- pense in a great degree with fortifications, since they have all the effect of that concentration at which fortifications ain.

" And if, by one of those awful and terrible dispensations of Providence, this Government should be unhappily dismem- bered, here, in this noble work would traces of its former existence and glory be found on which to pour ont our affec- tions and tears, as the remnant of God's chosen people may now be found weeping around the relics of their former greatness.

" It has required strong motives and powerful efforts in a nation, prone to peace as is this, to break through its habits and encounter the difficulties and privations of this civil war; but, as the clarion trump of strife has sounded tiercer and fiercer still, the Administration has awakened to its fear- ful and awful magnitude, and no sooner is the call for 600,000 men sent forth flashing with electric light through the country than it is seen blazing and cornscating through every city and hamlet of the loyal states.

" Like the Eastern magician, the President invoked volun- teers with a voice of power, and the shouts of answer- ing spirits, like the murmurs of subterranean waters, went up from every hill and plain and valley of our beloved country, and to-day we anticipate a million of patriots are marshalling in defense of our common country.

" Nations, like men, fail in nothing which they boldly attempt, when sustained by virtuous purpose and firm reso- lution. At the call of our country, in this her hour of peril, you have cast aside the pen, closed the counting-room, taken up the sword, buckled on the armor, and in the short and unparalleled space of ten days raised a regiment of gallant men, who are eager to rescue our country from the hands of treason, and demonstrate to the monarchies and crowned heads of Europe that this first great experiment of self- government is not a failure, but that it has within itself the moral and physical power to maintain and defend its free institutions, and transmit them untarnished to posterity.

" You have made great sacrifices to meet your country's call; and, in offering your services and your life upon the altar of our common country, yon add a still more glorious wreath of laurels around that name which Oswego has ever delighted to honor.

"Colonel, in behalf of the Board of Trade, allow me to present you this sword as a memento of their high esteem and appreciation of your services, and a pledge of our confi- dence in your bravery and that of your command.

" And also allow me to present to you, in the name and on the behalf of our fellow-townsman and noble patriot, Mr. Theodore Irwin, this beautiful horse, all caparisoned and equipped for the war.

" And, as you are soon to leave us with your command for scenes of carnage and blood, you will carry with you the carn- est prayers of warm hearts that God will protect and bless you and these noble men whom you will lead to battle. And when the war is ended and our country again enjoying the blessings of peace, it shall be said of yon, in the language of a departed sage, ' Honor to those who shall fill the measure of their country's glory.'"

831ª

BIOGRAPHY OF WILLIAM IRVINE PRESTON.

Mr. Preston has never had any ambition for office; he is and always has been a Democrat, as his father was before him, who was in former days a " Hunker Democrat." He is conscientious but firm in his political opinions. During the Rebellion he was a "War Democrat" of the strongest and most influential kind. In 1860 he was nominated by the Democrats of Oswego as their candidate for Mayor; notwith- standing his persistent refusal to accept the nomination he yielded to the ardent solicitations of his friends, who believed that such was his popularity that he could be elected, not- withstanding his opponent was Hon. Henry Fitzhugh, one of the most popular men in the city. The canvas was hotly contested, and resulted in the election of Mr. Fitzhugh by the small majority of 289. Mr. Preston was subsequently nominated as the Democratic candidate for Member of As- sembly; his opponent in this canvas was Hon. D. C. Little- john. Although Mr. Preston ran largely ahead of his ticket, he was defeated. While his abilities are such as must have commanded great influence in the Legislature, or any public position, he is too frank and outspoken to be a suc- cessful politician. As he has never concealed his aversion to office-holding and to the platitudes of the mere politician, he has voluntarily been kept from the unsatisfactory position of the place-hunter.

Upon his leaving for his new home, the Oswego Board of Trade, at a meeting held May 18th, 1865, took cognizance of the fact in a series of resolutions, of which the following form a part.

" Resolved, That this Board, in the departure of Mr. Pres- ton from our city, loses one who has by his frank, upright business habits, won the confidence of our entire business community.

" Resolved, That in having daily business transactions with him as a member of the late firm of Carrington & Preston, extending through many years, we have ever found lıim ad- hering strictly to the rules of commercial integrity.

" Resolved, That in the grain commission trade in which Mr. Preston has been engaged, large transactions are made, in- volving the transfer of property valued often at thousands of dollars, merely by the word of mouth; yet, in all this, of him it can truly be said, ' His word was as good as his bond.'

" Resolved, That to his new home he will take the kind re- membrance of each member of this Board, and his best wishes for his success in his new and enlarged commer- cial relations."

One of the pleasantest relations of Mr. Preston with the citizens of Oswego was his connection with the fire depart- ment of that city, and perhaps one of the most gratifying tributes of respect paid to him, upon his departure, was ten- dered in a series of resolutions by the Eagle Hook and Ladder Company of that city, of which he was a member.

He also received many testimonials of respect from the Church, the Sunday-Schools and the various societies with which he was connected.

Mr. Preston was made a Master Mason in Cato, on the recommendation of his father, and afterwards a Royal Arch Mason in David's Royal Arch Chapter, No. 34, of Auburn; and was created a Sir Knight in Salem Town Commandery, No. 16, of Auburn. He was one of the Charter members of Fron- tier City Lodge, No. 422, Oswego, N. Y .; also of Lake Ontario Chapter, No. 165, Oswego, and First Eminent Commander of Lake Ontario Commandery, No. 32, and at this time is a member of Clinton Commandery, No. 14, K. T., Brooklyn, N. Y.

In 1865 Carrington & Preston retired from business, and Mr. Preston came to New York City, to engage in the same line of business as a partner in the old established firm of H. D. Walbridge & Co., commission merchants in grain, flour and provisions, of the New York Produce Exchange.

His relation with H. D. Walbridge & Co., continued till April 1870, when the firm was dissolved and Mr. Preston succeeded to the business. He purchased the property No. 12 Bridge street, corner of Whitehall, New York, in 1870, and his business office has been here since he came to New York. His offices are near the new Produce Exchange and the care of his large business is largely shared by his nephew, Mr. Andrews Preston.

After residing in New York about six months Mr. Preston removed to Brooklyn, and about the year 1867 purchased the residence of Mr. John D. Mckenzie on Pierrepont street, now known as Nos. 69 and 71 Pierrepont street. He had the house overhauled and modernized, and it is at present his pleasant home.

He has built up an extensive trade, and has what may be well termed a first-class patronage. His prosperity is the re- sult of his thorough knowledge of the business and close at- tention to the promotion of the interests of his correspond- ents. As a reputable progressive merchant he has no superior. He is an active member of the New York Produce Exchange, and generally popular on the floor. He takes a deep interest in the future welfare of the trade of New York, was foremost in urging on the Board of Managers the absolute necessity of establishing a system of grading of grain, and thus clieapen- ing the terminal expense, so as to enable the western shippers to send their consignments to New York instead of the other seaboard markets. Some of the leading houses opposed the scheme; but, after a three days' argument in which Mr. Pres- ton was the leading advocate of the system, the measure was adopted. The results in augmented receipts of grain which followed the new departure have demonstrated its wisdom, and the grain merchants of New York accorded to him the honors due his labor, zeal and ability. His views of public duty are broad, comprehensive and liberal. No man can ap- preciate more thoroughly than he the resources of our coun- try and the possibilities of its future. Mr. Preston is a close observer of men, and is able to form a very correct estimate of character. Thirty years of experience in the grain trade has taught him to carefully watch the financial state of the country and to govern his trade and commercial relations so as to avoid the loss and ruin which have shipwrecked so many fortunes. His name has often been suggested for office in the Exchange, but he has universally declined, preferring the solid honors which he has won on the floor as a member to the glare of official position. Mr. Preston has also been for many years a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and has been identified with the American Bible Society ; the Missionary Society of the M. E. Church ; the New York Historical Society ; Long Island Historical Society; Brooklyn City Bible Society; the Young Men's Christian Association, and is a regular contributor to the various benevolent and charitable institutions of Brooklyn. He is also a director and most efficient member of the discount committee of the Fulton Bank of Brooklyn.

He connected with the Sands Street M. E. Church in 1867, and in 1882 he transferred his membership to the Sea Cliff M. E. Church, having accepted the office of President of the Sea Cliff Association, for the express purpose of aiding in ex- tricating that corporation from its financial troubles. That work is about completed. When it is, Mr. Preston will per- manently retire from office.

Aside from his long years of Church work in the Society of which he was a member, he has done, perhaps, no more profitable religious work than that which is connected with the " Brooklyn Church Society" of the Methodist Episcopal Church, chartered May 24th, 1878. The scope of this corpora- tion is broad; the great good it has accomplished, and the de- mands made upon it, indicate the hold it has upon the sym- pathy and confidence of the various Methodist Societies in Brooklyn. Mr. Preston is interested in the success of the Syracuse University, of which his friend, Rev. Chas. N. Sims, D.D., is Chancellor. The New York East Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church has elected him trustee of the University for several years.

Believing that the true source of permanent wealth lies in the judicious and conservative investment of surplus money in productive real estate, Mr. Preston has, from time to time, made investments in real estate in Brooklyn, New York and other places, till he is now quite a large owner, which is giv- ing him a fair return in rentals. He has one only child, a son now about sixteen years of age, and he desires to secure to him realty; a solid substantial basis of wealth.

In 1854 Mrs. Preston adopted Louise M. Becker, a favorite niece (the young daughter of her sister, Mrs. Becker), who shared the comforts and affection of their home as a daughter. Miss Becker was lovely in character and of great personal beauty, and her goodness won all hearts. On Nov. 24, 1861, she was married to Mr. James D. Macfarlane, a nephew of Hon. Wm. F. Allen, Judge of the Court of Appeals, also a nephew of Fred'k T. Carrington, Esq. Mrs. Macfarlane died March 4, 1869, leaving a daughter (Kate Preston) and a son (William Carrington) who always receive a warm welcome at the Preston home.

Such is the character, such the career of Wm. I. Preston. Through all the sharp collisions and unexpected revulsions of commercial life, he has moved steadily, successfully reaching his present exalted position with an untarnished reputation, and with much promise of still higher prosperity and honor.

832ª

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

HUTTLE

ROBERT SPEIR.

ROBERT SPEIR, now one of the oldest and most respected residents of Brooklyn, and father of Dr. S. Flect Speir, was born in the city of New York, December 9, 1805. His father's naine was also Robert Speir; lie was born at Glasgow, Scotland, February 28, 1773, and very carly In Ilfe removed to New York, where he became a successful business inan, attaining a high position In mercantile and social circics. lic was one of the Arst Importers of Merino sheep into this country ; he was also a large Importer of leaf-tobacco and seal-skins, and many other staple articles.

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Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 47

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909. Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : Munsell Number of Pages: 1360

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : Munsell
Number of Pages: 1360