John Preston was left an orphan when very young, but at eight years of age he was adopted by an old gentleman and his wife, who were very kind to him. They took him to Rock Castle Co., Kentucky, and educated him, as though he had been their own son. When he was of age he married Jane Day, and came to St. Charles County, Missouri, in 1820. They had eleven children, only five of whom lived to be grown. Their names were Frank L., Mary W., Caroline V., Liberty M., and Fanny H. Mr. Preston and his wife were the first members of the Old Baptist Church at Warrenton.