Ward H., son of George H. Preston, was born at Shortsville, New York. May 24, 1867. He was educated in the Shortsville public schools, at Brockport Normal School, and at the Medical School of Buffalo University, but on account of ill health was unable to complete his course in medicine. From 1891 to 1895 he was engaged in farming, and from 1897 to 1903 carried on the coal and lumber business at Manchester, New York. He then moved to Lima, New York, to become manager of the Papec Machine Company. In 1909 this concern was moved to Shortsville, New York. where a large and successful business has since been carried on. Mr. Preston is vice-president and treasurer of the corporation. In politics he is an Independent Republican. He was president of the village of Lina and the sole trustee of his school district while there.
Mr. Preston married, in 1890, Antoinette Van Sickle. Children: 1. Jessie L., born June 22, 1893. 2. Lavinia A., born December 28, 1897. 3. Clara L., born January 21, 1900. 4. Charles H., born April 10, 1901. 5. George E., born June 2, 1904, died February 15, 1905.