Jacob Alexander Preston (March 12, 1796 – August 2, 1868) was a U.S. Representative from Maryland.

Jacob A. Preston
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Maryland's 5th district
In office
March 4, 1843 – March 3, 1845
Preceded byWilliam Cost Johnson
Succeeded byAlbert Constable
Personal details
Born
Jacob Alexander Preston

(1796-03-12)March 12, 1796
Bel Air, Harford County, Maryland, U.S.
DiedAugust 2, 1868(1868-08-02) (aged 72)
Perryman, Maryland, U.S.
Resting placeOld Spesutia Cemetery
Perryman, Maryland, U.S.
Political partyWhig
SpouseCaroline Perryman
RelativesJohn F. Preston (grandson)
Walter W. Preston (grand-nephew)
Alma materUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore (MD)
Profession
  • Politician
  • physician
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
RankLieutenant
Battles/warsWar of 1812

Early life

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Jacob Alexander Preston was born on March 12, 1796, at the "Vineyard" in Bel Air, Maryland, to Sarah (née Bond) and Bernard Preston. His grandfather was Jacob Bond, a large land owner near Bel Air. He attended the common schools and graduated from the medical department of the University of Maryland at Baltimore in 1816 with a Doctor of Medicine.[1][2]

Career

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Preston started his medical practice in Perryman, Maryland, but also practiced in Harford, Baltimore, and Cecil counties. He also engaged in agricultural pursuits, and served as lieutenant of a Maryland regiment in the War of 1812.[1][2]

Preston was elected as a Whig to the Twenty-eighth Congress (March 4, 1843 – March 3, 1845).[1] He was not a candidate for renomination in 1844, and resumed the practices of medicine and agriculture.[1]

Personal life

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Preston married Caroline Perryman, daughter of George Perryman.[2] His children included Emily, John Fisher and J. Alexander.[3][4][5] His grandson John F. Preston served as Army inspector general. His grand nephew was judge Walter W. Preston.[6]

Preston died on August 2, 1868, at his home in Perryman. He is interred in Old Spesutia Cemetery, St. George's Churchyard in Perryman.[1][7]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Preston, Jacob Alexander". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "Short Biographies of Some of Those Whose Portraits Adorn The Walls of the Court House in Bel Air". The Aegis. August 7, 1942. p. 6. Retrieved March 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. 
  3. ^ "Died". The Aegis and Intelligencer. April 28, 1893. p. 2. Retrieved March 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. 
  4. ^ "John F. Preston". The Baltimore Sun. September 15, 1900. p. 12. Retrieved March 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. 
  5. ^ "J. Alex. Preston is Dead". The Baltimore Sun. January 13, 1904. p. 7. Retrieved March 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. 
  6. ^ "Promoted to High Rank". The Aegis. July 17, 1931. p. 1. Retrieved March 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. 
  7. ^ "At his residence..." The Aegis and Intelligencer. August 7, 1868. p. 2. Retrieved March 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com. 
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U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by U.S. Congressman from the 5th district of Maryland
1843–1845
Succeeded by

  This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress