Born in Bennington, Vermont, April 25, 1813. His father was a soldier in the War of the Revolution. The son came to Iowa in 1842, locating at Marion in Linn County, where he began to practice law. In December, 1845, he was appointed District Attorney, serving two years. In February, 1846, he was commissioned colonel to organize troops for the Mexican War. He was probate judge of Linn County for four years. In 1847 he was appointed by President Polk United States District Attorney for Iowa. In 1850 he was elected to the House of the Third General Assembly and after serving one term was elected to the Senate, where for four years, in the Fourth and Fifth General Assemblies, he was a prominent legislator. He took an active part in the enactment of the Code of 1851 and the important legislation of those early sessions. Mr. Preston ranked high, both as a lawyer and lawmaker. He was one of the leaders of the Democratic party of the State.
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