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
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
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]
