Hi,

I am trying to research the PRESTON name and it's origins as well as relationships to PRESTON England. I (perhaps erroneously) always assumed that all Preston's were originally from that town. Yet, it is becomming apparent that PRESTON was a more common name back a few hundred years ago then it is now. Does anyone have any information on the origins of the PRESTON name, do they all have roots in the town of the same name?

I can't give you any names of relatives from PRESTON, Lancashire, since my tree is unknown before my ggrandfather in Springfield, MO, in the late 1800's, Mr. George Washington Preston, Sr., whose first son, my grandfather George W. Preston, Jr., left Missouri in the beginning of the 20th century and relocated to Los Angeles, California. My grandfather died in 1986 in LA, after a long and wonderful 75 year plus marriage to Willamette Chavis, youngest daughter of William Cicero Chavis. Since they eloped at a young age, I have no information on either of their families in MO or their origins.

Any information would be most appreciated.

Sincerely,
Donna L. Preston

PS: FYI, the Preston name in America, at least, seems to be dying out, for example, my own Preston legacy will soon end, as my father had no sons and was the only son of George W. Preston, Jr. Sad to see such a nice name disappear.