History of Detroit and Wayne County and early Michigan; a chronological cyclopedia of the past and present

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890 Excerpt: ...of age, he began to work on a farm in the summer, attending school during the winter months. He continued in this manner until 1870, when he came to Detroit, and went to work in the Michigan Central Locomotive Works, learning the machinist's trade. After he had mastered this trade he entered the mechanical department where he became an expert draughtsman. He remained with this company for six years, and only left it when it removed its works to Jackson, Michigan. After this he went to Chicago, where he remained off and on for three years. During the latter part of his stay in Chicago he had charge of a match factory, but lost this situation by the burning of the buildings. A few days subsequently he met the late D. M. Richardson, of Detroit, who was then in Chicago endeavoring to secure the help of Chicago capitalists in reopening his match factory which had shut down because of his failure a short time before. Mr. Richardson engaged him as engineer, and in July, 1879, he became engmeer and machinist of the Richardson Match Factory. In April, 1880, he was advanced to the position of Superintendent, and during that same year the company became known as the Diamond Match Company. Mr. Preston held the position of Superintendent until February, 1889, and at that time, on the resignation of D. M. Richardson, he succeeded him as manager, which position he still holds. In the fall of 1888 he joined the Free Masons and became a member of Kilwinning Lodge. He advanced rapidly through the different degrees of Masonry, and is now a 32 Mason, a member of the Michigan Sovereign Consistory, Scottish Rite, and has passed through the Enrolled Chapter. In politics Mr. Preston is a Republican on national issues, but in local affairs he supports the best men. He is a member o...