Lives across the timeline
Follow Preston County lives through the events they helped shape.
7 people
Notable Preston Countian
1856–1916
A Kingwood lawyer and banker who represented West Virginia in Congress from 1911 until his death in 1916. His story connects local business ventures with national public service.
Born in Kingwood, Preston County, Virginia (now West Virginia); practiced law and worked in banking in Preston County.
Follow this life · 4 linked entries →Notable Preston Countian
1800–1884
A Preston County lawyer and public official who served in Congress and led the prosecution in the Elihu Gregg courthouse-arson case. He was the father of William G. Brown Jr., who has a separate profile.
A Kingwood attorney and congressman whose legal work included leading the prosecution of Elihu Gregg in 1869.
Follow this life · 2 linked entries →Notable Preston Countian
1853–1916
A Preston County newspaperman and political leader who became governor of West Virginia. Camp Dawson carries his name.
Raised and educated in Cranberry (now Terra Alta); worked as a Preston County newspaper editor and served as mayor of Kingwood. Born in Maryland.
Follow this life · 4 linked entries →People in the timeline
Death reported in 1887; birth date unverified
The defendant in the courthouse-arson case heard at Preston Academy in 1869. His first conviction was overturned on appeal, and a second trial resulted in another conviction. His story connects the county's lost records with its legal history.
A Preston County resident and landowner whose prosecution followed the 1869 courthouse fire in Kingwood.
Follow this life · 2 linked entries →Notable Preston Countian
1856–1943
A physician, suffragist, and public-health advocate whose work helped establish state care institutions. Her Preston County story includes the campaign for the tuberculosis sanitarium later known as Hopemont.
Grew up in Terra Alta, Preston County, after being born in Pennsylvania.
Follow this life · 3 linked entries →Notable Preston Countian
1813–1910
A Brandonville-born merchant, banker, civic leader, Unionist delegate, West Virginia legislator, and U.S. representative whose public service connected Preston County to the creation of West Virginia.
Born near Brandonville in Monongalia County, Virginia, in territory that became Preston County in 1818; built his business and public life in Kingwood and remained closely connected to Preston County throughout his career.
Follow this life · 7 linked entries →Notable Preston Countian
1880–1953 (birth year under review)
Arthurdale’s first postmistress, whose service connected Reedsville and the New Deal homestead community. Her story is documented through federal postal records, newspaper material, and family contributions.
Postal service at Reedsville and Arthurdale in Preston County; Arthurdale’s first postmistress in 1935.
Read biography and sourcesThis index includes deceased people only. It connects documented lives with Preston County’s history. Inclusion recognizes historical significance and does not imply endorsement.
Other people may be included when they have a substantive documented role in at least two timeline events. Notable people may have only one linked event. Visitors and significant outside connections are identified separately, rather than described as Preston Countians.
For events before the county’s formation in 1818, profiles identify the historical jurisdiction. An uncertain death or identity must be resolved before inclusion. Sources and event links remain subject to review.