PRESTON

FAMILY GENEALOGY

Longevity:

      Of the eight direct line Prestons that I have birth and death dates for, the average lifespan is 50 years.

Number of children:

       Of the Prestons that I currently have children listed for, the average number of children per family unit is 3.6.

Common reason for death:

       I do not have enough information on this topic. Causes of death amoung our line of Prestons range from heart failure, diabetes, blood related diseases such as lukemeia, and lung related diseases such as turberculosis(consumption). Among newborns, there seems to be an underlying thread of genetic problems and mental illness although this is not a common occurrance by any means. I'm thinking it was more to do with the times they were born in than anything else.

Common occupations:

       Of the pre-1900 Prestons that I've been able to establish occupations for, the vast majority are farmers. The rest were BlackSmiths, carpenters, and one engineer and one person who was a teacher and educational administrator. The largest percentage of Preston's being farmers is no surprise given that prior to 1900 over 58% of the U.S. population were in farming. A lot of the rest were engaged in a support role for the farm, (carpenters, painters, blacksmiths, etc.).

       The Prestons in our line, did not live in heavily populated areas. Moreover, they resided in rural areas with few options for work other than the farm.

       While men were for all intensive purposes locked into careers as farmers or support for them, the women were relagated to the roles of housekeeper, servant, domestic. There was only one woman I saw who was not listed this way. She made pottery most likely for the Morton potters who were so famous in the Peoria, Illinois area.

Common first names:

MEN - John, James, William, Thomas.

WOMEN - Sarah, Rebecca, Ann, Margaret.

UNCOMMON NAMES:

MEN - Reese, Olson, Edward.

WOMEN - Norah, Jessie.