|
|
 |
|
Preston Plantation New History Information
|
|
|
Paul and Pam Venard own 124 acres of riverfront property
containing two river landings of the former plantation. This is Preston Plantation~ On the River. They run a non-profit organization which host two events a year
with the goal of educating, entertaining, and preserving history for future generations. The first Civil War reenactment
took place Spring 2000 and has been improving every year. All ages participate in the re-enactment so the whole family
has fun. For instance, Powder Monkey is the name given to the youngster who guards the black powder for the cannons. Besides the main battle there are historic speakers, demonstrations and skirmishes during the events. Food,
refreshments and ice are all available at the Event Kitchen. Our vision: as Louisville and Cincinnati continue their sprawl, northern Kentucky is becoming
one of the most populated areas in the country. Farm land needs to be saved, but also shared with everyone who appreciated
it. Our non-profit organization is working on obtaining grants to help preserve the land and historic structures.
__________________________________________________ The History of Norfolk Farms (Preston
Plantation)
John Howard (1733-1834) Born in Goochland County, Virginia. Howard became friends with George Washington in nearby Westmoreland
County when both were young men.
At the age of 27, Howard inherited two tracts of land from his father Allen Howard in 1760. There he met his wife Mary
Preston whom lived on the land to the north. They had five children.
During the French and Indian War (1754-1763) John Howard was Aid de Camp to George
Washington. In the Battle of Fort Pitt in 1755, he lost his right eye when he was shot during the retreat. Washington
was so determined to save his friend that he had Howard tied to a horse when he could not sit.
In 1775, he traveled into Kentucky territory and obtained a
large quantity of land across the Kentucky River from Boonesborough, which had been by Daniel Boone just a few years earlier.
The land that formed "Preston Plantation" was
nearly 8000 unsettled acres of what was then Kentucky County of Virginia. In 1786, it was given as a gift by Patrick
Henry, Governor of Virginia, to former Virginia Militia Captain John Howard. Howard named the tract of land "Norfolk Farm" after his uncle, the Duke
of Norfolk in England.
 Thoughout the 1780s Howard was frequently in Kentucky.
The family settled on "Howard's Grove," a 1000 acre estate five miles outside of Lexington, Kentucky in the
1790s. Howard lived
to be 101, outliving his only son, Benjamin Howard (first governor of Missouri) and three of his daughters. In his later years he would easily ride 30 miles
a day or walk several miles to visit neighbors. He remained active until his death, when his horse fell on him and broke
his leg.
|
|
|
Margaret Preston (Howard) Wickliffe
was the youngest daughter of John Howard and was given 3300 acres of "Norfolk Farm." In 1804, she married
Robert Wickliffe, a successful and wealthy attorney from Lexington, Kentucky.
Shortly after marrying, they built the "Home
Place" in what is modern day Trimble County. They had seven children. Robert Wickliffe began his law career in Bardstown, Kentucky.
In 1804, he was commissioned lieutenant of the 2nd Regiment of Kentucky Militia. He was appointed United States Attorney
for the Kentucky District in 1808.
He was also a powerful member of the Democratic Party representing Fayette County in the House of Representatives as well
as the Senate. One of the organizers of Kentucky Educational Society and advocated a public school system.
Wickliffe owned several
properties and was one of the largest slave owners in Kentucky. After 50 years of law practice he became the wealthiest
lawyers in Kentucky.
|
|
|
Margaret Howard (Wickliffe) Preston was the youngest daughter
of the Wickliffe family. Margaret had "an early and strong friendship" with Mary Todd Lincoln. She lived
briefly with the Wickliffe family in their Lexington, Ky estate "Glendower." She married her cousin, General
William C. Preston, in 1840. They had six children.
The Lincoln Connection
|
|
|
Mary Howard (Wickliffe) Preston's early childhood was
spent mostly at "Glendower" the estate in Lexington. Around the age of ten she went to live with her sister,
Sarah, due to the death of her mother.
Their grandfather, John Howard, also came to live with them at that time. Mary "became deeply attached...she arranged
his room, read to him his Bible, and listened to the many stories of his life." In 1843, she struck up a friendship in Lexington with known
abolitionist Delia Webster. She lived across the street. In 1850, she purchased "Norfolk Farm"
from her father for $1.00. She married her cousin John Preston two years later. After her marriage, summer months were usually spent at the
Home Place in Trimble County, while the rest of the year was spent in the Galt House in Louisville. Shorty after the
death of her only child, Robert at age four, she converted to Catholicism despite her families disapproval. After his
marriage to Mary Howard Wickliffe "Norfolk Farm" became known "Preston Plantation" although legally Mary
had the land change ownership back into her name. During this time the farm was one of the largest plantations in the
Northern Kentucky area, but not the wealthiest.
The Home Place
The Delia Webster Connection
|
|
|
|
|
|
