Biography

Preston Hall was born in February of 1831 on Cove Creek in Scott County, Virginia. He was the son of Nimrod Sturgeon and Mary Hall. Between the years 1835-1838 the family moved from Scott County and settled in what is now the Big Mud Creek area of Floyd County, Kentucky.

In October of 1854 Preston married Julia Ann Meek, daughter of William Meek and Elizabeth Mollett of Johnson County. Preston and Julia first settled on Abbott Creek in Floyd County, this is where their children were born; James F., Mary, Tolbert, John P., Preston Jr., and Julia. Around the year 1862 the family moved to Greasy Creek of Johnson County and on November 17, 1862 he joined the 39th Kentucky Mounted Infantry which was being raised at that time from men in the Big Sandy area.

Preston honorably served his full term of enlistment and was mustered out with the rest of his company at Louisville on September 15, 1865. His application for a pension dated 15 July 1882 mentions at least one battle in which he received wounds.

After the war Preston and his family moved to Louisa, Lawrence County, Kentucky for a short time before moving back to Chestnut Creek in Johnson County. In February of 1879 he and Julia were divorced and Preston moved back to Lawrence County.

On May 8, 1893 he married Velnetta Collins, daughter of G. W. Collins of Johnson County. Three children were born to them; Maudie, George W., and Miles. Preston died on May 1, 1901 and was buried in Hall’s Gap at the head of the Home Fork of Chestnut Creek in Johnson County.

Preston Hall is my direct great-great-great grandfather.

Source of information: Brian E. Hall