Charles M. Preston
Charles More Preston | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Roxbury, New York, U.S. |
| Died | 16 November 1909 (aged 61) |
| Occupation(s) | Attorney, banking executive |
| Years active | 1871–1908 |
Charles More Preston (November 6, 1848 – November 16, 1909) was a prominent American attorney and banking executive based in New York City.
Life
Born on November 6, 1848, in Roxbury, New York, Preston was the son of Otis Monroe Preston and Susan Ann More.
He completed his early education at Roxbury Academy and the Delaware Literary Institute in Franklin, graduating in 1869. Preston then apprenticed in law under Allard Anthony, the County Judge of Dutchess County, before enrolling at Albany Law School in 1870. After earning his degree in 1871 and gaining admission to the bar that same year, he relocated to Rondout (now incorporated into Kingston). There, he took on the role of general counsel for the National Bank of Rondout. In 1877, he established the legal partnership Preston & Chipp and served as Kingston's corporation counsel from 1878 until 1882.
Preston became a member of the New York State Democratic Committee in 1887. He sought election as County Judge in 1889 but was not successful. In 1890, Governor David B. Hill appointed him Superintendent of the New York State Banking Department, a position he held for two terms. Subsequently, he revitalized the Equitable Securities Company in New York City by assuming its presidency. He also presided over the National Bank Rondout between 1897 and 1902 and managed the affairs of the New York Building Loan-Banking Company as receiver until ill health compelled his resignation in 1908. During the 1902 New York state election, although considered for Governor, Preston became the Democratic nominee for New York State Comptroller, ultimately losing to Nathan L. Miller.
In addition to his legal and financial endeavors, Preston served as president of several organizations including the Kingston Board of Water Commissioners, Kingston Consolidated Railroad Company, Lincoln Milling Company, and Colonial City Traction Company of Kingston.
A member of the New York State Bar Association since 1886, he was also affiliated with fraternal organizations such as the Freemasons, Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias. In 1876, he married Mary Hasbrouck; together they had four children: Charlotte, Susan, Eloise Ostrander, and Jansen Hasbrouck.
Preston passed away at his residence on November 16, 1909. He was interred at Wiltwyck Cemetery in Kingston.