Hocken Digital Collections

Preston family : Papers

Details

Reference NumberARC-0435CreatorPreston familyDescriptionThis large collection relates mostly to the farming activities of the Preston family, the local body work of John Preston, and the medical career and historical research of Dr Frances Preston.
Only a small part of this collection is digitised and available through Digital Collections. Information about other items can be found on the Hākena catalogue, through the Library Catalogues link above.History / BiographyMembers of the Preston family first migrated from Yorkshire to New Zealand in 1857, when Joseph Farrar Preston arrived with his wife Elizabeth and their four oldest children. Joseph established the Longlands Station sheep run in the Maniototo and developed other properties at Centrewood (near Palmerston) and Forestvale (near Fortrose). Three of Joseph's brothers also migrated to New Zealand, and many of Joseph's descendants worked as farmers.
The management of Joseph's properties passed to his sons in the 1870s and in 1883 James Henry Preston took charge of Longlands. James purchased Haldon Station in 1889 and other runs associated with the family included Ben Ohau and Aviemore. James' son John Preston sold Haldon in 1917, and on returning from service in World War I he established Hazlehurst, a farm at Waikouaiti.
Following the death of his first wife, Florence, John Preston married Dr Frances McAllister and the couple raised a family of six children at Hazlehurst. John was a prominent farmer politician, particularly associated with Federated Farmers, the Otago Harbour Board and the Otago Catchment Board. Frances Preston was influential in the Women's Division of Federated Farmers. Although she did not practise medicine following her marriage she maintained an interest and involvement in medical matters. In the 1970s she published her autobiography (1974) and a history of the Preston family (1978).

Archival Text

Butterworth Brothers billhead

Nimmo and Blair letterhead

Arthur Briscoe and Company billhead

Photograph

Muriel Bell

Philip Barling at Glenfalloch

Depicts Or Relates To

SubjectsAgricultureFarm lifeWool trade and industryMeat industry and tradeWomen in medicineDoctors

Digital Collections

Hocken Digital Collections

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Preston family : Papers

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