Tilton, Preston

TILTON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 9/22/2019 at 20:35:39

Preston Tilton

(From the 1891 Biographical History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, p.705)
PRESTON TILTON, of Walnut, was born in Washington Co, Pennsylvania, in 1820, of an Old American family and received but a limited education as his father died when he was but 9 years of age. He went to Illinois when quite young, remaining a few years, and then went to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he learned the trade of ship carpenter. He was there married to Jane GILLCRIST, and to them were born 4 children: John, who died in infancy; Oscar B., Eliza J. and George H. Mr. and Mrs. TILTON came to Rock Island County, Illinois, in 1855 and bought a farm where he remained six years. In 1860 they removed to Washington County, Iowa, where they lived on a farm 4 years; next they returned to Rock Island County, remaining until 1876 and then returned to Iowa, settling on a farm in Pottawattamie County, which is now occupied by their son, Oscar. He has now retired from active business and is living in Walnut. Mr. TILTON has been a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity since young manhood and has filled all the offices in Moriah Lodge No. 327 at Walnut. He has always been a hard working man and now enjoys the respect of all who know him.

OSCAR B. TILTON, his son, was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, September 19, 1853, and was but 2 years of age when his parents moved to Illinois. In 1875 he came to Iowa, settling in Harlan Twp., Shelby County, where he remained two years. He then sold that place and came to his father's farm, where he still resides. The property is pleasantly situated near Walnut and is in a good state of cultivation. In political opinions, Mr. TILTON, like his father, is a stanch Democrat. Socially he is a member of the United Workmen. He has the confidence and respect of his fellow townsmen and has held office of Assessor of Layton Township for the past 6 years and also has been Secretary of the Board of School Directors. He was married in Rock Island Co, Illinois, November 2, 1874, to Miss Emma EVERETT, daughter of George W. and Susan (REAM) EVERETT. The family were natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Oscar TILTON are the parents of three children: Hattie M., Marshall L. and Nora D. Mr. Tilton's sister, Eliza J., married Joseph P. SEYMOUR, a farmer in Adair County, Missouri, and they have five children: Nellie V., William, Myrtle, Hattie and Della. His brother, George H., married Carrie HILLMAN and they have one child, Viva. He is now a farmer on his father's farm.