Walter W. Preston

Walter W. Preston was born to Mary A. (née Wilks) and James B. Preston. His father was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates[1] He graduated from Princeton University in 1881 and graduated with a law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1883. He was admitted to the bar in 1883. He was the brother of Baltimore mayor James H. Preston.[2]

Preston was a Democrat. He served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Harford County from 1888 to 1892.[3] He served as chair of the judiciary committee.[2]

Preston served as state's attorney in Harford County in 1901 and served two other terms.[2] In 1920, Preston was appointed by Governor Albert Ritchie to succeed Judge McClean as judge of the Third Judicial Court. He served there for six years.[2] He later became judge of the Circuit Court of Harford County after the retirement of Judge William M. Harlan.[2]

Preston wrote The History of Harford County.[2] In 1900, Preston organized the Savings Bank of Harford County (later the Commercial and Savings Bank of Bel Air). He retired in January 1949 as chairman of the board.[2]

Preston married Mary Pue. She was president-general of the Maryland branch of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. They had no children. She died in 1937.[4][5] Preston was a vestryman at St. Mary's Episcopal Church.[2]

Preston died on July 12, 1951, at the age of 88, at his home in Emmorton.[2] He was buried at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Emmorton.[4]