Actively and prominently identified with agricultural interests in Miami county, Preston P. Moore is now numbered among the most successful farmers of Elizabeth township. A man's prominence is not determined by the height to which he has climbed, but by the depths from which he started. In the valley of limited circumstances Mr. Moore began life, and has steadily and persistently worked his way upward to the plane of affluence. Untiring industry may well be termed the keynote of his character, and as it forms the foundation of all success it is but reasonable to suppose that he has gained a comfortable competence. This belief would be confirmed by a glance at his attractive home, his well-tilled fields indicating to the passer-by the careful supervision of the owner, and giving evidence of abundant harvests.

Mr. Moore was born in Montgomery County, Virginia, April 1, 1814, and when a lad of two years was brought to Ohio by his parents, with whom he remained until twelve years of age, when he began to earn his own living by working on the river. On attaining his majority he came to Miami county with his parents, Randolph and Mary (Porter) Moore, the family residing upon the farm now occupied by Isaac Mumford. The father resided in this township until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-five years, and the mother passed away when ninety years of age.

Preston Moore in his youth engaged in cutting and cording wood at thirty-three cents per cord and in splitting rails, for which work he received from twenty-five to thirty cents per hundred. Out of this meager salary he boarded himself. Throughout the winter months he engaged in rail splitting, and frequently would make a dollar per day, although some days he could not make more than fifty cents. He and his brother made five hundred rails per day, cutting the timber themselves. At the age of twenty-seven he took unto himself a helpmate, the lady of his choice being Miss Elizabeth Mumford, whose family history is given in connection with the sketch of George Mumford on another page of this work. In 1865 they removed to their present farm, Mr. Moore securing seventy- five acres, covered with mixed timber. He has cleared the tract, transforming it into highly cultivated fields, upon which he has placed many rods of tiling. All the accessories and improvements of a model farm are here found, including a comfortable residence, substantial barns and outbuildings, the latest improved machinery and well kept fences. In 1891 he erected a neat and attractive residence, and in 1899 built a substantial barn, 40x60 feet. These stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise, for all that he possesses has been acquired through his own well-directed efforts. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Moore were born two children, who died in infancy--Hannah and one unnamed. Randolph, the eldest surviving son, was engaged in farming in Clark county from 1876 until 1888, when he went to Emporia, Kansas, being connected with the street railway of that city for three years. He also spent three years in Muncie, Indiana, where he was employed as a mechanic, and since that time he has lived with his father on the old homestead. For several years he operated a threshing machine. Mary, the surviving daughter, is the wife of John R. Snider, who is engaged in the operation of the old home place. The mother died September 14, 1876, her loss being deeply mourned by many friends, who esteemed her highly for her many excellencies of character.

Mr. Moore is a member of the Universalist church, and in his political affiliations he is a Democrat, always exercising his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of that party. He has not, however, sought office for himself, but has given his attention in an undivided manner to his business affairs, which he has conducted with such energy that he has won rank among the substantial citizens of the community.