Preston B. Plumb
Hon. Preston B. Plumb, who was among the most distinguished of Delaware County's sons, was born in this county, October 12, 1837. His educational opportunities were limited, as were those of most of the youth of his day in this section. Early in life he learned the printer's trade and when 19 years of age, went to Emporia, Kansas, then a small, struggling village. Here he established a weekly paper, which he called the News, and at first he himself had to perform all the work of the various functionaries of a newspaper office, from printer's devil to editor. Later, his enterprise proving successful, he was enabled to employ help. He soon became prominent among the "Free-Soilers" of Kansas and in 1859 was a member of the Leavenworth Constitutional Convention, which asked for the admission of Kansas into the Union as a free state. While editing his paper he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1861. In 1862 be was a member of the Kansas Legislature and soon after became reporter in the Supreme Court. In August of that year he enlisted as second lieutenant in one of the companies of the Eleventh Kansas Infantry, and was successively captain, major and lieutenant-colonel, serving throughout the war.
Mr. Plumb was again in the Legislature in 1867-68 and during the latter year was speaker of the House. He was next elected prosecuting attorney for Lyon County, Kansas, after which he was for a number of years a member of the law firm of Ruggles & Plumb. He later gave up his practice to become president of the First National Bank of Emporia. It was while he was in this position, that he was elected, in 1877. to the United States Senate, on the Republican ticket, taking his seat on March 4, 1877. He was re-elected in 1883 and 1888. Mr. Plumb's name was frequently mentioned in connection with the presidential nomination of his party. He was an indefatigable worker and was accurately informed upon all public questions. He was successful in whatever he undertook and acquired considerable wealth.
Mr. Plumb was married to Carrie Southwick of Ashtabula, Ohio. They were the parents of two sons and three daughters. Mr. Plumb died suddenly on December 20, 1891, from apoplexy, induced by overwork.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908