Preston B. Schadt, son of Monroe, of Allentown, Pa., was born in South Whitehall Aug. 5, 1866. He was educated the public schools, and in the Allentown Business College. For four years he traveled in the West, having visited the States of Illinois, Iowa. Wisconsin and Missouri. He returned to Lehigh County, in 1888, and for three years dealt in horses.

In 1892 he became the proprietor of the First Ward Hotel, in Allentown, conducting it for two years. He then built the West End Hotel, and after conducting it for three years, he sold it. He also conducted, at different times, hotels at Pen Argyl, Pa., and Newark. N. J. In June 1898, he became the proprietor of the Gernerd House, at 165 Hamilton street.

He and his family are members of Zion's Reformed church. In politics he is a Democrat, and member of the following orders: F. O. E.; Order of Owls; Livingstone Castle, 258. K G. E.; Washington Chamber. No. 18, K of F., and the Lehigh Consultory, of the last named lodge, and the Pilgrim Lodge No. 189, Order of Masons.

He was married Nov. 15, 1888, to Annie S. Gernerd, daughter of Granville, and Lucy (Butz) Gernerd. They have two children: Ralph M., who was educated in the public schools, and took a three years' course in the Preparatory Department of F. & M. College, Lancaster, and in 1913 graduated from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, and Morris G,, who in 1914 graduated from the Allentown high school.