(Transcribed by Gina Cappello)
The Andover News - Andover, Allegany, New York
May 5, 1897 p. 1
Mrs. M Preston Passes Away
Mrs. Marinda Preston died at her home in this village on Sunday, May 2, 1897, aged 72 years. The cause of death was la grippe and resulting complications.
The deceased was the widow of Amos Preston, who came to Andover from Almond about fifty years ago; established a tanning business on a lot now the property of E. H. Chase; later was foreman in Richardson’s tannery here, and died twenty-two years ago. Mrs. Preston was closely identified with the interests of the Baptist Society of this town, into the communion of which she was baptized by Rev. E. F. Crane, May 1, 1853. During the history of that church it had no more earnest and self-sacrificing worker. Her zeal for Christ’s cause was known to all who knew her, and all bear willing witness to hear exemplary Christian life during her forty-four years of service in the church from the membership of which she passed to that of the church triumphant.
Of nine children born to her the following remain: Mrs. Maria Howe, of Washington, D.C.; Albert Preston, of Tioga, Iowa; Edward Preston, of Chicago, IL; Henry Preston, of Forestville, CT; and Mrs. Alfaretta Diffin, of Andover.
The funeral services were held at her late residence this afternoon, under the conduct of Rev. V. L. Eggleston, and loving hands laid her to rest in Hillside Cemetery.