Preston, Julia Lucinda (Carlton) 1848 - 1933

PRESTON, CARLTON, BELL, HINE, CARTER, STEARNS, DOUD

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 5/4/2020 at 09:23:26

Clayton County Register, Thur., 09 Feb. 1933.

Mrs. W. A. Preston, long a resident of Elkader, died in Washington, D.C., where she had been making her home this winter with her daughter, Mrs. W. B. Bell, Friday, Feb. 3rd. She was past 84 years of age and had been in poor health for some time.

Julia Lucinda Carlton, daughter of Caleb Day and Julia (Hine) Carlton, was born at Elkader, December 15, 1848. She suffered the loss of both parents while young, and was reared by her uncle and aunt, Major and Mrs. E. V. Carter, who gave her many advantages. Educated at Rockford college and Upper Iowa University, she developed an interest in art and music, which afforded her much pleasure during her lifetime.

In 1870 she married William A. Preston, a lawyer in Elkader, and continued to reside here until the death of her husband in 1920; after that she spent most of the winters in Washington, D.C.

Mrs. Preston was an ardent supporter of patriotic activities, interested in community service and the welfare of others, and expressed her interest in such organizations as the Daughters of the American Revolution, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Congregational church, being a member of these societies in Elkader.

Two daughters, Mae and Donna, preceded her in death; and she is survived by one child, her daughter Clara, wife of Dr. William Bonar Bell, of Washington D.C.; their two children, Julia and David; a grandson, Dr. Dana P, Stearns; she leaves also one brother, Edward D. Carlton, of California, and a sister, Mrs. Edward Doud, of Blackfoot, Idaho, and nieces and nephews.

The funeral service was held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Bell in Washington, at 2 p.m., February 4th, after which Dr. and Mrs. Bell brought her remains to Elkader for interment in the family lot in the East Side cemetery. Brief services were held at the grave at 10:00 o'clock Monday morning, Rev. Brewster officiating. Those from a distance attending were Dr. and Mrs. Bell of Washington; Mrs. Stearns and two sons, and Miss Doris Stearns of Mason City.

Mrs. Preston was truly a daughter of Iowa pioneers, her parents moving to Clayton county from Ohio in 1836. They had come in covered wagons to Ohio from Connecticut. She had many colonial ancestors, who as founders were in this country before 1687. At the time of her death she was one of the few still living of those who were born in the early days in Clayton county.

Living to a ripe old age, hers was a worthy life throughout the years; enriched by the love of family and friends, saddened as they passed away; filled with unselfish service for others. One of God's devoted servants on earth.