Preston, Arthur Lincoln 1860-1930

PRESTON, SMITH, FORDYCE, BURLEW, RAPSON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 11/4/2012 at 18:06:14

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Aug. 1, 1930

ARTHUR LINCOLN PRESTON

(Avoca Herald-Journal)

Attorney A.L. Preston died at his home in Avoca, Iowa, Tuesday morning following an illness of a year and a half, aged 69 years, 8 months and 27 days.

The funeral services were held today from the family home at 2:30 p.m. in charge of Rev. S.J. Tilden Sloan of the Congregational church, assisted by Rev. W.E. Sauerman former pastor here but now of Oakland. Interment in the Avoca cemetery.

Arthur Lincoln Preston was born at Newton, Iowa, October 25, 1860. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester S. Preston, who came to Iowa in 1856. A.L. Preston spent his boyhood days with his parents and attended the public schools at Grinnell where he graduated, then took a course in the Grinnell college, later graduating from the Michigan University of Law at Ann Arbor in 1884. He then went into partnership with D.W. Norris for the practice of law in Grinnell until 1890 when he practiced alone until 1893. He then located in Avoca and formed a partnership with Fremont Benjamin. This partnership extended until September 1899 when he purchased the interest of Mr. Benjamin and practiced alone until April 1913 when he took in a young partner, John L. Dillinger. This firm soon became one of the strongest and leading law firms in Southwestern Iowa and their services were in demand in many of the most important law cases in this section.

In February 1929 Mr. Preston went to Tucson, Arizona, to join his wife who was there for the winter for the benefit of her health. While walking about the city and about to enter a picture show Mr. Preston had a stroke. He was critically ill for several weeks but recovered enough to return home and for the past year had been in apparently good health. He disposed of his law business to Mr. Dillinger who passed away October 4, 1929.

Mr. Preston fully realized his condition and was taking the best of care of himself. He was seen about his home or down town every day and was looking well and he had remarked to some of his friends how well he was feeling.

Monday morning about 7 o'clock his wife entered his room and remarked what a fine rain we had during the night. He talked about the rain and suddenly exclaimed of a terrific pain in his head. A doctor was called and Mr. Preston seemingly grew better but during the afternoon he had two bad spells, the last one about 7:30 p.m. and lapsed into unconsciousness from which he never rallied, passing away about 7 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Mr. Preston was united in marriage to Miss Cyrilla Smith, at Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 21, 1884. To this union three children were born, two dying in infancy, the other, Mrs. Gertrude Fordyce, now of Des Moines. Besides the widow and daughter he is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Myrta Burlew, and Mrs. Viola Rapson, both of Los Angeles, Calif.; and five brothers Byron W. and Fred A., Elmer S., Los Angeles, Calif., Virgil G., Grinnell, and George W. of Avoca. A brother, Herbert B. of Los Angeles, died about two months ago.

"Al" Preston came to Avoca a young man 37 years old. By hard work, long hours and honesty with his fellowman he built up a reputation as a lawyer such as few men enjoy. As a citizen he belonged to the progressives. Until his recent illness he took an activve part in all business and social affairs of our city, never refusing to help, personally and financially, the things that stood for the good of the town and community.

During the world war period he took an active part, spending days and hours with his fellow citizens in caring for local affairs, also in county, state and national affairs. Mr. Preston wrote a fine article on the "World Peace Plan" and received many compliments. He believed in Avoca and her people, he believed in promoting things that would best serve the town. He was interested in the young people, speaking encouragement to those seeking to better themselves. He was a member of the Congregational church and took a part personally and financially to promote the best interest of the church.

In the death of Mr. Preston, Avoca has lost a valuable citizen whose place will be hard to fill. For more than 25 years he has been vice president of the Avoca State Bank and was legal advisor, also one of the board of directors of the Pottawattamie County Fair for years. His practice extended to the district, supreme, and United States Court and was held in high esteem by members of the bar.