William PRESTON [30878]

  General Notes:

Williams baptism entry indicates the family lived in Poplar London.

OBITUARY.
The Temora Independent. Wednesday July 28, 1926.
WILLIAM PRESTON Snr.

One of the pioneers of the Quandary district,in the person of William Preston,senior,passed away last Friday night in the Netherly Private Hospital, Randwick,of which institution he had been an inmate for 10 months.Messrs George and William Preston(of Quandary)and Mrs J. Harmon(Temora)arrived in Sydney in the morning so were able to see their father before he died.

William Preston was a native of Lancashire,England,where he was born 85 years ago. When only 5 years old he came with his parents to Australia and after a little time spent in Melbourne they took up land in Moama, just across the Murray from Echuca.The land then occupied is still in the hands of the Preston family. Mr. William P reston was married in Moama to Miss Elizabeth Parr who survives her husband. After a time they went to Melbourne where Mr.William Preston was associated with his brother (Mr. H. A. Preston)in a distillery business.In about 1889 they came to this district and settled at Quandary,so were amongst the earliest farmers there. Sixteen years ago Mr. and Mrs. Preston went to live near the metropolis,but a year ago the sturdy frame of Mr. Preston began to show signs of senile decay and finally succumbed to a severe attack of pneumonia.

There are many, especially among the pioneers who will sincerely regret the passing of so fine a man as William Preston.He did not seek public positions,but his home was a hospitable one,and he was greatly loved because of his kindly nature.

His body was brought to Temora on Sunday night for interment in the Church of England portion of the local cemetery, Rev.Norman W. J. Tivey conducting the burial service,Messrs Pratt Bros. having charge of the mortuary arrangements.The funeral was largely attended.

Three sons and two daughters still live in the district, George and William at Quandary,Arthur and Mrs Harmon in Temora and Mrs Wallker at Ariah Park. There are numerous grandchildren and the younger generation is very well known throughout the whole countrtyside.Their father and grandfather died full of years and of honour and his name will be a fragrant memory. Sympathy goes out especiallyto the companion of so many years -the widow and mother-and also to other sorrowing members of the family.

ObitPrestonWsnr.l

CopiedK.J.Mc.
William was a farmer/grazier living at Miora, NSW, and Gippsland, Vic. then in business with the Vauxhall Distillery in Melbourne.
Settled in the Temora area, purchasing "Quandary" a 40,000 acre property. His sons all became farmers, working on the family property where they shore 10,000 sheep.
His granddaughter, Jean Donaldson tells of William saying to his son who took too much butter "dip lightly if you dip often, son".

  Other Records

1. Census: England, 30 Mar 1851, Abbey Rd All Saints West Ham Essex. William is recorded as a grandson aged 8 born Isle of Dogs Essex

William married Elizabeth Ann PARR [30879] [MRIN: 10937], daughter of Frederick William PARR [31350] and Mary HOYLE [31351], on 14 Nov 1869 in Moama NSW - At The Residence Of The Brides's Father. (Elizabeth Ann PARR [30879] was born on 2 Mar 1853 in Moama NSW, died on 26 Feb 1927 in Pucawan NSW and was buried in Temora Cemetery.)

  Marriage Notes:

Elizabeth was aged 17 at her marriage