May 21, 1925
Uncle John D. Preston Dies In Huntington
Civil War Veteran Answers Last Call After Eighty-One Years; Was At Home Of Daughter
Captain John D. Preston, 81 years old, Civil War Veteran, and one of the oldest inhabitants of this section, dies Wednesday night in Huntington, W. Va., at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ethel Howes. His death came from the infirmities of age and a fall last April which held him in bed until his death. He is survived by four sons and two daughters, and one half sister. The body was brought here from Huntington Thursday and taken to the home of his son, W. M. (Bug) Preston. The funeral services were held in the Mayo Memorial Church Friday afternoon and burial in The Preston Cemetery in East Paintsville. The Rev. H. G. Sowards conducted the funeral.
Captain Preston, affectionately known as Uncle John Dunk, was one of the best known and loved citizens of Paintsville. He came from a prominent family and lived his entire life here. With the exception of the past two years which were spent with his children in Huntington, W. Va.
He was a member of the 39th Ky. Mounted Infantry all during the Civil War and near the close was promoted to a Captaincy. He was a member of the G. A. R. and the Masons. All during the war he was a buddy of Newt Daniels who still lives on Greasy Creek.
He was an active and devout member of the Mayo Memorial Church and while he lived in Paintsville was its most regular attendant. He lived a life filled with good acts and useful deeds. He was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. His home which was destroyed by fore a few years ago stood on the corner of Main and Court streets and there he had lived from the close of the Civil War until its destruction. He was a home-loving man and at any time during the day he could be seen around his home and usually with several friends.
He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Lee A. D. Tate and Mrs. Ethel Howes; four sons, Frank H. Preston, J. E. Preston, and T. C. Preston all of Huntington, and W. M. Preston of Paintsville; also one half sister, Mrs. Arthur Preston of Graves Shoals.
Taps has been sounded for this grand old soldier, and with its last fading notes came the far off, gentler notes of assembly calling him to his final company. Paintsville has lost not only one of her oldest citizens but one that was loved and reverenced by everyone. His life was one of which he and the town could be proud and his last call came after he had lived a true soldier of his maker.
submitted by Walter L. Preston