Musician Frank Preston

Musician Frank Preston

I Co. 3rd Mass Hv'y Art'y

Post war;
   Moved to Elgin in 1869.
   Listed on the 1870 Census #237/303 as aged 37 years, from New Hampshire, living in Elgin, Ill.
   Foreman of the Screw Dept. at the Watch Factory.
   Worked at the machine shop at the Illinois Watch Case Co. in Elgin.
   Joined GAR Veteran's Post #49 Feb. 17, 1885.
   Played in the Watch Factory Band.
   Played in the Bluff City Band.
   Resided at 353 Division St.
 
   As recorded on the Elgin Sexton's ledger:  Died Aug. 7, 1904 at the National Home in Milwaukee, Wisc.  Aged 69 years.  Cause of death listed as Apoplexy.  Physican, Oscar Pheysler.  Permit #9769.

   Obit; Aug. 9, 1904 issue of The Elgin Daily Courier.
   After a long illness of paralysis Frank Preston, one of the most highly respected citizens of Elgin, died last Sunday at the National Soldiers Home, Milwaukee.  popular among all and beloved to hosts of friends, his death brings much sorrow to those who knew him.
   Mr. Preston was born at Auburn, N.H., in 1833 and his boyhood days were spent in the east.  In 1869, Mr. Preston came to Elgin.  A few years after arriving here he obtained a position in the screw department of the watch factory.  In 1880 he was made foreman of the screw department, resigning his position in 1896.  For a short time he was employed in the machine shop at the Illinois Watch Case company.
   Mr. Preston was one of the well-known musicians of this city, having been at one time director of one of the most popular orchestras in this vicinity.  he was also a prominent member of the famous Watch Factory band and for many years he was the leader of the Bluff city band.
   At the beginning of the Civil war Mr. Preston enlisted in the 2d Massachusetts regiment and served in that command throughout the war.  He was beloved and honored by his comrades, who know him as a brave soldier.  For many years Mr. Preston had taken a great interest in the G.A.R. movements of Illinois and for this work he gained much popularity among the veterans.
   last year he was electe4d town collector but owing to ill health was unable to attend to his duties.  later hee went to the soldiers home at Milwaukee and since then has lived there.
   A Widow, Mrs. Sarah Preston, is left to mourn the loss.
   The funeral will be held Wednesday at 2 o'clock at the home, No. 353 Division street.

   Buried at Bluff City Cemetery in Elgin, Ill.

Used with permission Dan Mallett

Many members of Post #49 sewed watch faces to their ribbons to show they were from Elgin.