Preston Thornton
Note; Newspaper Clipping does not have the name of the newspaper nor date listed on it. This clipping is held by the Campbell County Historical & Genealogical Society in Alexandria.
PRESTON THORNTON
Preston Thornton was born at Bradford, Bracken County, Ky. June 29, 1856 and departed this life Tuesday, Nov 14, aged 83 years, 4 months and 15 days. He united with the Methodist Church in his youth. He was united in marriage with Miss Dora Bryan, Feb 18, 1879. To this union were born ten children, three of whom preceded their father to the Great Beyond. His companion also preceded him in death nine years ago. Since that time he lived alone, but spent much of the time with his children.
Although quite feeble for several years, he was blessed with good health, considering his age and was able to go when and where he pleased and return to his home at his own pleasure until his last illness, when he was taken to the home of his son George, where he received every consideration for his comfort and was conscious to the last minute and passed away as gently and quietly as night glides into day. thus ended the life of a good honest citizen, one who was industrious and ever ready to lend his assistance on any occasion as long as he was able.
Surviving are three sons and four daughters, Ben of Grants Lick, George of Alexandria, Trevor of California, Ky. Mrs. Ethel Aylstock of Mason Ohio, Mrs. Carrie Tarvin of Lebanon Ohio, Mrs. Olivia Sheanshang of Newport, Mrs. Bertha Tarvin of Covington, also one half sister, Mrs. Mary Judd of Cincinnati, 37 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren and many friends.
Funeral services were conducted at the Grants Lick Baptist Church on Thursday, Nov 16, with all of his children and the greater number of his other descendants attending, also a multitude of friends. Rev D P DeHart very ably officiated. The choir sang Mr. Thornton's favorite song "Jesus Lover of My Soul" also "Sweet Bye and Bye". A quartet composed of Rev DeHart, Mrs. Harry Darlington, Mr. and Mrs. J B Smith rendered "Going Down the Valley." Mrs. M B Baker resided at the piano. Casket bearers were six grandsons, Malcolm, Lawrence, Hubert and Fulton Thornton, Leman Baker and Charles Aylstock. Many and beautiful were the flowers which surrounded the bier and were carried by eight granddaughters, Ruth, Fern and Garnet Thornton, Grace and Bernice Baker, Marguerite, Robinette, Dora and Ruby Tarvin.
Another new mound in Oakland Cemetery has now been made and is now hidden from view with choice blossoms of every hue. Arrangements were carried out as Mr. Thornton had previously planned by funeral director Smith & Sheanshang. One who has lived, toiled and labored among us for more that four score years and we've been accustomed to look upon his well known face and spend some time in conversation will no doubt be greatly missed by all. Mrs. J B S