New Ipswich History 1735- 1914. William Arthur Preston, born 1834, died 1902. He graduated from Harvard College in 1854 and afterward studied law but did not follow the practice of that profession. He was the principal of Appleton Academy for twenty- eight years
New Ipswich History 1735- 1914. William Arthur Preston, born 1834, died 1902. He graduated from Harvard College in 1854 and afterward studied law but did not follow the practice of that profession. He was the principal of Appleton Academy for twenty- eight years
Cute William Preston story:
The Children's Oak
by Sarah Fisk Lee (from Chandler's book)
Nearly fifty years ago the building originally erected for
the use of the Methodist church and later occupied by the
Second Congregational church was purchased by the trustees
of the Academy and moved to the corner east of the girls'
dormitory to be used as a gymnasium. In the journey the old
oak tree beside the road was in the way and plans were made
to cut it down.
Mr. William Preston, with his reverence for the old land-
mark, felt that such a sacrilege should not be allowed, and he
at once purchased the tree of its owner, and added a touch
of sentiment by giving it to the children of the district school
nearby, thus ensuring its perpetual ownership and care.
Others older than the children are Mr. Preston's debtors for
this graceful conservation of an important unit in our forests.
Some years ago an expert estimated the age of the tree to
be more than 250 years, thus making it our oldest inhabitant.
Is the photo of William Preston?