I am seeking any record for a Mrs Annie Eliza Preston who may have lived and worked in Ceylon during the 1920s.
Mrs Preston was a member of the theosophical society. She may have spent time in Ceylon as a teacher. Her daughter Miss Elizabeth Winter Preston may also have spent time in Ceylon as a teacher.
I have the following information:
- Born 1863 or 1864 in UK (maiden name Suter).
- Moved to Australia during the 1880s with her parents and sisters
- Qualified as a lawyer but did not practice.
- Married in 1891 to Charles George Preston.
- Widowed in 1906.
- Lived in Melbourne until at least 1916.
- Moved back to the UK sometime between 1916 and 1920 with her daughter.
- Appears to have travelled from UK to Ceylon in 1923 (UK shipping records)
- Appears to have worked at Musaeus College in Colombo during 1920s (refer below)
http://www.musaeus.sch.lk/history_5.aspMusaeus College History - The tale of mud hut to four storeys
"1922 - The Nursery was inaugurated. The 1st Principal was Mrs. Annie Preston. There were 05 pupils at the start."
Any information or suggestions would be much appreciated.
Update, Nov 2010: I found the answer to this question recently. Annie Eliza Preston passed away on 18 August 1935 at Colombo, Ceylon. Her death notice was published in the Courier Mail (Brisbane) on 21 September 1935. She had taught at Musaeus College and founded the first Montessori school in Ceylon.
Best regards,
CM
