In 1887, Preston
purchased thirty-seven acres of land near “Buttermilk
Ridge” at Elm Hill Road and Spence Lane on which he
established the Greenwood Cemetery in 1888. Preston,
along with three other gentlemen, had planned to
purchase this land together for $30,000. Preston was the
only one who followed through on the transaction. His
purpose was to mainly provide first class burial space
that would be available at minimal cost for the African
American population of Nashville, in particular, and for
the surrounding communities. In his Will he deeded the
cemetery to the National Christian Missionary Convention
of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), it
remains, yet today, a non-profit establishment.
1888 seemed to
have been a splendid year for Preston. He also embarked
upon the undertaking business and met with unbound
success. He founded Taylor Funeral Company at 449 Cherry
Street (now 4th Avenue.)
The Taylor family
lived on the second floor of the two-story brick
structure until 1906. Preston stood at the helm of his
profession. He then established a casket factory and
built his own caskets for his clients and others. He
left the Gay Street Church in 1888 and in 1891
established Lea Avenue Christian Church. The newly
organized congregation met in a doctor’s office building
on Spruce Street (now 8th Avenue). In 1903,
under Preston’s direction and personal effort, a new
imposing edifice was built on Lea Avenue. During the
next forty years Preston pastured the Lea Avenue Church
while he successfully managed his business.
Upon the loss of
three black firemen in a horrendous fire on January 2,
1892, the bodies were placed in the care of Taylor and
company. On January 6, an impressive funeral service was
held at the State Capitol. Taylor constructed an
ingenious carriage, which allowed the bodies of the
three men to rest side-by-side. This was the first and
last time that blacks were allowed to have a funeral in
the Capitol rotunda. Click below for more.
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