Preston was born in
Garvock at the schoolhouse in Scotland. Her father was the local schoolmaster, Thomas McEwen, and her mother was Eliza Gray (born Mann). Preston was educated at
Alexandra College before going on to gain a masters degree at the
Royal University of Ireland in modern languages. She returned to
Alexandra College in 1891 to lecture and stayed there until 1895. Preston died in the
Rathgar area of Dublin at her home in 1951. == References ==