John S. Preston | |
|---|---|
 Brig. Gen. John S. Preston | |
| Born | April 20, 1809 Abingdon, Virginia |
| Died | May 1, 1881 (aged 72) Columbia, South Carolina |
| Place of burial | Trinity Cathedral Cemetery, Columbia, South Carolina |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service |  Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1863–1865 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Commands | Bureau of Conscription |
| Battles / wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Attorney, politician, planter |
John Smith Preston (April 20, 1809 – May 1, 1881) was a wealthy planter, soldier, and attorney who became prominent in South Carolina politics in the 19th century. An ardent secessionist, he was the state's delegate dispatched to help convince the Virginia Secession Convention to join South Carolina in seceding from the antebellum Union in the months prior to the start of the American Civil War.