Historical Rosters Database

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James Brainerd Preston

Roster ID 2986
This is a summary. Contact the Archives for additional biographical information.
First Name:James
Middle Name:Brainerd
Last Name:Preston
Suffix:
Affiliation:Class of 1867
Biography & Genealogy:James Brainerd Preston, Class of 186. New Market Cadet. Born- Dec. 3, 1845 near Abingdon, Va. Father- John Fairman Preston; Mother- Jane Rea (some sources say Rhea). Mat. Grandfather- Samuel Rea (Rhea). No information on Mat. Grandmother or Pat. Grandparents. Married- Hattie Bryan Tinsley, daughter of Seaton Garland Tinsley Children- Seaton Tinsley Preston. Entered VMI- Aug. 18, 1863; Resigned March 1, 1865 to join the C.S.A.; Made Honorary Graduate Jan. 16, 1875. Civil War Service- Private in Co. B of the Corps of Cadets during the Battle of New Market; although he resigned from VMI to join the C.S.A, there are no further records of his War Service. Post War Career- Appointed 2nd Lt. of 125th Va. Militia Oct. 13, 1866; Farmer Died- Oct. 21 (some records say 26) 1922.

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About the Database

The database currently includes the names of all enrolled students (both graduates and non-graduates) from VMI's opening in 1839 through the World War II era. In addition, you will find biographical and genealogical information, including a summary of military service during the Civil War, for many individuals who attended in the 19th century. The database also includes some historical Faculty and Board of Visitors members, as well as U. S. Army students sent to VMI for training during World Wars I and II. The latter groups were not VMI cadets. For further information about an ancestor listed in the database, please contact the VMI Archives. We can check the complete record, let you know if other information available, and provide copies of original documents. This database is for historical research. We do not release information about living individuals.

VMI Archives
Virginia Military Institute
Lexington, VA 24450
archives@vmi.edu
540-464-7516