John Thomas Lewis Preston (1811-1890)

Educator. He was the founder of the Virginia Military Institute in 1839 and one of its first professors. The Preston library at VMI is named for him. His wife, Margaret Junkin Preston is the famed "Poetess of the Confederacy". Her inspiration to write this poetry came at the expense of VMI being burned by Union troops in 1864. Margarets sister Eleanor, married Thomas Jackson on August 4, 1853. Preston was also a lawyer. When the Civil War broke out Preston oppossed secession and served under his brother-in-law, Stonewall Jackson. Preston became a Colonel by wars end. After the war, he returned to teaching at VMI until his retirement in 1882. His father Thomas served in the Virginia House of Delegates from Rockbridge County from 1806 to 1811.

Inscription

An officer of the Commonwealth, of the Confederate States, and the Church of Christ. He fought a good fight. He finished his course. He kept his faith.