SMITH, Preston

Confederate

Born: December 25 1823, Giles Cty TN

Died: September 19 1863, Chickamauga TN

Pre-War Profession: Lawyer

War Service: 1861 Col. of 154th Tennessee, Shiloh (w), commanded a brigade in Cleburne's division, Richmond KY, October 1862 Brig. Gen., commanded Smith's Bde/Cheatham's Divn at Chickamauga (mw).

Post War: During a night attack at Chickamauga, Smith and his staff inadvertently rode into Union lines, where he and two aides were struck down. Smith was shot, mistaking him for one of his own troops. His gold watch diverted a bullet that would have entered his heart, but Smith's injury was mortal. He was carried to the rear, where he died within the hour.